Whats the story on these chrome parts?

[Guest]

My 60 convertible has all these chrome parts (headlight doors, hood scoop, wiper whatever they are called) but the car also came with all the painted parts that go on too. Are these factory parts or aftermarket? Which ones are more desireable on the car?
Ron

[tmjsong1aolcom]

Here's what's considered in the exterior chrom dress up kit.
Hood scoop. Wiper bezels, headlight doors, both rear fender extensions.

This was supposed to be a Ford product but as of today no one has come up wtih paperwork to show it was actually a Ford product.

Ford did make 2 of the pieces that have documented numbers and Ford part numbers. The Headlight doors and the wiper bezels. Although the wiper bexels do not have specific numbers they were part of replacement shafts.

As for adding to value that is in the eyes of each person. I do se a plus one way or the other.

Have fun and enjoy the bird.

Fuz
58's&64's
Sun Prairie, Wi.
tmjsong1@aol.com

[dgs]

It's more desireable whichever way you like it best. Personally, I don't like the chrome. I think it looks cleaner with painted parts. But lots of folks like the chrome.

[Anders]

It's more desireable whichever way you like it best. Personally, I don't like the chrome. I think it looks cleaner with painted parts. But lots of folks like the chrome.

Agree. The Thunderbird was never intended to have much chrome from the beginning, and in my opinion, it should only add some bling-spots and never be overdone. A lot of form disapear with chrome as it picks light as well as a lot of darkness to the details, making the form harder to read.

[Guest]

Dealer option I think. Seems I read that somewere. What do you think Alan? I bought all the pieces to have chromed but I saw one in person and didn't think it did anything for the car. Just a little to much. my 2 cents

[Dan Leavens]

I would tend to agree that the chrome should be internal and not external.
It would also be a good idea to hold on to the original valve covers etc. if you go chrome, so when you sell you have the original parts. I did that with my original hub caps when I installed the Kelsey-Hayes wire rims which I prefer on my 58.The beauty is though, it's your car and your vision.

Dano Calgary,Alberta Canada

[tbird430]

I'm all for the chrome hood scoop guys. The whole exterior chrome kit, I'm not too big a fan of...

[Penelope]

Personally I like it, but then, Penelope has got it. Like everything in life it gets down to personal choice. Fins, curves and chrome all goes together and does it for me. Having said that, I love the look of EG's matt black and it just seems to fit the personality of that car.

It pays tribute to the whole T-Bird persona, that the shape can pull off such a wide range of styles!

Bill

[fomoco59]

I'm sort of in between. I have the hood scoop on the car. Headlight doors are in a box somewhere. Have a look at this '58 with full trim package: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...em180245496972& Awesome car...

I see there's another one with full chrome package also on EBAY... Item number: 130222551375

A bunch of cool Squarebirds on there today.. LOTS OF BIG BUCKS !!...one with a 428/3 speed EG!

[tarps3]

i like the chrome hood scoop and tail lights but the chrome headlight trim appears awkward to me. The change in material is too abrupt from the headlight trim to the body side.
As with everything else - it's all personal opinion.

These cars look cool even when they are rusted out hulks.
The details play second fiddle to the overall body lines.

[tbird430]

2 things about that black '58 convertible in San Diego FoMoCo59. I didn't think Ford installed a rear deck antenna on the convertibles, due to the obvious liability of bodily injury. Lastly, did the Squarebird convertibles not also have the Turquoise T-bird emblem in the top center of the rear seat??

[fomoco59]

Well, the trunk opens backwards on Convertibles, so maybe not so much liability... and no emblems on the back seats that I know of...

[Guest]

2 things about that black '58 convertible in San Diego FoMoCo59. I didn't think Ford installed a rear deck antenna on the convertibles, due to the obvious liability of bodily injury. Lastly, did the Squarebird convertibles not also have the Turquoise T-bird emblem in the top center of the rear seat??

My convert Does have turquoise emblem near the top of the rear seat.
Ron

[tbird430]

Thanks toocool, I was 100% sure about that. They just look so great there above the back seat....

[fomoco59]

Must be only on the 1960's model.