Refreshed Emblem

Installing the Refreshed Emblem

Mark the position of the factory emblem

1. Lay the installation template over the factory emblem and line the letters up with the cutouts.
2. Hold the template in place and mark the two locating holes on the paint with a whiteboard marker. Painter's tape also works.
3. Note that the template holes line up with the license plate holes. On the Model 3 Highland, the emblem sits about 58 mm (just under 2 3/8 in) up from the bottom edge of the trunk lid. Measure and note this before you remove anything.

Remove the factory emblem

The factory letters are metal and sit on flexible VHB tape. Never pry a letter against the paint. Break the bond first, then pull the letter cleanly away from the surface.

Use whichever method you prefer:

• By hand: Get a fingernail under one edge, twist the letter to break the bond, then pull it away.
• With the removal kit string: Hook the string onto both finger grips (the grips are optional). Pry one end of the letter up slightly so you can slide the string behind it, then saw the string back and forth through the adhesive. The thread is intentionally rough and will fray as it works.
• With the plastic razor blade: Use it to get under the letter and work it loose. Do not use anything metal near the paint.

Clean off the old adhesive

1. Spray the adhesive residue with Rapid Remover and let it soak for a minute.
2. Work the residue off with the plastic razor blade. Expect to repeat the spray-and-scrape a couple of times.
3. You do not need to get every trace off — the new emblem covers the same area. Just remove the worst of it.
4. Wipe the area with the alcohol wipe to take off any remaining remover.

Apply the alignment template

1. Peel the backer off the template. Take care around the S, which is a zigzag shape — don't tear its legs off.
2. Line one template hole up with a license plate hole, then bring the other across so both line up.
3. Check the 58 mm measurement from the bottom edge again and check that the template looks level, then press it down.
4. Let the template lay as flat as it will. It has a slight curve built in and will not sit flat like vinyl.

Fit the letters

1. Start with the S. Lift it by its pull tab, peel off the backing, and set it into its cutout.
2. Tap each letter lightly into place only — do not press it down yet. You want to be able to adjust it.
3. Work along: L, then A, then T.
4. Fit the top bar of the A next, lining it up with the body of the A already on the car.
5. Fit the three segments of the E last. Place the first one as your baseline, then the second, then the third, referencing each off the one before.
6. If any piece has adhesive overhanging the edge, pick it off before you place it.

Remove the template and set the emblem

1. Lift a corner of the template and peel it back at a sharp angle so the letters stay on the car. Go slowly over the S, where the template can snag.
2. If a letter lifts with the template, set it back in place.
3. Step back and check the alignment, especially the E segments and the top bar of the A. Look at it in different light.
4. Nudge anything that sits high or low, then press each piece down firmly. The tape is pressure activated.
5. Apply Speed Shine over the area to remove the marker dots and reseal the paint.
6. Give the adhesive 24 hours before exposing the car to weather extremes. Short trips are fine, but avoid heavy rain for the first day.