Converting '99 SVT Lightning to a current Lightning?

[tigeraid]

Building another model for a buddy (perhaps against my better judgement...) he has an 02ish SVT Lightning and Revell's kit (which is fantastic I might add) is a '99. The grill's are different. Does anyone know if one of the aftermarket places sells the differen grille, or if not, how I can duplicate it?

'99 Lightning (egg-crate grille and lower air dam insert):



his truck (horizontal bars, replaced ford symbol with SVT):

[tigeraid]

anyone? help?

[SupaMan89T]

the fog light area is more swept back on the newer truck than bolder on the older truck i dunno much about lightnings ill get josh (sk8ter_in_ny) to look at this hes the ford freak.

[mikemechanic]

I would think that that would be easily created with styrene strips using the existing grille and drilling out the egg crate area and inserting the strips. As for the SVT symbol maybe you could print your own decal?

[tigeraid]

Supaman: please do, thanks. I'm not too worried about the minor change in the shape of the fascia.

And ya, the SVT symbol isn't too much of an issue either, it was the grille that was my main concern. I suppose I could use styrene strips... I'd like to see an aftermarket solution before I give that a try tho

[freakray]

Originally Posted by tigeraid

anyone? help?

Patience my friend, patience.

Unfortunately, forums don't always spring instant answers.

[g00eY]

civichic did a Lightning with a grill like that.

[Jaymes]

yeah just make it with styrene strips...

speaking of differences, the headlight looks different, and i think the newer ones came standard with altezza's

[tigeraid]

The headlight difference is minor, he's ok with that though... and he prefers the earlier taillights anyway. The grille's my only concern...

[gasman03]

Front fascia's the same. just the grills are different. healights are different too. The big issue I see is that they went away from the old tailights and gave it Euro style tailights. that are completely different then the old version thats in the kit

99 Tailights



2002-newer tailights

[99civichic]

I dunno how to do the taillights. The front bumpers are identical. The only external differences between the 99s and the 00+ are
1) eggcrate grille vs bars
2) clear tails vs red
3) wheels

Here's mine:



I just cut the grille out with a razor blade and used strip styrene for the billet look. If you need more info let me know.

Edit: You will have trouble with the bodykit fitment and the rear bumper. Attach these and putty them before paint or primer for the best results. I've done this kit twice, and it's just two awkward and dangerous to the paint to attach the kit/bumper afterwards. That way, you can also have a "smooth" look that isn't exactly accurate, but it makes for a MUCH better model. It's really a shame, because other than that the kit is really nice. Oh, and make sure you do tons of test fits. My chassis was warped and made the bed sit crooked.

[tigeraid]

Thanks for the tips. As I mentioned above, the taillights and headlights are not a concern, only the grille... I'll have to try out the strips. Thanks!