Hubcap Mod "VehiCROSS" emblem
I have finally dealt with the "ISUZU" hubcap on my '01 VX:
I applied automotive-grade vinyl (I used matte black), carefully cut with an X-acto knife with new blade, in the trough between the black "cap" and the chrome outer assembly. I did this with the cap/wheel on, as I didn't want to remove the wheels to unbolt the hubcap assembly. If the cap was removed and the vinyl installed on the bench, the cutting would be easier, as you could spin the cap assembly while the knife 'sliced' around; when done with the wheel on, you're trying to 'slice' in a circle and sometimes that means 'pushing' the blade, thus a brand new blade makes for a cleaner cut. (Removing the cap is a non-issue with '99 stock wheels)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...m/P1010146.JPG
The installation of the 'VehiCROSS' emblem is straight-forward. I aligned right-side up like the "ISUZU" was, all four right-side up with the valve stem at the top of the rim.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...m/P1010151.JPG
Parts:
Automotive-grade vinyl, matte black:
Purchased from this eBay seller: MetroSellers Vinyl Express, http://stores.ebay.com/MetroSellers-Vinyl-Express or at metrodecals.com;
Price: apprx $3 per sq. foot/$4.99 shipping.
3" VehiCROSS Emblems:
These are smaller versions of the emblems you always see on eBay for headrests, etc. Here's one active auction for the larger badge: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-VEH...spagenameZWDVW
I emailed the auctioneer, Ken Chu at badge4car@hotmail.com (or just use the 'Ask seller a question' option on one of his active auctions) and asked if he could produce the same badge, but 3" in lengths.
Price: $10 for the 4 badges which included shipping, via. PayPal
Assessment:
Application of the black vinyl without inducing bubbles is a learned exercise. I applied the vinyl in the middle of the cap and spread out evenly with my fingers. I used a heat gun to curl the edges around the cap edge after cutting around with the blade. Focus that heat on the perimeter only to curl down the edges but try not to apply too much heat to the center of the cap/vinyl, as too much heat can create new 'bubbles' under the vinyl that weren't there before.
The VX badges, themselves, are a metallic quality and seem to possess the qualities of environmental longevity (they're supposed to be a 3M material), but only time will tell. The "C-R-O-S-S" letters are a little too spread apart as per the original design, but that is forgotten as the badges shine in the light like they are chrome.
All in all, though, this is a nice, relatively-cheap mod that I think enhances the stock wheels, and this has all been more than you ever wanted to know about this mod, but I like to provide all information necessary for someone else to do the mod if they were so inclined.
