As I've learned FT sourced different exterior lighting and other parts from o.e.m. sources (like the Ford lights) , I was also wondering if anyone knows about the two front grilles on the last Unihomes ('94-96). Did they just use an existing one from another vehicle?
Reason I ask -- is I've had to do some fiberglass repair around the LF headlight opening where it turns the corner to go down the Coach side -- and the large decal that goes around the opening and down the side -- will have to be replaced on that side.
Encore has one, but wants a whopping $210.00 for the one decal.
I'm thinking of going a different route, and possibly changing the main metal front grilles to a stainless steel tubular type.
All the best,
Michael
Mike, You might call FOT and ask parts where they got that grille. I am GUESSING that was a made in house part. If it was me....I would fabricate a new grille out of something, maybe one of the aftermarket truck grilles ( flames Etc ) or use aluminum tubing or square stock. Its a fairly simple grill and would probably entail only some pop rivets or stainless screws.
Good luck, let us know how you work it out.
Gary B
Yes, Gary -- I'm guessing it was an in-house produced part. As part of my effort to update the look of the Coach's exterior, I want to replace the aluminum vanes that are pitted -- and a pain to polish. I have a pal that knows every fab shop in the L.A. area as part of his muscle car & hot-rodding hobby.
So -- I think I'll just take one of them off and start visiting these places to see if I can get a pair with 5/8"-1" dia. polished s.s. round tubes adapted to the existing bracketry.
As far as that black&silver wrap-around decal that is supposed to simulate a "grille" look -- I thinking more and more they both just gotta go. It would have been cool if FT would have designed the front cap f-glass mold with a ribbed/sculpted wrap around feature there.
IMO -- when I look at some of your slope-nose Coaches with different graphics, or even none in that area -- it looks a lot nicer.
Michael
Our '89 GV has the black/silver "wrap-around" painted on--no decals anywhere on coach except Foretravel name, Grand Villa, and fuel door. Painting the bars might be better for long term.
Just like nitehawk, no decals. Side grill decals were painted on in Mexico, both sides for $150.
Thanks for the comments about the wrap-around "grille". Nice looking Coaches you have there. I assumed all FT's of the era had the decals. I've decided to remove them with the "eraser wheel"-- as the driver's side one has to go anyway -- to properly fix the small stress cracks in the corner of the headlight opening.
If I want the look back, I'll go the painting-on route in the future.
I also talked to my hot-rod buddy and he saw the original aluminum vane front grilles I mentioned earlier. He said the best look for the money is to take them as a complete assembly to a polishing shop he routinely uses for his projects -- near here in Oxnard, CA. They can polish them to a mirror finish, and then apply a clear ceramic coating and subsequently bake them in a oven. He said you'll never have to touch them again.
He also said my idea of going with a full-round stainless steel tube style grille would be very expensive as they would have to hand form and tig weld all the tubes, most likely the set would be near a grand. So -- scrap that idea.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael, what is the cost range for the ceramic coating?
I don't know the exact cost yet, but my buddy said it was quite reasonable and the whole polishing and coating of both grilles should not be over $150. He based that on all of the trim pieces he has had the guy do for him over many vehicles.
I'll let you all know when I have a firm quote.
Cheers!