If the pad is fraying, pull it off now.
The loose fibers pack up the Alternator vents and it fails from over heating.

Cost me a new alternator.

The hood pads roll up into a box 4 inches square and about 3 feet long, no excuse for not shipping.

 

That’s almost how my original pad required replacement. A shop installed an alternator with a damaged shive cheek that damaged the belt. The loose belt fibers tore up the hood pad. Since the 2001 pad was no where to be found, and I didn’t know better, I agreed to take the aftermarket pad. They are probably rolled because it’s flat. The OEM is heat formed to shape, therefore rolling it would result in damage.
If you opt for the OEM, they are packed in a big flat box. That's why it's important to find one local, unless you’re okay with paying for freight.

 

Yup, today had the coolant recovery bottle and new military style battery terminals installed. Still waiting for a couple rubber parts for the hood.

Also waiting for LineX to get the pigment to spray the roof.

 

It's been a rather disappointing few days as I discovered the radiator sprung a leak. I couldn't figure out why or where it was coming from until a careful inspection of the top tank where it meets the aluminum. I can only assume it was the original so it's not fair to get mad about another leak. The shop couldn't get the OEM for an affordable price so we went with a Denso product. I always go OEM if possible. In this case, I could have picked up an OEM from the dealer some 25 miles away for just a few bucks more than what the Denso cost. The shop wouldn't allow me to provide my own part even being an OEM. I know it's a $$ thing.

Well now the cooling system is working properly again and that's a good thing.

The other day I met the LineX guy at Sherwin Williams Paint, Automotive Finish store to determine the proper color match. The color chip was an exact (to my eyes) match. When they spray the roof I want the texture to be somewhat fine if they can control it. Here's a rough photo edit to see what it will look like.

I'm curious to hear what y'all think would look best on the third break light housing, or what ever that panel at the top of the lift gate is called. I can have it painted entirely when the hood gets painted (like factory), have just the top sprayed with LineX, or the entire panel sprayed with LineX. I'm leaning toward keeping it factory and stopping the LineX at the jam not including the hinges. What do you think?

 

Replaced weatherstripping today:
* Roof Rail Weatherstrip - L.H.
- 4C7Z-7851223-AA - On body runs from bottom of A pillar to C pillar
* Roof Rail Weatherstrip - R.H.
- 4C7Z-7851222-AA - On body runs from bottom of A pillar to C pillar

New rubber is like a luxury item. The old ones are still functional, however they have lost their suppleness. Also, the cab is just a tad quieter.

 

Like the title says, I just had LineX spray the roof with color matching. Now I never have to worry about rust or waxing ever again.
What do you guys think?

 

First of all, your truck looks great! The color match looks good! Keeps us updated on how it holds up.

 

I think it looks great!!

Rob

 

Thank you.
It has a lifetime warranty. It’s far more durable than paint. It has made the interior a bit quieter added to all the butyl rubber lining everywhere. It should help on those hot days. The sun won’t beat on the metal anymore impeding the heat from radiating through. My roof is a sandwich of butyl rubber underneath, sheet metal and LineX on top.

 

So you happy with the Line X after spending the money?

curious what they charged for it.

also do you have better/closer pics of it?

 

I’m very happy with the purchase. This has been on my list for a couple years. For only $1K, the value outweighs paint.
I’ll take more pictures when the rain stops.

 

I found a small area just above the A pillar at the windshield gasket where the base coat was showing and a little material overlapped the windshield gasket. Took it in this morning and within an hour, the entire job was beautiful! I don't understand why more people don’t Line-X the roof of their Excursions and trucks. It makes a nice improvement on the "feel" of how it rolls down the road. Definitely there is a sound insulation improvement. For heat, in the sun, I'll have to wait a few months for summer, but I'd bet it will be a big difference from that fry pan up there.

 

Thank you Rob! I highly recommend it. No more waxing the roof and no rust worries.

 

looks fresh!

 

Next project will be installing a couple pieces of rubber under the hood and hopefully the bottom of the door weather stripping. Soon after the hood and the rear panel that houses the third break light get painted. She's coming together nicely!