Originally posted by 1WorldCar:
I ran into serious problems that I didn't anticipate with a post 98 front end upgrade. I thought that I had researched this enough but I guess I diddnt cross all my T's. I had the fenders, and hood installed with no problems, and while trying to install the header panel I discovered it doesn't fit a pre-98. Ford changed the seams that the fenders bolt to that run along the sides which wasn't a problem for the fenders they bolted right up except for one bolt pattern was off. The real problem was the header panel wouldn't fit where it meets the end of the fenders and tucks inwards toward the engine the panel wouldnt go back far enough and the bolt pattern for the panel was completly different. Theres also a welded on seam thats different where the very end and undernieth side of the fenders bolt to. This extension thats welded to the frame is in the way so the panel wouldnt fit. I tried modifying the panel to no success. I put my pre-98 front back on and I've been sitting on the couch most of the afternoon depressed. I lost $600 in parts unless I can re sell them, and I cant enjoy the new svt front after 6 months of preparation. Its a real let down, but I said oh well, I tried and now I will do what I have to do and that's put my car back together and that's what I did. I just wanted to let any other members know who may be attemptig to do a pre to post 98 front end conversion that they will run into problems. The frame need modification for the header panel. Well I have my SVT rear and sides, and I think Im just going to get a mystique front valence and have it painted Champaign, and live with the pre-98 front.




Right here!

· Jon Miconi · Coming Soon! · 01 Cougar · 98 V70R