Hard Top s/s News

[macfrank]

I think Paul Harris is ready to get the s/s project going.

Guys we need to call him.

Please call Paul Harris his (800) number is: 1(888) 522-2465

So he can get busy to develop the s/s for out Hard Tops

[Chuck]

macfrank, please see post # 21, looks like Paul has received enough calls.

[ks750]

Hi, I'm a fellow TBN member and the person behind making the TBC Continental Kits. Sorry to hear that a few of you don't care for the kit. Like many things, it's a subjective topic, and there will always be people on each side of the fence. I would not consider putting a loud exhaust on my car, for example, because it would ruin the ride quality for me - but that's just me.

I can tell you that a lot of die-hard T-bird people really like the kit, and we have been pleased with the enthusiasm of our customers. We have had zero complaints or returns, and that's a record we are proud of. Of course I'm not here to change anyone's mind about whether this kit is right for them - I knew that this was going to be a niche product for what many view as a niche car. I just wanted to say that I hope that when you see the kit on a car for the first time, that you'll look at it with an open mind - you might just be surprised. The design elements were done to directly reflect the details of the car itself. We went through several variations in developing this kit, and considered the stainless trim ring and/or exposed wheel cover look. But those elements just didn't compliment the car as nicely as this combination does. If you look at any new T-bird overall, there really is very little brightwork on the car. We stayed true to that theme, and continued the monochromatic look through the kit. And I'm not sure if it comes across in the photos or not, but the kit is a combination of smooth curves, with nary a flat panel anywhere. We worked hard to avoid that "kit car" look, and modeled the curves after the vehicle itself. The kit bumper exactly matches the vehicle bumper, and that spare tire cover is no conversion-van hockey puck style cover - it's one large compound curve, and it was made that way to compliment the taper of the rear of the vehicle.

In regards to the spare tire - as you know, crash bumpers are a consideration that no one had to worry about during the 1950s, so relocating the actual spare tire outside the vehicle (even if it's just the tiny space saver spare) was just not an option. Ford did it way back when to generate some trunk space, but the reality is that most people today just plain like the looks of a Continental Kit out there behind the car. So once you make that leap of thought, it may not be that important to you that the spare tire is still in the trunk. But if it is - and that's the only kit you'd put on your car - then I can tell you that you'll be in for a long wait. It took more than a fair bit of engineering to make this all work while maintaining the original crash bumper on the vehicle, and we're proud to say that we were rewarded with a Patent for our efforts. In looking at the kit mounted on the car, I don't think anyone will know or care that the tire is not out there. We maintained the same diameter on the Continental spare tire as the vehicle wheels have, and it really does look appropriately sized when you see it mounted up.

Anyway, thanks for letting me share a few thoughts, and I welcome any other non-piggy questions you might have! :)

[taflocks]

today we have done a rather good job at ticking off at least 2 of our suppliers
please don't tick off mr harris whatever you do, i need my s/s


also i think we may of been a little harsh with the continental kit guy but to each thier own.......some people may love the look some may not but thats what makes the world go around sorry if we have offended you.

[theherd]

I agree....sorry ks750, nothing personal was intended. One thing you'll find out about this place, though, is that very little is held back. But like taflocks said......different strokes for different folks. I noticed that the kit is receiving bids on Ebay.

[taflocks]

hey never say strokes to us old people..................

[theherd]

Sorry, King, but in this instance, you're the junior......

[MATBird]

MacFrank: Please see post 21. When I spoke with Paul it is very clear that he understands the issue and it was clear to me that he would appreciate it if the calls stopped. He just won't say that.

[redbirdsal]

I agree with George. In reply to my e-mail, he indicated his supplier would have to design, test, and produce the trim pieces. This will all take time, and that he will get back to us.

Sally

[DrtiBird]

I kinda liked the continental kit look. I probably won't buy one because they are fairly expensive and I'm just not into spending lots of money for T-Bird accessories (yet)! LOL

Evidently that is pretty popular because Ford has used it quite a lot; on the older Birds, Lincolns and at one time (about 1977) the Mercury Cougar.

[taflocks]

i think i should be the first to test the new s/s strips. i will be glad to do it for free with no payment expected.........

[Proboxfan]

Tom F.

I'm beginning to think something other than your headlight brackets have cracked.....

It might help your cause if you bring back your S/S avatar though.

[macfrank]

Mark Scanlon's Strips.

When will Paul Harris will have ours ?

I hope soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnn !!!!!!!!!!

[HeelBird]

I've sent an email to Mr. Harris, and included a comment asking for some brighwork to finish the loop from the chrome windshield band to the s/s strips.

[macfrank]

I am glad that everybody has taken the s/s strips seriously. We really need them. Don't we ?

I think Paul Harris is aware of it and will work as fast as he can on the production of our s/s Strips for our Thunderbird Hard Tops.

Thank you for the support

Look at this Thunderbird Ring