3D Print Tailgate Letters

[TwuckHappens]

While I wait for my letters to arrive from AliX, I tried to convert the online image into a printable STL. It worked pretty ok - some refinement needed but I couldn't find any thing available online. I don't have any red 3M tape laying around so I had to use some generic doubleside tape that doesn't really stick to the waxed letters. I might play around with them a little more to put them on the front hood kind of like the Ford Explorer letters.

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[Dave O]

While I wait for my letters to arrive from AliX, I tried to convert the online image into a printable STL. It worked pretty ok - some refinement needed but I couldn't find any thing available online. I don't have any red 3M tape laying around so I had to use some generic doubleside tape that doesn't really stick to the waxed letters. I might play around with them a little more to put them on the front hood kind of like the Ford Explorer letters.

Nice Job! I ordered the premium black letters from Ford using my reward points hopefully they don’t disappoint

 

[NCXLT]

Any suggestions on adhesive to use for sticking. Not too strong. I ordered some off Etsy and they don’t stick well at all. (Yes was prepped.). Was going to start a thread on this but will see if anybody here has any suggestions.

 

[TwuckHappens]

Any suggestions on adhesive to use for sticking. Not too strong. I ordered some off Etsy and they don’t stick well at all. (Yes was prepped.). Was going to start a thread on this but will see if anybody here has any suggestions.

I haven't received mine yet but I'd assume the red 3M tape like they use for the Mabett fenders and hood deflectors should be sufficient

Nice Job! I ordered the premium black letters from Ford using my reward points hopefully they don’t disappoint

I ordered the ones that are $5 plus $4 shipping from AliX haha. I think if they don't work I'm going to take the plunge and get the black reflective vinyl ones.

 

[NCXLT]

I haven't received mine yet but I'd assume the red 3M tape like they use for the Mabett fenders and hood deflectors should be sufficient

Hmm, the ones I got had some kind of thin clear adhesive if you can call it that. Contacted and got the typical, it’s never happened. However, the protective plastic on the other side had a better bond than the adhesive side. There is some 3 emblem adhesive, but some of the reviews, shows it messed up the paint a little. Like the letters they sent, just got to get them to stick.

 

[Hybrid25XLTAWD]

from my recollections of past foire's into double back tape, I believe you'd want something like the 3m VHB tape
https://www.amazon.com/Mounting-Adh...1738471624&sprefix=3m+vhb,aps,222&sr=8-5&th=1

 

[TwuckHappens]

They also sell them at autoparts stores - just make sure to get the ones that are superstrength or heavy duty and not the ones that are permanent - unless you want that...

 

[NCXLT]

from my recollections of past foire's into double back tape, I believe you'd want something like the 3m VHB tape
https://www.amazon.com/Mounting-Adhesive-Automotive-Waterproof-Industrial/dp/B0B4MTX8RQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=17L1MP9JKT2O9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wWRUSSsnzB3syaug2rntttvxQh_OLeFbjzZV7ouc66NDiYvv_Xl1alxGFt1Dz4yUz4mYtaqXBfCjfPnk3mKITuCpBVC3hUZdOGqZ3fIIt4zaKgcGg-_bxJQoYmWmm5muqBF2iCXc-12EEy0XNGnQBOo5hZkSu-Rk-Bkv0hmtwJQqhGFkZxBkQ47fDHJbmIBSMJZMTgurI5xiG4mkZtXYkN8ov9Y-D9opyVKsf9bd7xc.MPpcmlp8oxTzfmBc-qqDyIfG8t47xpCUXlz0dZU2pVM&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+vhb+tape+double+sided&qid=1738471624&sprefix=3m+vhb,aps,222&sr=8-5&th=1

Thanks I was hoping for a spray or such, trying to get a tape like that on the backs properly would be a pain. Plus these are raised to start with so don’t need the added with of tape. But I’ll try to see what adhesive it is uses.

There are these.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-03601-Plastic-Emblem-Adhesive/dp/B000CCM3J2 but as you mention I don’t want permanent in case the plastic fades or such. Also nothing that can cause a reaction to the paint.

 

[Blinky]

from my recollections of past foire's into double back tape, I believe you'd want something like the 3m VHB tape

3M VHB tape is the way to go for bigger items but VHB is pretty thick and a pain in the butt for smaller emblems, instead I'd use this stuff:
https://www.3mcanada.ca/3M/en_CA/p/d/v000087610/

It's a strip with pre-applied adhesive, you press the emblem against it, lift it up and the adhesive will transfer to the emblem, then you stick it on the car.
I haven't used it myself but I've watched my buddy have a go and it worked as easily as it sounds.

 

[White Thunder]

I started out with the tail gate letters from Ford (12-21), then discovered more choices out there. I got my different letterings from small businesses on ETSY. After many car washes, I’ve had no problems with them staying were they belong.

 

[White Thunder]

from my recollections of past foire's into double back tape, I believe you'd want something like the 3m VHB tape
https://www.amazon.com/Mounting-Adhesive-Automotive-Waterproof-Industrial/dp/B0B4MTX8RQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=17L1MP9JKT2O9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wWRUSSsnzB3syaug2rntttvxQh_OLeFbjzZV7ouc66NDiYvv_Xl1alxGFt1Dz4yUz4mYtaqXBfCjfPnk3mKITuCpBVC3hUZdOGqZ3fIIt4zaKgcGg-_bxJQoYmWmm5muqBF2iCXc-12EEy0XNGnQBOo5hZkSu-Rk-Bkv0hmtwJQqhGFkZxBkQ47fDHJbmIBSMJZMTgurI5xiG4mkZtXYkN8ov9Y-D9opyVKsf9bd7xc.MPpcmlp8oxTzfmBc-qqDyIfG8t47xpCUXlz0dZU2pVM&dib_tag=se&keywords=3m+vhb+tape+double+sided&qid=1738471624&sprefix=3m+vhb,aps,222&sr=8-5&th=1

Don’t remember Y i bought it, but I have a roll of that 3M tape.

 

[papajj15]

Any suggestions on adhesive to use for sticking. Not too strong. I ordered some off Etsy and they don’t stick well at all. (Yes was prepped.). Was going to start a thread on this but will see if anybody here has any suggestions.

You just gave me an idea of what to buy with my rewards

While I wait for my letters to arrive from AliX, I tried to convert the online image into a printable STL. It worked pretty ok - some refinement needed but I couldn't find any thing available online. I don't have any red 3M tape laying around so I had to use some generic doubleside tape that doesn't really stick to the waxed letters. I might play around with them a little more to put them on the front hood kind of like the Ford Explorer letters.

Tks for the idea to use my rewards points.

Nice Job! I ordered the premium black letters from Ford using my reward points hopefully they don’t disappoint

Great idea. Now I know what to use my rewards ponts on.

 

[mkebikecop]

I started out with the tail gate letters from Ford (12-21), then discovered more choices out there. I got my different letterings from small businesses on ETSY. After many car washes, I’ve had no problems with them staying were they belong.

Where did you order the Maverick red/white/blue tailgate letters from. Love Them
Ed Marynik

 

[TwuckHappens]

I started out with the tail gate letters from Ford (12-21), then discovered more choices out there. I got my different letterings from small businesses on ETSY. After many car washes, I’ve had no problems with them staying were they belong.

I was considering something like this maybe with vinyl decals instead (still just taped temporarily)

 

[mrmmm]

While I wait for my letters to arrive from AliX, I tried to convert the online image into a printable STL. It worked pretty ok - some refinement needed but I couldn't find any thing available online. I don't have any red 3M tape laying around so I had to use some generic doubleside tape that doesn't really stick to the waxed letters. I might play around with them a little more to put them on the front hood kind of like the Ford Explorer letters.

If anyone wants the STL or SVG let me know (as long as you're not planning to sell them)

I'd appreciate the STL. Will try to print and see how they come out. Thanks!

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