Debadge

 

This week I branched out into the world of car modification instead of car mechanics. I was thinking about changing my own oil since I was scheduled out a month and a half after my oil needed changed, but I will save that for another week when I have more time to dedicate, and if the week of my appointment does not come sooner. This week I worked on de-badging my car. A lot of people like to do this to make their vehicles look cleaner and sleeker. I have always been interested in doing it to my own vehicle.

De-badging a vehicle is a lot simpler than most would probably think. All that is needed is, a heat gun, scraper, goo-gone, microfiber towel, and a rubber eraser wheel and drill to get the adhesive off the paint. I started with the dealership sticker and was honestly really disappointed that you could see the sun fade impression from the sticker when it was removed. I am hoping with some time, the sun will cure it back to normalcy. Next, I removed badges from both sides of the hatch and the brand emblem on the back. This required even, steady moving heat. Heat guns typically get extremely hot, and with no motion or temperature monitoring, you can boil your paint. Luckily, I was able to utilize a temperature gun to tell me the degree to which the panel reached. I stopped heating around 170 degrees. If you can think of how hot your car typically gets sitting out in the summer sun, it is probably hotter than that.

I then plucked each letter of ‘TUCSON’ and ‘AWD’ off with a card scraper and plastic pry tool, still leaving significant amounts of adhesive behind. This is where the drill and giant rubber eraser wheel came in handy. With steady pressure, constant motion, the right stance, and control, I was able to rub the adhesive off. I then took a clean towel to wipe away the residue from the eraser wheel, and a towel to dowse in goo-gone to remove the very small remnants. Unfortunately, during the process of plucking, I peeled some paint with one of the letters. Fortunately, I can touch it up later.

After the de-badging of the big brand emblem on the back, I revealed two holes that the emblem was secured with by projections. I thought maybe I could place croc charms in the holes or an LED light for a reverse light. I ended up just plugging them with plastic plugs to preserve the holes temporarily. The funniest experience of all that resonated with me most and exemplified a place for me while doing this task, was the laughter I had about my insecurities with possibly ruining my paint, and the focused stances I took to be able to stay steady handed, sturdy, and fluent with my motions. This was the first time I was working on my own vehicle inside my garage. I felt comfortable in this space and felt more of a sense of place than I have previously.

This place has contained many different experiences. It is the first home my mother ever bought. It is the place I hope to move out of one day. It is the place I took my first rescue and raised him until he passed. It is the place that holds both sorrow and comfort. Although I live by myself, it will always be the place my sister, mother and I will always call home; a place where we know we can feel secure, loved, and supported, yet independent.

When referring to space while learning to mechanic, a few things come to mind. You can create your own space as a mechanic in your own shop or garage; whatever it may be. This space allows you to place things where you want, when you want, how you want. Now, if this was your daily occupation and source of income, your space may look different. It might entail a corporate provided shop, with an assigned bay that you complete tasks in with your own tools or company bought tools. It may entail a priority list of jobs that need completed and/or someone delegating tasks to you. These spaces are vastly different and can be a positive or negative place dependent on the individual. The concept that space can become a place with value through experiences can relate to the Space and Place chapter. Space is a tool for us. We can manipulate the environment to bring a better benefit and meaning to our lives.