SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Dirt under emblems? how do I clean them?

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Old 11-27-11, 04:15 AM
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rclab1
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Default Dirt under emblems? how do I clean them?

Hello.

I dont want to totally debadge the rear trunk end, but I just want to clean the "black crud" on the smaller "SC430" and "LEXUS" emblem.

the bigger "L" emblem looks fine, its just the "SC430" and "LEXUS" emblem in the rear trunk I want to remove, then clean, and put back the emblems.

From what I read, I will need Mint waxed detal floss and Goo Gone to remove adhesive. Can you give me some tips on the removal process. I know that those two emblems are not screwed on, so Dental floss will pry it out slowly.

Then I will wax the ugly dirt residue thats left over. (I use Meguiars ColorX, and NXT 2.0).

and, one final question, what adhesive do I use to put back the emblems? 3M?
Thank You Much
Old 11-27-11, 05:04 AM
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mandyfig
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Nothing much really on debadging. Quite a few posts, search. I debaged mine and left the "L" and plan on dipping it.
Old 11-27-11, 08:16 AM
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scdroptop
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It's really trial and error with the dental floss (doesn't matter if it is mint or not, lol) or fishing line works well too. I also use a soft tooth brush with some finishing spray quick wax or whatever spray cleaner you use on your car.

I wouldn't remove unless you want to or need to. No problem cleaning with it on...unless it's completely caked on and totally filthy!
Old 11-27-11, 12:10 PM
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Solman
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Originally Posted by scdroptop
I also use a soft tooth brush with some finishing spray quick wax or whatever spray cleaner you use on your car.

I wouldn't remove unless you want to or need to. No problem cleaning with it on...unless it's completely caked on and totally filthy!
The toothbrush works great on my 02. I do it every 3 months and it does the job every time. A toothbrush with a little Zaino spray-perfect

John
Old 11-27-11, 12:12 PM
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scdroptop
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+1 Zaino Grand Finale finisher spray (Z-8) or the Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer at my fav!
Old 12-08-11, 05:38 AM
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rclab1
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Solman,
you use a "toothbrush" to clean in-and-around- the trunk emblems?

Wont that scratch the paint some? or do you use a lot of the spray wax on the tooth brush?

thanks bud :-)
Old 12-08-11, 09:49 AM
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mandyfig
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Plastic bristles will not mar the paint. You will polish and wax anyway, all will be good.
Old 12-08-11, 07:23 PM
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huy33
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Just go get a Q-tip/cotton swab. Wet it a little and swab away.

Or if you want to get fancy:

http://www.autogeek.net/edgefoamtips.html
Old 12-08-11, 07:40 PM
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rclab1
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I think the "more ruff" toothbrush mention will work better, it is completely "cruddy and almost black" in and around my emblems on my trunk. The best to clean is to take out the emblems and wax underneath, but it seems like its too much work to take out the emblems.

I will try the toothbrush and all sort of waxes to get inbtwn those little shiney silver emblems.

p.s.
those foam/Q-tips will not work, its too soft and I've tried it....
Old 12-09-11, 10:03 PM
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AusTexLex
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Originally Posted by rclab1
I think the "more ruff" toothbrush mention will work better, it is completely "cruddy and almost black" in and around my emblems on my trunk. The best to clean is to take out the emblems and wax underneath, but it seems like its too much work to take out the emblems.

I will try the toothbrush and all sort of waxes to get inbtwn those little shiney silver emblems.

p.s.
those foam/Q-tips will not work, its too soft and I've tried it....
I would be concerned with adhesive sticking to a waxed surface of any kind. Pretty sure those emblems are stuck onto clean paint.
Old 12-10-11, 06:34 AM
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Solman
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Originally Posted by rclab1
Solman,
you use a "toothbrush" to clean in-and-around- the trunk emblems?

Wont that scratch the paint some? or do you use a lot of the spray wax on the tooth brush?

thanks bud :-)
I do use an extra-soft toothbrush and Zaino Grand Finale finisher spray. I also do it 2-3x a year and I don't wait until its dirty and gritty. When it no longer looks like the rest of the car (dust?) then I pull out the toothbrush and I never do so without the zaino spray.

John
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