MTFCA Forum

The radiator badge on my 1924 Citroen is soldered in place and must be removed to nickel plate the shell. I'm afraid to re-solder the restored badge on the re-plated shell. Any suggestions? A badge restoration guy says to use silicone adhesive.

Phil

I think you might be able to solder if you use a large iron. Do not use a torch.
Norm

I agree, silicine works fine but can be a job and a half if you have to remove it later.

I used a torch to remove the emblem on a similar spare radiator shell and the neck fell right off. I was thinking, for re-attaching the emblem, to position a piece of solder beneath it, then holding the iron underneath.

Phil

Just me, but I wouldn't trust silicone adhesive for such a rare piece. As silicone adhesive can age and the heat alone at that spot on the radiator would make silicone adhesive for long term in that vibration spot a suspect.

The extremely rare emblem off this shell was originally held just with rolled metal edge in a circle, it was loose over time too, so pried it off to refinish the shell. Installed the cloisonné emblem back in place using J-B Weld. Can trust J-B for this preservation.

Isn't JB Weld over paint only adhering to the paint?

Get some blue or gray RTV, put a spot of it on the back of the badge and tape it to the radiator shell and get on with life.
Take the tape off after a day and a night.
It probably will be a beech to get off some day. So?
The will not rot the RTV.

Dan, you're one who always makes sense.

Does J-B Weld stick to nickel plating?

I would not trust silicone with a unique piece. I would tin the back of the badge anfd the mounting site on the radiator shell first. Then make a ring of so ft wire solder to go under the badge. Place the shell on the level and heat the underside of the shell with a gentle flame and the wire solder will melt and fuse the two together.
Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.

If you use Permatex Ultra Grey silicone and not on a painted surface that is clean, dry, and oil free, It will stay on longer than you will live. I work in the diesel engine industry and it is the manufacture recommended sealant for our engines. Those engines got really hot and tons of vibration. I have used some myself at home, I can attest to how hard it is to get off.