EL Fairmont Ghia Bonnet &... - Ford Forums

dcstraight · 04-23-2002, 19:49

Hi all,

OK, it may seem like a lame attempt to turn my EL futura wagon into a Fairmont Ghia, but hey with the changeover prices that dealers were giving me (~10 - 13K) I figure I'd be better off using those funds to do her up a bit - both cosmetically and mechanically. I figure to change the front setup - I need an EL Fairmont Bonnet (I'm guessing that includes grille ??), EL Fairmont front bar and probably Fairmont lights too ? (I think the lights on the Fairmonts are 'point-ier' in the middle, whereas my current lights are roundish kinda all over. OK, I realise most of you will say - just buy a Fairmont, but for those who see where I'm coming from - can you give me any leads ? - Should I scour wreckers etc or buy any of these parts from Ford ??

Thanks all,
Steve

South · 04-23-2002, 21:11

well i own an EF Fairmont, and i wanted the EL grille, it stands out more, and looks classier, and to buy that, was $275 just for some metal thats not all that big.

so then how much is the actual bonnet, prolly 500-600, maybe more, the bumper, prolly about 300+

the lights each are $220,

so to transfer your looking at about 1500 i'd say, without painting that is

*note* figures are pulled from my bump in most instances, apart from lights n grille...

is it worth it, i think not, buy a fairmont!
lol

XR_Strider_GuY · 04-23-2002, 22:52

As well as what South has mentioned, don't forget to add the cost of spraying the bonnet and if your colour is metallic blending will be required of the guards and front bar so the bonnet doesn't look a different shade to the rest of the car.
All to much $$$ in my opinion.
If you want a better way to make the wagon look nice add a rear deflector and paint it, that definitly improves the wagons, i did it on mine. Put a set of wheels, lower it 1inch and it will look nice.

Roscoe · 05-01-2002, 01:32

I was quoted $1000 for the Tickford 75th Ann. Fairlane grill. Want one for my EL ghia...some thing like $400 for the grill and $600 for the mesh!!!! I don't know whats so good about the mesh!!!

Has any1 pulled these grills apart, wanting to know if I can replace the black plastic with mesh???

South · 05-01-2002, 01:59

yes, can replace the plastic with whatever you want to

whats so special, well its of an NL Fairlane by tickford, it costs so much, so people dont take away the quality of the Fairlane style from tickford, otherwise everyone would have one of those grills, now would they

dcstraight · 05-01-2002, 02:04

Hi all,

Thanks for the info! Umm, yeah I knew it would be costly, but hey - it's a labour of love ;-) hehe. I guess what I'm trying to do with all these mods is to see which ones are big $$$ and ones that are a bit cheaper.

EF_Falcon_guy : Yeah, I'm already there mate ;-) Got the dust deflector, tinted windows, non-ricer chrome tip and the Tickford 16's with 245/50 R - 225/50 F.

What I would see as an alternative to all this though is the EL Predator front grille. Don't know if you lads are familiar with it, but it looks sweet as IMO and I'm pretty sure it would just slot in where the current factory one is. Anywho, I'll post a pic later to show you guys :-)

Cheers,
Steve

South · 05-01-2002, 04:43

yes thats a nice grille, not sure if you can purchase it tho, being that the predator was only a show car, produced to show people what can be done for a small outlay to a EL falcon I6

shop around, and im sure someone can fabricate you a mesh grille like the predator one.

btw, 245/50 is the wrong ratio, your speedo will be out somewhat.

otherwise keep up the good work

dcstraight · 05-01-2002, 05:06

Hey South,

Yeah, I'll ask around about the grille - but you're right about the speedo being out - it's reading ~2-3 kms faster (as you'd expect) - I checked it while on the diagnostic mode 1 or 2 (i forget!). Do you know what the biggest I could fit on the back would be ? Also, would that have any impact on performance / power ? Yes, I'm a chump for not knowing hehe =]

Cheers,
Steve

xr6wgn · 05-01-2002, 05:22

You're running 245's on the rear, maybe running a 7" rim you've got more clearance - I run 16 x 8's with a 225 50 tyre and I've noticed some rubbing marks on the exhaust. I'll fix that when I get the new exhaust fitted.

Go the wagons

Paul B
XR6WGN

Xyphoid · 05-01-2002, 05:55

Just on the Subject of the Tickford Fairlane Grill,

The external part is exactly the same as the EF, so If U wanted to save yourself some Dosh, get an unpainted EF Fairmont Surround, Paint it, and get the Tickford Fairlane Grill Insert.

The Cheapest I have ever seen the Tickford Mesh Insert for the Grill is $580.

I have been looking for this for well over a year, and have decided that I am willing to go up to around the Low $400 figure for this insert, but then I realise, Its just a peice of metal !?!?!
Granted, a Dammmmm nice one at that.

I absolutely love the EL Predator Grille !!!!
THat thing absolutely rocks !!!!
Would be well worth the cost of getting it manufactured !
The only problem I see is finding someone willing to make one up ?

Cheers
Matti