What is the proceedure for removing the exterior body cladding on an 04 Expedition XLT. My friend's are faded and he's looking to replace them. Do you need any special tools or other parts besides the panels (i.e. new clips)?

Ryan

 

A trim clip release tool like is used on door panels is what I used, I re-painted mine with duplicolor gray bumper paint. Put masking tape on the paint just above the panels so you don't scratch them. Pop the top line of clips out and pull the cladding out enough to get your tool in there and pop off the bottom clips. The front two pieces have two 7mm screws in the fenderwell.

 

You can do it without one of those. Start in a corner and use steady pressure. I used a plastic trim pry bar from harbor freight to get the bits left behind. The front two pieces have two small screws with hex heads. like a 9/32nd if I remember right.