Within the next couple of weeks, I get a new looking front end. Got the oil changed and after a couple of short trips, the 'oil low' light came on. Since I was in the area I returned to Ford garage and got another quart added. Seems the oil changer didn't know the Mark takes 6 qts. Making my way toward the shop on the dealer lot, going about 5 mph, BAM. Got run into by a salesman backing out to the right while he was looking left. Scuffed up right side front, pushed the headlight back a little, bent the chrome grille and cracked the license plate surround. Fortunately they have an on site body shop and the estimator found more than I initially saw. So now I get the bumper cover repainted (which I planned on doing in the spring) and am having them install (after repainting) a black grille. They're not sure if it will need a new headlight (have to pull it apart first) due to bracket damage, so we'll see. It just seemed like the best small accident situation as I don't have to deal with anyone's insurance, the damage was minimal (as in, it could have been way worse) and the body shop guys like my car. Still driving it around but hate that it looks like I ran into something!!
Best fix yet
- Thread starter soclose
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tonybrooklyn
New member
I would go even a step further and bring someone who knows what should have been replaced. Another words a professional body man to inspect all repairs. I would be hard pressed to trust a dealer to repair my car. That does not know how many quarts of oil go in a car after an oil change.
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
Basically, what these guys said. Also, congratulations on the freshly painted front bumper and Grille!
Upon inspection. pop the hood, and remove the two plastic cosmetic panels to inspect the header panel behind the headlight. I'd be worried about damage there, and they probably will try not to replace it, as the part is fairly large..
Let us know how it goes.
Upon inspection. pop the hood, and remove the two plastic cosmetic panels to inspect the header panel behind the headlight. I'd be worried about damage there, and they probably will try not to replace it, as the part is fairly large..
Let us know how it goes.
Thanks for comments. It'll go in next Monday. They are going to pull a lot of the front end parts off and check headlight. These guys are good in the body shop. Unfortunately, the youngsters who change oil need more info. The service department has a tech very familiar with the mechanics of the car and they all know what a pita I am when it comes to my cars. I am going to be there when they get the front end off and see it all for myself. I love being retired!!!! So much time to harass so many people. They already know to start the headlight search, just in case. Hopefully the one in there is not damaged but if it is, we'll all be on the search. Am still considering HID conversion kit for it. Any comments on that?
tixer
Lincoln Evangelist
The "thanks" is for...
As for the HID conversion, My personal opinion is to stick with the OEM setup until it fails, then switch. When that happens, you'll want Jay's kit. Although I'm struggling to come up with a link to his post about it at this moment...
As for the HID conversion, My personal opinion is to stick with the OEM setup until it fails, then switch. When that happens, you'll want Jay's kit. Although I'm struggling to come up with a link to his post about it at this moment...
Lvnmarks
quandoomniflunkusmoritati
I might have some base headlights and I know of a set of LSC lenses with adapters/bulbs/Ballest soon to be for sale. Of course I'm assuming it's a Gen one.
Make sure you tell them you paid retail for what ever you do get.
Thanks, Eric. It's a Gen two ('98) and I got spare hids when I found out how hard they are to find. I'm wondering about the bulbs maybe because it kind of freaks me out when I turn on the headlights and instead of the 'instant on' on other cars, the lights seem to come on dim at first and then brighten. It's a fairly quick process but noticeable. Obviously, my first experience with this so still learning.
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a small warm up time for HIDs is standard.
newer, more advanced ballasts can reduce warm up time, as can just flat out more powerful ballasts. ie, 55w ballasts warm faster than 35s.
the small arc of electricity must warm the surrounding gas and metal salts in the bulb to create plasma.
and the warmer it gets, the more efficient the whole process becomes.
newer, more advanced ballasts can reduce warm up time, as can just flat out more powerful ballasts. ie, 55w ballasts warm faster than 35s.
the small arc of electricity must warm the surrounding gas and metal salts in the bulb to create plasma.
and the warmer it gets, the more efficient the whole process becomes.