#car emblem

[mrs-trophy-wife]

[historicalcarslivery]

During the previous life of my Gtv, someone took off the rear badges from the bonnet. I bought them on the internet and here we go to put them on the car!

I looked at many documents to find out the original position of the badges. Then I prepared two paper masks to guide me during the installations.

Apparently the paper masks did their jobs. Let's wait a few minutes before taking them off.

Damn! The look is neat and authentic now. I'm pretty satisfied!

What's your opinion? Do you prefer it before or after? 🙃

[lilygoat]

"1972 Chevelle Emblem"

Americanmuscle.deviantart

[eladiday]

mercedes

[rgbemblem]

From Desert Storm to Electric Storm: The Hummer Story and the Art of the Glowing Badge

There’s a vehicle that’s always been more than just transportation. It’s a statement. A middle finger to convention. An 8,000-pound slab of American attitude that once burned through gas like it was going out of style—because for a while, it kind of was.

From Battlefield to Boulevard

The Hummer story doesn’t start in a design studio. It starts on the battlefield.

Back in the late 1970s, the U.S. military needed a new all-purpose vehicle to replace its aging fleet. The result was the HMMWV—High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. You probably know it better as the Humvee.

In 1983, the Pentagon awarded AM General a contract worth more than $1 billion to develop 55,000 of these rugged machines. The Humvee became an icon during the Gulf War, and the world got its first real look at this unstoppable beast on television screens everywhere.

After the war, something interesting happened. People wanted one.

Not just any people. Arnold Schwarzenegger led the charge, famously demanding a civilian version. In 1992, AM General delivered, releasing the civilian Hummer with Arnold as its first customer. The H1 was born—a direct descendant of the military Humvee, powered by a diesel V8, and utterly impractical for daily driving. And people loved it for exactly that reason.

The H2 and H3: Bigger, Smaller, Controversial

In 1999, General Motors bought the rights to the Hummer brand. They had big plans. The original Hummer was renamed the H1, and GM set out to make the brand more accessible.

Enter the H2 in 2002. Based on the Chevy Suburban platform, the H2 was still enormous but more civilized. It had leather, air conditioning that worked, and a price tag that didn’t require winning the lottery. Over 150,000 H2s were sold during its run, and it quickly became a symbol of early 2000s excess right alongside the Cadillac Escalade.

Then came the H3 in 2005—the “baby” Hummer. Smaller, more fuel-efficient, and built entirely by GM, the H3 brought Hummer ownership to a broader audience.

But the good times couldn’t last. Soaring gas prices, the 2008 recession, and growing environmental concerns hit Hummer hard. Sales dropped by more than 50 percent. By 2010, the brand was dead. The last Hummer rolled off the line, and the nameplate went into hibernation.

The Electric Resurrection

For a decade, Hummer was a memory. A punchline in some circles. A legend in others.

Then, in 2020, GM dropped a bombshell: Hummer was coming back. As an electric vehicle.

The new GMC Hummer EV is a radical reinvention. It’s still enormous, blocky, and instantly recognizable. But instead of a gas-guzzling V8, it’s powered by GM’s Ultium battery platform. The 3X trim features a tri-motor setup delivering 830 horsepower, and the “Watts to Freedom” launch mode delivers neck-snapping acceleration despite the vehicle’s nearly 9,000-pound curb weight.

Light It Up: The Hummer’s Signature Glow

The new Hummer EV is absolutely covered in LED lighting. It’s not subtle. It’s not meant to be.

The front features a full-width light bar with “HUMMER” spelled out, glowing bright white. The H-shaped taillights are equally distinctive. When you unlock the vehicle, projection lights beam the Hummer EV logo onto the ground from the side mirrors. It’s a light show every time you approach the truck.

This isn’t just decoration. It’s branding. It’s presence. It’s a modern interpretation of what made the original Hummer so memorable—except now it glows.

The Aftermarket: Making Your Hummer Glow Your Way

But what about the older Hummers? The H1s, H2s, and H3s still on the road, driven by passionate owners who refuse to let the legend die?

That’s where the aftermarket comes in.

LED illuminated emblems have become one of the most popular upgrades for Hummer owners. And it makes perfect sense. The Hummer logo—those bold, blocky letters spelling out “HUMMER”—is practically begging to be backlit.

Available in various finishes (black, chrome) and illumination colors (red, white, amber), these LED badges do more than look cool. They serve as additional marker lights, improving visibility in low-light conditions.

Customization options are endless:

– Red illumination for an aggressive, menacing look

– White for a clean, modern aesthetic

– Amber to match factory lighting schemes

– RGB color-changing for show cars

Installation is surprisingly simple. Most LED emblems are peel-and-stick, connecting to a 12V ignition source. No drilling, no complicated wiring—just peel, stick, and glow.

Beyond the Badge: Full Lighting Upgrades

For Hummer owners who want to go all in, the lighting options are extensive.

LED door bowl lights add a subtle glow to door handles, making nighttime entry easier while adding a modern touch. Door projector lights beam the Hummer logo onto the ground every time you open the door.

For the off-road crowd, there are 50-inch curved LED light bars that bolt to the roof, delivering 22,200 lumens of brightness and projecting light over 2,000 feet. Ditch lights mount to the hood, adding auxiliary lighting for trails and backroads.

And for the truly dedicated? Full LED underbody kits that bathe the ground beneath your Hummer in whatever color you choose.

Why Light Up Your Hummer?

Here’s the thing about Hummer owners: you didn’t buy this truck to blend in. You bought it because it makes a statement. It’s bold, brash, and unapologetically American.

Adding LED lighting—especially an illuminated logo—takes that statement to the next level.

It’s about personalization. Your Hummer should look like you, not like every other Hummer on the road. Custom colors, custom placements, custom designs—the possibilities are endless.

It’s about modernization. Even the newest H3 is nearly 20 years old. LED lighting brings these classics into the present, giving them a fresh, contemporary look while preserving their iconic character.

And it’s about visibility. Those big, blocky letters deserve to be seen. At night, an illuminated Hummer badge is unmistakable. It’s a beacon that says, “Yeah, I’m here.”

The Future Is Bright

Hummer has come a long way from the deserts of Iraq. From military workhorse to Hollywood status symbol to environmental punchline to electric pioneer—the brand has seen it all.

Now, with the EV leading the charge and a passionate community keeping the classics alive, Hummer is entering a new era. And it’s glowing every step of the way.

Whether you’re behind the wheel of an original H1, a beloved H2, an underrated H3, or the futuristic new EV, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: Hummer is a statement. Make sure yours says exactly what you want it to.

[rgbemblem]

Light It Up: How the Glowing GMC Emblem Became a Statement of Professional-Grade Style

It’s a classic GMC move: take something that’s been a static piece of metal for generations, quietly give it an electrifying upgrade, and then act like it’s always been that way. In 2019, GMC introduced its first illuminated front grille emblem—and ever since, those three bold red letters glowing through the night have become a signature of the brand’s new era.

Not just because it looks cool. But because, for GMC owners, it finally gave a voice to what they’d been feeling all along: their truck was never just a tool.

Built for the Work, Designed for the Soul

GMC has always occupied a unique space in the automotive world. Positioned as the “professional grade” brand within General Motors, GMC sits just above Chevrolet in terms of refinement but below the outright luxury of Cadillac. It’s the brand for people who need serious capability—towing, hauling, off-road toughness—but refuse to sacrifice comfort and style along the way.

The target GMC owner isn’t just a contractor or a weekend warrior. They’re someone who demands both function and form. They want a vehicle that looks as good at a jobsite as it does at a nice restaurant. And increasingly, they want their truck to feel personal—a reflection of their taste, not just their needs.

That’s where illuminated emblems come in.

A Brief History of the GMC Logo

Before we dive into the glow, let’s look at what those three letters actually represent. The GMC logo has changed ten times throughout the brand’s history, but the core has remained remarkably consistent since 1971: just the letters G, M, and C. No fuss. No mascot. No hidden animals (though interestingly, the font style from the mid-’70s happens to match the early Honda Civic logo—an odd but true coincidence).

The design was meant to convey exactly what the brand stands for: power, reliability, and professional-grade toughness. Large red letters, silver borders, a no-nonsense blockiness that says “I’m here to get the job done”. It’s a logo that has never tried to be flashy. Which makes it the perfect candidate for an illuminated upgrade—because when a logo that understated lights up, it commands attention without screaming for it.

The Birth of the Glowing Badge

GMC officially began offering illuminated emblems as a dealer-installed accessory around 2019. The first applications appeared on the Sierra and Yukon, with the front grille badge lighting up in a deep, rich red whenever the vehicle’s parking or headlights were on. The effect was subtle but unmistakable: the GMC lettering seemed to float against the grille, visible but not overpowering.

Since then, the illuminated emblem has expanded across the lineup. Today, you can find it on everything from the rugged Sierra HD to the luxurious Yukon Denali, and even on the radical new Hummer EV, where the “HUMMER” lettering across the grille lights up in a full-width LED signature. Prices for the OEM accessory typically range from $310 to $475, depending on the vehicle and badge color.

But like any new technology, the road hasn’t been perfectly smooth.

The Spark That Almost Burned Out

In 2022, reports surfaced that some GMC illuminated emblems were causing electrical issues. Specifically, water intrusion from the emblem’s wiring harness was finding its way into the headlight connectors, leading to flickering, dimming, or complete failure of the headlights and turn signals. The problem affected a number of new trucks, and GMC issued technical service bulletins to address it.

It wasn’t a design flaw in the concept of illuminated emblems. It was a manufacturing issue—a leaky gasket, a poorly sealed connector. And while it gave critics ammunition to question the reliability of “flashy accessories,” it didn’t stop owners from wanting the look. If anything, it made the aftermarket community even more determined to perfect it.

Why Owners Can’t Get Enough

Despite the early hiccups, the illuminated GMC emblem has become one of the most popular accessories among owners. Spend ten minutes on a GMC forum, and you’ll find thread after thread of DIY installers sharing tips, photos, and pride in their glowing badges.

Why the obsession?

First, it’s a statement of ownership. When you invest in a GMC—especially a high-trim Sierra Denali or Yukon AT4—you’re buying into a certain image. The illuminated emblem reinforces that image every time the sun goes down. It says, “This isn’t just any truck. This is my truck.”

Second, it’s a subtle customization. Unlike massive lift kits or loud exhausts, an illuminated emblem is understated. It doesn’t scream for attention. It just quietly elevates the vehicle’s presence. Owners on forums frequently describe the look as “clean,” “classy,” and “like it should have come from the factory that way.”

Third, it’s surprisingly easy to install. Most OEM kits are plug-and-play, designed to connect directly into existing wiring harnesses behind the grille or tailgate. Aftermarket options are even simpler, with many featuring adhesive backing and pre-spliced connectors. A typical install takes an hour or two, and there are dozens of YouTube tutorials walking you through every step.

Aftermarket vs. OEM: Options for Every Owner

For GMC owners who want to go beyond the factory look, the aftermarket offers even more possibilities.

OEM Accessory Emblems: Available directly from GMC, these come in the signature red illumination (white for rear applications). They’re designed to match the factory fitment perfectly and come with a warranty. Prices range from about $310 to $475.

RGBW Color-Changing Emblems: For those who want full control, aftermarket kits offer the ability to switch between any solid color, pure white, and multiple flashing or fading patterns via remote control or smartphone app. Perfect for car shows or just matching your mood.

Tailgate Emblems: Rear badges typically illuminate in red while driving, get brighter when braking, and switch to white when in reverse—adding both style and safety.

Door Projector Lights: Not technically an emblem, but part of the same family of illuminated branding. These replace the factory puddle lights and beam the GMC logo onto the ground when you open the door. Plug-and-play and nearly invisible during the day.

Custom Emblems: Some owners even design their own illuminated badges, incorporating custom text or logos alongside the standard GMC lettering. For the true individualist.

What About the Hummer EV?

The new GMC Hummer EV takes illuminated branding to another level entirely. The front grille features a full-width light bar with the “HUMMER” lettering backlit in white. But the coolest detail might be the taillights: the blocky “H” logo itself doubles as a lighting element, glowing red from within. It’s a masterclass in integrating branding into the vehicle’s fundamental design, not just tacking it on as an afterthought.

For traditional GMC owners, the Hummer EV represents the future—and it’s a future where illuminated logos aren’t just an accessory. They’re a defining characteristic.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re the type of driver who sees your truck as nothing more than a tool—a way to haul lumber and get to the jobsite—then maybe an illuminated emblem isn’t for you. It doesn’t improve horsepower, towing capacity, or fuel economy.

But if you’re the type of driver who washes your truck on Sunday mornings, who parks facing out so you can admire the grille from the window, who feels a little spark of pride every time you climb behind the wheel—then yes, an illuminated GMC emblem is absolutely worth it.

It’s not about being flashy. It’s about celebrating something you already love. It’s about taking a logo that has represented professional-grade toughness for over a century and letting it shine just a little brighter.

And honestly? That three-letter glow, reflecting off the pavement in a dark parking lot, never gets old.

[rgbemblem]

How to Install an Illuminated Front Emblem on a Cadillac ATS

So you want to add a glowing Cadillac crest to the front of your ATS. Great choice—it’s one of those subtle upgrades that completely transforms the car’s nighttime presence. The good news? It’s a doable weekend project. The bad news? There’s no simple “plug-and-play” kit for most ATS models, so you’ll need to get a little creative.

Let’s walk through it step by step.

What You’ll Need

Parts:

OEM Cadillac ATS front emblem (part #23157689 for coupe, or verify fitment for your specific year and model)

Optional: blank aftermarket grille (Eliminator Truck Accessories or similar)

3M heavy-duty automotive adhesive tape

Small screws, nuts, and washers (#10-32 or M5 x 0.8 x 20mm)

JB Weld or similar two-part epoxy

LED light strip or pre-made illuminated emblem kit (if not purchasing a complete illuminated unit)

Wire taps, heat shrink tubing, electrical tape

Zip ties

Tools:

Socket set (for removing grille/bumper)

Trim removal tools (plastic pry bars)

Dremel or rotary tool with cutting/sanding attachments

Drill with small bits

Heat gun or hair dryer

Razor knife

Sandpaper

Multimeter (for testing electrical connections)

Isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloth

Step 1: Understand What You’re Working With

Here’s the thing about ATS emblems: they weren’t designed to light up from the factory. So you have two paths.

Path A: Buy an illuminated emblem kit (if available for your specific model). Some aftermarket companies offer complete units that include the LED lighting integrated into the badge.

Path B: Build your own by combining an OEM ATS emblem with an LED light strip behind it. This takes more work but gives you more control over the final look.

The steps below assume you’re going the custom route, but the mounting process applies either way.

Step 2: Remove the Old Grille and Emblem

On the ATS, the front grille needs to come off to access the emblem mounting points.

Open the hood and remove any plastic covers or shrouds above the grille.

Remove the front bumper cover (this varies by year—check YouTube for ATS-specific tutorials). You usually need to remove screws from the wheel wells, under the bumper, and along the top.

Unbolt and remove the grille assembly from the bumper cover.

Remove the old emblem. On the ATS grille, the emblem is typically held by plastic clips molded into the back of the grille . Use a Dremel or drill to carefully remove the clips and detach the emblem.

If you’re installing a blank aftermarket grille, skip this step—you’ll be mounting your new emblem onto a clean surface .

Step 3: Prepare Your New Emblem

This is where the forum wisdom comes in handy.

If You’re Building a Custom Illuminated Emblem

Disassemble the emblem (optional). Some enthusiasts drill out the plastic welds on the back to separate the chrome or colored face from the backing . This gives you a larger surface area for mounting and lets you place the LED light strip behind the face.

Trim the mounting tabs. The ATS emblem has plastic tabs on the back that won’t fit flush against a flat grille. Use a Dremel to trim them down until the emblem sits flat .

Add mounting studs. Using JB Weld, epoxy small screws or bolts to the back of the emblem. A good setup uses three attachment points—one near the top center and two near the bottom corners . Let the epoxy cure fully (follow the JB Weld instructions).

Scuff the surface. Use a razor knife to make shallow cross-hatch cuts on the areas where epoxy will be applied. This gives the adhesive something to grip .

Install the LED light strip between the emblem face and the backing. Position it so the light distributes evenly across the crest.

If You Bought a Complete Illuminated Kit

Most pre-made illuminated emblems come with mounting studs or adhesive already applied. Skip the epoxy step and follow the kit’s instructions.

Step 4: Mount the Emblem to the Grille

Test fit the emblem on your grille. Mark where the studs will go through.

Drill holes in the grille at the marked locations.

Apply 3M adhesive tape around the perimeter of the emblem backing for extra security.

Position the emblem, push the studs through the holes, and secure with washers and lock nuts from behind . Tighten gently—overtightening can crack the emblem or grille.

If you’re using a blank aftermarket grille: you won’t need to trim anything—just drill, mount, and bolt on .

Step 5: Run the Wiring

This is the part that connects your emblem to power.

Route the wires from the back of the emblem through the grille and into the engine bay. Follow existing wire looms and use zip ties to keep everything neat and away from moving parts.

Choose a power source. For a front emblem that lights up with your parking lights or headlights, tap into the parking light circuit. You can find this wiring near the headlight assembly.

Use a multimeter to confirm which wire gets 12V when the lights are on.

Tap into the wire using a posi-tap or T-tap connector. Connect the emblem’s positive (red) wire here.

Ground the negative (black) wire to a clean, unpainted metal bolt on the chassis.

Secure and waterproof all connections with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.

Pro tip: If you want the emblem to light up whenever the car is running (not just at night), tap into an ignition-switched fuse in the fuse box using an add-a-circuit adapter.

Step 6: Test and Reassemble

Reconnect your battery (if you disconnected it—and you should have).

Turn on your parking lights (or ignition, depending on your wiring choice) and verify the emblem lights up.

If it doesn’t light: check your ground connection, verify your tap is secure, and test with a multimeter to ensure power is reaching the emblem.

Once confirmed working, reassemble the grille, bumper cover, and any trim pieces you removed.

Step back and admire. You’ve earned it.

Tips from the Trenches

These come straight from Cadillac enthusiasts who’ve done this mod:

Know your part numbers. ATS front emblem part #23157689 is a common starting point . Verify fitment for your specific model year—some ATS trims have different grille contours.

Expect to modify. These emblems rarely bolt directly on. Trimming tabs and custom mounting are almost always required .

Use quality epoxy. JB Weld is forum-approved for a reason. It holds up to vibration and weather .

Consider a blank grille. An aftermarket grille without the factory emblem indentation makes mounting much cleaner .

Don’t forget the rear. While you’re at it, the rear ATS emblem (part #23157691) can be swapped too. On coupes, it may require heating and bending to match the trunk contour .

Final Thoughts

Installing an illuminated emblem on your Cadillac ATS isn’t a quick five-minute job—but it’s absolutely doable if you’re comfortable with basic tools and a little creativity. The result is a front end that looks modern, custom, and genuinely premium at night.

Take your time, follow the steps, and don’t be afraid to search for ATS-specific forum threads if you get stuck. There’s a whole community of Cadillac owners who’ve been down this road before.

[rgbemblem]

It seems the Chevrolet Impala is a very well-regarded car?

Even though production ended in 2020, the Impala is one of those nameplates that sticks with you—like an old friend you still think about from time to time.

The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that first hit the streets in 1958. We’re talking about a car that’s been around for over six decades—through muscle car eras, oil crises, minivan mania, and the rise of SUVs. It adapted, survived, and kept showing up in driveways across America.

It wasn’t just a car. It was the car. The one that hauled the kids, survived the commutes, and quietly rolled past 200,000 miles without complaining.

It’s big. It’s comfortable. And it’s unapologetically American. Think spacious back seats, a trunk that could swallow luggage for a week-long road trip, and a ride that glides over highway pavement like it was built for exactly that.

Because honestly? It was.

Why Do People Love This Car So Much?

If you dig into owner reviews—and I spent way too long doing exactly that—you’ll notice some themes popping up again and again. Here’s what real Impala owners actually say.

1. It Just Won’t Die (If You Treat It Right)

This is the big one. The Impala has a reputation for longevity that borders on legendary. Owners regularly report hitting 200,000 miles and beyond. One guy mentioned his 2013 Impala LTZ rolled past 281,000 miles on the original engine. That’s not luck. That’s engineering.

The secret? That 3.8-liter V6 engine—especially in late ’90s and early 2000s models—has a cult following for a reason. It’s simple, it’s tough, and it just keeps going. Data backs this up: the Impala has an average lifespan of about 135,000 miles, with over 11 percent reaching 200,000 miles.

2. It’s Genuinely Comfortable

You know how some cars feel great for the first hour, then punish you by hour three? The Impala isn’t like that. Owners consistently praise the seats, the legroom, and the quiet cabin. It’s the kind of car you could drive to Florida without stopping to stretch every 90 minutes.

One owner put it simply: “Plenty of legroom, smooth ride, and the leather interior exceeded my expectations.”

3. Decent Gas Mileage for a Big Car

Nobody buys a full-size sedan expecting hybrid numbers. But later Impalas—especially those with the 3.6-liter V6—can push 30 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s genuinely impressive for something this size.

4. It’s a Highway Cruiser

Multiple owners mention how quiet and stable the Impala feels at 70, 80, even 90 miles an hour. It isolates you from the road. You arrive at your destination feeling fresh instead of beaten up.

Oh, and Here’s Something You Might Not Know

Here’s a cool piece of trivia: the Impala has spent decades as the officially designated vehicle for all sorts of government and law enforcement agencies. We’re talking police departments, sheriff’s offices, government fleets—the works.

The Philadelphia Police Department ran Impalas for years and called them a “home run,” especially in snow. The NYPD? Same deal. And it wasn’t just cops. Pharmaceutical sales reps, corporate fleets, rental agencies—they all leaned on the Impala because it was reliable, spacious, and didn’t complain about racking up miles.

At one point, over 70 percent of Impala sales were going to fleet customers. That’s a mind-blowing number when you think about it. For a while there, the Impala you saw on the road was more likely to be a rental car or a detective’s unmarked cruiser than someone’s personal ride.

GM even kept producing the previous-generation Impala (called the “Impala Limited”) alongside the newer model just to keep fleet customers happy. That’s how important this car was to the people who buy vehicles by the dozens.

So when you see an Impala, you’re not just looking at a family sedan. You’re looking at a car that governments trusted, police departments depended on, and rental fleets built their inventories around. That’s a pretty solid resume.

But Let’s Keep It Real: It’s Not Perfect

Look, no car is. And the Impala has a few quirks you should know about.

Electrical Gremlins: Some owners report issues with window motors, door lock actuators, and climate control knobs. One guy mentioned replacing his air conditioning control discs four times. It’s not every car, but it’s a known thing.

Transmission Troubles: Certain model years—especially around 2006—have a reputation for transmission shudder or hard shifts. If you’re shopping used, it’s worth asking about.

Suspension Wear: Like any older car, suspension components wear out over time. Nothing crazy, just something to keep an eye on.

The PassLock System: GM’s anti-theft system has confused more than a few owners over the years. Sometimes it just decides the key isn’t right and refuses to start. Frustrating when it happens.

Model Years Matter: The ninth-generation Impalas (roughly 2006–2013) have more reported issues than the tenth generation (2014–2019). Later is generally better if you’re shopping used.

That Cool Leaping Antelope Emblem

Here’s a fun detail: the Impala is one of only two Chevrolets—the other being the Corvette—to have its own unique emblem alongside the bowtie.

That leaping antelope has evolved over the years. Early versions looked almost plump. Later models got a more muscular, streamlined animal. And on the 2014 redesign, it looked genuinely modern and aggressive.

If you’re into personalizing your ride, you can even find LED illuminated versions of that emblem for later models. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes the car feel special after dark. Alternatively, modifying your Impala with an illuminated Chevrolet emblem or a custom illuminated Impala emblem would also be quite interesting.

The Bottom Line: Should You Buy One?

If you’re in the market for a used sedan that offers:

Massive interior space

Genuine highway comfort

Solid reliability (especially 2014 and up)

Respectable fuel economy for its class

A genuine piece of American automotive history with government and fleet cred to boot

…then yeah, the Chevrolet Impala deserves a spot on your list.

Just do your homework. Check service records. Look for well-maintained examples. And maybe set aside a little budget for the occasional electrical hiccup.

But overall? The Impala earned its reputation the old-fashioned way: by being a solid, comfortable, dependable car that millions of Americans—and thousands of cops, sales reps, and rental customers—trusted for decades.

In a world where sedans are disappearing fast, that’s worth remembering.