Re-Opelization complete

[Sprads]

50Joe, can you post the sources for your emblems (p/n s, cost, etc)? Also, can you describe/document the front grille rebadge?

 

[50Joe]

50Joe, can you post the sources for your emblems (p/n s, cost, etc)? Also, can you describe/document the front grille rebadge?

The process I used to modify the Buick front emblem into an Opel emblem for those interested in doing a low cost conversion.

1. Remove the plastic cover over the radiator by popping out 7 plastic rivets that are reusable.
2. Push the Buick emblem out of the grill by gently pressing the 4 tabs that secure the emblem to the grill.
3. I then used a dremel tool to grind down the plastic welds which secure the chrome shield logo to the black mounting base.
4. The center of the black mounting base then needs to be shaved down flush with the outer diameter.
5. I cut a 1/16" thick piece of aluminum plate to the exact outer diameter of the black mounting part.
6. I used 4 small self tapping screws driving them in from the back side of the black mounting part through the aluminum to secure the aluminum piece to the black mount. Those screw were very close to the outer diameter edge.
7. I then ground down flush the part of the screw which went through the aluminum piece and was sticking out.
8. I then used UV light activated epoxy to "seal" the screw to the mounting base to insure it won't back out.
9. Then bead blasted the aluminum so paint could stick better.
10. One coat of rattle can primer followed with 2 coats of gloss black paint.
11. Let the paint cure and then I used 3M clear bra adhesive over the paint to protect from chips.
12. I then installed the mount into the car.
13. I then applied the Opel emblem to the mount. I wanted the mount in the car first so I would be sure to get it level and centered. The emblem I used is the exact same self adhesive emblem that is used on the rear hatch boot.

Parts from Blitzparts.de
2 Opel emblems part number 39068586 31.87 Euro each
4 Opel wheel caps part number 13373329 11.26 Euro each

 

[Sprads]

50Joe, Thanks for that info! I just got my TourX and I'm very interested in your work.
Two additional questions. Do you have a part number for the steering wheel badge (I assume you didn't replace the entire cover)? And, I see you have no Buick emblems on your rear hatch, did you remove those too? Are all the badges glued on? I guess that's 3 questions 😉

 

[50Joe]

50Joe, Thanks for that info! I just got my TourX and I'm very interested in your work.
Two additional questions. Do you have a part number for the steering wheel badge (I assume you didn't replace the entire cover)? And, I see you have no Buick emblems on your rear hatch, did you remove those too? Are all the badges glued on? I guess that's 3 questions 😉

The emblem on the steering wheel is a very simple 50mm vinyl stick on wheel center cap that I bought a set of 4 off ebay (sold as a set of 4). I stuck the emblem on right over the Buick emblem.

For the rear lift gate (all badges back there are applied using double sided tape): The original Buick emblem, Regal and TourX emblems were removed using a heat gun and carefully pulling them off. Some use dental floss or fishing line behind the emblem to help. If there is any left over adhesive I just heated it back up and used my thumb to sort of roll it off the paint. I then used a pre-wax paint cleaner followed with a coat of wax.

I need to order front and rear Buick emblems and store them in a box so when the day comes that I sell the car the next owner will have the option of keeping the Opel badges on or putting the Buick emblems back on.

 

[Sprads]

Thanks again. I'm going to order my materials right away and get on this project!

 

[Iansignia]

Nice job Joe, I did a Holden HSV Badge job on my G8 back in 2008 but the VXR seats gave it away... Lol... FYR we have the same wheels on the Country Tourer (TourX) here so......

 

[50Joe]

Nice job Joe, I did a Holden HSV Badge job on my G8 back in 2008 but the VXR seats gave it away... Lol... FYR we have the same wheels on the Country Tourer (TourX) here so......

Thanks. It's been fun over here because so many don't know what it is. I've had people follow me into parking lots to ask about the car.

 

[Iansignia]

Same here Joe... I think its because there are probs less than 100 Country Tourers here in the uk...

 

[Skynet]

The emblem on the steering wheel is a very simple 50mm vinyl stick on wheel center cap that I bought a set of 4 off ebay (sold as a set of 4). I stuck the emblem on right over the Buick emblem.

For the rear lift gate (all badges back there are applied using double sided tape): The original Buick emblem, Regal and TourX emblems were removed using a heat gun and carefully pulling them off. Some use dental floss or fishing line behind the emblem to help. If there is any left over adhesive I just heated it back up and used my thumb to sort of roll it off the paint. I then used a pre-wax paint cleaner followed with a coat of wax.

I need to order front and rear Buick emblems and store them in a box so when the day comes that I sell the car the next owner will have the option of keeping the Opel badges on or putting the Buick emblems back on.

You mentioned that the steering wheel emblems were 50mm in size. Does this fit over the diameter or right in it? I want to purchase an actual chrome piece to fit inside but don't know the diameter.

 

[50Joe]

You mentioned that the steering wheel emblems were 50mm in size. Does this fit over the diameter or right in it? I want to purchase an actual chrome piece to fit inside but don't know the diameter.

The 50mm emblem fit perfectly over the Buick emblem.

 

[StFrancis]

Check the VIN ...if you know how to decode... it is a Buick.
Until you remove or change it...it is a Buick.

The VIN starts with "W" not "1".

 

[D2R]

The VIN starts with "W" not "1".

And it starts with W04. Which means it is a Buick made in (West) Germany.
An Opel would be starting with W0L or W0V (2017 or newer).

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) - Wikibooks, open books for an open world

en.wikibooks.org

Starting with a 1 only indicates the vehicle is manufactured in the United States.

 

[bristol16]

Thanks. It's been fun over here because so many don't know what it is. I've had people follow me into parking lots to ask about the car.

Mine has Buick emblems on it and people still don't know what it is...everything thinks its a damn Volvo.

 

[50Joe]

Mine has Buick emblems on it and people still don't know what it is...everything thinks its a damn Volvo.

I get the Volvo thing too.

 

[Charleetho]

I get the Volvo thing too.

I get Audi

 

[LilRedWgn]

I like the wheels, and post this picture whenever I get the chance.
I dont know loves it when I do, I think he is the guy who is infatuated with Kathy Griffin.... so his taste is really bad.
Do not understand the motivation to change a Buick into a Opel.
I could understand if you had a brand like a Chevy, where you were ashamed to be seen in it ...with good reason.View attachment 20557

Where did you get the colored center caps for your wheels? Been looking for the right ones for my Tourx.

 

[50Joe]

Where did you get the colored center caps for your wheels? Been looking for the right ones for my Tourx.

I got mine from Blitzparts in Germany.

 

[Abbott Martin]

I finally sourced these center caps for mine, too. Love the tri-color! Really dresses up the wheels!

Where did you source the emblems? Part number? Thanks!

 

[LLninja]

I like the wheels, and post this picture whenever I get the chance.
I dont know loves it when I do, I think he is the guy who is infatuated with Kathy Griffin.... so his taste is really bad.
Do not understand the motivation to change a Buick into a Opel.
I could understand if you had a brand like a Chevy, where you were ashamed to be seen in it ...with good reason.View attachment 20557

I am a Chevy guy, love my Suburban and Chevy volt and am not ashamed to drive a Chevy. Alas, if I end up slapping my volt snow tires on the TourX, I will probably change the center caps so i didn’t look like a hobo.

 

[BobK]

I like the wheels, and post this picture whenever I get the chance.
I dont know loves it when I do, I think he is the guy who is infatuated with Kathy Griffin.... so his taste is really bad.
Do not understand the motivation to change a Buick into a Opel.
I could understand if you had a brand like a Chevy, where you were ashamed to be seen in it ...with good reason.View attachment 20557

Hello,

New member here, with a week's experience with a 2018 TourX Esssense, Dark Moon Blue/Shale with 25,400 miles. This car follows approximately 25 years of VW's (Passats and Jettas). I would like to personalize ours somewhat and wondered if you could tell me where you sourced those tri-color center caps? Thanks in advance for your help. Best wishes, Bob K