I thought they were molded that color.

They're painted?

 

If you have Eddie Bauer they are painted. Dealership just called claddings are in and will be installed Thursday. rearanging the garage so I can keep it inside. Have to move some shelving and get rid of some junk. Have 02 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab the Toyota has a 2" longer wheelbase but is about the same length overall, will have fold mirrors to make it, so you can walk between them


Tom
04 XLT

 

FORD: 2003-2004 Expedition


ISSUE:
Some 2003-2004 Expedition XLT vehicles, (excluding Eddie Bauer models), built 2/1/2003 to 12/31/2003 may exhibit the front and rear exterior door trim and fender extension moldings (cladding) fading.

ACTION:
Replace all cladding on all four (4) doors and fender extensions. All cladding supplied in the Service Kit must be installed to prevent color mismatch and continued fading.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Clean off the area below the character line and above the cladding. Remove dirt as necessary.
Apply protective tape (minimum width 1") directly above the molding. This will prevent scratches when moving the tool along the cladding to release (pop up) the cladding retaining clips.
NOTE: PAINTING WILL NOT BE APPROVED FOR THIS REPAIR.



Using Trim Removal Tool (OTC-4489), open the door and begin to pop up the nine (9) retaining clips across the top of the cladding and the four (4) across the bottom. Once the cladding has been removed from the body, remove the protective tape.
Install the new part (retaining clips are included on the new part). Repeat the repair on the remaining doors.
Remove the two (2) screws that attach the fender extensions.
NOTE: RETAIN THE SCREWS AS THEY WILL BE REUSED.



Install the new fender extensions reusing the original screws.
Return the vehicle to the customer.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
4L1Z-78465K00-AAA Medium Dark Platinum Cladding Kit
3L1Z-78465K00-AAB Medium Platinum Cladding Kit
3L1Z-78465K00-AAA Medium Titanium Cladding Kit


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

 

Homer:


Thank for the copy of the tsb I think every one who has this problem will thank you. Mine is being done tomorrow. Now if they can fix the water/chemical spot with damaging the paint I will be one happy fellow.

Tom

 

Thanks for the Great posting, it was very imformative. I have also found a place that sells a body side cladding that can be painted and will replace the cladding on the XLT models only www.stillen.com. I first thought that I could purchase the cladding for an XLT Sport but this can not be done because you would have to buy the bumpers as well as the wheel flairs.

 

Thanks for the web site to buy cladding. The Expedition is really my wife's vehicle, replaces her 2000 Explorer that had some bad manners. It is dark green as she dislilkes the cladding and wanted it to blend in. Might look in to getting some to paint but then I would like the lower front facia of the EB with the grill in it. But for now I will leave it alone. I was looking at a F250 for a Tow Vehicle but now the Expedition will be the tow vehicle and we will get a smaller lighter trailer. Two Pickups in the family would be to much, can't afford two car payments.


Tom

 

Acid wash = vinegar rinse. Very safe! I do this all the time, like when my sprinklers hit the truck.

Clay bar works good too. Use lots of lube and don't use dirty clay.

Steel wool on truck = NO WAY.

 

Thanks for the info. on the acid wash just got back from dealer for the cladding issueand parked it in driveway the sun hit the side and you could see they used steel wool on the glass and the black trim pieces on both sides, the windshield looks ok and the tailgate glass still has spots in areas. Thats why I do not want them touching it again. Going back after lunch and demand they replace all the side glass and glossy black on "B" pillar an by tailgate. Some one may be buying me a new one if they don't get this fixed.


Tom

 

The cladding was put on yesterday no problem. Took iit home and washed vehicle prior to waxing for first time. Got it all washed and dried (in shade) and went to store, parked in sunny area. while walking back to Expi, sun shinning on side windows noticed they are all have fine scratches and like swirl marks all over them and the glossy black trim pieces on the "B" pillar and by Tailgate glass. Also glass is still not clean on side windows. Went back to dealer Detail guy said thats the way it came. Now the battle begins, Ford or any other Manufacture does not send vehicle out like this. Went to 4 other Ford dealers last night did not see one Expedition with this problem. I am really getting p***** off. Taking it back to day for second try will have serious talk with whomever about replacing side glass and trim.


Tom

 

If I had the seals (cladding vibrating/squeeking at high speeds) replaced do I need to make sure they put new one on when they replace the faded cladding?

 

You need to make sure they replace the mounting clips that come with the cladding and tighten the bolts also. I don't know about any seals. The instructions are a few replys above this print it out and take it with you its all you need to know


Tom

 

I posted my dealer horror story in another thread but I just thought I'd mention that my dealer gave me no problems about the body plastic and replacing it. They told me it fell under warranty and they ordered it up right then and there.

I briefly mentioned the TSB on it and he printed it out and gave me a copy so I don't see why any dealer would not replace cladding as long as you are still under warranty and it is indeed fading.

 

I took my 04 Expy in for the fading cladding last week, I had no problems they covered it under warranty. Now I’m wondering how long they’ll last?

 

How long did it take to have the work done? My dealer told me today they need the Expy for 4 hours and they send it to a body shop to get done. I'm nervous about this I have a bit of money invested in my Expy and I don't like to leave it alone or let anyone drive it to some body shop.

 

They had to order the panels, once they came in it took them about 4 hours, but they did the work.