What's over the top in accessories?

[eboose7]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

With regard to accessorizing our beloved cars, there are two very basic and distinctive types of people. They are light-years apart from each other in how they think or respond on the subject of after-market accessories. There is the "keep it original person," who believes that Ford made it perfect to begin with so why mess with perfection. Besides, any appreciable departure from original ultimately reduces the resale value of the car. But there's another perspective. There is the "I want it my way person," who believes that the car should be personalized to suit the owner's individual taste and needs. For this person--resale value be damned. I count myself among the former. I believe that any change should be limited to using only original Ford parts designed specifically for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird. So, the chrome hood scoop and NM wheels are OK. The only possible exceptions would include the aftermarket logo valve stem caps and Thunderbird license plate frames, since they are slight changes that are not permanently attached to the car.

[007Cruiser]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

Guess I'm in the middle of the road on this one. I've only done things that are easily reversed while keeping all original parts.

[5bird7]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

I think about 90% of the mods that people are doing are easily removed and replaced with OEM if that's what someone wants in the future - finding the originals may not be that hard either particularly if the current owner passes them on (but that usually doesn't happen) so some here are stocking up on used & new parts. I've got a small box in a corner of our garage is that contains the oem parts we've removed. oh, but then there's the wheels... That's a couple of other stacks.

[Dizzbe]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

My mods are few and very low key, including the low key rumble of the Borlas. I don't mind the chrome add ons and really like some of the new wheels people have added. The only time that I see that it can get out of hand is when the bird starts looking like a Bat mobile like the one in the ebay link above, that's when you need to back off an accessory or two.

[02LeeBird]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

I'm a child of the 50's when chrome was king. I have added chrome accents to the outside of the car, (rockers, tail lights and hood) and a little on the engine. Not in John's class by any means, but enough to make Snow White shine a little more than the plain factory look. I will not be around when my car becomes a collectors dream, nor will most of us I fear. So, why not make your car into what YOU want and not what you think a collector will want down the road.....Life is too short, enjoy your beautiful car no matter how you want to dress it up.....

[Ray]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

Do not ask me about that.........lol.

Me either, Brother John! I'm sure I'll give the purists a heart attack when I post pictures of my car next spring! LOL!

As 02LeeBird just said: "I will not be around when my car becomes a collectors dream, nor will most of us I fear. So, why not make your car into what YOU want and not what you think a collector will want down the road.....Life is too short, enjoy your beautiful car no matter how you want to dress it up....."

Amen!

[5bird7]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

You're making me really nervous now, Ray. Hope your over the top change is not fins.

[Ray]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

You're making me really nervous now, Ray. Hope your over the top change is not fins.

Not over the top or radical. Although, I guess some feel the hood scoop is radical and over the top. Subtle changes that only Tbird owners would even notice.

[MidNiteRiders]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

I loved it the way it was when we we bought it a year ago but we did add two things that I think Ford should have done in the first place and the two cosmetic things.

Ford should have included:
- The chrome hardptop protection strips
- The chrome hood scoop (especially with the black) - Kept original for
switching back

The cosmetics:
- Visor & Head covers (hate the yelow warning stickers and could not get
them of)
- The Logo floor mats

Have considered other items but so far we are happy with just these.

[blue731]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

What are y'alls opinions on the chrome dash kits that are shown on T-bird concepts? I think the exterior is fine the way it is, but would like to dress up the interior dash a bit more. Anyone put on a dash kit and what do you think of it?

[Leroy]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

Blue731, That's probably the worst after market stick-on that there is, that and the phoney wood grain inlays around the radio and console. That glue can ruin the original finish and leave a real mess. Just my 2sence. Leroy

[eboose7]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

I agree with Leroy!

[justjon]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

I think the black on black buttons are indistinguishible, aluminum would be my first choice but dark wood or that graphite wood stuff would be OK. with the wood you have to do the arm rests my humble, but professional artist opinion

[texasbird]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

This one might run a close 2nd to being over the top...

[JAB02LHS]

Re: What's over the top in accessories?

This one might run a close 2nd to being over the top...

Hey Hey watch it that's my dream Bird!