How to Install the Shelby Map light trim (10 steps)

[GRABBER]

By reading many different tips from others that have installed this, I have now installed my Shelby Map light cover. These are the steps I took.

1. Purchase the part from SPP for $29.95



2. I flipped the part over and peeled the double sticky tape off.
Here's the tape it came with.

After I removed it.


3. I got some super double sticky 3M tape.



4. I then installed the new tape on the piece.


5. I then played around with the piece in the car doing a dry fit on the map light with out taking the double sticky tape off. I did this for a few minutes and massaged the piece very slightly on the corners to make it conform to the contour of the round corner better. I then took a blow dryer and warmed up the plastic map light area for 5 minutes. No pic's of this step.

6. I then took som alcohol and cleaned the plastic map light area so my new tape would stick.



7. I then used the blow dryer to warm the plastic map light up some more.


8. I then peeled the tape backing off and installed the piece. I massaged it into place for several minutes. I warmed the new piece up with the blow dryer after it was installed and massaged it some more to make sure it was stuck on good.






9. I then put 3 big thick rubber bands around the map light. I used some blue tape to keep the rubber bands from sliding down and poping off.




10. I threw away the 2 little buttons that control the map lights that are shown in this picture. You have to push hard to install them and you risk breaking your $600 dollar map light and security unit. It's not worth the risk from what several members that broke theirs told me.


11. I then installed the visor mod.

[GRABBER]

Please don't turn this into a SPP bashing thread.

some people like the looks of this piece and there is a way to put it on and make it look good.

I'm just trying to help a future member that might want to put this on their car.

Thanks for your consideration.

[Joe G]

Thanks Grabber.


I'll try not to bash SPP, but I just find it funny that you have to buy the proper tape that will actually stick, and rig together the rubber bands to hold it on.


Hope it stays on for you as I do like the look of it.


Thanks again.




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[GRABBER]

Originally Posted by Joe G

Thanks Grabber.


I'll try not to bash SPP, but I just find it funny that you have to buy the proper tape that will actually stick, and rig together the rubber bands to hold it on.




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It was suggested to me to use the rubber bands for a min. of 24 hours to allow the double sticky tape to bond real well to the piece. I'm not driving my car right now due to the winter weather....so I will just leave them on for a while to allow a good bond.

[Birdman]

Nice write up thanks. I really like the look but for $30 I thought it was actually a replacement part not a stick-on piece of aluminum with no way provided to stick it on. Did it say in the instructions that you have to supply your own double sided tape ? What did the tape add to the cost ?

[GRABBER]

Originally Posted by Birdman

Nice write up thanks. I really like the look but for $30 I thought it was actually a replacement part not a stick-on piece of aluminum with no way provided to stick it on. Did it say in the instructions that you have to supply your own double sided tape ? What did the tape add to the cost ?

Using better tape was suggested to me by several people that had trouble with the piece staying adhered on the cruved edges so I changed the tape because others have had success when they did that.

I had the tape in my shop. I forgot what I paid for a roll of it, but it's very handy to have a roll in the shop.

BTW a replacement is $600 bucks from Ford.

[iceman]

what is the quality like of the material? I am hesitant to try these things after I bought some knob covers for the ac, lights etc. They looked like a nice metal cap but were like a thick tinfoil and really flimsy. I tossed them in the trash after paying about $30 for them. Now I think they have repl;acement knobs available but I have not gotten to it again.

I also like the look. It will be interesting to see if this works out for you on the hot summer days. when temps in the car get really high. I think the extra effort with the tape and bands is a good idea.

[GRABBER]

Originally Posted by iceman

what is the quality like of the material? I am hesitant to try these things after I bought some knob covers for the ac, lights etc. They looked like a nice metal cap but were like a thick tinfoil and really flimsy. I tossed them in the trash after paying about $30 for them. Now I think they have repl;acement knobs available but I have not gotten to it again.

I also like the look. It will be interesting to see if this works out for you on the hot summer days. when temps in the car get really high. I think the extra effort with the tape and bands is a good idea.

The finish on the piece is nice IMO. They changed the way they cut the holes so they are very clean. I met many members in LV last week that had there cars at the track and they have this piece. If installed correctly....it stays put.

Here's some pic's pf the piece before I put it on so you can see the finish better.

[cheftjpeck]

great write up....I thought about doing this....still am thinking....thanks for the info though

[SLGT750]

Nice job Rob, your piece seems to be finished alot better than mine. I did the same 3m tape and did alot of massaging to get the edges of the piece to tuck into the map bezels so the ends don't pop up. I was able to get the buttons on as well, just have to have some patience and a light hand. I really do like the look of aluminum to dress up the bland interior.
Next I would like to do the Silverhorse temp control knobs(not covers) but you have to break out the knobs!

[GRABBER]

Originally Posted by SLGT750

Nice job Rob, your piece seems to be finished alot better than mine. I did the same 3m tape and did alot of massaging to get the edges of the piece to tuck into the map bezels so the ends don't pop up. I was able to get the buttons on as well, just have to have some patience and a light hand. I really do like the look of aluminum to dress up the bland interior.
Next I would like to do the Silverhorse temp control knobs(not covers) but you have to break out the knobs!

After all the early complaints on the map light cover about the holes, they must of changed the way they make it because it does look nice.

Here's a PDF on breaking off your knobs. I'm not wanting to do that.

[GRABBER]

These are the steps I took to install the map light buttons successfully.


1. I took the advice and got out my trusty silicon lube.


2. I got out my trusty Dremal tool and relieved the insde of the button.



3. I had to put on a more agressive bit to shave the inside down. The grinding bit was not cutting it.


4. I grinded on this inside and dryfitted several times. You can see that I generated some alum. shavings.



5. I then cleaned the inside of the cap and used a Q-tip to coat the inside with spray silicone. I put a a little on the button as well.



6. I then pressed the buttons on. They are on tight and it turned out very nice. I am pleased with the results.

[Joe G]

We want more pictures of the aluminum shavings!!!































Informative as always.

Gotta love ya Grabby. I always get a laugh out of your posts.



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[TOMMY GUN]

Looks nice.

I would be hesitant to put a hair dryer anywhere close to the headliner material, it will burn/melt it in a heartbeat.

.

[GRABBER]

Originally Posted by TOMMY GUN

Looks nice.

I would be hesitant to put a hair dryer anywhere close to the headliner material, it will burn/melt it in a heartbeat.

.

Thanks Bill, I'm very happy with the installation.

In regards to the hair dryer:
If you hold the hir dryer 9 -12 inches away and move it back and forth blasting the air onto the map light you won't have a problem.

[Carnut]

You need an aluminum cover for that Garage Door Opener. It doesn't match the rest of the interior.