Hey guys, i used search but couldnt find exactly what i was after. I just got a few questions about my 98 TF Manual Solara, i only recently bought it, it has 195,000kms on it and im pretty sure its a base model as it has no airbags, no ABS, and no power windows. Its got cruise though.

1- There are no foot well lights, Ive read that you can buy the lens from a wreckers and the loom should be behind the glove box. Is this true for a TF Solara too? I've only heard about this information on TJ's.

2- What product is everyone using to tint their tail lights? I couldnt find any information about VHT Nite Shades being sold in Australia?

3- I've heard that Ford wheels will fit onto Magnas? Is this true for all ford wheels? If not, what models? As im looking at some XR6/XR8 wheels to put on.

Thanks.

I've seen Nightshade available for sale both at Autobarn and Supercheap. It's what most members tint their tailights with. The other option I've heard is to get a panelbeater to paint them with a custom mix of clear/black paint, but unless you've got a mate in the business, that'd be a fair bit more expensive.

Falcon wheels are the same stud pattern as Magnas. Not all Falcon rims will fit though due to different offsets - earlier Falcons were around a 0 offset I think, which means they'd stick out too far in the guards. As long as you get something around the +38 offset it should fit fine, as long as it's not too wide.

Footwells..... can't be sure, but can tell you how to look!

Remove the trim panel under the glovebox - its just "canoe clips" (aka Christmas Tree Clips) that hold it on.

Notice the moulded hole in that panel for the footwell lamp holder - its in a four-sided recess where the lens can be clipped-in.

Guestimate where the lamp-holder recess sits, and peer up under glovebox at nearby bits of loom....... you are looking for a short slender bit of wire which is doubled-back and taped to the main loom - it might be almost disguised by the tape used to hold it back out of the way.

If you can't actually see it, have a gentle feel along any nearby looms for a small lump, or small loop of wire in a doubled-back state.

If you find one on glovebox side (which I think is easiest to investigate), then chances are there will one on drivers side as well. NOTE, there will not be bulb-holders taped back, just a slender plug on a pair of wires (power + earth).

If you have the taped-back wires, you need to get the bulb-holders and possibly the lenses (if you have any class and think picky details are important, LOL). Self-serve wreckers or AMC are your friends at this phase - and SECOND GENS are ripe for plunder!!! The lenses and bulb-holders from 2nd Gens are ideal, and perhaps more easily sourced.

Bulb holder is an L-shaped bit of paleish grey plastic, takes a bulb with T10 wedge base. Like lots of power connectors, there is a little pimple to press to detach the clip and allow bulb-holder to slip off the loom plug.

Lenses are white translucent plastic, and you need one from Pass side and one from Drivers side - shape is different each side, but 2nd gen suits 3rd gen. Have a small str8 screwdriver to gently pop lenses out of their recess. You could be extravagant and buy these from spares, but why not "reduce, reuse, recycle" - see, I am CHEAP, but also SAVING OUR PLANET!! LOLs.

Thankyou so much guys for the tips, really appreciate the detailed responses. I will see what i can do as soon as possible!

Thanks again.

Falcon wheels are the same stud pattern as Magnas. Not all Falcon rims will fit though due to different offsets - earlier Falcons were around a 0 offset I think, which means they'd stick out too far in the guards. As long as you get something around the +38 offset it should fit fine, as long as it's not too wide.

Think it was AU onwards that fit.

Think it was AU onwards that fit.

i was under the impression, that XA thru to AU stud patterns where the same (with the exception of XC II which was slightly different then changed back again)
BA uses different doesnt it?
i may be slightly off here - its been a while since i trolled fordforums to have this knowledge to the front of my mind. please correct me if i am wrong :)

AU+ stud pattern is the same as 3rd Gen stud pattern (5 x 114.3)

anyone that sells VHT paint can get the nite shades in from their supplier. if they say they cant get it and they do sell VHT paint they are just being slack.

get supercheap to order it in, i did it today

The fords (including the XCII which really does not exist) have the same pattern, it is the offset you need to wathc

The foot well lights, you need to wire them into the loom. Pick up power from the red/black in the loom, pick up the earth from the door switch and all good

Tail lights, IMO they are there so people see you stop and indicate, why hide that fact