'Stingray' Emblem

[Mike G. #33811]

I was looking through the assembly manual for my '71 to find out what speed nuts held on the "Stingray' emblems and low and behold, it states that these emblems are to be stuck on using some type of adhesive strip. What is the correct way to mount these and what adhesive should be used? Also, just out of curiousity, why is this the only emblem on the car that is stuck on vs. speed nuts?

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: 'Stingray' Emblem

Mike-----

That's how it's done. The emblems which are still available under the original part number, GM #3956216, are supplied with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing which is exposed by removal of the protective plastic strip.

Actually, if I recall correctly, the original PRODUCTION emblems were a two part arrangement with seperate emblem and pressure sensitive adhesive. Also, although I believe that the original emblems were of the same part number, the configuration of the PRODUCTION and REAL NOS SERVICE parts was slightly different than the part available for at least the last 20 years.

As to why GM used only the adhesive retention method for these emblems will all others are retained by some sort of mechanical fastner, I could not tell you. However, I'm quite sure that they had a good reason.

[Mike M.]

Adhesive was speedier than speed nuts. *NM*

[Mike G. #33811]

Re: 'Stingray' Emblem

Joe,

Are the emblems supplied with the adhesive strip already on the emblem or are they separate (aka a piece of two sided tape)? If the adhesive is supplied with the emblem, how do you handle reinstalling old emblems (adhesive is gone)?

The archives mention something about silicon adhesive. What kind should I use so as not to get a deduct in judging?

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: Adhesive was speedier than speed nuts.

Michael-----

Yes, no doubt. But, it would have been speedier for the nose, fuel door, and rear panel emblems, too. But, Chevrolet didn't use it there. At least, not in 1969-72.

[Juliet P.]

Does the original foam adhesive...

..backing material often show in the open sections of the nose stingray emblem? And was it originally black with somewhat of a texture (crosshatch maybe) to it? Just curious... as that's what I'm seeing on my '70 nose emblem which based on the more salmon shade of red I think might be original... unlike the much more blue-ish red appearing on my fuel filler door. ~Juliet

[Joe L.]

Re: Does the original foam adhesive...

Juliet-----

The nose crossed flag emblem for 68-72 used no adhesive whatsoever. It was retained by panel nuts only.

[Joe L.]

Re: 'Stingray' Emblem

Mike-----

My recollection of the adhesive used in PRODUCTION for the "Stingray" side emblem was incorrect. It appears that the original emblems were produced with a pressure sensitive backing tape just like the current SERVICE parts. However, I'm certain that the original PRODUCTION parts differed slightly from the current parts. I don't know how one would affix used emblems since cutting the pressure sensitive tape to conform to the emblem would be very difficult without a die made for the purpose. I don't see how silicone RTV adhesive could be made to look as-original.

Also, it's interesting that for 1969, there were nuts specified to retain the "Stingray" side emblems in addition to the pressure-sensitive adhesive. For 1970 and afterwards, the nuts were dropped. I'm not sure that all 69s actually had the nuts, either.

[Juliet P.]

Thanks. :-)

I guess then it's safe to clean off whatever non factory stuff it really is then! ~Juliet

[Mike M.]

True, perhaps the "Stingray" was intended to be...

a limited test for a new technique, while the other three were proven procedures being carried over from '68. That way the General wouldn't have to deal with the possibility of replacing four emblems blowing off the cars.

[Chuck S.]

Stingray Emblem "Glue"

Mike/Joe,

This is a problem I also think about in my spare time, and one that I will eventually have to solve. I have considered the application of two-sided foam tape to the "Stingray" and using a sharp-pointed Xacto knife to cut the tape to the Stingray shape. The problem with this is the foam tape I have seen is TOO THICK and will be obvious behind the emblem. Maybe a thinner two-sided tape? Hot melt glue? This restoration stuff will drive you crazy!

Chuck Sangerhausen

[Terry M.]

Re: 'Stingray' Emblem *TL*

The original adhesive for the Stingray emblem is not foam, but a black mastic kind of material that is quite thick, perhaps a 1/16 thick. The very old emblems I have seen that I believe were NOS had a cloth cover on the adhesive, however I am not sure how the production emblems might have been delivered to St. Louis.

The original adhesive is quite resilient. I can pull my emblems off with my fingernails and stick them back on and they still stick well 30 years later. The first time I pulled them off it was real hard, but they have stayed on well since. Pull them off every time I polish the car. Much easier than cleaning wax out of the emblem.

Skilled judges do look for the thick black mastic material. I bet something from the "home center" would work as a substitute, but the roll would work for all our cars for all of our lifetimes. Something in the roofing department comes to mind.

Terry

[Chuck S.]

Is It Bigger Than a Breadbox???

Awww Terry,

Come On...Just tell us what it is; it's not like we are trying to fool the judges or anything! Think of it as a modern replacement for an unobtainable original material.

Chuck Sangerhausen

[Gary S.]

Have you ever heard of Krytonite?

Well this mastic is made of UNOBTAINIUM!

I would love to find some.

Gary 21316

[Terry M.]

Re: Is It Bigger Than a Breadbox??? *TL*

No intent to be coy here - I don't know the brand name, but they use it on the Old House Show all the time as a liner under the low edge of the roof to keep ice dams from leaking through. Sticky mastic about three feet wide and probably 50 feet long.

I would not suggest someone might be dishonest enough to break off a corner of a roll, but one might find a piece on the floor at the home improvement store.

I am sure a whole roll would last everyone on the board for their lifetimes and their children's lifetimes.

On the other hand, might be an opportunity for someone to start a home based business.

Terry