Separating Tailgate Letters

[BlueScapegoat]

I've seen a couple people ask and some write ups already. The tailgate letters are two piece. They're not snap together, they have pins that are pushed through and melted on the back side. I used a 13/64 bit (not exact) to just take a bit of the plastic off the larger pins and the letters pop apart easy. No hard prying, bending, risking breaking or deforming. Just a minute with a drill.

Just thought I'd show how easy this process can be. No need to mar them up or spend $75+ on replacements if you're planning on changing up the colors.



Lol I posted this on r/JeepGladiator on Reddit as well and it seems to be really negatively received. Comments include "use a hair dryer and fishing wire"
"why"
"that's a really bad idea"
and "pretty sure mine is stamped into the metal."

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[rymanrph]

Thanks for the video. I foresee doing this to my Rubicon letters whenever I'm able to get the truck.

 

[21Moja]

Are you separating to repaint? Not sure I see the point in the separation...

 

[BlueScapegoat]

Are you separating to repaint? Not sure I see the point in the separation...

Yes. I don't know why this is such an outlandish concept for people to grasp.

 

[sharpsicle]

Yes. I don't know why this is such an outlandish concept for people to grasp.

I don't think it's outlandish for people to ask questions. It's nice that you answered in such a productive way though!

 

[BlueScapegoat]

I don't think it's outlandish for people to ask questions. It's nice that you answered in such a productive way though!

Lol as I said in the first post, it's been a universally bewildering topic for people, I just haven't been able to wrap my head around why it seems like such a strange thing to do. Even when I mention the purpose in the first post. As I did.

 

[21Moja]

All makes sense to me...

 

[BlueScapegoat]

Just finished putting them back on. Results:

 

[abe57]

Just finished putting them back on. Results:

Looks Good !!

 

[Lunentucker]

Everytime I drill something handheld it ends with unholy words and bloodshed.
Gloves is smart.

 

[azmojave]

No comprende

 

[Gatorized]

Just finished putting them back on. Results:

Nice - what did you do to attach the top pc to the bottom pc? Or did they snap back together securely?

 

[BlueScapegoat]

Nice - what did you do to attach the top pc to the bottom pc? Or did they snap back together securely?

They did snap back together somewhat, but I wouldn't trust that on it's own. I used a few small dabs of Loctite super glue between each one. Probably irreversible at this point, if I wanted to change them up again I'd probably need to buy a new set.

To adhere to the tailgate I used 3M VHB.

 

[tysongladiator]

I don't think it's outlandish for people to ask questions. It's nice that you answered in such a productive way though!

I was thinking the same thing you were because I wrapped mine and didn't have to separate them.

 

[BlueScapegoat]

I was thinking the same thing you were because I wrapped mine and didn't have to separate them.

In my experience nothing yields better results than disassembling something, prepping, and painting, so that's what I've always stuck to.

And while I've worked with plastidip and hate the stuff, I've got nothing against some quality vinyl! Did you just apply the vinyl then trim into the edges? It seems more tedious to me with the compound right corners on something so small than just taking it apart.

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