Glaring vent ring issue
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 38
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From: Pacific Northwest
Glaring vent ring issue
Hi everybody:
I love my 2009 F-250 SD XLT with one exception: those chrome rings around the air vents inside the cabin are a pain as they sometimes reflect sunlight direct into my eyes, annoying and not safe. I had asked my Ford shop to replace them with the dark gray FX4 version but they said those rings are not individually available and part of the dash. Anybody having the same problem and solved this "glaring" issue.
Thanks,
Myotis
I love my 2009 F-250 SD XLT with one exception: those chrome rings around the air vents inside the cabin are a pain as they sometimes reflect sunlight direct into my eyes, annoying and not safe. I had asked my Ford shop to replace them with the dark gray FX4 version but they said those rings are not individually available and part of the dash. Anybody having the same problem and solved this "glaring" issue.
Thanks,
Myotis
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 6
From: Richmond BC
u could consider painting them ...
theres tons of aftermarket rattlecans that would do the job or take it to a proper body shop and have em done...
might be a bit spendy but if they truely bother you, it might be money well spent..
theres tons of aftermarket rattlecans that would do the job or take it to a proper body shop and have em done...
might be a bit spendy but if they truely bother you, it might be money well spent..
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
A couple of ideas come to mind.
Paint them.
Wrap them using a product like model airplane heat shrink plastic wrap. It comes in a multitude of transparent, translucent and opaque colors for different effects and would be easier to remove if you wanted to revert back to stock chrome.
Tint your windows.
Use a scotch brite pad. Scuff in one direction until it looks like brushed aluminum.
Find billet replacement vents. (Have seen them, but don't remember who makes them)
Paint them.
Wrap them using a product like model airplane heat shrink plastic wrap. It comes in a multitude of transparent, translucent and opaque colors for different effects and would be easier to remove if you wanted to revert back to stock chrome.
Tint your windows.
Use a scotch brite pad. Scuff in one direction until it looks like brushed aluminum.
Find billet replacement vents. (Have seen them, but don't remember who makes them)
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
Here's a link to the Part number of the above covers in the XL model which are black....It's part #8 in the diagram:
Your Premiere Source for Ford Truck Parts and Accessories
I'm not sure what's involved in replacing them but I don't imagine it's too hard as Ford sells them as a stand alone part. If you like them and want a price or to order them, send Ed (partsguyEd) a message and he'll hook you up with a great price.
Otherwise, I agree with redford on his suggestions.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
Wish I could take credit but it's just a photo of a truck for sale on Ebay to use as an example. It is nice though.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 38
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From: Pacific Northwest
Thanks
Thanks everybody for the great suggestions. I forgot all about the XL "work truck" and the black vent rings. Now I have to figure out how to actually replace them. I also like the Scotchbrite suggestion, but still would want to take them out first to not buff the area around the ring. I am wondering though if this ring is just a "chrome" plated plastic part - most likely t is. Buffing it could get me to the ugly plastic basic material if I do too much.
If anybody knows how to get those rings off without damaging them in the process I would appreciate giving me that info.
Happy Turkey Day,
Myotis
If anybody knows how to get those rings off without damaging them in the process I would appreciate giving me that info.
Happy Turkey Day,
Myotis
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Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SW Virginia
You might try posting in the 6.4 forum since those folks have the '08+ trucks like yours. They may have some suggestions about how to remove them.
Also, if you go the Scotch-Brite route, it shouldn't take much to scuff them. You can use masking tape or equivalent to mask off the area behind and around the vent covers so you only scuff the parts you want to.
Also, if you go the Scotch-Brite route, it shouldn't take much to scuff them. You can use masking tape or equivalent to mask off the area behind and around the vent covers so you only scuff the parts you want to.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 951
Likes: 20
From: SW Indiana melon fields.
When I bought my '08 I felt that glare may be an issue with these things as well. It hasn't been so much for me, but as a safety measure 
I keep mine covered with a thin layer of dust...seems to be working. Seriously though, I think they should have more of a "sandblasted" look. Maybe you could remove one and actually have someone lightly sandblast it and see what the outcome is.
I keep mine covered with a thin layer of dust...seems to be working. Seriously though, I think they should have more of a "sandblasted" look. Maybe you could remove one and actually have someone lightly sandblast it and see what the outcome is.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Oregon
Consider adhesive-backed "contact paper" from the hardware store. It can be purchased in many colors and textures. Remove the ring and lay the paper over the whole ring. Stretch and press the adhesive to make a smooth surface on the ring, then trim with an exacto knife.
It may be possible to do this with the rings in place.
It may be possible to do this with the rings in place.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
Here's a link to the Part number of the above covers in the XL model which are black....It's part #8 in the diagram:
www.partsguyed.com
I'm not sure what's involved in replacing them but I don't imagine it's too hard as Ford sells them as a stand alone part. If you like them and want a price or to order them, send Ed (partsguyEd) a message and he'll hook you up with a great price.
Otherwise, I agree with redford on his suggestions.
there I had to fix the link for you.
bad John bad John.
lol
ed
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,543
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I have the 2008 with the chrome rings and have my windows tinted and have not had a single issue with glare, and I also have removed one or two of the vents they just snap right out with no tools, they are not part of the dash, that's b.s. . I prefer the chrome rings though to the black, they look good with the woodgrain dash kit.
