Tailgate lettering

Background

In 1979, VW introduced the Rabbit (AKA Caddy) coupe ute based on the Gold Mk1 platform that sported a tailgate with VOLKSWAGEN lettering across the middle.

Lettering on the VW Rabbit tailgate circa 1980

Refer to back end treatment and tailgate skin preparation discussions.

Tailgate letter concept

The tailgate skin provides a canvas for customizing the Ute. Of course, it can just be painted, but embossed VOLKSWAGEN lettering across the tailgate, a nod to the classic Rabbit Pickup of fifty years ago, makes a strong design statement. The “Turbo S” logo will also be put back below the lettering.

A mold of the original Rabbit lettering can be made and transferred to the tailgate skin, but an easier alternative is to glue 1/8″ thick acrylic letters to the skin and then treat them to mimic the embossed steel appearance.