Thanks for the replies everyone. At least I know they can be painted, but the tape idea is something I will definitely explore since most of the chrome strip has been removed by a pressure washer...yes, its that bad.
Got an 87 LX getting ready for paint, going for Midnight Blue. The car has the LX with chrome center trim. However, the chrome has mostly peeled off and the molding itself is very dull and oxidized. Any tips on cleaning up and reconditioning the semi-rubber trim? Can they be painted and if so, any tips for certain primers and paint? If I keep them, I'm thinking about keeping them black and going with midnight blue in the center.
Got a friend who would like to squirt the car, but he'd not sure about what to do with the trim and thinks it would look better with the side trim left off.
I got a quick question for the suspension experts. I recent read an article in Mustang and Fast Fords about installing an SR adjustable coilover kit on a SN95 platform, sold by American Muscle. Looks like a great way to adjust ride height along with fine tuning the suspension. I have the parts to install SN95 spindles and 8.8 rear, and have a set of Bullitt springs, but the article did catch my attention and I am thinking about switching directions. Has anyone installed the SR kit on a Fox TBird or Cougar? Any comments about handling and ride quality? How about the quality of the kit and installation issues? -thanks
The new motor is about 2.5" taller than the HO its replacing, measuring from the water pump shaft with no spacer. Its going to come close to touching the hood rib, but Chuck's mounts will drop it some.
Got a question for those who have done the front clip and hood swap on their LX. My car is a 87 medium shadow blue LX that I am considering swapping the front clip and hood from my Turbocoupe parts car...just for the look. But I'm putting a 427w into the LX, which is set up for future turbos, and that means an intercooler in front of the AC condenser. My question, has anyone experience any cooling issues with removing the grill and replacing it with the solid TC nose clip?
A factor affecting my decision is that it appears that the TC hood scoops will smack the TFS plenum on the Windsor, since my LX hood will barely fit as it is, so I'm now inclined to keep the LX as an LX. BTW, I do have a complete Turbocoupe, barely running, that I bought for the purpose of being a parts car, but now I'm inclined to sell it for someone who wants a restore project.
Might have to scratch the 18" SVT Cobra idea, no one makes them dished in 18", only 17s. Taking a look now at the True Forged Mach or Fikse FM/5 at the moment.
After digging around, I see that Hawk is running 9x10 18" on his Turbo Coupe. Anyone else know of any other Thunderbirds or Cats with 18s?
Haven't gotten around to converting yet, but they are SN95s, with parts for the Cobra brake upgrade, along with a SN95 rear axle and Bullitt Springs. Stuffing the big Dart in the hole first, then work on suspension.
I need to get some wheel advice, before I spend the bucks. I'm working on restoring an 87 Thunderbird LX, with plans of midnight blue (currently medium shadow blue). I have Bullitt springs to lower the car, and convert to 5 lug. I'm planning on getting 2004 Mustang Cobra wheels, 18" with 9 in front and 10.5 in rear. But I am concerned with fitment. Can anyone offer advice, or post photos of their car with 9 and 10.5 wheels? I want the lowered performance look, but I don't want to rub the fenders either.
Well, here is the motor so far, with intake sitting on it. Have a few more details to iron out with the windage tray before bolting on the exterior:
Still looking for a set of headers that will fit the AFR 205 heads with 4R70W auto. So far, I'm down to Kooks (which require an AFJ K-Member), CPR, and Anderson Motorsports...leaning towards CPR at the moment.
I'm an AFR guy, so I picked 6 of one versus a half dozen of the other. I was really leaning towards Kaase's P38, but I have yet to see any dyno comparisons on a big bore Windsor and I wanted to stay with the FRPP ribbed valve covers anyway.
Going to be the big bore version, 4.125 bore X 4.00 stroke. AFR 205s, Forged Scat internals, TFS R-Intake, and cam speced for future turbo install. Managed by PRO-M's new OBD2 ECM and backed by a4R70W.
