DIY - "JDM" Side Vent Piston Badge (Red)
 

*Before I begin, I'd like to say that this DIY is partially for kicks and giggles. That said, I am in no way responsible for any scratches, marks, or other damage to you or your vehicle in any way whatsoever. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.*

This DIY is to turn your boring old USDM Piston Badge into a ghetto "JDM" Piston Badge.
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...81488364_n.jpgUSDM Piston Badge
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...36132495_n.jpgJDM Piston Badge

Tools you will need:
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...38472917_n.jpgCleaning Solution (I used ONR).
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...94696240_n.jpgMicrofiber Cloth (Clean, so you don't scratch your paint).
And finally...
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...40391246_n.jpg A red Sharpie Marker (Ultra fine point. I bought a new one to make sure it was clean and didn't touch any other surface prior to this. It was $1 at a local Staples store).

Step 1:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...68038719_n.jpgClean your badge and the area surrounding it. If you are using ONR, be sure to dilute it. You don't want concentrated soap on your paint! Once clean, move onto step 2.

Step 2:
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...13078111_n.jpg
Start by angling your Sharpie 45° to get the edges of the badge. Go slowly and take your time. You wouldn't want to mark the badge or worse, your paint. Fill in the remaining grey areas when you finish the edges. If you do mark the badge, bust out your microfiber cloth and apply light pressure to rub it off (This is a very important step as I didn't have a microfiber cloth when I did my first badge and has to use my shirt :thumbdown:)
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...39312517_n.jpg Doggy is sad.

Step 3:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...47285599_n.jpg
Do the same with the center, 45° to cover the edges and slowly fill in the rest. The center ring is a little tougher to do but certainly by no means hard. The ultra fine point of the Sharpie fits snugly in the crack. Look closely from different angles to make sure you cover all of the grey areas.

Step 4:
Repeat for the other side and let dry overnight. You're finished!

Here are pictures of the finished product:
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...10467345_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...59271535_n.jpg

Comparison pictures:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...36132495_n.jpg
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...30578778_n.jpg
The ghetto "JDM" badge's red is nowhere near as bright as the authentic one but I like this shade more on a darker car. What do you guys think?

Nail polish or gel pen looks like it would have worked better

Yeah that doesn't look very good, paint needs to be more noticeable .. Like he mentioned nail polish or spray paint with a tiny brush?
I'm gonna try mine this weekend.

Thanks for DIY , I'll be keeping fibre cloths handy!

Did mine with caliper paint :)
Attachment 13877

"Did mine with caliper paint"

Very nice!

Would it improve with the cylinder area (background of the rod) painted black?

Want for my whiteout...

Nah, I think it looks good just like that. You can try it out though, I'm down to see how it comes out

Would definitely make the piston rods look too skinny...Just try to photoshop it out with black and see. It'll look weird under certain lighting I guess.

Again, photoshop before actually doing it! Or if you did it, and didn't like it, gives you more of a reason to order real JDM ones and replace them. :thumbsup:

Wow that looks awesome!:drool:

Here in Aus we have the base(GT) and high(GTS) spec 86, the GT has the black piston badge and the GTS has the red piston badge.. Does japan have the same thing or do all their specs have red piston badges?

They have the same

Attachment 13907

Testors red paint and a super fine paint brush and an artist friend of my with no hand movement!

Added to the DIY Directory:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7365

Lose any texture in the painted area?

I would love to see a close up of the badge.