Bending 69 "Stingray" script

[Greg L.]

I was wondering if anyone has had issues with Trim Parts, Stingray script not following the body contour?

I just went to install my new one and I see that the center area touches the body but the end areas are about 1/16"-1/8" away. If I lay it on the table face down there is an obvious bow to it but it should be straight like my old original one. Now I know that pot metal will bend a certain amount but I've never really had to "finesse" a part like this to fit and I really don't want to break it.

Any ideas are appreciated.

[Bill W.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Greg if you heat it you have a better chance of not breaking it . I had the same problem with my 65 trim parts nose emblem . I called them they said to send it back and if they seen a problem they would send another . I also think they buff the edges way to much every thing is rounded with no sharp edges like the originals . Everything else I bought from them is good .

[Greg L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Thanks Bill.

I actually bought the part from Corvette Central but it's a Trim Line part so maybe I'll call CC and see what they say. I'd rather just bend it straight and be done with it rather than go through all the hassle of retuning it though. How much would you think I should heat it?

[Gary H.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

My biggest complaint was that the adhesive stops and does not go around the area for the stud, so they were visible when they were on the car. I used some black rope caulk and hid the chrome studs. Problem solved.

[Greg L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Ya I noticed that too and wondered how it would look once installed. I was going to replace their adhesive with carpet tape and cut it properly around the studs but your solution sounds more practical so I'll try that.

[Bill W.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

If you use a heat gun get it nice and warm . We always used a torch in the old days . I would suggest a trial & error practice run with an old nameplate .

[Mark S.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

I have to check, but I may have a NOS one if you need it.

[Joe L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

I have to check, but I may have a NOS one if you need it.

Mark------


Even the GM emblems changed over the years of their availability. The only NOS version that will be 100% correct for 1969 will be those that have a "cheese-cloth"-like protective backing for the adhesive (i.e. the strip that's pulled off the adhesive prior to installation of the emblem). These days, these are extremely hard to find and even when found, the adhesive may be deteriorated to the point that they won't adhere well without the application of supplemental fresh adhesive. However, the emblem, itself, will be 100% correct whereas later NOS examples will not.

[Joe R.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Joe,
I have one 3956216 with a E09 date on the box. It has a white backing and a sticker that says Made In Canada. Extremely ugly casting and sorry paint job. Is this the one you are talking about.

Thanks,

JR

Mark------


Even the GM emblems changed over the years of their availability. The only NOS version that will be 100% correct for 1969 will be those that have a "cheese-cloth"-like protective backing for the adhesive (i.e. the strip that's pulled off the adhesive prior to installation of the emblem). These days, these are extremely hard to find and even when found, the adhesive may be deteriorated to the point that they won't adhere well without the application of supplemental fresh adhesive. However, the emblem, itself, will be 100% correct whereas later NOS examples will not.

[Joe L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Joe,
I have one 3956216 with a E09 date on the box. It has a white backing and a sticker that says Made In Canada. Extremely ugly casting and sorry paint job. Is this the one you are talking about.

Thanks,

JR

JR------


I don't think so. If the adhesive backing is white PLASTIC, that's a later style. Also, I don't recall the originals having anything on them which said "Made in Canada". Some later ones did, though.

Here are some photos of the original emblem and "subsequent editions". The originals have the "cheese-cloth"-like backing.


DSCN0282.JPGDSCN0283.JPGDSCN0284.JPGDSCN0285.JPG

[Joe L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Here is the text from one of my late 2005 posts and also one more picture:

The 1969 to E1977 "Stingray" side emblems were manufactured in several, slightly different configurations. There was not just an "early" and a "late" emblem design---it was more of an evolution. The part number, however, never changed over all the years.

The emblems used for 1969-70 and also, I believe, for, at least 1971 and possibly later, had several differences from later emblems used in BOTH PRODUCTION and SERVICE. First of all, these early emblems had:

1) FOUR mounting studs (actually, locating pins, since no fasteners were used) and these studs were about 11/16" long;

2) a unique configuration between the "dot" and the "i";

3) a slightly thicker cross section for all the lettering of the script. The facing edge of the script was "flatter" rather than "peaked";

4) the edge of the base of the emblem was painted black; the edges of the script were chrome;

Sometime after 1972, but certainly by 1975, the configuration changed slightly as follows:

1) THREE mounting studs were used and these studs were only about 5/16" long;

2) a slightly different configuration between the "dot" and the "i";

3) a slightly thinner cross section for the script lettering. The facing edge was much more "peaked" than the flatter surface of the earlier;

Later yet, for SERVICE only, the entire edge of the script lettering was painted black


DSCN0286.JPG

[Scott K.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Thanks Bill.

I actually bought the part from Corvette Central but it's a Trim Line part so maybe I'll call CC and see what they say. I'd rather just bend it straight and be done with it rather than go through all the hassle of retuning it though. How much would you think I should heat it?

Greg, did you contact us about this yet? If not, I'm wondering if the piece was bent in shipping somehow, either when it was shipped to us or when we shipped it to you.

[Greg L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Hi Scott,I haven't contacted anyone yet about this. I've put it on the back burner while I assemble other areas of the car for the time being.To be honest Id rather just try and bend it straight and be done with it. It's only about $45 and with phone calls, shipping and my time it's barely worth fussing about. So unless you can suggest something I think I'll just try and fix it myself(fingers crossed).For what it's worth the package was in good shape from what I remember and I don't see any damage on the script itself so I'm not sure why it's "bent". It's almost like it warped when it was taken from the mold, if that's even possible...

[Scott K.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Hi Scott,I haven't contacted anyone yet about this. I've put it on the back burner while I assemble other areas of the car for the time being.To be honest Id rather just try and bend it straight and be done with it. It's only about $45 and with phone calls, shipping and my time it's barely worth fussing about. So unless you can suggest something I think I'll just try and fix it myself(fingers crossed).For what it's worth the package was in good shape from what I remember and I don't see any damage on the script itself so I'm not sure why it's "bent". It's almost like it warped when it was taken from the mold, if that's even possible...

Thanks Greg. You can definitely try to carefully fix it yourself. However, we will also gladly exchange it.

[Greg L.]

Re: Bending 69 "Stingray" script

Well I grew a pair and tried to straighten it myself. It wasn't the easiest piece to bend but in the end it worked out and looks pretty good now. Thanks for your offer Scott. Cheers.