Alternative to Expensive Original Early Orange Badge

[mfitton]

Ok, here is an inexpensive alternative to the $500 to $1,000 original orange bar hood badges. I bought a later badge on Ebay for $35 dollars I think it was from a 964 and it was missing just about all of it's enamel which actually made my job easier. I then recolored it with several layers of enamel nail polish (you can get nail polish in any color you want) one layer at a time probably 6 thick layers until it was built up over the top of each section. Once it was dry I came back with fine steel wool (00) and took it back down to the proper level then 3 coats of clear gloss (water base) then more steel wool and polish. It is not as hard as the original oven fired enamel but should hold up fine for normal outdoor use. I had never tried this on a full badge before or filled in the horse but I think it turned out pretty good. I should have taken progress pictures as I went along, I will try and do that with the next one. Here are some before and after pictures.

[LiveFromNY]

That looks great, Mike. I'd choose that over the new repros every day of the week.

[Gearby]

That does look good. How did you get the areas around the horse gold again?

[Xavier PJB]

this is cool.

[mfitton]

[QUOTE=brakekiller;794318]this is cool.[/QUOTE

Didn't do anything except fine steel wool and it appeared so must have been tarnished, same with the area above "Porsche".

[nvr2mny]

Mike, nicely done!

[Aircool]

Looks great Mike. I am trying the same on an old badge. I am going to try an eye dropper to apply the polish though. I will let you know if it works.

[Aircool]

Um, I never thought I would ever be asking another guy this but, what color and brand of nail polish did you use Mike?

[mfitton]

Um, I never thought I would ever be asking another guy this but, what color and brand of nail polish did you use Mike?

I know what you mean, I brought my first badge with me to prove what I was using it for. I will post the brand and color when I get home tonight, you will need black, white & orange. White and black can be mixed with the orange if you are trying to match existing orange bars.

[steve shea]

Great job on the badge. It looks right. For those unsure of the year of their badge and are doing a similar restoration, be careful. The early badges are plated and you may take off what plating is left with the steel wool. Do a test on the back. These newer badges really come up nicely though. Nice job.