Hi from Northern California

[azdamay]

I made a post in one of the other forum areas; I figured I should probably introduce myself! I am a TC driver, it's my new fleet vehicle to replace a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan C/V. I work as a service tech for B/S/H/ Home Appliance, manufacturer of Bosch, Siemens, Thermador, and Gaggenau brand appliances. So far I've put over 4,000 miles on this van in about 6 weeks time! Since it doesn't belong to me I don't have any major plans for it, but I have made a few mods so far for aesthetic's sake and to improve night visibility inside the cabin. Here's a pic:

BTW if anyone knows how to get a set of the European center caps for the wheels, I'd sure appreciate that info!! Haven't seen a Euro dealer on the net that will ship to the U.S.

[privateyec]

Where did you get those chrome wheel rings? I've never seen them before.

[zepper]

I'd say watch Ebay UK and find someone who is willing to ship over here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FORD-TRANSIT-CENTRE-CAPS-GENUINE-FORD-3-ONLY-NO-RESERVE-/280599663991?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item41550b1577

[azdamay]

Where did you get those chrome wheel rings? I've never seen them before.

Got 'em on eBay. They were 39 bucks, and fairly decent quality I guess. They have metal retainers so they stay put, but will scratch the paint on the wheel under the trim ring. I just really hated the stock wheel covers.

zepper I've been checking eBay UK, but so far no listers have indicated they ship outside the UK or Europe. I'm not giving up though. However I'm not crazy about spending many, many times the cost of the parts to ship them here so I'm in no hurry. :P

[john98026]

Were you ever able to get the UK Center (Centre) caps? I took your lead and installed trim rings on my TC and I was also able to get a set of center caps shipped from England via eBay UK. Total cost was about $35 for the rings and a whopping $130 for the caps, incl shipping. If you're interested, I'll see about posting some pics.

Edited November 27, 2011 by john98026

[azdamay]

Sure I'd love to see the pics.

I figured the cost was going to end up being prohibitive (and it sounds like it would have been), so I just painted the hubs. Then the paint on the wheels gradually got thinner and thinner from polishing until it just looked terrible (in fact the wheels are currently rusty). I could have painted the wheels or had them powder-coated, but it was starting to seem like a lot of trouble for a van that didn't belong to me. So I went back to the stock wheel covers; then I bought a cheap set of replica Corolla wheel covers and a cheap set of stick-on Ford logo center "caps" and that's what I've got for now.

It would appear that Ford takes the silver-painted wheels used on the Euro Transit Connect and slaps a very thin coat of black paint right over the silver, to prep the wheels for the NA Transit Connect. That black paint won't hold a shine, and my efforts to keep it shiny took it right off. As you may have noticed, they don't even bother to paint the spare, it's still in the European silver paint.

[john98026]

Crummy weather but here are a couple of pics for you:

[mrtn]

I wonder why did Ford supply the US with old style taillights on a facelift model.

[azdamay]

Ah I see you got the larger center caps. I was thinking of the smaller ones that are black plastic (they literally just cover the hole in the center of the wheel, the lugs are still exposed). That's an interesting look with the silver body though. I like how the newer years have the door handles painted body color, too.

And to the question about the tail lights... maybe they had an oversupply of the older parts? Maybe the newer style doesn't meet DOT regulations? Wondered that myself.