Eduk8r said:About the stripes - they are vinyl. My plan was to put the vinyl on for a few months to make sure I like them and then get them painted (so many purists here have talked down tape). However, once I saw the job that the shop did, I'm not so sure I need to get them painted. They look great even up close in bright sunlight! Cost was $350 labor & parts. Some guys mentioned side stripes and I like the look of either top or side by themselves, but together I think it's too much.
Windows-the only problem with the tinting is that you can't open the wondows for 24-48 hours after the tinting is applied to allow the film to dry completely. After that they work as normal. As with the striping, make sure you use a reputable shop that guarantees their work.
Mirrors - since I was at a vinyl shop, painting the mirrors to match the body was not an option. I have considered it but, according to the Ford rep at the Chicago auto show, because the mirrors are situated inside the window space, they are designed to be dark to "dissapear" into the window in profile. I think it works especially well with the tinted windows and I don't plan on painting them.
Rims-Yeah, I'm not happy with the factory choices either. I thought these were the best that was offered in the 17" size, but I plan to upgrade this winter. Still trying to decide what to go with, but I won't go larger - don't want to lose any performance or have ride issues and I think that too big a wheel makes for a thin, prissy looking tire. I want to keep the tough look.
The car- I ordered it from Weinman Ford on the north side of Chicago on May 26th, the first day that Ford was accepting orders - It may seem that I got the car early, but I actually waited in line for 6 months. I paid $27K & change, sticker price. As soon as the aftermarket catches up I plan to add a small, ducktail spoiler (I don't like the look of a wing) and maybe window scoops. Once the engine shakes out (after 2-3000 miles) I'll be looking into a supercharger and a new exhaust system from the headers back. My goal is 400 horsepower!
Sorry to be so wordy, but let me know if you guys have any other questions and I'll try to answer them if I can.
I think you miss understood my question about the autodrop windows.
You see when you open the door the window drops just a bit, Im concearned that this might affect the window tint. The tint shop might not relize this and not tint the whole window, or the autodrop might start the window tint to peel off the glass.