Rad Support Questions

[sperold]

I am in the market for a replacement rad support. I have heard that the front sheet metal (rad support and inner fenders) is similar in the Taurus lineup right into the early 2000 model years.
The 86 to 95 rad support is not available. The 96 to 99 looks different (has 2 big holes instead of an open rectangle in the center) and is $100.00 and a lot to ship. The 2000 looks the same as the 96 to 99, and it is $50.00 and $15.00 to ship, I guess because it is close to my location.
Does anyone have any insight into how well it can be adapted?

 

[rubydist]

I do not think that any of the front sheetmetal was the same after 96. The front of the 96+ cars sloped down a lot more, so I think its all different...

 

[tompumped]

I replaced the radiator support on my old car. I bought it off ebay, the car was a 92. I can look through receipts if you need a part number. It was an aftermarket part.

It fit well and in the end everything lined up. I was able to align the headlights properly also. I still can't believe how many spot welds hold that damn thing on.

 

[sperold]

I would appreciate a part number. I have one now that I am not sure of..... and it is FODZ16138AF01225118, one of my problems is I don't know if a 0 means "oh" or zero.

 

[rubydist]

You have to understand Ford part numbering. In the prefix, the first is a letter, the second a number, the 3rd and 4th are letters (except that on some of the new part numbers, the first 2 characters are reversed). The main part number is 4-6 characters, generally numbers but you will find plenty nowadays that have an "A" or a "B" in them. The suffix is between zero and 2 characters, always letters. The main part number identifies the part type, and all parts of that type will have the same main part number. (For example, all wheels are 1049, iirc.) The prefix tells the year of introduction and the model line for which that particular part was designed. The suffix tells the revision level of the part.

So your part number is F0DZ-16138-AF That identifies it as a 1990-introduced service part for large cars, radiator support, revision AF.

 

[tompumped]

I found the receipt and the seller is autosdepo on ebay. I just looked and they still sell the part. On my receipt there's no Ford part number but on their listing they have part number FODZ 16138 A.

 

[Racer X]

eBay listing 170566968316

 

[sperold]

Thank you everyone.
I have ordered the rad support, and everything was dead easy, once I got the information from all of you.
This site has been a big help over the years, and this thread has just confirmed what I already knew.... that if you have an issue / problem, this is the place to come.
Many thanks, Merry Christmas, and all the best in the new year.