Hey guys, I have an '88 TBird LX, that's pretty much all stock still. The only problem is that it has a busted header panel. I was curious if anyone new where I can buy a new/used header panel in the Philadelphia area?
Most likely the junkyard will be the only place that you will find one anywhere locally. Possibly someone on here could have one they would be willing to sell, if you post an Ad in the Wanted section, shipping won't be cheap though.
Unless someone here knows of an aftermarket company that is re-popping them now?
Vinne has a repopped one on his car.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1987-1988-Ford-Thunderbird-Header-Panel-FO1220107-Headlamp-Mounting-Grille-Nose-/310612528568#vi-content
Here ya go
Any idea how fitment would be with a non factory part? I'm just curious. Since you work in a body shop I figure you'd have some experience in using aftermarket parts. Hopefully I'll never need to find out how well they fit....
If I recall correctly I have seen a couple of guys on here with aftermarket header panels swap them out for used because of fitment issues. I think I would prefer a used header over an aftermarket.
If you decide to go used try http://www.car-part.com , you can search by region, state, or distance. Ask the yard to make sure that the used one is not aftermarket. How bad is it busted? Maybe you could have it repaired.
Yes, some aftermarket stuff fits ok, but most fit like . Unfortunately I get to use way too much of the stuff. But I have had on occasion, the ill fitting OEM parts, like a core support that didn't have the required square holes punched.
I too hope you never have to find out.
All the aftermarket stuff fits like in my experience, and will never be hung on any of my cars. We use a lot of old classic repop parts at work though, and if the customer doesn't care about hanging it on their car to save some money, then I don't. It rarely fits correctly though.
Look for an OEM piece, and you will be much more satisfied with the end result.
I have an 87 cat one, here in Bethlehem.
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/bosenKevin_02/Image0027.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/bosenKevin_02/Image0029.jpg)
Thunder cats ho!
^lol Nice.
People put Merc parts in place of Ford ones all the time around here. The Ford Crown Marquis was huge here in the 90's, and early 00's
I've got a silver 88 LX nose. PM me, we can work something out.