Okay, so I am looking for any tips on fixing the lovely holes in the door and trunk lid from last night's breakin. The trunk lid probably just needs to be replaced, but what about the door? Can a place just cut the section of metal out, weld in some new, and install locks from a donor car? Sure, the outside's going to be painted, but I want to at least keep the thing looking decent, door panel on or not. How do the locks remove/install?
Is it a lost cause and should I just try to find dark grey doors? (rarer color) Can't sleep so I'm posting this while I wait for tomorrow/today, to ask around.
There's a guy in Seattle whose parting out a grey tbird but keeps expecting a lot for each part and its near impossible to talk him down.
AM, if you're reading this, *wink* *wink*. Have anything?
I would try to find a replacment door and deck lid.
repairing it is possible. but may be costly
the locks have a clip holding them in the you can see from the door jamb.and a rod that will have to be disconnected
the decklid has a clip also.but pulls right out
Replacment locks can be found at any autoparts store
Illuminated entry locks are going to be a salvage yard item. I *think* that the Mark VII illuminated entry locks are the same.
why not the crown vic ones? they are slightly bigger, but could cover up some of the damage.
the iluminated entry locks have a little harness on them that clips into the latch. the keyless if you have it also is held in by a slide clip and has a sepperate harness. its easy enough too replace. if you end up with a door that doesnt have the iluminated keyhole than your going too need the latch out of your old doors or the little "sensor" off of them that the lock harnesss clips into.
Trying to figure out how much my time is worth. The moulding was already pulled off the door and the door was prepped and primered. Then there's small things that were done inside the door as improvements. I got an estimate of $300.51 total to have the damaged area cut out, a new piece welded in, a replacement lock that I supply installed, and the area primered.
Trunklid I'll just replace if I can ever find a grey or black one (car will be going black after paint - although I'm growing more fond of the factory metallic grey).
edit:
AM has the grey trunklid and some illuminated entry locks. No grey door though