some bodywork and chrome trim changes

[85crownHPP]

That rust behind the rear QP trim has spurred more exterior changes... I took all the "granny" trim off becuase i dont really like it and it hid rust... now I have likewise decided to get rid of the black lower rock guards for chrome ones, along with the needed fender well trim to mate them.

Also of course Im going to grind down the little pegs left by the clips from the granny chrome, and use bondo to smooth these and fill the 2 holes left in each door from this trim.
Its starting to get cold here so this part might wait till spring...

So at the yard today I picked up the chrome rockers, some chrome trim for the back window (mine is textured white) and one good peice for a wheel well. The rockers have some rock dings and one dent (dent should be able to be pounded out) but hey you cant beat $2 for the whole lot.





First will be the rock gaurds, then the rear window trim... has anyone done this trim and had trouble with it not snapping back in all the way? i took some off a car at the yard and tried to re-install (for practice) and i couldnt get it all back down... Im skurred!

Ill have to search out the other 3 bits of wheel well trim in good shape (good luck right). I will probably make a trip back up to the yard an hour away becuase I know they have a couple vics in base trim.

[Grand Marquis GT]

[Lincolnmania]

yes if i had that trim on a vic, i would take it off too.........the chrome trim on my towncar is a work of art..........i love the chrome rocker panels!
scott

[85crownHPP]

oh yeah, i forgot to mention that this phase of change will also include swapping in bumpers from a 88-91 vic, which Tom has convinced me to quit being a pussy and go ahead and do it.
Ill be leaving the rest of the front and rear the same... I think I will make for an interesting look. I just hope the filler panels will match up to sit right on the bumper.
wish me luck!

[Revolution_909]

i think there is accually a difference, but that might be from a CV to GM

[Paul_]

with the smooth bumpers, the gm bumper has the bumper guards closer to the plate frame, and the gm bumper guards stick out farther. they are also chrome with a black platic front. the bumper guards on teh vic bumpers are farther from the plate frame and have thin layers of plastic for the guards. the trim piece that goes along the bumper and around the sides on the gm bumper is thicker. the cv trim does not completely go around the bumper. the filler panels are different too. the merc filler panel has extruded sides to accomodate the bigger trim, whereas the vic filler panel does not. i know all this because my 1990 crown vic has a 1989 grand marquis bumpa on it . without putting the mercury filler panel on, i took a hacksaw to the plastic trim, to clear the filler panel. any questions, i can answer

[Paul_]

vic bumpa


merc bumpa

[85crownHPP]

hhhmmm I think Ill go for the vic bumper lol.

how bout this... anyone with a 88-91 vic have a close up pic of the front end from the side??

I think all I need to figure out is the location where the header panel stops and the filler panel begins. Hopefully if these are in the same place, the filler panel will sit right to mate with the bumper - as long as the two bumpers sit out the same distance from the fenders.
From what i could tell from Cogs' pics (he has a new-style front end and old bumpers) it looks like the filler panel still sits right on the new front end.
Im bubbling with anticipation!

[marquisman]

techically it should work since the quarter panels are the same from 79' to 91'.

[85crownHPP]

bumpers cost $30 each from the yard here :cuss:
so maybe if i get a good tax return Ill try the bumpers...

Im going to another yard tomorrow to find good wheel well trim and hopefully a suprize.
Its supposed to be nice this weekend so I can put this stuff on!!! :coolbanana:

[zwack88]

Kickass. Make sure to post pics. :sawztom:

[85crownHPP]

I got the trim off today... and damn! some of those screws in the wheel well trim were frozen up... i had to borrow an impact screwdriver from work to get some out.

one wheel lip has some rust... nothing a whisk and a spray wont handle. I want to spread something under there to protect the rest of the paint from rubbing - any suggestions?

and these wheel trims sit under the lower rock panels, so I have to wait to put those on too.
dammit! I hate holdups!

[85crownHPP]

[marquisman]

usally if you try to tighten the screws up a bit, then loosen them. its a little trick i learned after struggling like a limp dick!

[85crownHPP]

ok finally got the side trim all on, after stabbing myelf in the hand with a screwdriver.







you can see I still need to put on the rear glass trim but Im skuuuurrd. I dont wanna take mine out and not be able to get either set back in right :cuss:

but once I get this on Ill give her a good wash and polish, then take some good pictures