Putco Mirror Covers...Any Thoughts?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
Putco Mirror Covers...Any Thoughts?
My local store ordered a pair of the chromed plastic mirror covers for my '05 Ex towing mirror. They cover almost the entire mirror except for the stalks that go to the body, and where the lights are.
I taped them in place to see how they look, and frankly, I'm not sure. From some angles, they look okay, but from others...well, I think they are a bit much. I also wanted to do the chrome door handle covers, but they do are a bit too much for my taste.
I know that the black plastic mirrors and door handles are just short of bullet-proof, but am thinking that these made in Taiwan, chrome plated plastic bits will not hold up well. I also am thinking that maybe they will make my mirrors look like two big dumbo ears sticking out.
Does anyone have experience with Putco plastic chrome accessories? Or opinions on the look? Thanks!
I taped them in place to see how they look, and frankly, I'm not sure. From some angles, they look okay, but from others...well, I think they are a bit much. I also wanted to do the chrome door handle covers, but they do are a bit too much for my taste.
I know that the black plastic mirrors and door handles are just short of bullet-proof, but am thinking that these made in Taiwan, chrome plated plastic bits will not hold up well. I also am thinking that maybe they will make my mirrors look like two big dumbo ears sticking out.
Does anyone have experience with Putco plastic chrome accessories? Or opinions on the look? Thanks!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
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I checked them out at a few online stores...They just didn't look good to me! It was just a little too much chrome for my taste. If my handles were not painted to match, I would go with them. I had them on my superduty and they went well with an acetoned badge!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
Decision made. I taped them in place, and it was (and I can't beleive I am saying this) too much chrome.
I also contacted Putco, and these $100 plastic covers only have a 90 warranty. This makes me wonder as to how they will hold up. Worse, if they do get ugly..that 3M tapes holds really well...may be hard to remove them.
I also contacted Putco, and these $100 plastic covers only have a 90 warranty. This makes me wonder as to how they will hold up. Worse, if they do get ugly..that 3M tapes holds really well...may be hard to remove them.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
Okay...so I have to post once more on this.
While at the store today, I again looked at the mirrors (slipped on with some masking tape) as well as the door handle trim. It's starting to grow on me. (I know, so does mold.) I have to ask the G/F as she is usually right about these things.
Also, FWIW, I called Putco's customer service with the number the store gave me, and they said that the plastic chrome pieces have a lifetime warranty.
While at the store today, I again looked at the mirrors (slipped on with some masking tape) as well as the door handle trim. It's starting to grow on me. (I know, so does mold.) I have to ask the G/F as she is usually right about these things.
Also, FWIW, I called Putco's customer service with the number the store gave me, and they said that the plastic chrome pieces have a lifetime warranty.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Matt,
You now have me interested in these for my black monochrome 2003 v10 Limited. With the stock chrome rims this chrome mirror and/or door handle addition MIGHT be nice. What store did you look at these?
I would like to test them like you without ordering.
You now have me interested in these for my black monochrome 2003 v10 Limited. With the stock chrome rims this chrome mirror and/or door handle addition MIGHT be nice. What store did you look at these?
I would like to test them like you without ordering.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: SEVA
Originally Posted by Matt M, PA
I know that the black plastic mirrors and door handles are just short of bullet-proof, but am thinking that these made in Taiwan, chrome plated plastic bits will not hold up well. I also am thinking that maybe they will make my mirrors look like two big dumbo ears sticking out.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
Another update. The store lent me a pair of the Putco door handle covers too. As a package, with the mirrors, they look good and cover that black plastic.
I am going to call Putco again and find out why the door handle covers don;t fit. They look good, (and I was just holding them in place to see) but when you open the actual paddle that opens the door...the chrome pieces catch each other. I guess they need to be fit. I'll post again after I talk to Putco. (Maybe the TFP stainless door handles are better in fit?)
I am going to call Putco again and find out why the door handle covers don;t fit. They look good, (and I was just holding them in place to see) but when you open the actual paddle that opens the door...the chrome pieces catch each other. I guess they need to be fit. I'll post again after I talk to Putco. (Maybe the TFP stainless door handles are better in fit?)
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
Geez...is there any end to these updates?
Here's the scoop. The door handles from Putco do not fit. As mentioned above, the lever part contacts the bezel. A trim would fix it, but also void Putco's lifetime warranty. I called Putco about this, and they have said that (are you sitting down?) the Excursions and Super Dutys use different door handles. That's news to me and the parts guys at the Ford store. Putco is supposedly looking into making them for Exs.
Anyhow...while looking at these parts in the store...without attaching them to a vehicle...they make contact with each other the same way they do on the truck. I am assuming that there is an issue with the tolerence in these that Putco has yet to figure out.
Another company, TFP makes a set of door handle covers from stainless steel that, according to the company, will fit both the SDs and Exs. I'll look into this. According to the folks at TFP, the EXs and SDs use the same handle.
Here's the scoop. The door handles from Putco do not fit. As mentioned above, the lever part contacts the bezel. A trim would fix it, but also void Putco's lifetime warranty. I called Putco about this, and they have said that (are you sitting down?) the Excursions and Super Dutys use different door handles. That's news to me and the parts guys at the Ford store. Putco is supposedly looking into making them for Exs.
Anyhow...while looking at these parts in the store...without attaching them to a vehicle...they make contact with each other the same way they do on the truck. I am assuming that there is an issue with the tolerence in these that Putco has yet to figure out.
Another company, TFP makes a set of door handle covers from stainless steel that, according to the company, will fit both the SDs and Exs. I'll look into this. According to the folks at TFP, the EXs and SDs use the same handle.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
RACERX7775...thanks for the info.
Here's what I wound up doing. (And if anyone wants to see pics..I have 'em)
I got a set of the SD sport door handles, that are smooth and had them painted to match the Excursion. I did the Putco mirrors covers. I also got the new chrome upgrade 2006 SD grille.
Here's what I wound up doing. (And if anyone wants to see pics..I have 'em)
I got a set of the SD sport door handles, that are smooth and had them painted to match the Excursion. I did the Putco mirrors covers. I also got the new chrome upgrade 2006 SD grille.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: WARRINGTON, PA
MATT, yours didn't come with painted handles? I have an 01 limited and they were black painted like the rest of the truck. either way, how much did you spend for the grill? the real way to change it to an 06 style, you need headlight assemblies, radiator support to mount the headlights, grill, and a new front bumper. all adds up to about $1000 if you do the install yourself. that @1000, is dealer cost plus 10% which is what i pay at McCafferty ford. or did you get the grill from that company on EBAY that takes an 06 grill and modifies it to fit the old style? P.S. i'm at bannins all the time, but i really go to BEN PILLA on STREET and BUSELTON. let me know i'd be interested in seeing your X.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE PA
RACER...I have an '05, so the '06 SD upgrade grill was a direct bolt in. Took only a couple minutes.
Also, I am at Banin's regularly. (If you live in this area, you no doubt have seen my blue Ex or silver Cobra running around.) I have known those guys forever, so that's the only store I shop in for stuff like that. I did get the grille from McCafferty, whom I have a long-term professional relationship.
Since mine is a XLT as I wanted the chrome and grey interior....not to mention true blue...it came with black door handles. I'm not sure year that changed, but earlier XLTs came with painted handles, like my neighbors.
Also, I am at Banin's regularly. (If you live in this area, you no doubt have seen my blue Ex or silver Cobra running around.) I have known those guys forever, so that's the only store I shop in for stuff like that. I did get the grille from McCafferty, whom I have a long-term professional relationship.
Since mine is a XLT as I wanted the chrome and grey interior....not to mention true blue...it came with black door handles. I'm not sure year that changed, but earlier XLTs came with painted handles, like my neighbors.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: WARRINGTON, PA
matt, yeah we should meet up ther one day. i used to live in bensalem for about 27 years, now up in the warrington area. let me know if you want to meet. i also know mitch, stacy, and all the guys at McCafferty as i used to work at the ford store a while back.
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