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Chrome Yamaha Tuning Fork Emblems? What are they?
I custom build these emblems from quality components. The base is an oem U.S. automotive emblem that has been modified. It has a real chrome (copper/nickel/chromium) plating. True chrome electro-plating as is done on today's cars to create chrome grills and trim parts, none of that vacuum or spray junk. A 40mm Yamaha Tuning Fork emblem is centered in the base. 3M 5344 Acrylic Foam Tape Adhesive is applied for mounting (not available retail - great stuff). The base measures just over 2 inches round.
You said the chrome is real. Can it be treated like regular chrome?
Yes! Feel free to apply some chrome polish to protect it's looks. Apply just to the chrome base, though. The emblem overall needs no care other than washing with a soft cloth to avoid scratching the rubber-like tuning fork emblem.
How do I mount these emblems?
The mounting area should be THOROUGHLY cleaned before mounting. The adhesive provided with the emblems is of the best available quality, and if applied properly, will form an extremely strong bond to the surface. Any dirt / tar / wax / polish must be removed. Once the emblem is mounted, you will be hard-pressed to remove it at all, so carefully align the emblem before touching it to the surface! Be sure to reapply wax to your paint around the emblem after it is mounted. If you don't wax your vehicle, for shame!
Again, make SURE you clean the mounting area properly! You don't want to lose your emblem! Clean with something that does not leave a residue.
Why are you making these?
I have desired a nice "Tuning Fork" emblem for my Taurus SHO ever since I first brought it home. I like the badges Yamaha has, but for a car, they are too small and flat, and seem out of place without a chrome base. I decided to make this badge available because I know many of you love the YAMAHA part of your SHO as much as I (Some even more~ scary). Since Yamaha does not make a badge with more substance, I did it myself.
What goes into making these emblems?
I make these in my garage, using a jig I made, a drill press and a dremel. I modify the chrome bases one at a time to accept the Yamaha tuning fork emblem and mount on a flat surface. I buy oem parts, modify them, and put these together at a table right beside my SHO. Producing these is an 11-step process which takes considerable time. This is an extremely low-volume project for me, so if you've got one or more of these emblems, you're probably the only one in your city (or state!).
You keep talking about some "SHO". What is it?
The Ford Taurus SHO is an interesting creature. It's a very unique car that was forced into existence by poor project backing, lack of forsight, and the ever-present, localized penny-pinching problems at Ford. The result was a car that saw production numbers well below 100,000 each for the two different chassis that were graced with it's name. While the car was a total sales failure (and was never intended to not be), it has a draw to it's owners that is, well, quite un-natural. The annual conventions held for enthusiasts draws enough current owners Vs production numbers to shame any Mustang or Corvette gathering, anywhere. For more detailed information on the Ford / Yamaha collision that resulted in the Taurus SHO, I suggest you check out SHOtimes, an informative website geared towards the Ford Taurus SHO owner. You can also feel free to browse my website for interesting and odd SHO workings as they pertain to me.
Are these emblems available to non-SHO owners?
These emblems are available to anyone that wants them for any Yamaha product of any type. I will build most of these emblems as they are ordered and may run out of supplies at times. I'll let you know how things look when you make a request.
Where can / can't I put these emblems?
These emblems are flat, so mounting on extreme curves may pose problems. Make sure you've got a fairly flat surface for mounting. Applying another layer of quality adhesive tape will allow for more radical curves, but may present appearance issues (try blackening the edge of the tape with a marker if you have a dark paint). I mounted mine where the "24V - DOHC" emblems resided on my 95 Ford Taurus SHO (Front quarter panel just before door and just above oem ground effects molding) with one layer of tape (light curve). I would be happy to provide an extra layer of adhesive tape upon request, no additional charge.
Have you tested these emblems for durability?
No way! Well, I've got over four years on my daily driver, parked outside much of the time, and while the tuning fork emblem started to haze up a bit this winter, some plastic polish cleaned it right up.
The original intent of the components was for use on-road, off-road and in water, so I'm sure they'll pass muster. Both parts are intended to withstand road salts pollutions and what-not. Salt-water may pose a risk of early demise for sea-going applications, but it does that to everything. As for structural integrity, I had to use a large, 16" screwdriver and a block of wood (leather to protect paint) between it and the car to remove the emblem when I decided to try an alternate mounting location. I thought the base was going to break due to the strength of the adhesive tape. The base is surprisingly strong. It held up, and is back on the car. And the adhesive will obviously not fail if applied properly.
Are these emblems street legal?
These emblems are indeed legal for street use. As a bonus, they are also legal for off-road use, track use, and strip use. I highly suggest you test the legality of these emblems yourself, often!
Will these emblems make my Yamaha-driven SHO / motorcycle / waverunner / ATV / scooter / Keyboard / midi synthesizer / trumpet / etc. faster?
Well, if you think that guy behind you in that [insert name of riced-out car here] with the 4-inch gas expulsion tip, 22" spinners and fuzzy dice is going to steal your emblems, I'm, sure it will make you faster! I don't know about your Yamaha product, but I'm pretty sure that YOU will be faster.
So, what's it gonna cost to sport these on MY baby?
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