OK, to start, this is how I did this mod. Some people have different ways but this is what worked for me. I also take no responsibility for your actions, if you do this it is at your own risk.
Tools I used:
Flat head screwdriver (fairly small tip)
Thick shop towel
Socket (not sure of size)
High strength glue (I used a high strength model glue bought at a hobby shop)
A good all purpose cleaner (don?t use alcohol, might damage plastic)
A few spare hours
And last but not least a boatload of patience
1) Remove the rear reflector using a socket. This makes it easier to do this mod.
2) Using the flat head screwdriver and the shop towel. Cover the head of the screwdriver and start prying up one end of the metal strip. Be careful not to damage the strip or the reflector. TAKE YOUR TIME.
3) Slowly work your way to the center. Once you get close to the center; start on the other end of the strip so you don?t bend the strip.
4) While doing this you will hear a definite "POP" each time you pry up the strip. This is because the strip is melted to the rear reflector in about 10 spots. In this picture you can see the rear reflector without the metal strip and where it was attached to the reflector.
[img]
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1447543&a=10866454&p=47164987[/img]
5) Once the strip is removed clean both the strip and reflector using the all-purpose cleaner.
6) You will notice that the 'Ford' badge is glued to the strip and there are several holes in the center of the strip, on the back, where you can access the badge. I used the flat head screwdriver to remove the badge from the strip by pushing on the back of the badge, a hair dryer might help. Please be very careful not to damage the strip (it will scratch real easy) and take your time. Be patient, It took me about 30-45min to do this.
7) Once the badge is removed clean both the badge and the strip.
8) The badge is raised in the middle ( you will see it when you look at it). I used a belt sander to flatten the badge before painting. I then took my badge to a local body shop that was painting some other things and had them match the body color. You can do whatever you like.
9) Once everything is done I reattached the badge to the strip using the high strength model glue.
10) I then reattached the strip to the reflector, gluing at each point that was melted before. I also used glue anywhere I thought the strip touched the reflector. I wanted to make sure it would stay. If you deem necessary you can use clamps to hold the strip to the reflector while drying, but be vary careful not the scratch or break anything.
Here was the end result. This was before I put the SVT badge on (sorry about the crapy pics).
[img]
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1447543&a=10866454&p=47164983[/img]
This was the first mod I ever did and was very happy with the results. I did this mod a little over a year ago and have had no problems with rain, high-pressure car wash, or anything else. All I can say is take your time, be patient, and if you don't feel comfortable with it then don't do it. This was how I did this mod and I know that there are other people that have different ways, but this is what worked for me. Have fun and be careful
PS
I also removed the front badge and had it painted. This was before I put in the mesh grill
[img]
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1447543&a=10866454&p=47164988[/img]
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'98 T-Red Contour SVT
#2767 of 6535
DOB: 8/97
