Tail light rims question

[T for 2]

While dry fitting my new tail light rims, it looks as though they rise up a little high on the red tail light. I thought maybe they needed some sought of black moulding like black plastic pipeing. Don't want to use them if they look like some cheap after market. Any thoughts? thanks
Charles

[PaulD]

Re: Tail light rims question

I had same impression when I added mine. However, once installed, you do not notice it unless you focus on it or run your hand down the fender and feel it. I planned to give mine a try and then pull them off if I could not live with it. Now I am OK with it.

[Sandman]

Re: Tail light rims question

Charles, I had the same concern before I installed mine but they look fine. I am happy with the look. It seems that I have had more compliments since I installed the tailight trim and the chrome rocker panel trim. Seems to give the car just enough bling to be noticed. Go for it!

[jayred1]

Re: Tail light rims question

Same thoughts as the last two - first view raised questions, but soon looked just fine.

One other installation point (provided to me by Bunny Lou), take care in positioning them so that the trunk lid won't rub or contact it as it is being opened/closed (including when it is shut with some force). This might not be apparent when first aligning them. Give "Black Bird" a PM and I'm sure he'll share his installation method.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Tail light rims question

I added them to the NM along with wheel well trim. It was the perfect completion match for her. When the NM left the nest, I kept them, and they now adorn MMM. But Yes, the fit is somewhat questionable. I didn't mind it on the NM, because it completed the look I wanted. I feel certain though, that I will be removing them from MMM, because I cannot get over the "Bulk" feel I get with them. I am working outside the box, planning. And hope to change them SOON to a new look, to match TBC's eyebrows.

[Sandman]

Re: Tail light rims question

I added them to the NM along with wheel well trim. It was the perfect completion match for her. When the NM left the nest, I kept them, and they now adorn MMM. But Yes, the fit is somewhat questionable. I didn't mind it on the NM, because it completed the look I wanted. I feel certain though, that I will be removing them from MMM, because I cannot get over the "Bulk" feel I get with them. I am working outside the box, planning. And hope to change them SOON to a new look, to match TBC's eyebrows.

Dave, how were you able to remove the plastic covers without damaging them? The instructions that came with mine states that they can be removed without damage to the lens but the chrome piece will break apart.

[T for 2]

Re: Tail light rims question

Thanks for all your suggestions. I thought I might be over reacting. my same question to Dave as from Sandman, how do you get them off if it really bothers me, without hurting the red lens?
Chas

[islandtime]

Re: Tail light rims question

Unlike the others above, I really didn't like them once I had put them on Goldilocks a few years ago, so I removed them and sold them to another TBNer (they look much better on his silver Bird). They are easily removed with a little heat from a hair dryer and dental floss...no damage done to anything.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Tail light rims question

I'm going to step on some toes here, but
I can't help but agree with Islandtime. They look like exactly what they are, after-market add ons that do not fit properly. Visually they might appear okay from a distance but run your hand down the very smooth curved designed body of the Bird and you feel the ill fitting edge.

It is also similar to the stainless steel stick on hood scoop, not good compared to the Ford part.

[Lindy]

Re: Tail light rims question

...They look like exactly what they are, after-market add ons...

I would verily concur. However, thanks to this forum, you'll find some helpful advice despite our diverse opinions :-)

[steelblue5505]

Re: Tail light rims question

I never was disputing the excellent advice that continually flows out of this site.
I was expressing my opinion of some of the after market add ons that some people have put or are thinking of putting on their Birds.

Like anything in this world it is all in the eye of the beholder. If you like it do it. After all it is your car not mine.

[Leroy]

Re: Tail light rims question

Do they serve any porpose at all? Leroy

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[jayred1]

Re: Tail light rims question

Leroy - I would answer "yes". They differentiate the owner's T-Bird from other stock T-Birds and give personal satisfaction to the owner ... which one would say is the purpose of the the car as a whole.

We know that there are some owners who want original only and that should be accepted by all (but maybe not appreciated by all). Let me ask you, does the car's color serve any purpose?

[Sealy]

Re: Tail light rims question

Let me ask you, does the car's color serve any purpose?

And away we go.

[Ediron]

Re: Tail light rims question

I won my tailight chrome at one of Tom's cruise's.It took about 6-8 months before I put them on.First I taped them to get a look and took photo's with and without and I put them on.I figured if I didn't like them I could always remove them,so far there still on the Bird.My friend with a Black '04 saw them and ordered them right away as he though they looked great. Me there OK I like the fender chrome better it enriches the vehicle ,but that's me.