Install Instructions
Installation Instructions
Below you will find all of our installation instructions. We decided to do videos, instead of written instructions as we feel it makes it easier to actually see the best ways to install our emblems and parts, versus pictures and reading. These work for most of our emblems and parts. If you have any issues, please message us!
WARNING!! – We use 3M 467MP adhesive. It sticks amazing to paint, glass, vinyl wrap, even wood, but WILL NOT stick to certain plastics, bedliner, Kevlar, or ceramic coated vehicles.
We are working hard to get the rest of the videos edited and uploaded!
Factory Emblem Removal/Debadging (All)
Tailgate Emblem Installation. All Styles
Fender/Smaller Emblem Installation. All Styles
Grab Handle Install
The grab handles are easy to install, but they are FRAGILE, so care must be taken. Prep work must be done carefully. You should clean with rubbing alcohol AND a degreaser. The alcohol isn't enough by itself to remove leftover silicone residue, commonly found in automotive protectants (armor-all, etc). These emblems are made in a flush style, so the inner letters are pressed into the outline. They may feel sightly loose before install. This is normal and not a big deal once they are stuck, they won't move. You need to peel the backing on all the letters and the outline. They are individual, so a small pick or knife is helpful. After setting the emblem in place, you need to apply some pressure, evenly on all parts of the emblem. DO NOT mash is down, as you could break the emblem. Just some medium, steady pressure is usually enough. Care must be taken to not hit the emblem after it is installed. Purses, backpacks, feet, etc, can easily damage the emblem.
Tailgate Bracket Install
The gladiator tailgate brackets are super easy to install. Just remove the stock brackets using a T45 bit. Slide the small washer (included) onto the bolt. Bolt goes through the bracket, then the larger nylon washer goes between the bracket and the bed. There is no alignment holes on our brackets, like the OEM ones, so you need to align them by hand while tightening down.
Removal Of Our Emblems
Our emblems are sold as permanent, and are NOT easy to remove. They can be removed, but care must be taken, and there is always the possibility of damage to paint. To remove them, you will need a heat gun. You need to get them fairly hot. When they are hot, the acrylic is more flexible. Personally, I prefer, if possible) to pop the top layers off first. This allows for easier heating of the lower layer. DO NOT use metal tools under the emblem. You want to use plastic tools only. Although, using a small flathead screwdriver, by pushing it into the side of a heated emblem, helps to get a side lifted up enough to slide a plastic tool under it. While heating, slowly work the plastic tool under the emblem, letting the adhesive separate as you go. This is where having the emblems warmer, really helps. If they are cold, they will break, and you have to start over again. By going slow, you can usually remove entire letters one by one. They will not typically be reusable after removal. To remove leftover adhesive, a rubber vinyl removal wheel is the best. If it isn't available, bug spray helps to soften the adhesive and a microfiber will usually remove it easier.
The videos below, are older and alternative methods.