whokilledkaji

Hey everybody!
I have a seriously crazy retrofit question about a 2013 GT...

I've been in Japan for almost ten years and I have a 2011 GT here. I don't think I can bring it back to the States, so I've been looking at buying a new Mustang when I get back.

I like the 2013, but I've never been a huge fan of HIDs on the retro body. In fact, all Japanese Mustangs come standard with HID, so I bought some OEM halogen housings and had the dealer swap them out. I just love the way the 2011 front end looks with halogens.

I was just getting ready to buy one of the last new black 2012 GTs with halogens that I could find, but the dealer sold it last night... Very sad...

So... I may have to buy a 2013 now. Not too interested in a used 2012...

Ok! So here it comes!!!
Can the front grill, lights and hood on a 2013 be changed out for a 2012 set?
Has the wiring harness changed for the new HIDs? Think the LED fogs will fit in a 2012 grill???

Crazy, I know, but any info would be great!!!
I've never even seen a 2013 in person, so I can't check it out myself...

Thanks!!!

watchdevil

Physically the grille, lights, hood and bumper cover can be changed over from 2013 parts to 2012 parts but you have to use all the parts together for everything to match. Front side markers, fenders and support structure are all the same. Headlamps will physically interchange 12 into 13 and 13 into 12.

Unsure of this but probably easily adapted if there are any changes.

Absolutely not. The 2013 grille and fog lamps were redesigned completely and have different mounts. This was verified in a post somewhere recently where someone was curious to know if the 13 LED fog lamps would retrofit into 10-12 cars.


Personally I would not go to the trouble to buy a brand new 13 and change over to 12 parts. It is really easy here in the US to find gently used 2012 cars plus you can save a boatload with the depreciation already knocked off.

whokilledkaji

Thanks for the reply!

I'll keep my eye out for a 2012. That would certainly be easiest and would save a lot of money too... I checked autotrader, eBay and Craigslist, but haven't seen one with what I'm looking for yet. Maybe by the time I get back there will be some to choose from.

I like most of the 2013 features. The taillights, new gauges and track apps are pretty cool. Just not crazy about the new nose and HIDs... Perhaps when I see one in person, I'll change my mind.

ssstang67

Why would you not be interested in a USED 12??????????????? I just picked up a garaged 2011 GT/CS vert with 6k with nav for #32k. A new 12 would have been over $40k easy. I bought an premium extended plan till 2017 for $1700... No brainer. Look into it. Alot of people buy them and never use them and you can save a ton of money. Esp if you like 11s-12s over 13s.....As I also do

whokilledkaji

Thanks!

I guess I'm not really opposed to it... It would have to be pretty close to what I'm looking for though. A 2012 GT Premium with MT, black, 19" premium luster wheels, halogen lights, reverse camera, charcoal or saddle leather seats and hopefully the comfort package.

PM me if you see one!!!

watchdevil

I was opposed to the '13 nose at first but I have gotten used to it. I still like the '12 hood more. However when you see the new nose in person with your own eyes it looks great. When I was in the showroom to buy the Mustang I have now, there were a half dozen 2012 Shelby GT500's in the showroom and they looked great in person. Of course the nose and hood of the '13's are the same basic shape. When you get over here to the US you will have a better idea what you like when you see a few in person.

ssstang67

FYI...if your a clean freak with the car you will hate the 13 hood as dirt gets in to engine compartment and also water. and it leaves a mess in there.

AzPete

Sounds like you need a dealer that will work with you to locate a '12. This late in the game will make it hard to get an exact match for your desires but a search by a dealer would help. I know the local AutoNation.com dealer (CookWhitehead Ford) here has a few Coupes and several Verts in GT Premium listed.

4valve-GT

I know where you can find a new black 2012 BOSS LS!!