Want to give your Honda a custom look or replace a damaged badge? Learning how to remove the Honda emblem from grille is a straightforward project you can do at home. This guide walks you through the safe, step-by-step removal process to avoid damaging your car’s front end.
With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can have that emblem off in under an hour. We’ll cover everything from preparation to the final clean-up, ensuring a professional result.
How To Remove Honda Emblem From Grille
Before you start, it’s crucial to understand your emblem’s attachment type. Most modern Hondas use strong adhesive tape along with plastic retaining clips or pins. Older models might rely more on bolts from behind the grille. The method we detail here focuses on the common adhesive-and-clip style, with notes for other types.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering your tools first makes the job smoother. You likely have many of these items already.
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Fishing line or strong nylon floss
- Plastic trim removal tools (or old credit cards)
- Microfiber cloths
- Isopropyl alcohol or adhesive remover (like Goo Gone)
- Spray bottle with soapy water
- Dental floss (as a backup)
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Optional: Panel clip removal pliers
Step 1: Preparation and Safety
Start by parking your car in a shaded, cool area. A garage is ideal. Working in direct sun can make surfaces too hot and affect the adhesive removal process.
Wash the front grille and emblem area thoroghly. Let it dry completely. Any dirt can scratch the paint during removal. Use masking tape to protect the paint on the grille immediately surrounding the emblem. This provides a buffer for your tools.
Step 2: Softening the Adhesive Tape
This is the most critical step. The emblem is held by very strong automotive-grade double-sided tape. You must soften it to release its grip.
Plug in your heat gun or hair dryer. Set it to a medium heat setting. Hold it about 2-3 inches from the emblem, moving it constantly in a circular motion. Heat the emblem evenly for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to make the adhesive gummy, not to melt the plastic or paint.
Caution: Do not overheat. Excessive heat can warp the grille or emblem. Test the temperature by briefly touching the emblem; it should be very warm but not burning hot.
Step 3: Slicing Through the Adhesive
Once the adhesive is heated, you need to cut through it. This is where your fishing line or nylon floss comes in.
- Put on gloves for a better grip.
- Start at the top or bottom corner of the emblem. Wedge a plastic trim tool gently behind the edge to create a tiny gap.
- Immediately insert a 12-inch piece of fishing line into the gap.
- Using a slow, steady sawing motion, work the line back and forth behind the emblem. You are slicing through the softened tape.
- Apply more heat to the front of the emblem as you work if the line starts to tug too hard.
Work your way slowly accross the emblem. If the line breaks, just start a new piece. Patience is key here to avoid snapping the emblem or clips.
Step 4: Separating the Emblem from the Grille
As the adhesive releases, you’ll feel the emblem become loose. Once the fishing line has passed completely through, the emblem should be free from it’s tape bond.
Do not pull the emblem off directly! It likely still has plastic alignment pins or clips attached to its back. These fit into corresponding holes in the grille.
Gently wiggle the emblem straight back, away from the grille. If it resists, look for any remaining clips. You may need to use a small plastic tool to depress a clip tab from the front or side. The goal is to disengage the clips without breaking them, in case you want to reinstall it later.
Step 5: Removing Adhesive Residue
With the emblem off, you’ll see the leftover foam tape on the grille. Reheat these remnants with your heat gun for 20-30 seconds.
You can often roll the bulk of it off with your fingers. For the stubborn, thin layer left behind, use your adhesive remover.
- Apply a small amount of remover (or isopropyl alcohol) to a microfiber cloth.
- Rub the residue in a circular motion. It should dissolve and ball up.
- Wipe the area clean with a fresh cloth dampened with soapy water.
- Dry completely.
Tip: Test the adhesive remover on a small, hidden part of the grille first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the plastic.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Clean-Up
Inspect the grille holes where the emblem pins were. Clear any leftover adhesive from them with a toothpick. Give the entire area a final wipe down.
If you plan to install a new emblem or a blanking plate, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually involve applying new automotive tape. If you’re leaving it off, you’re done! The clean, badge-less look is now yours.
What If Your Emblem is Bolted From Behind?
Some models, like older Accords or Civics, have emblems secured by nuts on the backside of the grille. For these, the process is different.
You usually need to partially or fully remove the grille from the car to access the back. Consult a service manual for your specific model on grille removal. Once the grille is on your workbench, you can simply unscrew the nuts holding the emblem posts, and it will come free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a razor blade or metal tool: This will almost certainly scratch and gouge your grille. Stick to plastic tools and fishing line.
- Prying before heating: This is the number one cause of broken emblems and cracked grilles. Always heat the adhesive first.
- Rushing the adhesive removal: If you don’t get all the residue off, the surface won’t be smooth for any future installs.
- Ignoring the clips: Yanking the emblem can break the clips and the mounting holes on the grille, creating a bigger problem.
After Removal: Your Options
With the emblem removed, you have several choices. You can leave the grille plain for a minimalist style. You can install a different color Honda emblem, such as a blacked-out version. Or, you can add a custom aftermarket badge. Ensure any replacement uses the correct pin alignment for your model.
If the emblem was damaged and you need a new OEM one, note the part number often found on the back. Your local dealership or online parts site can help you find the exact match.
FAQ Section
Will removing my Honda emblem leave holes?
Most modern Hondas have emblem pins that go into holes in the grille. Yes, there will be small holes left behind. If you want a completely smooth look, you’ll need to source a grille that never had an emblem or use a blanking plate designed to cover them.
Can I use dental floss to remove a car emblem?
Yes, unwaxed dental floss can work as a substitute for fishing line, especially on newer cars with less weathered adhesive. It may break more easily, so have plenty on hand and use a sawing motion.
Is it illegal to remove the Honda emblem?
No, it is not illegal to remove manufacturer’s badging from your vehicle in the United States. You are only required to display the assigned license plates. Laws can vary in other countries, so it’s best to check local regulations.
How do you remove Honda emblem adhesive?
As outlined in Step 5, the best method is to soften the leftover foam tape with heat, peel off what you can, and then dissolve the thin residual layer with an automotive adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol.
Can a hair dryer get hot enough to remove the emblem?
A standard hair dryer can get hot enough, but it will take longer than a heat gun. You may need to heat the emblem for 5-7 minutes, constantly moving the dryer. Be patient and test the adhesive’s softness frequently.
How much does it cost to have a professional remove a car emblem?
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, a detail shop or body shop might perform the removal for you. Costs can range from $50 to $150, largely depending on labor rates and the time it takes them. They’ll have the professional tools to do it quickly.
Conclusion
Removing your Honda’s front emblem is a simple mod that makes a big visual impact. By following these steps—heating the adhesive, slicing with fishing line, and carefully managing the clips—you can achieve a clean removal without damage. The key is patience and using the right, non-marring tools.
Take your time during each phase, especially the adhesive cleanup. A little extra effort there ensures a perfect finished look, whether you’re going for a debadged style or prepping for a new badge. Now you have the knowledge to tackle this project confidently and give your Honda a fresh, personalized front end.