debadging pro's and con's

Just saw two newer members both with "build" things that included debadging and got me thinking
what are the issues of debadging as it relates to holding value. I personally would like to take at least the stupid pre-runner off my tail gate but even though I promised the wifey I would keep this truck for at least ten years I want to get the alleged awesome value of a used Taco someday. Guess I could put em back on with auto version of double sided tape. Anyone have experience with this concept or an opinion one way or the other? Thanks

 

I took mine off then put them back on. Then off again. I like them off. All I have is Tacoma on the left of my tail gate and pre runner on the right.

 

I took off my TRD Off Road stickers because I plan to have the truck for 10 to 20 years and I expect the finish to hold up reasonably well but the sticker to look pretty crappy after that long. I didn't want the sticker leaving a "shadow" on the finish if I removed it 10 years from now. If I unexpectedly have to sell the truck earlier I can always purchase a replacement sticker for a few bucks if I think it is important.

I decided to remove the other badges at the same time, they just retain water when drying the truck and get in the way of applying wax. Again, I could stick them back on if I ever decided a future buyer would care.

Personally I can't imagine missing badges or stickers affecting the value of a used truck at all.

 

A con I had with my other truck is that scratched a few spots taking them off, and I never was able to get all the residue off.

 

X2.

 

No one will ever miss a PreRunner badge. Worst case scenario, it gets mistaken for a 4wd model. Only time I can see that being an issue is someone flagging you down asking for a pull out of the mud or ditch. Then you have to explain the situation. Awkward.

Caveat: this 2wd shot is not intended for heavily modded prerunners. Your truck is more capable that 4wds. We all believe you.

 

cons to de-badging?

use fishing line and a hair dryer and you'll be done in 15min. residual adhesive if any comes off easily.

 

I don't think the overall value of a ten year old truck will be that different whether it's badged or not. What it comes down to is if you like the look better with or without. Then forget about it.

 

Took all tx sticker stuff off day of purchasing. All the others except toyota witch i have cut to say toy on my tailgate not to long after, is all that remains. Don't think there is any cons from the removal as far as resale is conserned.

 

good stuff...thanks.. IDK. the stickers, seats, bilsteins and fake hood scoop on my Sport cost me what 3K extra LOL... not sure I wanna give it all back unless it really doesn't matter... but in hindsight I guess I can't remember in the last few times I traded in that the dealer gave a crap what the car-truck looked like. It was mileage and does the A/C blow cold (Florida)... I might yank some emblems soon

 

I don't debadge. Stickers however are removed shortly after bringing the truck home. Especially TuRD stickers.

 

If you are really worried about it then just measure where they are placed, make a drawing on a sheet of paper and then put it in a drawer somewhere. That way it can easily be put back on down the road. The two bedside stickers you would not be able to reuse but you can get those dirt cheap on ebay or order them from one of the vendors on here that do the vinyl bedsides.

 

Unless de badging makes your truck more powerful, faster, last longer or gets better gas mileage, I don't see the point.

It is not like I am embarrassed to drive a Tacoma and hope someone thinks it is something else.

Now for the giant window stickers that read Ford, Chevy, Ram, etc. not for me.

 

Every time I wax I wish the badges were gone

 

I feel like if you take the badges off, it just looks like its some off brand thing you threw together in your garage.

 

I took mine off with plans to paint/plastidip them and reinstall. Not a big chrome fan. Plastidiped the front grill. Now that I have the badges off, I probably won't put them back on. Used some warm/hot soapy water to remove the residue.

 

You can use one of these (

$17 AES Industries 51823 Smart Eraser Pad (Made in the USA) with Drill Adapter Arbor Made for Efficiently Removing Decals, Vinyl Graphic, Pinstripes, Adhesive and Double Faced Trim Tape

http://amzn.com/B00488DDB8) to remove the TRD decal and any adhesive relatively safely. Be mindful of the RPMs though; it's easy to cut through the clearcoat/paint when first starting out when using the edge as directed in the instructions. Take your time.

Regarding valuation of a used Tacoma with/without the badges and decals - only the most knowledgeable Tacoma fans will know any different, plus there will be far less awareness of the option packages for today's truck ten years from now. Buyer will be looking for specific features, not whether or not the truck has a 'prerunner' badge to represent the features to others.

Like you, I plan to have my Taco 10+ years but I'm more focused on my enjoyment of the truck over the next 10 years and not what the next guy might like/dislike about it.

 

Taking off the badges doesn't do much. I did it on my '12 and liked the cleaner look but left them on my '13.

Taking off the TRD stickers on the bedside may deter theft as the TRD models are the ones with the most expensive components.

Then again anybody who knows shit about fuck could just give your truck a quick walk around and know 90% of what you're running.

 

No pro or cons. Can always buy some and put them back. It's all about what look you like. Mines completely debadge/sticker.