Front end conversion 98 to 99
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Front end conversion 98 to 99
My first post and it's a question.. But planning to contribute if properly answered!
So straight to the point, will a 99-04 front end of our RLs fit on a 98 RL? If so, which parts are needed besides the obvious (fenders, hood, headlights, front bumper)?
My two front fenders, bumper and hood are not in the best shape, and I plan to get the car repainted, so I figured Id give this a shot.
If this conversion is possible, I will contribute a nice DIY when that time comes. I just need a yes or no and any other details I should know. radiator support?
Thanks! I've really enjoyed lurking on your forum and figured it's my time to try something :p happy holidays!
So straight to the point, will a 99-04 front end of our RLs fit on a 98 RL? If so, which parts are needed besides the obvious (fenders, hood, headlights, front bumper)?
My two front fenders, bumper and hood are not in the best shape, and I plan to get the car repainted, so I figured Id give this a shot.
If this conversion is possible, I will contribute a nice DIY when that time comes. I just need a yes or no and any other details I should know. radiator support?
Thanks! I've really enjoyed lurking on your forum and figured it's my time to try something :p happy holidays!
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 489
Likes: 29
From: California
Short answer, yes.
Long answers, it depends on quite a few factors. One, if you decide to tackle this project, you may very well spend in parts what it may cost to just go out and buy a 99+ RL. Additionally, if you decided to repaint, everything will have to be repainted (98 parts AND 99+ parts). Sure you could try to color match and only paint the newer parts. But it would be obvious that one set has new paint and the rest is old. Also, not to mention, that getting a proper paint job is very expensive, more expensive then our cars typically tend to be worth. Sure you could go to Maaco, or someplace like that, but be aware of the horror stories.
The headlights, sure, they'll fit, but in 1999, the RL was introduced with HID discharge headlights. So that's more parts you will have to buy. I can pretty much guarantee that you won't be able to find a wrecked RL in a pick-a-part place with everything you need, let alone two.
So, if you did everything "the right way" and spared no expense at all, you will probably be looking at a cost of what I'd estimate to be at least $6000 or $7000. Most of that cost will go to getting a good paint job. Let's just say hypothetically that you could do it for $3000. I think most RLs sell for between $3,000-$5,000. So at this point, you might as well sell your '98 and buy a '99.
Anyway, welcome to the forum, please be sure to use the nifty search function, though! Your question has already been answered here.
https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rl-1996-2004-77/headlights-tail-lights-498040/
Long answers, it depends on quite a few factors. One, if you decide to tackle this project, you may very well spend in parts what it may cost to just go out and buy a 99+ RL. Additionally, if you decided to repaint, everything will have to be repainted (98 parts AND 99+ parts). Sure you could try to color match and only paint the newer parts. But it would be obvious that one set has new paint and the rest is old. Also, not to mention, that getting a proper paint job is very expensive, more expensive then our cars typically tend to be worth. Sure you could go to Maaco, or someplace like that, but be aware of the horror stories.
The headlights, sure, they'll fit, but in 1999, the RL was introduced with HID discharge headlights. So that's more parts you will have to buy. I can pretty much guarantee that you won't be able to find a wrecked RL in a pick-a-part place with everything you need, let alone two.
So, if you did everything "the right way" and spared no expense at all, you will probably be looking at a cost of what I'd estimate to be at least $6000 or $7000. Most of that cost will go to getting a good paint job. Let's just say hypothetically that you could do it for $3000. I think most RLs sell for between $3,000-$5,000. So at this point, you might as well sell your '98 and buy a '99.
Anyway, welcome to the forum, please be sure to use the nifty search function, though! Your question has already been answered here.
https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rl-1996-2004-77/headlights-tail-lights-498040/
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