Ford Explorer: Exterior Trim and Ornamentation / General Procedures - Finish Panel Repair

Repair

NOTE: Mouldings located on the front and rear window frames may experience minor scratches from vehicle shipment or car wash racks. The imperfections may be repaired instead of replacing components by following the steps below.

NOTE: Scratches deep enough to cause a thumb nail to catch cannot be repaired and the component must be replaced.

1. Clean with a mild soap and water wash, and dry the affected panels.
   

1. Apply protective masking to adjacent components.
   

1. Apply a small amount of clear coat and plastic formulated polishing compound (obtain locally) to a 3 inch polisher with an appropriate foam pad attached.
   

1. NOTE: Do not allow the polishing compound to dry while polishing the component.

   Thoroughly polish the component.
   

1. Reclean with a mild soap and water wash and dry the polished panels.
   
   • If the scratches are repaired return the vehicle.
     
   • If the scratches remain, continue with the following steps.
     

1. Choose a sandpaper grit appropriate to the scratch severity.
   
   • For very minor scratches, use a 3 inch 3000 grit sandpaper (obtain locally).
     
   • For minor scratches, use a 3 inch 1000 grit sandpaper (obtain locally).
     
   • For heavier scratches that do not catch a thumb nail when pulled across the scratch, use a 3 inch 800 grit sandpaper (obtain locally).
     
   • For scratches that are too deep to remove with 800 grit sandpaper, install a new component.
     

1. NOTICE: Do not remove any more material than necessary or component replacement will be required.

   Apply the appropriate sandpaper to a 3 inch Dual Action (D/A) sander and carefully sand the component until all the damage has been removed.
   

1. Use progressively finer sandpaper with the 3 inch D/A sander and repeat the process. Finish the sanding with 3000 grit sandpaper.
   

1. Apply a small amount of clear coat and plastic formulated rubbing compound (obtain locally) to a 3 inch polisher with an appropriate foam pad attached.
   

1. NOTE: Do not allow the rubbing compound to dry while polishing the component.

   Buff the component until the sanding scratches have been completely removed.
   

1. Apply a small amount of clear coat and plastic formulated polishing compound (obtain locally) to a 3 inch polisher with an appropriate clean foam pad attached.
   

1. NOTE: Do not allow the rubbing compound to dry while polishing the component.

   Polish the component until the buffing swirl marks are removed.
   

1. Continue polishing the component until the original level of shine is present.
   

1. Apply a small amount of clear coat and plastic formulated hand glaze (obtain locally) to a soft and clean shop cloth and hand polish to remove swirl marks left by the 3 inch polisher.