Suggestions for Spacer Product/Material for Emblem

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DeafBringer

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Hi all,

I obtained a Ford emblem with embedded backup camera to use on my 2012 XL trim. Turns out the camera part protrudes quite a bit. I'd have to cut a sizeable hole (probably 1" by 1" or slightly bigger) to make room for the camera to fit so the emblem will sit flush on the tailgate, replacing the OEM emblem. I'm not willing to hack into the tailgate skin for a number of reasons. Instead I'm seriously considering the use of some kind of spacer cut to the shape of the emblem with a notch cut into it for the camera. That would serve as the "base" and then bolt everything to the tailgate to look OEM.

Any suggestions on material and source?
 

BigOleFordFan

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Part of this will depend on how thick the spacer will need to be to make everything fit flush & look good, but some possibilities:

1. a piece of gasket-style rubber sheet, from an auto parts store
2. a piece of cork sheet, like that used on bulletin boards, but comes in squares/circles from an Arts & Craft store, sLowes, or Home Despot
3. a piece of closed-cell foam insulation, like that used for around doors & windows, only more solid-ish

And although it could be done with the proper tools (a hole-cutting drill bit, like what is used for door locks), I would NOT be cutting 1" holes in my tailgate's sheet metal either.... 1/8"-1/4" maybe, but not any larger :D
 
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DeafBringer

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Yeah I'm with you on not cutting into the tailgate sheet metal.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm thinking it'll probably need to be at least 1 inch think, maybe a little thicker to allow for the material to compress a bit and make a tight seal for the existing hole (will have to enlarge one for the wire to pass through). And will need to be about the same size length and width wise as the emblem itself. Or larger if I want the spacer to follow the same tamper as the emblem. I'll look around some and keep this thread updated.

Meanwhile, feel free to keep those ideas coming!
 

BigOleFordFan

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I'm thinking it'll probably need to be at least 1 inch think, maybe a little thicker to allow for the material to compress a bit and make a tight seal for the existing hole
Yea, in this case, my 1st choice would be #1 from my list, IF you can find a sheet that is thick enough....perhaps check with a shop that does engine/transmission rebuilds, as alot of them cut their own gaskets & seals from bulk sheets...
 
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