Can Appearance Panel be Trimmed and Reinstalled After Hitch Installation on 2003 Lincoln Town Car

Published 10/02/2014

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Question:

On the 2003 Lincoln town car, why did Lincoln install the lower body panel on the car when it was built? Does this body panel help support the rear bumper cover?Can the body panel be cut and trimmed so it can be put back on the car?

asked by: Ed S

Expert Reply:

A lot of vehicles have those body or appearance panels. On the 2003 Lincoln Town Car it is not structural meaning that it isn't there to help hold the bumper or fascia up. It is basically helping to protect the metal parts above it from the elements.

You might be able to reinstall the panel but it would require some extensive trimming and there aren't specific instructions that explain how to do so. Leaving it off is the way I would go. I have linked a video and the instructions to the right for you.

The problem is that in addition to trimming the panel you would also have to find a new way to attach it at the rear most point on the vehicle since that is the part that would have to be trimmed away to make room for Curt trailer hitch # C12130.

If you go with this hitch and plan on doing some towing, you will need ball mount part # 36063. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258. And for trailer wiring use # C59496.