87 XLT - Factory Optioned Restoration

[Mike Tonon]

How's your rear window chrome look? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-1996-F...ash=item3d17d28283:g:35wAAOSwXshWqtjO&vxp=mtr

 

[1qaz]

Haha you got the middle finger thing going too!

Beautiful truck, subbed

Thanks! Credit where credit is due...saw it in your build thread and felt it very fitting after the adventure I had removing those wiper arms.

How's your rear window chrome look?

No chrome on my rear window.

Was it was an option in 1987? Ad pic below shows it without.



I've seen it on a 1985 before and liked how it dressed up the rear window...certainly has me considering it. Would love to see pics if anyone has it on a 1987 as an option from the dealership.

 

[ford4thot]

I'm so jealous of how to clean this truck is

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

When it is nice it is nice (mine has it) but with age it turns yellow.

When I repaint the truck (and probably change the gasket) I don't know if it will have the chrome... another thing to age. Harder to see with a rollbar too.

I could see it being part of some "chrome appearance package" Why I have it and you don't is beyond me, my "Custom" has the same western mirrors yours does but I have black door handles and a black rear bumper. Maybe one (or both) of our trucks have had the gasket replaced at some point too.

I don't have many pictures of mine showing because of the rollbar.

 

[1qaz]

Found a fairly good example...also a 1985. Haven't seen the chromed rear window on a 1987 yet. But I'm still seriously considering it.

 

[turbo91xlt]

I got pictures of the battery hold down, just haven't had the time to upload them.

 

[Mike Tonon]

My 87 Ranger had the rear window chrome. The rubber gasket was still clean and soft at around 20 years old when I sold the truck, but the chrome got water behind it or something, so I found a very close in size chrome trim just like it from the auto parts store and stuck that in there. It crinkled around the bends, though, so those out there looking to change the chrome out, I'd stick with factory stuff or stuff made for it specifically.

87's without it might be lower models or maybe the rear slider was added later.

 

[1qaz]

After closer examination, I may have chrome in the rear window. However, if it's chrome it's the most sun baked and discolored chrome I've ever seen. Regardless, it's days are numbered.



A little closer look. I assume I start at the center piece and start removing from there.

 

[Mike Tonon]

Sunbaked it is! That was chrome, originally.

 

[1qaz]

Did the research on the battery hold down. Ford part #: E7TZ10718A. Have one on order.

Here's what it looks like without (my truck):





Here's is what it looks like with (someone else's truck):

Yes, it bolts to the support.



Complete kit:

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Where did you turn one up at?

 

[1qaz]

Where did you turn one up at?

The hardest part is getting the right part number. Once I have that I'll typically hit eBay, Green Sales Company, or Rearcounter. For this part I found one through Rearcounter.

http://www.rearcounter.com/E7TZ-10718-A-parts217186.html

I bought the one from Guerra Int. I also saw one on eBay. When ordering through Rearcounter, ensure to ask for a picture of the part to verify the right one. The good vendors have always obliged. Here's mine:



I still have to source the J bolts but I have a part number: E1TZ-10756-C

Going stock can be a pain in the ass.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Going stock can be a pain in the ass.

I have heard it said that "stock never goes out of style"

 

[1qaz]

Back to stock....



Battery hold down: $21
J hooks: $4
Bolts and nuts: Free from U Pick A Part St Louis
Total: $25

Next up: Rear Window chrome

 

[1qaz]

Rear window chrome trim replaced. It wasn't difficult but certainly tedious.

A quick how-to is posted here: Chrome Trim Replacement

Before:



Purchased a chrome trim kit from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts... part #: D7TZ-1042430-KIT, The actual Ford part # is: D7TZ-1042430-A.



After:



This is what 30 years of sun and elements does to plastic flexible chrome trim.



Rear Window Chrome Trim sorted.

Cost: $34.95 for the kit that included a chrome cap that covers the ends,

Note: More pics in the How-To.