The FrankenMazda Project

[Alcohol1511]

I took some more pics while the car was clean.

 

[Alcohol1511]

 

[skatethesea]

How's the car coming Frankenstein? Been checking every so often for updates.

 

[FrankenMazda3]

It's going man, I just washed....then it rained and it looks like crap. I just got two new decals and that's it. Getting window tint and a new grill in a few weeks also my caliper paint.

 

[CptFuzzyBottom]

Hi guys. Been reading this thread. Like both cars Franken and Alcohol. Quesitons for both: Franken- What did u use to mod the back "M" ("mean m"); and Alcohol- what did you use to stick the "m" back on? and you didn't sand? Do you think if you washed her the paint would start to chip or fade? Or does the liquid sand do the job? I heard some people bleaching/washing/sanding/bleaching again, etc. before they start the primer, paint, and clear. Btw, I really like both your cars and how they are coming out. BTW Franken, when you start painting your calipers, can you post some picks? Want to see the green against the mica. Thanks in advance

 

[FrankenMazda3]

Hi guys. Been reading this thread. Like both cars Franken and Alcohol. Quesitons for both: Franken- What did u use to mod the back "M" ("mean m"); and Alcohol- what did you use to stick the "m" back on? and you didn't sand? Do you think if you washed her the paint would start to chip or fade? Or does the liquid sand do the job? I heard some people bleaching/washing/sanding/bleaching again, etc. before they start the primer, paint, and clear. Btw, I really like both your cars and how they are coming out. BTW Franken, when you start painting your calipers, can you post some picks? Want to see the green against the mica. Thanks in advance

Okay here's the scoop..First of all go to autozone or advanced auto parts and by an adhesive for plastics that are meant for logos on cars. Then to mod the Rear "M" take a dremel and cut were there is a gap on the logo itself. I cut that part off and used it as a template to cut the bottom part as well. DO NOT bleach your logos to get the chrome off!! Bleach makes plastic extremely brittle. Just sand it to were the chrome is pretty roughed up. Prime 3 coats, Paint about 6-7, then clear about 6-7. Well when I get my caliper paint I was planning on taking photos anyway. I'm even curious how it will look myself. I'm getting G2 Caliper paint they are the only ones with green, and around the right shade of green. oh But before you even put your logos back on wait about 1 full day for the paint to fully cure. It will last a long time, I have washed mine several times since then, the paint is still there. Good luck with your project CPT and if you need help just let us know.

 

[Alcohol1511]

Hi guys. Been reading this thread. Like both cars Franken and Alcohol. Quesitons for both: Franken- What did u use to mod the back "M" ("mean m"); and Alcohol- what did you use to stick the "m" back on? and you didn't sand? Do you think if you washed her the paint would start to chip or fade? Or does the liquid sand do the job? I heard some people bleaching/washing/sanding/bleaching again, etc. before they start the primer, paint, and clear. Btw, I really like both your cars and how they are coming out. BTW Franken, when you start painting your calipers, can you post some picks? Want to see the green against the mica. Thanks in advance

The liquid sand worked great and Ive washed the car about 20 times with the logos on and no chipping or fading. I didnt use any type of tape to put the logo back i just stuck the post back in the holes and it holds tight.

 

[CptFuzzyBottom]

Thanks guys for the reply and words of wisdom. I changed my oil today so I had to go to an auto store to drop off the oil, so I why not pick up some supplies to do this mod! I have removed the M's and am on the first stage of painting. Finally finished 3 coats of primer as you suggest. On the first coat of painting. This is a long process but patience now is better than chipping and pealing later. Can't wait til it's done! I'll post some pics when I am done.

 

[Alcohol1511]

Looking forward to seeing how they turn out

 

[FrankenMazda3]

Yeah same here!

 

[CptFuzzyBottom]

So here's an update: Im on the 6th coat for the glossy paint; then the clear coat. What do you guys think about this idea? If you look in one of the pics (sorry it's bad quality...iphone again :/ ) I have painted the mazdaspeed 3 emblem that I took off the other day. Thinking about sticking the mazdaspeed emblem inside on the passenger side right below the airbag. For speed owners, thinking about putting it right on that hideous red chicken pox molding. And the "3" will go somewhere on the driver's side. I guess I'll post some picks and see what you guys think after the install.

 

[Alcohol1511]

Looking good. The mazdaspeed logo may look good inside. I'm thinking about taking mine off completely. I'm looking into having mazdaspeed 3 embroidered into the seats

 

[Alcohol1511]

Did you use the butter knife trick on the front emblem

 

[CptFuzzyBottom]

Yea for both front and back. And I didn't damage one clip taking them off the car! When I was sanding the front one, however, at one point I put too much pressure and one of the brackets broke in the middle of it but not completely off. Just a lil crack but no major problem and should not in any way cause any re-stall issues. The back m I used the butter knight as well and the adhesive I just used pressure rolling the balls of my thumbs up and down to remove it.

 

[Alcohol1511]

Very nice looking forward to seeing them back on the car

 

[FrankenMazda3]

Did you buy that adhesive I was talking about? or Will you just put them back on? I would really recommend buying the adhesive, just to make sure they stay on very well. But they are looking very well!! Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[CptFuzzyBottom]

I'm at work on the forums! kekekek. But yea Franken, I bought some 3M emblem adhesive. I'm thinking with the adhesive and the two plugs I'll be fine for the back "M" and I'll use the adhesive for the interior. BTW, do you know if the adhesive is easily removeable with a heat gun? Because for the inside if the mazdaspeed 3 emblem doesn't look good on the passenager-side, I want to remove it.

 

[FrankenMazda3]

Oh yeah heat gun will take it right off! just use the low setting and you should be just dandy.