I have new 3-pin RX-7 fender badges for my '84. How do you recommend I go about removing the old badges without maring my pristine paint? I do not know how to access the pins from the inside of the fender. Thanks, Larry

 

I would think you need to take the front wheel off and remove the wheel well liner to get access to the badge and push the badge pins from the backside to avoid marring the fender paint. You also might be able to use a side cutter and cut the pins off in back and it should easily pull off from the front. They do make plastic trim tools you could try use to pry them off with, but you take your chances there.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to get a look at the wheel well. Perhaps I can do it by turning the wheels to the limit and avoid having to remove the wheels.

 

Here is the potentially the biggest problem: are the old badges using the later-preferred plastic retainer that clips to the BACK of the badge? verses the earlier (SA for sure) METAL clips, and the inherent rust problem they create on the back side of the fender. Here is what I did when I replaced the "RX7" fender badges: I removed the old ones as suggested, by working off the metal clip inside the fender. I HAD to, clean up any rust-damage that might have been created by the metal clip. On most FBs with the newer plastic clip? I would work off the badge EXTERNALLY, ie break off the clip AND the pin of the old badge, and call it good. Here is my secret to mounting the new badges (and I did this with ALL my external badges) -
shave off the pins on the new badges and mount the badge with 3M double-sided tape (they make an outdoor-use spec version for trim), cut to fit the back of the badge. This was...12 yrs ago now? And they are rock-solid in place, with no more pin-drama if they ever need to come off...

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

Hi Stu,

I don't know how the fender badges are clipped on. However, the Mazda badge on the front valence between the headlights has 3 round plastic inserts that fit the holes in the valence. The pins from the badge fit into the inserts. I am able to remove that badge by reaching my hand up underneath and pushing the inserts out. Is it reasonable to assume that the same mounting system was used for the fender badges?

 

Yes

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

Something to consider is paint fades in the sun over the years. Be ready to see where the badges were.

Happened to me when I replaced my headlight cover. It was nearly impossible to match the paint.

 

Well, def "Yes" if the idea is to NOT replace with new badge. But if a new one goes back in place? Would think this would cover the diff in paint finish...

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

The body shop that painted the car apparently glued the circular retaining clips to the body and also used a bit of glue to attach the pins into the retaining clips. I did remove a bit of clearcoat, but nothing that will show once the new emblem is in place. I am now searching for 6 retaining clips. If anybody has a body they are stripping for parts I would love to take the clips behind the fender badges off your hands.

 

Maybe these? (Mods: the is NOT my ebay Listing!!)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32385556944...1bGCks&vxp=mtr

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

I think these may work however, I don't remember the diameter of the badge pins themselves so you would have to measure them to see if they "will work."

(https://www.ebay.com/itm/19236271947...xoCD6sQAvD_BwE)