Found a 71 Grabber! Question about Shelby tail lights....

I started my daughter on mavericks when she was 15. We built a 72 and she drove it all through high school. She's stationed in Alaska in the Air Force now for the last few years. She saved up her money and watch this grabber blue 1971 grabber. I'm going to restore it for her for when she comes back from Alaska next year. Her name is Shelby and coincidentally, she wants to do the Shelby taillight conversion. My question is, has anyone done this conversion with the panel and taillight kit? If so, is there anything to look out for or any problems that were encountered? I was going to order the kit soon, but wanted to hear from all of you that may have already done this before. Thanks.

 

What kit are you talking about? A few of us have used the Dynacorn Shelby/ California Special tail light panel, and welded that in.

 

This guy is a member here as well but I had his build bookmarked on another site.

http://www.pro-touring.com/general/...ject-boss-5-0-my-72-maverick-62598-page3.html

 

Those pics were very helpful. I wasn't sure how the panel fit until seeing that thread and Dave B's pic. Thanks!

 

I highly recommend the upgrade. I did it to my car a few years ago and have had nothing but positive feedback from everyone that has seen it. I too wound up with the Dynacorn panel and I used the led light kit.

 

Here is some trivia for you all.
Those were 1965 Thunderbird tail lights before they went on 1968 Shelby and 1968 Mustang GT/CS's.

 

Very true..

 

You can also do this with the 67 Shelby panel and lights. I just used the lights and a flat panel, and think it looks good that way too. I may add the Shelby panel in the future, but I'm happy with it this way.

 

^^That looks real good.

 

For those of you who have done this conversion, are you happy with the look when considering the width? Specifically, does the panel need to be widened to place the lights a little farther to the outside edge? When compared to the factory position on the Mustang are they about the same distance in?

 

Here's a shot of mine

 

I just trimmed the Mustang panel, and centered it to the Maverick panel, no widening, with the extensions on, they fit nicely. I just copied what Car-nut did with his.

 

Not trying to flame anyone, but here's an idea: how about measuring the size of the tail light panel BEFORE cutting the hole. That way you won't have to fill large gaps with pieces of sheet metal. I can't imagine how warped that was.

 

I think you should know, he's a professional body man, and I'm sure there wasn't much warpage... and I'm sure he "knows" what he's doing....

 

Thanks Ray - that looks good to me.

I agree Dave, with the extensions the excess seems to be gone.

Thanks guys.