Color coding the base of rear VW emblem, by removing the emblem from the boot, and spray-paint in a DIY fashion!

After two attempts of color-coding the rear VW emblem without removing the assembly, I decided to take a bold step in stripping the lock assembly so as to have the access of the VW emblem independently. Actually, because of the ugly result of the previous attempt, I have no choice but to take it out to rectify the situation.

At the end of the whole DIY process, I must admit the result is very satisfying and I should have gone straight into this when the idea of color-coding first come about.

First of all, we need some torx screw drivers (torx-20), philips screw driver, and flat head screw driver.

We also need some painting tools, which I bought them mostly from a hobbyist shop. That includes the primer, the silver and clear-coat paint in spray-can form, as well as some alcohol for some preparation works.

Once we have the tools, here we begin!

Step 1. Removing the boot linen cover

Step 1a. Unscrews 13 screws off from the linen cover . The screws are cross-philip type.

Step 2. Remove the emergency hazard triangle plate as shown

Step 2a. Detaching the triangle holder by unscrewing the torx screw on the holder as shown below.

Step 2b.. The boot linen cover when the 13 screws and triangle holder full detached.

L: Boot cover out of action
C: Internal view of trunk lid in its bare form
R: A closeup view of the integrated lock assembly in the trunk

Step 3. Uninstall the lock assembly

Step 3a. Unplug the power harness from the lock assembly socket

Step 3b. Unclip the lock connector as shown

Step 4. Detach the lock assembly & emblem from the boot by unscrewing the 3 torx screws.

Boot with the lock assembly removed

A close up look of the lock assembly

Step 5. Dismantle the emblem and lock assembly

Step 5a. Remove the rubber base, and the emblem from the lock assembly by pulling them apart

Step 5b. Unclip the chrome looking VW badge from the black plastic base. Note that the black plastic shown in the picture already has the shape of VW paint on it, because of my earlier attempt to paint on it with the emblem on.

Disintegrated emblem/lock assembly

Step 6. Prepare for painting …

In the meantime, ensure your boot is safe from rain and theft!

Step 7. Spray paint the plastic base

Step 7a. Allow it to dry and repeat two more times

Step 8. Clear coat the fella! To be safe, I have 3 layer of clear coat in between the drying process.

Step 9. Finally when it's done, clip the VW chrome emblem on the silver-painted base plastic as shown.

Step 10. Put back the assembly in the reverse manner from Step 6 to 1…

Step 11. Test to ensure everything is alright

When it's done and mounted back

Close up of the finished result