After the previous topic here about the previous Volvo high mileage medallions, and the fact that Volvo now only offers window stickers, I thought I would consider making some medallions (or attempting to make some).

As the original types were stamped out and painted, what I will be doing is slightly different. I will be cutting them out on a water jet, which basically creates a 2D object (not raised or embossed medallions as Volvo once did), and they will basically be bare metal or possibly painted/anodized/powder coated.

In order to create something with a little style and class to it (of course to fit a Volvo), I may consider making them out of a couple parts to recreate some color and depth to the items.

After a little bit of searching I have only found 3 decent pictures of original Volvo medallions (100k and 200k), and the two 100k medallions were of different designs. Neither of which, personally, I found that great looking.

So, I thought I would put up a possible call for some artistic types who may be here to design some possible ideas for a nice looking medallion. Any type of picture file would work fine for my initial purposes, and posting ideas in a reply would be great for others to see, but if you have problems posting them or finding a place to host them, just send me a private message and I will get with you so that I can host it for you.

My intent is to get several design ideas, and then put up something for the members who are interested in them to vote on their prefered designs. At which point I will get to work in designing it to me made and see what comes of it.

For any design that may be put up please include some basics, such as:

- Overall outside dimension
- Means of attaching the medallion (folding tabs, adhesive mount, etc).

Most initial products, whenever I may actually get time to make some, will be prototypes, out of whatever material I have laying around (most likely aluminum, although we have some stainless steel laying around). Backings can be of various materials, from colored lexan and other plastics we have laying about. All prototypes will be done from material I have now, so I dont have to go buy anything.

If things go well and they turn out in a manner people would actually like, I will work up making them available to others, with any costs involved to just cover materials necessary and any other coloring expenses that may be incured (shipping as well). I;m not looking to do this as a means of profit, nor am I really looking to do this in any mass quantities, but rather to help fill a possible niche of those I have noticed have been asking about them but can no longer get them.

On a side note, if anyone has any of the original medallions, please provide pictures if you can and basic dimensions for comaprison to any new designs or if people find they still prefer the original look over something entirely new.

Thanks to any who wish to participate.

OK, guys!

Anyone can help with this?

i'm in bro. just post with expenses. i think i saw a couple of good pics of the medallions. await a post, bro.

Hi blakbyrd,

I'm soo glad you are posting this (and that I found it)!! :banana:

I've been doing some research about this and thinking about it since I learned that Volvo is selling some new badges and was disappointed by their blandness (they remind me of name tags...).
Here's the new badges (for sale at $16 each):
(IMG:http://www.collection.volvocars.us/Archive/Images/vcc_Products/250X250/VFL9599.jpg)
And, here is the link (if you would like to buy one):
http://www.collection.volvocars.us/Product...tionId=50000272

I do not know the dimensions of the originals, as I have only seen them in photos:
Early versions:
(IMG:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/113648911_e53363c9a3.jpg)
(IMG:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/1861987213_f2cd5cdc60.jpg)
(IMG:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/1861991431_9fd3fdc964.jpg)

And, the more commonly seen versions:
(IMG:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/113648936_b40af98d97.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.tuff240.com/images/volvos/accessories/highmileageclubbadges01.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.tuff240.com/images/volvos/accessories/highmileageclubbadges02.jpg)

The Volvo Owner's Club versions:
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/hmc/index.shtml
(IMG:http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/graphics/hmc_bronze.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/graphics/hmc_silver.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/graphics/hmc_gold.jpg)

Hmm, it seems I've found too many images, so I'll have to break this post into sections.
Stay tuned for more...

Part 2, continued:

And, some from other car manufacturer's:
Mercedes:
(IMG:http://i18.ebayimg.com/08/s/000/77/4e/4de5_2.JPG)
(IMG:http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r316/USMC_YMMOT/1982%20300D/002.jpg)
You can also see some earlier ones at this site:
http://www.mbzponton.org/valueadded/other/faq.htm

BMW:
(IMG:http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/emblem/award_emblem.jpg)

Mini Cooper:
(IMG:http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic29326_7.gif)
Which, according to this forum, is made by this company:
http://www.qualitylapelpins.com/grillBadges.php
And, may be an option to investigate to see if they could make some for us (they offer free estimates).

I've also been researching some of the older Volvo logos:
(IMG:http://www.swedespeed.com/gallery/generated//Etcetera/Volvo%20Logos/002__scaled_600.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.swedespeed.com/gallery/generated//Etcetera/Volvo%20Logos/003__scaled_600.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.swedishtreasures.com/670900.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.cartype.com/pics/3526/small/volvo.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.cartype.com/pics/3526/full/volvo_old1.jpg)

Part three coming soon...

Part 3, continued:

I thought it would be fun to have a badge shaped like the iron mark with the mileage listed across the middle instead of the Volvo script (and with different colors for the iron mark based on mileage milestone):
(IMG:http://www.neptune242.com/neptune/242emblem.jpg)
-Or-
Perhaps something like an older hubcap with the mileage number listed and the decorative leaf images like one of the earlier versions:
(IMG:http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/001/09/ea/fe91_1.JPG)
(IMG:http://i24.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/08/ae/f71f_1.JPG)
(IMG:http://www.sure-vent.com/volvoHubCapBlk.jpg)
(IMG:http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif)
(IMG:http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/113648512_1ff6489b68.jpg)

I was also thinking that we could see if the VCOA would be interested in joining us in this as they already make a grille badge:
(IMG:http://vcoa.org/shop/images/grille_badge.jpg)
And, it might be fun to do something with the logo.

Here's a link someone posted about how to mount the badges (and also be able to remove them as needed):
http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Moun...leageBadges.htm

Well, I hope that stirs the imagination and generates some interest!
I can make some quick paint sketches of the above ideas if interested...

Take care,
volvie!

Wow, Volvie.
Thank you for the photos...

You got me going :wacko: there over SO many badges...
:)

Hi ampangbear,

The ooglie-booglie-eye smilie is very appropriate! :P
Perhaps I should summarize...? :blush:

Cliff note version:
-There are a plethora of different options to explore (if we want something based on previous Volvo badges, logos, or hub caps).
[Just call me Captain Obvious! :haha: ]
http://www.bluelinecomics.com/pictures/Cap...kinda%20big.jpg

-The company that made the Mini Cooper badge offers free estimates, so it may be worth investigating if we decide on a design we like. From the sample photographs, it also looks like we do not have to be limited to basic circle/square shapes either:
http://www.qualitylapelpins.com/grillBadges.php

-We can also see about contacting the Volvo Club of America (VCOA) or Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) to see if they would be willing to support/host/sell whatever we come up with.

-All the rest is just eye candy! B)

Take care,
volvie!

Thanks a bunch for all the good photos. I've been rather busy for awhile and havent had much time to stop in here, and almost forgot all about this.

The link you provided about the people who actually make the badges, is certainly an interesting idea. I do not have the facilities to make the style of badges that used to be made and appear to be made by the company in the link.

Mainly using a waterjet I am left with coming up with limited design type (colorwise), basically limiting it to 2 colors, but making 2 different pieces, anodizing them and putting them together. Going to 3 colors would probably begin to make the medallions too thick.

For connecting such ideas, I was considering either the automotive adhesive we use from 3M or using our stud gun to weld a pair of threaded studs to the rear of the medallion. However, rolls of the glue and the actual aluminum or stainless steel studs are not cheap.

I do have another alternative that I have considered, but the initial cost is expensive, although the actual cost of each medallion would not be all that much. We deal with and sell a product called AluImage, and currently we are the only ones allowed to sell it in the US (although it was recently bought out and I am not certain on the resell rights now). It used to be made in Australia but is now made in West Virginia by Matthews. It is a very durable form of artwork that allows printing of full 4 color photogrpahic art to be printed underneath the anodizing on aluminum, which makes it basically impervious to normal damage or vandalism (although you cannot bend it or the anodizing will crack). Although this method would largely produce a flat object (no raised areas and such), it does allow for a completely photographic design to be used with the full 13million color spectrum, in a near photographic quality. Of course this could also be combined with the above ideas I had with the water jet to create some depth to it, it would up the cost of doing so. Initially a full 4ft by 8ft sheet would have to be ordered, but alot of medallions would fit on that, however the artwork sells for around $1 a square inch, so that can be rather pricey, but would of course mean that per medallion the artwork would only be about $2 each.

The only possible concern I have in regards to the people who make the more standard style medallions is whether or not Volvo will allow others to use their logo for this? For car manufacturers that do not or no longer offer such medallions it may not be a big deal, since it is for their fans and they dont offer any such items to them. However, Volvo, does offer such items already (even though the fans may not like them), and as such, trying to freely use any of their logos to make something they already sell, even if not for a profit, may not be something they want to have happen, as it just means that the fans wont actually be buying the real product, and instead buying a non-licened version of what they already sell. Just something to think about. It might be nice to be able to make what you want, but not so nice if they decide to turn around and threaten a lawsuit over infringing use on a trademark. (try doing something like this with Virgina Tech's logo and let them find out...they will come knocking on your door). It would really depend on where Volvo would stand on this issue. They may want a licensing fee if any profit is made, or possibly not mind if no profit is made, but to consider doing so on any scale or making them possibly available to anyone who might be interested might bring about a different response.

I'm still up for giving some ideas a go, and if people would like to possible submit some basic design ideas I will be happy to work worth them. Personally I was looking at using the Steel symbol myself.

WOW 700,000 miles!!!!! do you have to have the original motor to qualify for a badge? im interested in one and i passed the inquiry over to more volvo owners not on this site, say 500+ :57:

Hi blakbyrd,

Thanks for taking the time to answer so thoroughly! :liebe011:

I appreciated the explanation of the waterjet technique as well as the Aluimage technique (as I have no experience with either).
When searching about the waterjet technique, I found someone doing some really funny things with gaming consoles:
http://www.waterjets.org/waterjet_pictures_9.html
As well as some really spectacular "regular" work:
http://www.waterjets.org/waterjet_pictures.html

I also found a couple of sites with some information about the Aluimage technique:
http://www.anodizedart.com/
http://www.duragraphics.com/
And, I must say, these are both awesome techniques (with tons of creative possibilities)! Wow! :thumbsup:

Do you have any samples of work you've done in either technique so that I brainstorm ideas to better suit your manufacturing technique?
[After talking with my mom about it, right now our working idea is to use the iron mark, keep the Volvo script in the middle, and add "High Mileage Club" on the upper half of the circle with the mileage milestone number on the lower half of the circle.
Or, if we team up with VCOA, same idea, but using VCOA script in the middle and the shield around the iron mark.]

In the past whenever I've made something with an "in use" logo, etc., it has always been for personal use, so I am unfamiliar with the steps needed to be taken to clear ideas with VCNA (or whomever needs to be informed). I had considered that they might be resistant to some aspects of this venture, that's why I thought teaming up with VCOA and doing something club-specific may help in this area.
But, I am in completely new waters here...

As far as cost goes, the VCOA grille badge sells for $30, so as long as we are under (or near) that range, I think we could sell a few!
I also have one of the club badges, so I could take pictures of it with the tape measure for dimensions (the website says it is 2.375" diameter) and take some photos of the back to show how VCOA is supplying mounting hardware (mine looks different from the one pictured on the website). Here's the link:
http://vcoa.org/shop/index.php?main_page=p...92d2724906d9187

Keep us updated, and let me know if there is anything I can do to help! :hyper: :D

Take care,
volvie!

Well, waterjets are fun to use and you can make some very intricate things that you just cannot do with lasers. Not to mention the cuts are clean and you dont have any warping or slag left on the parts that a laser will leave on them. Besides lasers are not very good for cutting aluminum.

What we have is an Omax 55100, which is the larger cousin to the one used in the Xbox site you linked. They are identical in most every aspect, just ours has a much larger working area (55 inches by 100 inches, which is what the numbers stand for in the model numbers).

I should clarify a few tings regarding the Aluimage stuff. We do not make the stuff, we only work with it. However, the anadizedart site is website of a friend of ours that has the artwork done. We take the stuff and cut it to the specific shapes and sizes and make the mounts, frames or motion required to make the final display. If you look at the Contact Us prt of their site, Douglas and Michael are both people we are in regualr contact with. Actually I just got back last night from an all day long job in DC with Douglas (that job is turning into a nightmare though, but it is a bit of a messed up situation...nothing to do with the aluimage stuff though.).

I can provide tons of pictures of things we have done, but none of it is local to me, as for some reason I dont think we have ever sold any of it in Virginia. We did a very large job in Hawaii (about 2 years ago) for Pearl Harbor at Hickam Air Force Base (with potentially 3 more trips involved in doing more). We also have done some stuff for the Smithsonian, Alot of exhibits for the Bronx Zoo and Aquarium, the LA Zoo, some cruise ships, several colleges/universities, and so on. Again, the portion of the work we do is very exensive, although we do alot more than just the artwork framing and stuff as well. As for actualy physical samples of the stuff, we have lots of misprinted artwork and such laying around that we cut up for test pieces and such. I can probably cut out some smaller pieces to send along if needed.

Aside from that, they also sell many other forms of artwork printed on a variety of materials, but none of the others are as durable (they are cheaper though). We get artwork printed on wood, plastic, composites, etc. All produce their own unique look, but very little of the other stuff is used or sold. Actually what i sold the most is a type we hate to work with as it is not very durable, but has a unique grained look with a satin finish to it, but would not last long in a kind of environment that such a medallion would be exposed to. The benefit of the Aluimage is that is it rather tough, when used properly. You can paint on it (even with acid etching primers), mark on it with sharpies, and you can clean it right off without ever harming the art, even with tough cleansers like Methyl Ethyl Keytone, because the art is actually printed underneath the anodizing which is harder than the aluminum itself.

I will work on putting up some pictures of jobs we have done, but I win't overload the site here with them. I'll put up a link to them in a few days.

One other note on the waterjet. As you provided in one of your links, you can etch with a waterjet, but its not as easy to do as it looks and the results vary on the appearance (it is very tough to do on thin aluminum). If etching would be a prefered method, then I would probably suggest moving into thin stainless steel instead, or using a laser to etch the material that would give a similar look but would also provide the black inlay color. Some friends of ours do this process about 2 blocks down, but again it isnt very cheap. Its a common process for making machine plaques and such. We do alot of favors for them on things so I could probably get one or two samples made for free, but that would be about it, the rest would cost to have done or tested. A waterjet can also cut very intricate parts, much smaller than a laser can (and still end up with a good usable part). We can generally maintain parts with widths about 0.020" wide, sometimes even smaller. The waterjet's actual cut is about 0.015" wide, so that is the limit of the hole or letter thickness at the smallest. We do have a mini jet that can cut at about 0.008-0.010" wide, but we have never used it yet. It will also cut just about anything. We cut wood and plastic semi-often, with a very nice clean finish, but you can also cut granite, carbide, tile, even tempered glass when done properly (or regular glass). So the optioon of material types is open to just about anything. We mainly work with 6061 aluminum or 5000 series so we have alot of scrap laying around to play with. We don;t normally mess with stainless steel but we have alot of scrap left over from a previous job, so I was considering trying some stuff with that. Both materials have gone way up in price though, wth the stainless we have left being about $500 a sheet (at a discounted price), but it was a special grade with a special finish applied to it.

Anyways, just some ideas, and I may start on some design ideas in the next few days, but would love to also get some possible designs from others to look at and see which people like the best. We can also offer colors through anodizing (if done with aluminum) or powder coating any metal, but are limited to standard colors (having a special color done adds an initial cost of $500-$800 per batch before the charge of the actual color process). Of course simple painting is an option too, but not nearly as durable.

:cat: Good evening Gentlemen.

For what my two cents are worth to you: it may pay a dividend to seek the advice from somebody who knows about heraldry and vexillology.

Otherwise, you could end up with something that looks like something the county council designed for the water works in 1946. As do some of the designs I've just looked at.

Cheers :right: