2015 tailgate corrosion
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
Good to hear the news. A tailgate is easier to color match because it's on a different plane than most of the surfaces around it; the tailgate on my Subaru Forester has been repainted twice (just lucky, I guess--both times the car was stopped when the damage happened). It's a metallic dark red.
However, in your case, I do wonder if the new tailgate is going to be free of any tendency to oxidize again. Given how long this problem has existed, I am still disappointed that it continues into the 2015 models (as I still have a soft spot in my head for Expy's and would kind of like to have one...)
Thanks for the followup, and best of luck. A good dealer makes SO much difference in the owner experience.
George
However, in your case, I do wonder if the new tailgate is going to be free of any tendency to oxidize again. Given how long this problem has existed, I am still disappointed that it continues into the 2015 models (as I still have a soft spot in my head for Expy's and would kind of like to have one...)
Thanks for the followup, and best of luck. A good dealer makes SO much difference in the owner experience.
George
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Seam sealer is really only needed for two unlike panels (aluminum/fiberglass), or if they are trying to keep water out. If this new gate is all aluminum, they don't care about the water because of the drain holes.
Either way, if anything does happen again, it's on Fords dime again as they have to back the repair.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
New tailgate has 2 large drain holes and no seam sealer. Matter of fact, I don't even know if it is aluminum or steel. (Was there ever a metal tailgate in this version?) I will take a magnet to it tomorrow.
Seam sealer is really only needed for two unlike panels (aluminum/fiberglass), or if they are trying to keep water out. If this new gate is all aluminum, they don't care about the water because of the drain holes.
Either way, if anything does happen again, it's on Fords dime again as they have to back the repair.
Seam sealer is really only needed for two unlike panels (aluminum/fiberglass), or if they are trying to keep water out. If this new gate is all aluminum, they don't care about the water because of the drain holes.
Either way, if anything does happen again, it's on Fords dime again as they have to back the repair.
I would guess the seam sealer would also serve as something of an adhesive if the outside panel is just crimped over the inside panel and not welded(?)
I would hope that if they can get paint to stick to the 2015+ F150 they should be able to do so with any aluminum hood or tailgate on an Expy or any other model. I'll keep paying attention to the issues and if I see a new Expy will take a look to see if there are large drain holes and no sealer...
Again, I hope this is the end of your problems,
George
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Looked closer at the new tailgate.
Exterior is aluminum and I believe so is the interior. There are also some aluminum spot welds present.
The two panels are joined together with crimp welds around the curved areas and pinched over other areas. The panels are fit together very tightly. There is no seam sealer present. There are also 3 holes for drainage, not 2 as previously stated.
Exterior is aluminum and I believe so is the interior. There are also some aluminum spot welds present.
The two panels are joined together with crimp welds around the curved areas and pinched over other areas. The panels are fit together very tightly. There is no seam sealer present. There are also 3 holes for drainage, not 2 as previously stated.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 7
Just be advised. I had a 2005 Gator and had the rear hatch repainted. The corrosion came back just as bad within 3 years.
We just traded in the 2005 for a 2017. I will keep an eye out.
For reference I have a 2015 Mustang. Same issue but with the hood. Ford sent a new hood and fixed it under warranty.
I cannot believe Ford hasn't figured this out yet.
We just traded in the 2005 for a 2017. I will keep an eye out.
For reference I have a 2015 Mustang. Same issue but with the hood. Ford sent a new hood and fixed it under warranty.
I cannot believe Ford hasn't figured this out yet.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
Whiteywhip, make sure that any refinishing is done using the process in Ford's TSB regarding proper preparation, specific primers, etc. I have seen the beginnings of this corrosion on 2017 Expy's in Michigan and it is really sad that Ford did not choose to remedy this problem on the production line many years ago because they have certainly known about it. Not a good approach to customer relations...
Good luck,
George
Good luck,
George
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: new paltz ny
Whiteywhip, make sure that any refinishing is done using the process in Ford's TSB regarding proper preparation, specific primers, etc. I have seen the beginnings of this corrosion on 2017 Expy's in Michigan and it is really sad that Ford did not choose to remedy this problem on the production line many years ago because they have certainly known about it. Not a good approach to customer relations...
Good luck,
George
Good luck,
George
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
Here's a copy of the TSB. NOTE the need to isolate ANY iron particles from the work area, which is what caused the problem in the first place. Also, NO tools that are used to work on steel parts, specified epoxy primer, etc.
This is a Ford publication so the dealer MUST use this process.
https://www.stangnet.com/images/stor...s/06-25-15.pdf
This is a Ford publication so the dealer MUST use this process.
https://www.stangnet.com/images/stor...s/06-25-15.pdf
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: new paltz ny
Here's a copy of the TSB. NOTE the need to isolate ANY iron particles from the work area, which is what caused the problem in the first place. Also, NO tools that are used to work on steel parts, specified epoxy primer, etc.
This is a Ford publication so the dealer MUST use this process.
https://www.stangnet.com/images/stor...s/06-25-15.pdf
This is a Ford publication so the dealer MUST use this process.
https://www.stangnet.com/images/stor...s/06-25-15.pdf
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: new paltz ny
well i dropped it off sunday night and brought in TBS 17-0062 on tuesday and told them ford recommend panel replacement.....they called ford and the new hood and tail gate will be in tomorrow.....thats awesome......hopefully this will cure the problem
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
Good that they are getting you new panels and honoring the Ford TSB.
One big *if* is whether the body shop will use tools that have not been used with steel panels, and the best body shops would have "clean rooms" for aluminum work where no steel particles could be present.
Best of luck to you,
George
One big *if* is whether the body shop will use tools that have not been used with steel panels, and the best body shops would have "clean rooms" for aluminum work where no steel particles could be present.
Best of luck to you,
George
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: new paltz ny
Good that they are getting you new panels and honoring the Ford TSB.
One big *if* is whether the body shop will use tools that have not been used with steel panels, and the best body shops would have "clean rooms" for aluminum work where no steel particles could be present.
Best of luck to you,
George
One big *if* is whether the body shop will use tools that have not been used with steel panels, and the best body shops would have "clean rooms" for aluminum work where no steel particles could be present.
Best of luck to you,
George
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Just go an approval to have the tailgate replaced on my 2015 Navigator. Paint was bubbling along the bottom edge. Apparently Lincoln's bumper-to-bumper warranty is actually 48 months (to Ford's 36 month) so I still had coverage until Dec of this year. The lady said that they will definitely cover the repairs, but she had to get approval for a replacement. Sure enough, this morning she called, and said she got approval for a whole tailgate replacement. I'm pretty happy.