How to Attach Badge to Grill?

[ruthie]

I bought a British Racing badge some months back which I thought would look very nice on the grill of my Mini. The badge arrived with no instructions and with two metal pieces which looked like attachment pieces of some sort. I absolutely could not figure out how to do it. I asked a couple of male friends if they could do it. Can't find anyone who can. It must be possible. I believe I saw a Mini here on M2 with badges at one time. Anyone got any ideas? Here's a pic of the badge and its parts. To see the grill look in my gallery. Maybe it's just not meant to be.

[cosworth]

Ruthie-
The hardware supplied is used to mount the badge onto what is called a badge bar, which you would see used more on classic Mini Coopers. I suppose a badge bar could be adapted to fit onto a new MINI, though personally I think it would look out of place. To fit your badge to the grill, you're probably going to have to browse the local hardware store to come up with pieces to clamp it from behind the grill, while also spacing it out so that it doesn't crush the grill when tightened. It will take some imagination, but keep in mind that your grill is plastic, so don't force anything to work if it looks like it won't. You will also have to take care when washing your car that nothing gets hooked on the badge, or it may damage your grille. Have a look at www.triple-c.com to have a look at badge bars.

[ruthie]

Cosworth, I was thinking that there should be some sort of bar. Not worth all the trouble to simply put a badge on my car. Also considered the possible washing dilemna. The badge itself is rather heavy and might do some damage to the grill while attaching it. I get the feeling I might be better off abandoning this project. Thanks for your help. Shame. It is a lovely badge.

[cosworth]

Yeah it is a nice badge. I have one myself to mount on my '69, just haven't had the chance to do it, but it will be the same deal; I'll have to just find the right hardware to make it work. The big difference is that the grill and all the supports behind it on the older car are all metal, so not much chance of damaging anything.
I think I'd agree with you, that with all the plastic parts on the new one, you're better off not mounting it there. The only other idea I can come up with is to remove the bottom mounting area off the badge itself (probably a hacksaw would work), sand down the rough edges, and basically you're turning it into an emblem. With that, double-stick foam tape on the back, and you can place it practically anywhere you want, at least on an area that's relatively flat.

[Goonery]

I'd suggest you ask your dealer next time you are nearby. they will probably do it in 2 or 3 minutes, and most likely wouldnt charge you if they are any good, maybe buy some screen wash or polish at the same time. If not then your next MINI get together I'm sure someone will help out, Itl look good centrally under the MINI wings. Its an odd fixing though looking at the pic.

News just In, MINI badge bar to be launched soon

[ruthie]

Quote: Originally Posted by cosworth

Yeah it is a nice badge. I have one myself to mount on my '69, just haven't had the chance to do it, but it will be the same deal; I'll have to just find the right hardware to make it work. The big difference is that the grill and all the supports behind it on the older car are all metal, so not much chance of damaging anything.
I think I'd agree with you, that with all the plastic parts on the new one, you're better off not mounting it there. The only other idea I can come up with is to remove the bottom mounting area off the badge itself (probably a hacksaw would work), sand down the rough edges, and basically you're turning it into an emblem. With that, double-stick foam tape on the back, and you can place it practically anywhere you want, at least on an area that's relatively flat.

Costwoth, been trying to think of another place to put it - perhaps in a window somewhere.

And, goonery, taking the Mini in for it's first service tomorrow. Was planning to ask the dealer if they could do something for me with this. If not, I will probably abandon the idea. Don't want it to become a huge deal.

Thanks guys. Appreciate it.

[ruthie]

Quote: Originally Posted by CurtP

What does the back of the badge look like?

Just flat metal.

[cosworth]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing as Curt, there are a couple flat plastic areas within the grille where, using standoffs, a badge could be mounted. Just the fact that the entire grille is plastic though, one little bump on anything mounted to it, and the grille is sure to break. Just think of it in the winter, when all that plastic is frozen to the point of brittleness, and you're brushing a little snow off the bonnet. OUCH! ( from experience, I always tend to think of the worst scenario two steps ahead!). Moss MINI actually carries a badge bar for our cars, but looking at the photo of it, it looks like it mounts right to the plastic grille, so same scenario. Plus, like Curt says, it looks out of place for the car.

[ruthie]

Thanks so much guys. This is very helpful. I think I'm going to pass on the badge though. Don't have a good feeling about it.

[Rakey]

Ahh, now the PM makes sense......

would have to agree with the guys, it is a very old style of badge fitment for very early minis, even the last few years of classic would have maybe struggled to the fit that. The most common type of badge fitment was with 2 pins coming from the back of the badge, passing through the grill, then to a back plate and two nuts to attach. Even then marks would be left on the car, as over time vibrations would cause friction and light fading too, so would leave it if I was you Ruthie.

Maybe bring it over when you come to visit next year, might be able to come up with some ideas then when seeing it in the flesh

[dcfkan]

I hear that the chrome grill is only chrome plated plastic, so do be careful with the fitting, ruthie

DK :apple:

[Restyle]

Did you manage to fit the Badge in the end Ruthie ?

I`m working on putting a Badge Bar complete with Chrome Overriders on the front of my MCS.
Found this thread via Google while searching for badge Bar Designs.

Bought the Overriders at the weekend from a British mini Club rally & they are as fitted to an Original Classic Mini .
It will probably be a couple of weeks before they are Fitted as I`m having to reshape them slightly & modify their Fitment Bracketry.
No doubt Minispares will be selling them by the end of the year

[ruthie]

No Restyle. I decided against it. Was concerned it would mess up my grill. But, if you do fit the bar to your MCS, I would be happy to send you the badge as a pressie. It would please me to see it used, instead of sitting in a drawer.

So, let me know if you are interested and PM me your address. It's a lovely badge.

[Restyle]

Thats very kind of you Ruthie, I`d love to have that badge on the Badge Bar

Lets wait & see what the bar looks like Fitted first though, It might be a total styling Disaster

[ruthie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Restyle

Thats very kind of you Ruthie, I`d love to have that badge on the Badge Bar

Lets wait & see what the bar looks like Fitted first though, It might be a total styling Disaster

Good luck to ya. You know where to find me when your ready.