questions from a noob

[brains]

What are the little lights that are to the inside of the headlights called? Where can I find them and are they functional?

Is the dash panel that surrounds the gauge cluster the same on all models or is specific to the SHO? Mine has the radio buttons on it. If not where can I find one of those too.

Lastly, I have a little knock that comes from the rear. The previous owner installed tokico hb5003 struts and lowered the car but it makes that noise over bumps. I've searched and read about the strut tower braces I think thats what they are called. Are there other possibilities? I know that the front ball joints have been replaced but I dont know about the rear other than the struts.

Oh, are there fender flares out there that are aval? I need to neutralize this wheel well rust and then cover it up. thanks for all your help

B

 

[brains]

sorry bout the second post, I thought the first one didnt fly

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

Answered in reverse order.

No fender flares unless custom.

Surround should be the same...I have an extra one if your in need of one.

Dont know what you are talking about the little lights inside the headlights...explain more.

 

[CerberuS]

Answered in reverse order.

No fender flares unless custom.

Surround should be the same...I have an extra one if your in need of one.

Dont know what you are talking about the little lights inside the headlights...explain more.

In correct order

-Fishtanks (no utility)
-Strut mounts (rubbers where the coil sits) must be bad , common issue.
-custom only.

 

[SlowHeavyObject]

the little lights to the inside of the headlights are called the "fishtanks." since the car uses sable headlights, they were put in there to fill the gap between the headlights and the bumper and are there simply for decoration - they don't light up. so on the sho, the order of the lights from outside to in should be: parking/turn signal, headlight, then fishtank. if you are handy with wiring, they can be converted to light up by installation of a bulb socket.

not all of the trim surrounds are the same. you can't use one from a sable that isn't modified. you can use one from another 92-95 taurus that is not a sho but there is one catch - you have to make sure it has the cutout for the foglight switch between the steering wheel and the center a/c vents. some taurus bezels have them because they have foglights, others have them but there is a plug filling the hole you have to punch out, and base models might not even have the cutout at all. all of them should have the radio buttons tho. another thing is that if you are picky, there are alot of colors out there but the sho only had 2 - a tan and a gray. there was only one shade of tan called "mocha" and i think there were maybe 2 shades of gray, one "titanium" and one called "opal" depending on year. you just gotta look out to see if the color matches your interior if you're uncomfortable with dying the bezel.

sometimes the strut tower braces make a knocking noise if they are cheap quality or not installed right/tight enough. another thing that likes to knock around in the back is that plastic panel that covers the amps attached to the backseat. sometimes if you have a stb, the panel comes loose and knocks against it. if you are hearing the knock when you go over speedbumps or creases in the road, then it may be your strut mounts. sometimes if the work is done by a shop, they will reuse the original ones instead of replacing them. not an easy job to do alone unless you have lots of tools and hulk-like strength.

there are flares out there. just make sure it's either for a 92-95 taurus. you can use 92-95 sable flares but only the front ones will fit, the back will have to be taurus specific. try ebay.

 

[brains]

the little lights to the inside of the headlights are called the "fishtanks." since the car uses sable headlights, they were put in there to fill the gap between the headlights and the bumper and are there simply for decoration - they don't light up. so on the sho, the order of the lights from outside to in should be: parking/turn signal, headlight, then fishtank. if you are handy with wiring, they can be converted to light up by installation of a bulb socket.

not all of the trim surrounds are the same. you can't use one from a sable that isn't modified. you can use one from another 92-95 taurus that is not a sho but there is one catch - you have to make sure it has the cutout for the foglight switch between the steering wheel and the center a/c vents. some taurus bezels have them because they have foglights, others have them but there is a plug filling the hole you have to punch out, and base models might not even have the cutout at all. all of them should have the radio buttons tho. another thing is that if you are picky, there are alot of colors out there but the sho only had 2 - a tan and a gray. there was only one shade of tan called "mocha" and i think there were maybe 2 shades of gray, one "titanium" and one called "opal" depending on year. you just gotta look out to see if the color matches your interior if you're uncomfortable with dying the bezel.

sometimes the strut tower braces make a knocking noise if they are cheap quality or not installed right/tight enough. another thing that likes to knock around in the back is that plastic panel that covers the amps attached to the backseat. sometimes if you have a stb, the panel comes loose and knocks against it. if you are hearing the knock when you go over speedbumps or creases in the road, then it may be your strut mounts. sometimes if the work is done by a shop, they will reuse the original ones instead of replacing them. not an easy job to do alone unless you have lots of tools and hulk-like strength.

there are flares out there. just make sure it's either for a 92-95 taurus. you can use 92-95 sable flares but only the front ones will fit, the back will have to be taurus specific. try ebay.

Thanks for that info,

The fishtank thing is about as idiotic a design as I've ever seen if its truly there to make up the difference between the sable light and the taurus light. (this is why ford is trying/needing to align with another SMARTER man. to help them with their purchasing)

The strut issue I will attack this weekend. Is this a part that could fail and make the car unsafe?

Are there body color flares out there. I dont want the chrome lookin ones. Does anyone on here have them with a pic to show?

I still cant delete or see my threads. I had to change my background view just to see these replys. I'll do what I can though.

Jay

 

[CerberuS]

For the struts mounts , needs to be done = yes.

unsafe = no.

 

[brains]

thanks. for the help.

 

[jedhead]

You can add lights to your "fish tanks". Instructions here:
http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/mod...e=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=197

Bob

 

[brains]

Man that looks easy as pie. Why didnt ford do this from the get/go? Morons.

 

[CerberuS]

I like the fishtanks , stands out from the slo.