Debadging

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Debadging refers to the process of removing the manufacturer's badges from a vehicle. This can be done to disguise a lower specification model or to complement the smoothed out bodywork of a modified car. Many enthusiasts also believe that debadging a vehicle makes it easier to clean, as manufacturer badges are notorious for trapping wax, which is difficult to remove from small crevices. While most modern vehicle badging is attatched with adhesive and can easily be removed, some emblems require varying degrees of bodywork to fill in voids and mounting holes left behind.

Debadging can also refer to the process of removing the car manufacturer's logo from the front grille. The result is a car widely considered to appeal more to car enthusiasts. The grill is often replaced by a plain grille, a home made item made from drawknobs, a grille from another make and model of car altogether or one showing the more subtle logo of an aftermarket manufacturer such as ABT, Irmscher or Kamei. This is a common customising technique on leadsleds and kustoms, which dates back to the 1940's. For example, a Vauxhall Astra could have a grille swapped in from a Saab or a Jaguar E-type and be shaved of all trim.

Debadging can conversely be used to disguise a higher-end model: see sleeper.