Installing Ford emblem in 29 radiator shell question

wrndln

Well-known member
I have a replated 28/29 radiator shell that I had renickeled. I also had the emblem restored. I am trying to press the emblem into the hole in the shell. It wont fit. The shell and the emblem (and round part on the back of the emblem) are originals. Maybe the replating reduced the hole diameter very slightly. I know the hole and the back of the emblem are a tight fit so the emblem doesn't fall out. Does anyone have a good method of installing the emblem in the shell?
Thanks for any help
Rusty Nelson
 

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I would put the shell on something that the emblem area is supported then whack the emblem with a rubber mallet
 
It's a tight fit regardless...that's so it doesn't fall out. There are a couple of options. One is whacking it with a rubber mallet, as mentioned above. You can also bend the backing slightly on the emblem and then re-bend it once mounted. Or, you could "go nuclear", remove the fastener, and then JB Weld the emblem in place. (Yes, I know that sounds awful, but I did it once on a broken badge and sure enough, years later, it's still solidly in place...)

Incidentally, who did your plating? It looks nice!
 
if the emblem is porcelain as it should be- I wouldnt wack it with anything for fear of cracking it.

needs to be pressed on.......
 
What is the difference in the radiator shell hole and the emblem OD ? If you warm the shell and cool the emblem you maybe able to push it together by hand and no need of messy glue to keep it together ! I help put an aluminum nose wheel yoke on a strut as a teenager, we just heated the yoke and quickly slid it on the strut and aligned it, it went tink and was permanently installed
 
"renickeled" I have heard comments about my March 1928 Tudor having it's original nickel shell before. wrndln good for you.
 
Try to press it on rather than wacking it. I would use a large clamp and some small blocks of wood on both sides as a way of pressing it back into position. This approach will give a nice snug fit.
 
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