The badges changed sometime around 1975. The older round ones look to
be a solid brass casting and they do clean up nicely. The newer ones
are a rectangular plate with perhaps a silk screening? I don't
believe these can be restored.
Cheers!
Tom O'Malley in Southbridge Massachusetts
'74, '77 Spits
>As soon as I read Ryan's suggestion, I ran out to the tool box and
>taking Joe's tip on using a putty knife, I was able to get mine off the
>dash without too much trouble and without any solvents.
>
>My badge has been soaking since then.
>It looks like the vinegar is ruining it. The brown spots have turned to
>a copper color while the rest has turned two toned brass. I'm sure when
>I've let it sit for 2 days it will be fine. Right Ryan?! ;)
>
>Vic
>
>bharris wrote:
>>
>> Joe,Ryan,anyone else,
>>
>> Just the tip I was looking for!! Now can someone tell me the best way
>> to remove this badge without bending it?
>
>> I'm just so pleased with how this came out I had to tell everyone. My
>> 72 Spit was missing its dash badge so I pried one off a 73 when I picked
>> up my car. It was pretty nasty after sitting in that TR graveyard for
>> several years. Its color was sort of chocolate. Well I've just gotten
>> around to "restoring" it with fantastic results. Heres how...
>>
>> First I soaked it in WHITE vinegar for around 2 days I guess. This
>> really brightened it up. The acetic (sp?) acid is quite weak and won't
>> really hurt anything. Then I rinsed it off and gave it a light
>> scrubbing with some steel wool. Voila! A brand new badge. This thing
>> looks like its made of gold now. Just for good measure I just changed
>> the vinegar out and I'm going to soak for another 24 in some fresh
>> stuff. I'll give it another light scrub and maybe cover it with silver
>> polish. Assuming you have the badge off your dash this method can't
>> miss.
>>
>> Try it!
>>
>> Ryan Smith
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