I don't think that would be necessary, just get the right part and it should be fine

 

Ok, so the million dollar question: What part do I buy that will fill the gaps above and around the left headlamp?

 

Quick question so I get this straight, the driver's side is cut off, the passenger side is painted? Or is the black there part of the other bezel you bought?

 

If you look at the pictures, you should be able to see both bezels are exactly the same.

Now here's the tricky part. The OLD (black) bezels were different. The right was pretty basic, and sat in a pocket surrounded by black trim.

The left bezel included a filler panel to fill the gap above the headlight, and around the side.

I'm ready to buy a part if I can figure out WHAT to buy!

Thank you!

Brian

 

Looks to me like you need a new strip and whatever that black piece is that covers the back of the side marker lights. What you could do is take it all apart, bezels and the step, and lay them out on the ground in exploded view to see what you're missing.

 

Good suggestion, but I was really hoping to find a good exploded diagram of the front end body parts.

Do you, or anyone else out there know where to find an exploded body parts diagram, hopefully with part numbers?

Thanks in advance!

 

Somebody really screwed up the front of your XJ. This should help:
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=89+ch...:13,s:15,i:135
Sorry for the link bein so long, it's from google. If I can get a few pics of my 89 limited soon I'll post them on here. Most likely later tomorrow or saturday if possible.

 

The top trim piece should go all the way across the top, aside from just above the marker lights where it splits. Each headlight bezel has no top integrated, that is part of the upper piece. The previous owner put the wrong bezels in and modified the top trim piece to compensate. I say get a new top trim piece, a new right side bezel with the trim not integrated, and then put it together. Like said before, lay it all out and see what is missing and what doesn't match up.

 

GREAT! I'm one step closer! Side marker bezels!

Now, that panel above the headlights. Separate, or part of the header panel?

 

That it! Now where the heck do I find that top trim piece? I've Googled and can't find it anywhere!

 

Try rockauto.com They have basically anything. I'm not too sure on how it attaches, because I've never needed to take it off. I'm sure another renix guru (cruiser54) will chime in. It's a good idea to put all the specs of your XJ in the signature or in that little side bar thingy on the left where it says "cherokee." That way people know what you have and can answer any questions you might have in the future. Since you have an 89 limited like me, you probably have everything I do. Go through your control panel and update stuff. It takes a few minutes and makes a big difference. If you have any other questions, feel free to pm me. I go on here pretty often.

 

I just took mine off (also an '89) a couple weeks ago to repaint. It attaches with screws that are visible looking up from under the metal trim but you have to remove the headlight bezels and grill to get to them. I just went out and double checked and that metal header is one piece all the way across. It slips into the side marker trim on the right and left.

So, it looks like you need to order up a new header piece and chrome side marker housings (or use your old, black side marker housings).

 

Thanks! I updated my profile with my Jeep information.

I'll try Rockauto like you suggested.

 

Update: No luck. They don't seem to have that trim piece.

Maybe its not made anymore (unlikely, or how could you do collision repairs) or it must be part of the header panel.

If I only had a brain!

 

Try a local jeep dealer. They just might still have one in stock. Otherwise, ebay or amazon might have it. It's an odd part to track down. Try a junkyard as a last resort.