Karmann Badge

[Jim Nelson]

Janos,

I have not seen it in the classified section.

Old topic, 2010-2011…

[Steve Kram]

Still looking for a recommendation for a repair to the enamel for my badge.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Steve Proctor]

When I was in college, I took a ceramics class during which we made cloisonne items, applying the colored glass powder and firing. Perhaps contact a local college and consult w/art department for advice & contacts??

[Mike Wilson]

There was a guy in Australia that said he could restore the badges but I remember it was very expensive.

Would the process be the same or similar to the one used to create the grill badges? I know the Registry and other clubs have them made for their various events.

Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

[Peter Silten]

Sadly, the fellow in Australia -- Allan Heywood -- passed away several years ago. I had him restore my Karmann badge for me and he did an excellent job. I suggest that you contact Emblemagic -- http://www.emblemagic.com/enamel_expl.htm -- they might be able to restore your Karmann badge.

[Steve Kram]

I tried emblematic and they want a lot of money and say that it will take a year!
Anyone else with a suggestion?
Thanks

[Mike Wilson]

I Googled a couple of sites and like Steve said, it is expensive, $250-300+, and could take a while. For rare, unobtainium items, it might be worth it. I wonder what it would cost to make an accurate reproduction of the Karmann badge. Obviously it would be based upon the number ordered and an original badge would need to be provided.

Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

[Roy Lock]

Mike, I believe years ago Stoddards offered the enamel badges. I did get a chance to compare both once. There are minor differences in the shield portion of the badge.
You'll have to come over and we carefully remove that badge from my car and document it.

[Steve Proctor]

A lot of money and a year means they don't want to do it.

Google "cloisonne class" to find someone that does that kind of work (a teacher, etc.) Give them a call and see if they can line you up with someone who can and will do it for you. They may be able to just heat and reflow the existing ceramic or they may heat the part, remove the dead ceramic and re-powder and reflow. I found a bunch of them.

Sometimes in the restoration process, the best approach is to find someone un-related to the industry but that is a specialist in the process at hand.