I've had quite a few people ask me how hard it was to install the KDM Genesis Wing Emblems so I thought I would do a writeup on the process for those who plan on installing these emblems.

Let me preface this by saying that I wish I would have taken more pics detailing the entire process, but since I did not, I will do my best to thoroughly describe how I went about removing the "H" emblem on the rear and installing the Wing emblems on my Genesis (front and rear).

Step 1 (Removal of the "H" emblem):

You will need a blow dryer and some dental floss or fishing wire. Make sure area around the emblem is clean and free of debris/dust so as to avoid any minor scratching of the paint.

Begin by using the blow dryer to heat up the "H" emblem up. You could also sit the car in the sun on a hot day for a few hours. This will make the adhesive backing on the emblem more pliable. Work the dental floss under one edge of the badge with an up and down motion. The floss with effectively, if slowly, "cut" through the adhesive on the underside of the emblem. Once you get near the middle of the emblem, do the same thing on the other side. Please note: You will not be able to work the floss all the way to the center of the "H" emblem as there are 2 small plastic tabs that are inserted into holes in the trunk lid. Once you have effectively separated most of the adhesive from the paint using the dental floss, you can use a plastic card (e.g. something similar to a credit card that you aren't afraid to ruin) to pry the badge off the hood. It may take a bit of force, but be patient and it should come off without much trouble. If needed, use some polish/wax to remove any remaining residue.

Holes left on trunk lid after removal of "H" emblem:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/065.jpg)


Step 2 (Preparing your Wing Emblems for Installation):

The KDM Wing Emblems come with large circular posts/tabs on the underside. In Korea the hood and trunk lid must have large holes that these can be inserted into. Since drilling on my new car isn't an option for me (or anyone I know for that matter), you will need to remove these tabs prior to installation. Short of a Dremmel Tool, I can't think of any way to safely and thoroughly remove these tabs without damaging the rest of the emblem. Luckily I was able to borrow my uncle's Dremmel Tool and it took about 5-10 minutes to remove the plastic tabs on both emblems. Once you have the removed the emblems I recommend you fill in the inner portion of of the back of the emblem with heavy duty stick tape. The sticky tape is more than enough to hold the badge securely in place, but still allows removal at a later date, if needed. This may be of importance to those of you who are leasing. Be advised: The holes in the trunk lid are not the same size/shape as the tabs on the underside of the Wing emblem. I just added more sticky tape over the holes in the trunk so that water wouldn't get in.


Step 3 (Installing the Wing Emblems):

Clean both the hood and the trunk lid installation area with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining oils and ensure a proper bond. The front emblem is easiest to install. Simply line up the middle pointy edge of the Wing emblem with the center bar of the grill. Be sure to take your time to ensure the wings are evenly aligned (you may want to use a tape measure). On the rear emblem I simply measured from each end of the tunk lid and found the middle. Once you are certain you have the emblem in the spot you want it you can outline the emblem with a washable marker (it won't work that well on the paint, but it should be just enough to give a faint outline of where the emblem should be placed). Simply remove the sticky tape backing and place emblem on the hood/trunk. Be sure to press firmly on the emblem and hold it in place for at least a few seconds before releasing. You want to make sure the sticky tape is really stuck to the paint.

Before:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Genesis/014.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Genesis/018.jpg)

After:
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Genesis/022-1.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/Genesis/027-1.jpg)


Honestly, it's a LOT simpler than it sounds. It just takes a bit of time and patience. The hardest part of the entire process is removing the plastic tabs, but as long as you have to right tools, it's still pretty easy. I'm really happy with how they look....they "complete" the look of the exterior. The front especially looks a bit too bare with no emblem IMO.

This post has been edited by jwaters943: Aug 5 2008, 04:33 PM

Thank for the write up. I will probably swap the badge on the trunk and the wheel inserts. If I can find a steering wheel/airbag cover, I will do that too.

For the badge on the steering wheel go to this web Korean auto imports.
you have to buy the hole steering wheel.

http://www.koreanautoimports.com/store/ind...Path=31_237_239

After all that work to disguise the Hyundai brand I would hope those fugly license plate frames will also be removed. :o

Don't worry, they're gone! Unfortunately, the front plate is required (and you WILL get pulled if you try to stick it in the front windshield)

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/007.jpg)

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/jwaters943/022.jpg)

Looks very good, but one thing we need to remember is that the more Hyundais people see and recognize as Hyundais, the better for Hyundai and us. One of their major problems is overcoming their history and gaining recognition for manufacturing high end, quality cars.
That said, it is your car and looks good. Too bad Hyundai did not develop some way to have the wings and Hyundai both on the car.

Simply stunning! The Genesis Wings make the Genesis sedan look much more upscale and regardless of Hyundai's issues with Bentley, they should have found a way to put these emblems or something similar on the production models. In order for the Genesis line to gain a reputable following in the luxury car segment among the general public, Hyundai has to pay more attention to the fine details for the Genesis brand to be successful as a luxury marque.

Your statement written above truly emphasizes why Hyundai made a serious error in judgement and in marketing by not allowing the Genesis brand to stand alone as a separate entity for the high end luxury models.

NIce thought, but they would have had to sell it for $15,000+ more to justify the separate dealer network - and where would they find the dealers willing to do it?

Well how do you come to the conclusion that Hyundai would have to sell the Genesis sedan for $15 grand more? Remember that Hyundai invested 533 million dollars to develop the Genesis and Hyundai of course understands that this is a long term investment, especially due to the fact Hyundai estimates they will only sell about 50,000 (coupe and sedan combined) of the Genesis in the U.S for the 2009 model year. So with this in mind, there definitely should be a small dealer network set up exclusively for the Genesis nameplate which of course would expand over a period of time as other models are added to the mix after the public awareness and sales have increased. It is one thing to label the Genesis as a High End luxury brand, but you have to get people to buy into this line of thinking. Most people aren't avid car buffs or really that concerned about the latest and greatest technical specifications of a particular car, they buy in most cases on perception of the brand, name prestige and recognition, excellent dealer networks that are knowledgable about the products they sell and that provide great customer service. Hyundai does not have this reputation among the general public yet, even though their cars are steadily improving by leaps and bounds. Furthermore many luxury cars are sold to customers who are not concerned with the cost, so a comparative difference in price is usually not enough to sway a potential buyer to another make or model. Producing a great car is only half the equation if Hyundai wants the Genesis to be known worldwide as a renowed luxury automobile brand. In my opinion Hyundai didn't want to invest the extra time and money and instead decided to cut cost on one of the most crucial aspects of marketing and support of the Genesis, which was to provide a dealer network and to separate the Genesis name and brand distinctly away from Hyundai.

This post has been edited by ltz: Sep 4 2008, 04:00 PM