[Julie Phan]

Hi everyone!

I just got my 17 Cadenza a few weeks ago after my 12 Optima gave me an excuse to upgrade I don't plan on modding it any more than I have since all I do is drive it to work and my son to school but got 35% tint all around (TX legal) and swapped all but the rear badges to the Brenthon ones. They're chrome painted plastic for anyone who might be curious, not what I was expecting for $92 but I liked them better than the K badges style-wise, which I had on my optima. Steering wheel one is nice with the faux leather in between and blends in real well.

Also, I can't seem to get the fish line under the rear badge at all and broke 2 nails just trying so I gave up and considered it a surprise for whoever does a double take at my car as I pass them Does anyone have any suggestions? Goo gone, heat gun, and plastic card all were used to no avail and I couldn't find any area to fit the line under since the badge is depressed into the trunk indention so tight. Really wish Kia would redesign their logo or give the k7/k900 better badges like Hyundai did with Genesis so I wouldn't feel the need to rebadge.

Pics (excuse my garage).

 

[sh30469]

Welcome to the forums. Our population of '17s is growing quite a bit so that will be nice when you guys have questions specific to it. A lot of us are '14-'16 guys but I think we can still help with some of the questions. There is a lot of info here so feel free to browse and ask questions. We don't number very many but several of us are on here daily to look at things. I've never seen badges like yours before.

 

[westtexk7]

Awesome! I'm also in Texas, we have 2 cadenzas, my 2014 and my wife's 2017, have any questions ask away!! And welcome!

 

[[email protected]]

Welcome to the forums!

I'm assuming you were on the Optima forums if you used to own one before the Cadenza?

As for the badge removal there are alignment tabs on the badges that might be obstructing you when using the fishing wire. Using a heat gun with the fishing wire will work best! I'll include a link to our DIY on this

KIA badge removal - 3.0 K badge Install Instructions

Have you looked into replacing "Cadenza" on the trunk with the K7 badge?
https://www.k5optimastore.com/products/kia-cadenza-k7-trunk-lid-emblem

Let me know if you have any additional question or help with removing that last kia badge

-Paul

 

[gene]

Welcome to the forum.
Your garage just isn't right, there not meant to be neat like that.
Go in and throw stuff around a little, so it looks like ours.

 

[Julie Phan]

Welcome to the forum.
Your garage just isn't right, there not meant to be neat like that.
Go in and throw stuff around a little, so it looks like ours.

Funny, I was a bit self conscious because I think it looks like a hot mess!

Welcome to the forums. Our population of '17s is growing quite a bit so that will be nice when you guys have questions specific to it. A lot of us are '14-'16 guys but I think we can still help with some of the questions. There is a lot of info here so feel free to browse and ask questions. We don't number very many but several of us are on here daily to look at things. I've never seen badges like yours before.

Thanks, I picked them up in from my last trip to S. Korea

Welcome to the forums!

I'm assuming you were on the Optima forums if you used to own one before the Cadenza?

As for the badge removal there are alignment tabs on the badges that might be obstructing you when using the fishing wire. Using a heat gun with the fishing wire will work best! I'll include a link to our DIY on this

KIA badge removal - 3.0 K badge Install Instructions

Have you looked into replacing "Cadenza" on the trunk with the K7 badge?
https://www.k5optimastore.com/products/kia-cadenza-k7-trunk-lid-emblem

Let me know if you have any additional question or help with removing that last kia badge

-Paul

Thanks Paul, I tried using a heat gun but my problem is I can't seem to find a spot to even get the wire under the badge edge to start - it's like they sealed off the edges. Thanks for the links - just ordered the k7 badge but I'll probably put it on the right side to help balance out the emptiness of not having a Limited hehe.

 

[MadMax]

super think plastic "popsicle stick" like thing, even a little wider will do. You want to force it in anywhere it will go in, do it slow. I'd even recommend masking off around the emblem so you don't damage the paint while you're working it. I can't think of a perfect product, but there's gotta be something lying around home depot that will work. make sure the edge is rounded, any points could gouge the paint underneath. A thin plastic spackle knife could work, the ideal thing there is the handle. but any thing plastic that is both durable but flexible will do. (That said, I haven't seen how the trunk lid actually molds around the emblem, but it should still be possible)

 

[MadMax]

No idea how thin these are, but something like this, just be sure they are thin all the way, because you're going to want to shove it in as far as it will go, move it a little to dislodge the tape, then go some more...
(edit the site did something weird with the link, but if you click the word Amazon below it works. )
looks like this:

https://www.amazon.com/PACK-Plastic-Scraper-Spatula-Scrapers/dp/B071KZ4T3B/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1508500955&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=plastic+scraper&psc=1

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks Paul, I tried using a heat gun but my problem is I can't seem to find a spot to even get the wire under the badge edge to start - it's like they sealed off the edges. Thanks for the links - just ordered the k7 badge but I'll probably put it on the right side to help balance out the emptiness of not having a Limited hehe.

No problem! You can always start with dental TAPE (not floss). I've used this and you can really get in there with it aggressively and not worry around your paint.

Thanks for your order, let us know if we can help you with anything else! Be on the lookout for more products for the new Cadenza

 

[Tone]

On my 17 I just used a hair dryer until it got soft and it pulled right off using my fingers. Looks good

 

[Julie Phan]

No idea how thin these are, but something like this, just be sure they are thin all the way, because you're going to want to shove it in as far as it will go, move it a little to dislodge the tape, then go some more...
(edit the site did something weird with the link, but if you click the word Amazon below it works. )
looks like this:

https://www.amazon.com/PACK-Plastic...5&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=plastic+scraper&psc=1

No problem! You can always start with dental TAPE (not floss). I've used this and you can really get in there with it aggressively and not worry around your paint.

Thanks for your order, let us know if we can help you with anything else! Be on the lookout for more products for the new Cadenza

On my 17 I just used a hair dryer until it got soft and it pulled right off using my fingers. Looks good

Thanks all, will try all your suggestions!