We have an 03 XLT Expedition and we have noticed that the Body side Cladding is really fading. And along with the fading it has always ratled in the wind.

I was wondering if there are any recalls on this problem? And is there any where we can buy after market cladding or some other trim kit to go where the cladding is now?

I have thought about trying to buy the trim kit for an 04 xlt sport which has the cladding like an EB Expedition and put it on there so I would not have to deal with the fading because it is painted. Will this work?

 

Do a search; there is another thread that has info on this. It is being covered under warranty.

 

Just had mine replaced due to rattling. There is a TSB on this problem. Don't know about the fading though.

 

Part of that thread you mention speaks of one owner having it replaced due to fading... and other owners dealers not replacing due to fading.

My suggestion is to talk to your service department about it. Ask them about replacing it and if they are leaning towards no mention something about, "if they paint was fading or chipping it would be covered, right?"

When I bought my 04 Expy I had a little gap between the door and one of the panels and they told me to watch it and when I come back for my free oil change they'll replace it for me if it is still bothering me. My service department seems rather helpful.

 

If its rattling have them replace it under warranty - PERIOD. its a know issue

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Had mine replaced for fading.

 

Took mine in today to have water spots removed ( had it sence Thursday came that way) got it home tonight and in garage found they will have to a better Job. while it was in there showed them the TSB # 04-17-07 and they ordered the 8 Cladding Panels, no questions asked. Getting a little concerend about the water spots trying to find out how to remove them safely. Don't really trust the detail shop (they have big buffers and very young people), afraid they will ruin the paint or clear coat. If they do the dealer is going to eat this truck and get me new one end of story. No repaint no touch up they clean it up or eat it.


Tom

 

You're talking about water spots in the paint right? Also, where do you find your TSB information? Is it on the internet?

 

Todd


I got the TSB number from doiing a search on this forum. I don't know where to get other TSB's.

The water spots are from the Dealer sales personell trying to wash the vehicle on a 100 degree day here in California in the sun and not doing it properly. When I firstt looked at it and test drove it the vehicle was dusty/dirty from sitting for months on the back lot (built in Dec. of 03) but not spotted. when I left dealer aan drove into the sun could barley see out of the windshield.. To me it looks like it was run through a car wash type setup and it did not rinse it or dry it properly. They got the glass clean execpet for driver side mirror and part of tailgate glass. When I got it into the garage and in the shade you can see spots on hood when look at it at a low angle. I may try the clay bar technique before I take it back. I was told they would have acid wash it and that scares the hell out of me. I will go get the clay and spray wax to lubracate it and try a small area and see what it looks like. Then I will decide what to do. I may find a good detail shop and have them do it and let the dealer pay for it. The guy went at it with steel wool and some kind of cleaner on the chrome grill strip and the black side panel on the "B" postand I said hold it. The vehicle is a lot better than it was and would probably please most people but not me. I expect it to look like it just came off the factory floor. or the owner of the dealership was takeing it home.

Tom

 

Is this fading only on 2003 XLTs?

What about 2004s and Eddie Bauers?

Any pictures?

That TSB isn't listed on the list this website uses.

Thanks in advance---Bob

 

Do a search of the various posts using "body side cladding" as the search words it is in one of the posts. the tsp came out on 9-1-04 and covers vehicles built between 2-1-03 and 12-31-04.

Mine is and 04 XLT the was built in Dec of 03 and sat someplace until I puchased it last thursday. Sept 9,04. Mine are discolored on the top edges all 4 pieces on each side. Not the front or rear facias.

Tom

 

Mine was built Sep 03--2004 E.B. Expy.

What should I look for?

They still seem to be shiny.

I looked at the edges a little closer but don't see anything. I friend of mine also looked.

I don't want to get out of warrenty and then have a problem.

Bob

 

My understanding that it fall under the 36 month bumper to bumper warranty. Mine are discolord but others have faded, it seems mostly in the sunny states. I think if they fade or discolor you will know it. I think if you use one of plastic protector creams (like "Back to Black") you should be ok. I use that on my wife 2000 Explorer with the same type of trim panels and had no problem. Something may have change to cause this problem at Ford


Tom

 

Let me clear up some confusion on this for everybody. The cladding that discolors is the unpainted type on the XLS and XLT. Eddie Bauers are painted and are not part of this issue.