Stainless Steel Trim for the ’02-’05 Thunderbird – Is it all the same? –
If you own a 2002-2005 Thunderbird, there’s a good chance that you’ve already added some stainless steel trim to it. And it’s easy to understand why … the 11th generation Thunderbird came from the factory with very little chrome or stainless trim embellishment. In fact, other than the trademark Thunderbird ‘script’ lettering emblems on the rear fenders, the only chrome-plated trim is the windshield surround. Some observers felt this lack of chrome gave the 2002-2005 Thunderbird a ‘bland’ appearance. Purists, of course, disagree, citing the “Less is more” mantra.
The fact is that many Thunderbird owners have chosen to customize and personalize their cars, and one of the easiest ways to do it is by adding aftermarket stainless steel or chrome-plated trim. And there are plenty of options available.
Why add stainless steel or chrome trim to the Thunderbird?
Adding stainless or chrome trim to the 2002-2005 Thunderbird is a very personal choice, and some owners won’t make any changes to Ford’s stock design. Given the ‘blank canvas’ that rolled off Wixom’s assembly line beginning in 2001 however, owners had a good starting point. Aftermarket accessory manufacturers were quick to respond to the potential market for chrome and stainless steel trim. One of the first products created for the new Thunderbird was the chrome-plated tail light bezel. These bezels are constructed of ABS plastic which is chrome-plated and install over the existing tail lights using 3M double-sided automotive adhesive tape.
The chrome-plated tail light bezels were soon followed by stainless steel trim accessories … highly polished metal trim kits to embellish the ‘feature line,’ Side Accent Trim rocker panels, rear deck, wheel well/fender openings and hood scoop bezel. These aftermarket accessories also install quickly and easily using automotive adhesive tape. Ease of installation is one of the most attractive features of the aftermarket trim for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird, and the fact that it doesn’t require any cutting, drilling or permanent modification to the car itself.
Aftermarket manufacturers added more stainless steel accessories to meet the growing demand. These new products included lower door trim, grille surround trim, window sill trim, and even stainless steel trim for virtually every component in the Thunderbird’s engine compartment. Even the oil filler cap, fuel filler cap, and gas filler door have stainless steel trim product options.
Are all stainless steel and chrome trim products the same?
As popularity of chrome and stainless steel trim for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird grew, more and more retailers began selling it. And if you’ve shopped for it recently, you know that prices vary widely. Why do prices for chrome and stainless steel trim vary so much? As with most every product, the materials and labor used to make them impact the price. And while stainless steel trim for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird may look the same, quality and workmanship differs. The differences may not be evident at first glance. As with any product, there are shortcuts available in the manufacturing process. And as for materials, not all stainless steel is created equal. High quality stainless steel won’t fade, rust or corrode, while cheaper material can. When shopping for stainless steel trim, check the quality of the edges as well as the surfaces. High quality stainless steel trim has smooth, polished edges and a consistent, uniform mirror-like reflective finish. Lesser-quality stainless products may have rough uneven edges, and the surface may have ‘burn’ marks, dull spots, or an uneven appearance. Of course, it’s difficult if not impossible to see these differences if you’re buying online, relying only on product photos. All stainless steel trim looks the same at a distance and in photographs. Product imperfections and flaws in materials and finish won’t be obvious until you inspect it up close and in person, and many people don’t want to bother returning products and many aren’t even aware of the differences in quality and workmanship.
Laser Cutting vs. Water Jet Cutting
There are two primary methods of cutting stainless steel material; Laser cutting and Water Jet cutting. Laser cutting, as the name implies, uses high-intensity laser beams reflected through mirrors to cut. Water Jet cutting utilizes a high-pressure jet of water, mixed with an abrasive material, to cut the material. Laser jet cutting allows a more precise cut, with no damage to the material due to abrasives. The water jet method is not as precise and can cause pitting to the material and rough edges due to the abrasives that are mixed with the water to make the cut. The quality of finished stainless steel trim accessories can vary depending on the polishing process after the cutting. High quality stainless steel trim has smooth polished edges, while lesser-quality foreign-made trim products often cut corners in the finishing and polishing process. All Powersport/Thunderbird Specialties stainless steel trim accessories are made in the USA and are Laser Cut and carefully polished prior to shipping.
How can I be sure I’m getting the best quality products?
Shop around. Call retailers and ask questions. Deal with reputable sellers. This can be difficult with online sellers on Ebay and Amazon. Ebay sellers don’t provide phone numbers, and questions must be asked through specific channels. It can take days to get a reply, if you get one at all. Find out if the product you are considering is made in the U.S. or overseas. American-made products typically cost more than foreign-made, especially items manufactured in Asia. Labor costs account for some of the difference in prices, but so does cheaper, lesser-quality materials and production methods. Does the seller back their products with a guarantee? If you are unhappy with the product can you return it for a full refund? Who pays shipping costs on a product return? Other important questions include: “How long have you been in business?” “Do you specialize in products and accessories for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird, or do you market items for many different makes and models?” “Do you have live phone support if I have product questions?”
Powersport/Thunderbird Specialties was found in late 2001 and has dedicated itself to serving the needs of owners of the 2002-2005 Thunderbird for over 15 years. We are the oldest and carry the largest selection of products exclusively for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird available anywhere … over 310 unique items to choose from!
Powersport innovated and created many of the products it sells, and holds U.S. Patents on accessories such as our ‘Roadster Style’ Tonneau cover. Powersport developed the stainless steel grille surround trim, along with a line of custom tail light covers, in addition to the original chrome-plated tail light bezel.
Our line of custom aftermarket chrome and stainless steel trim accessories lets you create a truly ‘one-of-a-kind’ custom Thunderbird, unique to your personal preferences and individual tastes. Call us at 310-589-1000 or use our convenient ‘contact us’ form to discuss your Thunderbird and how we can assist you in achieving your customizing goals.
