Chrome Trim

[Herr Doktor]

After re-painting the Apache Escort back to black I'm not sure I actually like it!

 

I hated it navy blue but don't "love" it black. Granted I don't hate it as much as I did when it was blue but, nonetheless, I'm not "in love" with it.

 

So, to try and break the mass of black up, I'm thinking about adding chrome trim around the side windows. Clips are not in-situ to allow me to use the clip on trim so I'm considering some self adhesive plastic trim instead like the one in the image below.

 

Could somebody measure the width of their trim please? I'd like it to be as near to original as possible. Numerous widths are readily available as are many contour shapes

 

Also, does anybody have experience with using the stuff? I'm reading mixed reviews on Amazon, "Bending" it around the rear quarter windows could be an issue even with heat!

 

Cheers

Keith

 

 

[colr6]

Are the trims not the same as 1300e ones ? Tbh I would search and fit some oe ones. It's the small things like this that make or break a car in my opinion. You say you don't like it in black why? The only problem with black is the body needs to be perfect and a perfect paint job or it doesn't have the same effect

[Herr Doktor]

Are the trims not the same as 1300e ones ? Tbh I would search and fit some oe ones. It's the small things like this that make or break a car in my opinion. You say you don't like it in black why? The only problem with black is the body needs to be perfect and a perfect paint job or it doesn't have the same effect

 

The paint is like an iPhone 4S it's that shiny and flat! It's a top b0ll0x job to be honest. I'm not sure I like the overall aesthetic. It don't look at it and think "Wow! That's amazing". It might sound silly I'm just not that sure black suits a Mk1 Escort. I'm finding it's a bit like Bovril!

 

I had considered the OE ones but they require "tags" to be placed in-situ to facilitate attachment of the trim. That would mean drilling the body work which, despite my stoicism, I'm loathe to do!

[colr6]

Understand your point ! Why spoil a fantastic paint job with some scabby plastic trim ! To me that ring bells on if they've cut corners on that what else is done on the cheap. Nothing implied by that if you know what I mean. But cars like this I would have thought command a good residual value and people looking at them as a purchase will pull things like this. It's the difference between a wow car and a tidy car. Rays 1300e is an example of that, there is some exellent E's out there but it's the attention to detail that makes them the best. It's something I would spot as a cheap fit and I'm not even an escort person.

[Herr Doktor]

Understand your point ! Why spoil a fantastic paint job with some scabby plastic trim ! To me that ring bells on if they've cut corners on that what else is done on the cheap.

Hahahaha! You raise some valid points. Funny too which is a bonus . I suppose the "obvious" solution would be to try the adhesive trim first to determine whether I like it or not. Then, if I'm happy with it undertake a permanent conversion. The chrome trim clip set is readily available, the trim proper, less so.

 

I'm replacing the original Apache decals along the side, bonnet and roof on Tuesday. I'll see if they "tickle my fancy" first but think I'll like the side trim as much, if not more. Which, of course, brings me back to my original question

 

Could somebody measure the width of their trim please? I'd like it to be as near to original as possible. Numerous widths are readily available as are many contour shapes

 

Also, does anybody have experience with using the stuff? I'm reading mixed reviews on Amazon, "Bending" it around the rear quarter windows could be an issue even with heat!

 

Cheers

[colr6]

No doubt it will look good on any decision you make. Good call with a temp fix on seeing if it floats your boat at the end of the the day it's your car and do it how you like it not anybody else.

[Herr Doktor]

Cheers col

[Rally Pack 2000]

My Twincam has a metal chrome trim pressed onto the gutter channel. I would try get one of the before adding the plastic type. It just crimps on and looks very classic.

 

While your wheels look very nice I think the black centres may not be helping much adding too much black. If you could find a fellow member off here with all silver minilites and just try them on for size first I think it may lift the car more.

 

Also with my Mk2 I had a problem with the car being white and very thick bold stripes handles and window surrounds and sills were all matt black and it really became a bit much to look at. I know Col didnt like the idea, but I painted the calipers red just to add that hint of colour. You cant see the whole thing just a small part of the caliper and it just gives the car that something to break up all the black and white. I feel your car may be in similar position except opposite to mine. While im not suggesting you paint your calipers red per say, if you can find a way just to add a hint of colour somewhere I think it will set the black off nicely. Its certainly worth a try before painting it again as it looks at pretty great job at that.

[Vista]

Why not add some silver (or gold) pin stripes down the side along the coach line? That would break the flanks up a bit.

 

I felt a similar way about my old Modena Green 3.0 GXL Capri when I finished it, but a triple coach line finished it off nicely.

[Herr Doktor]

Why not add some silver (or gold) pin stripes down the side along the coach line? That would break the flanks up a bit. I felt a similar way about my old Modena Green 3.0 GXL Capri when I finished it, but a triple coach line finished it off nicely.

 

I'm putting the Apache decals back on it on Tuesday. Maybe I'll feel better then

[colr6]

Just looking at the pic in your first post, do think it looks stunning. How many black ones do you see that are done well, not many the only thing on that pic I could critisize rightly or wrongly is the stripe around rear arch appears incorrect not flowing round the arch as the front one does.

[preacherman]

That escort in the picture above is the dogs b*****ks and superb.

 

Neil

[Rally Pack 2000]

What size are those rims?

[Vista]

Just looking at the pic in your first post, do think it looks stunning. How many black ones do you see that are done well, not many the only thing on that pic I could critisize rightly or wrongly is the stripe around rear arch appears incorrect not flowing round the arch as the front one does.

As I read the opening post, that's not his car though.

[Herr Doktor]

I used the image as an illustration of the chrome trim around the windows. Mine is currently all black. Same wheels though

[colr6]

As I read the opening post, that's not his car though.

I had noted that,it was for illustration purposes only. But did spot that what I would call a flaw. Or is it not?

[mk1del]

Lets have a few pictures of it ,

[Vista]

I had noted that,it was for illustration purposes only. But did spot that what I would call a flaw. Or is it not?

If the intention of the illustration car is to be an RS2000 lookalike, you're correct. The chrome trim round the windows wasn't fitted to any AVO model.

[Ray]

The chrome trim round the windows wasn't fitted to any AVO model.

 

agree and disagree, the first 5000 1300Es went through the AVO plant, and all had the chrone window trim

[Herr Doktor]

My Twincam has a metal chrome trim pressed onto the gutter channel. I would try get one of the before adding the plastic type. It just crimps on and looks very classic.

 

While your wheels look very nice I think the black centres may not be helping much adding too much black. If you could find a fellow member off here with all silver minilites and just try them on for size first I think it may lift the car more.

 

Also with my Mk2 I had a problem with the car being white and very thick bold stripes handles and window surrounds and sills were all matt black and it really became a bit much to look at. I know Col didnt like the idea, but I painted the calipers red just to add that hint of colour. You cant see the whole thing just a small part of the caliper and it just gives the car that something to break up all the black and white. I feel your car may be in similar position except opposite to mine. While im not suggesting you paint your calipers red per say, if you can find a way just to add a hint of colour somewhere I think it will set the black off nicely. Its certainly worth a try before painting it again as it looks at pretty great job at that.

 

I've seen the chrome gutter trim. I tried to emulate it with some tin foil just to get an appreciation of the aesthetic. My Mrs caught me applying it and thought I'd gone insane!! The trim I've seen though appears to be plastic. I haven't seen any metal trim.

http://www.burtonpower.com/chrome-roof-gutter-trim-ford-escort-mk1-cortina-mk3-mk5-rubb80.html

http://www.motorsport-tools.com/new-ford-escort-mk1-roof-gutter-trim-chrome-replacement.html

http://gsescorts.co.uk/Escort-Mk1-chrome-effect-roof-gutter-trim

http://www.eastkenttrimsupplies.com/roof-gutter-trim-chrome-c2x18088472

 

I agree with what you're saying though. Especially the wheels and calipers.

 

Interestingly I've managed to secure some chrome window trim just recently and on this very site!

http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/ipb/index.php?/topic/83505-mk1-escort-bits-encluding-front-end/

 

I'll try and get some pictures up later today [assuming it stops raining!]

[Rally Pack 2000]

I've seen the chrome gutter trim. I tried to emulate it with some tin foil just to get an appreciation of the aesthetic. My Mrs caught me applying it and thought I'd gone insane!! The trim I've seen though appears to be plastic. I haven't seen any metal trim.

http://www.burtonpower.com/chrome-roof-gutter-trim-ford-escort-mk1-cortina-mk3-mk5-rubb80.html

http://www.motorsport-tools.com/new-ford-escort-mk1-roof-gutter-trim-chrome-replacement.html

http://gsescorts.co.uk/Escort-Mk1-chrome-effect-roof-gutter-trim

http://www.eastkenttrimsupplies.com/roof-gutter-trim-chrome-c2x18088472

 

I agree with what you're saying though. Especially the wheels and calipers.

 

Interestingly I've managed to secure some chrome window trim just recently and on this very site!

http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/ipb/index.php?/topic/83505-mk1-escort-bits-encluding-front-end/

 

I'll try and get some pictures up later today [assuming it stops raining!]

 

The metal gutter trim I was referring to came with my Mk1 from the factory. Im not sure about the UK cars but almost every Mk1 here had this trim and only those higher luxury models got the extra window trimming. So what Mk1s in Europe came out with metal gutter trim? I would be surprised if Ford Australia made it special for just local cars.

 

The slight hint of colour I refer too can also be illustrated on the Harrier models. Their addition of a nice blue stripe makes them really elegant. Im not sure whats available that would have similar effect on a black Mk1 but would love to see what you come up with. Arent Apache stripes similar to Mexico ones but with name changed? Since is much thinner thank the RS2000 type ones on the car pictured maybe you can choose a highlight colour version rather than just silver. Something that maybe matches a stripe thats on the seats or other place on the car. Black is a great colour just difficult to mix and match with but well worth it when you find that right look. Let us know what you decide I know someone with a black Mk1 that would be most interested.

[Herr Doktor]

The metal gutter trim I was referring to came with my Mk1 from the factory. Im not sure about the UK cars but almost every Mk1 here had this trim and only those higher luxury models got the extra window trimming. So what Mk1s in Europe came out with metal gutter trim? I would be surprised if Ford Australia made it special for just local cars.

 

The slight hint of colour I refer too can also be illustrated on the Harrier models. Their addition of a nice blue stripe makes them really elegant. Im not sure whats available that would have similar effect on a black Mk1 but would love to see what you come up with. Arent Apache stripes similar to Mexico ones but with name changed? Since is much thinner thank the RS2000 type ones on the car pictured maybe you can choose a highlight colour version rather than just silver. Something that maybe matches a stripe thats on the seats or other place on the car. Black is a great colour just difficult to mix and match with but well worth it when you find that right look. Let us know what you decide I know someone with a black Mk1 that would be most interested.

 

Yes you're correct. They are essentially Mexico stripes but say "APACHE" instead. Interestingly the sticker guy recommends I go with a matt black set of stripes. Certainly not my first choice [nor 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc..].

 

I thought a deep red/ like a red wine [rioja sort of colour]. He reckons matt black will be OK though as the car is such a high gloss it will break the block of colour up but without being to garish or over bearing. I can't say I'm convinced myself but he's agreed not to charge me if I don't like them so that's not bad

 

I like the stripe on the harrier. It don't think it would suit a Mk1 as the coach lines on a Mk2 are straight whereas mine are more "coke bottle" like. Nice idea though

[Rally Pack 2000]

Yes you're correct. They are essentially Mexico stripes but say "APACHE" instead. Interestingly the sticker guy recommends I go with a matt black set of stripes. Certainly not my first choice [nor 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc..].

 

I thought a deep red/ like a red wine [rioja sort of colour]. He reckons matt black will be OK though as the car is such a high gloss it will break the block of colour up but without being to garish or over bearing. I can't say I'm convinced myself but he's agreed not to charge me if I don't like them so that's not bad

 

I like the stripe on the harrier. It don't think it would suit a Mk1 as the coach lines on a Mk2 are straight whereas mine are more "coke bottle" like. Nice idea though

 

Oh gosh dont go with matt black stripes on a Gloss black car. Thats the last colour I would choose. Take a look at this Youtube clip and this guy has put on deep red strips just as you have described and I think it looks good. (Ignore the later part of the video that show the interior though its really really bad) Take note how he did the brakes in red too. All over silver rims help too. I think that video gives a few really good exterior suggestions and many interior donts LOL

 

[Rally Pack 2000]

Is yours a 3lt V6 by the way?

[skeeter]

As a thought, what adding gold accents ala JPS specials of the 70's?

 

Ken