I just acquired an 86 TC (see my post in the Off Topic forum) and one of my major goals with car is swap on the front bumper, doors, and quarter windows from an 87-88 TC. I have searched multiple website forums (here, turboford, and foureyedpride) but can't find a straight answer. Will the bumpers trim match my 86 fenders?
Also, one of my favorite features of my previous 88 TC was the corner illumination lamps. Are those part of the bumper cover or the fender?
Thanks, Tom
Tom
I don't know about the front cover but the crease lines on the 86 fenders won't match with the 87-88 doors.
Welcome to the board. Someone here can answer your question.
As Pete said, the horizontal "U" accent on the doors and front fenders of the 83-86 will not match up with the "no U channel" on the 87-88, but the parts will physically bolt up.
The cornering lamps were an option, and many 87-88 dont have them. I am pretty sure they are part of the fender. If you cant get a hold of the lights themselves, you could cut holes for them and install them. Wiring wouldnt be that hard. You would need either the original thermal timing relays or a modern solid state equivalent to get them to work correctly.
Pete and Jeff, thanks for the replies. On the doors and fenders, does the difference in the body lines continue rearward onto the quarters? I.e. If you got the 87/88 doors and fenders would they match the rest of the 86?
Still, my biggest concern is the actual front bumper. Will a late model bumper match the 86 fenders? I'm not sure I can come around to like the four eye front end.
Tom
Try to grow to like the four-eyed front :-) I chose it because of the readily available glass headlights and overall simplicity (but that's just my preference). I'm not sure about fitment, but can recall someone doing something like that
Yes, the "U" channel character line just above the bump strip continues into the rear quarter on the 83-86.
I don't understand what people have against the 4-eyes. I know it's all subjective, but I've always preferred the 4-eyes. Took me a long time to accept the "aero" nose. I like them now, but I still prefer the 4-eye.
The bumper will not "match" the fenders. The front fascia has that same "U channel" that the fenders have on the '86, which is not on the '87>. that accent goes all around the car.
And yes - the corner lamps are in the fender. See Below (not my car):
The cornering lamps are both part of the fender and the matching specific moulding. I retrofitted a car by adding these (just my preference, but I really like them!). Requires the addition of a relay (I'm thinking it's a RY-70?? number on the relay - have to dig deep into researching to confirm... That number relay is also for the other lighting group features, like delayed headlamps, and auto headlight dim circuits). Easy to cut the holes, and there a few NOS curb lights still available. As you probably know, these curb lights are on steady when turn signal is activated, until the signal lever is released (manually, or by auto cancel).
The quarter windows will not fit, Not without major opening modifications... Anyone confirm?
At Carlisle next week, I will take detailed pictures of both years of cars in the areas of interest and post then here (in about 2 weeks).
you can switch the bumper cover, grille and lights. i did that to mine:
[Image: 34gw9c1.jpg]
however, the trim pieces don't line up, and the body shape where they go doesn't either (the u channel is gone on the 87-88 cars from what i can tell). im going forward with my swap, and changing fenders, as mine are damaged and rusted.
its easiest to just change the nose, though.
-J0N