Cladding, black trim, etc.

[rob4092xx]

Hello all!

It has been over a year since I have visited this forum. Hoep everyone is doing well!

I have a 2005 Expedition and the black plastic door cladding, front/rear bumper, windshield wiper trim, etc., is just shot!~

I see most every other Expedition in Phoenix is suffering the same thing! What are others doing about this issue?

I have been thinking about buying new cladding, bumpers, etc., but was wondering if anyone knew how much this costs?

How about painting it???

Last question and probably the most important...is their a source of buying Ford parts on the Internet that is cheaper than my local Ford store???

Thanks everyone!

 

[97EB5.4]

Have you tried mother's back to black? That stuff does wonders. Also try the LMC truck catalog as they do have one specifically for the expedition if you still want to replace parts. I think it lmctruck.com but google it to be sure. Good luck.

 

[rptr00]

agree back to black works well, but its really just a heavy dressing. For best results, I would paint them.

 

[Tobygot]

I've used a few different products. The best I've tried yet that blew me away how awesome it is you can find at chemicalguys.com in the vinyl and tire dressings and it's called Extreme V.R.P. Dressing.
It's unbelievable how one thin layer looks so good. After putting on a second layer i was so impressed this is probably all I will ever use. Also looks great on your dash, running boards, window trim, door handles, ect.
I bought the gallon jug and a spray bottle, but you only have to use very small amounts. I'm not sure how long it lasts but I applied it 3 months ago and my trim still looks good.

Alot of guys on the Chevy Avalanche forum seem to like Carsystem Refinish Restorer. They claim it lasts about a year. I'd like to hear some feedback here about it before I try it though. It seems to me to be alot more permanent than any of the other stuff out there.

 

[ELVATO]

There is this kit on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-E...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Note that it the darker kit. There was a dark grey and a light grey kit.

The other alternative is to paint them. I know it's been done a few times in here, and it looks pretty good. Basically "upgrades" your truck to a Limited if you paint to match. Or you could spray paint it with black trim paint.

Or, you could apply dressing on it. Black Wow works pretty good. Showroom New Restorer works as well (this is more a dye than a dressing).

Oh yea, forgot, apparently, if you use a heat gun on the trim, the color "comes back." This is more noticeable with black trim, though it should still darken up the gray trim.

 

[Expedition]

ELVATO it will never be a limited!!!!!!!

 

[ELVATO]

No? I haven't really paid too much attention to them. All I notice is the PTM trim, mirror caps, and grille, and the black headlights. What else do they have?

 

[Expedition]

the advancetrac badge, back up sensors, sometimes painted d pillars, navigator roof rack, navigator mirrors, painted running boards

 

[ELVATO]

Eh, badges are overrated.

As a side note, I've wanted to paint my running boards, but I'd have to do my trim first....

 

[Expedition]

Get to sanding!! Then get them painted professionally none of that rattle can stuff.

 

[ELVATO]

Aw, I was about going to rattle can them. Come to think of it, I think my friend might have a paint gun. Might be time to try my hand at this painting deal.

 

[rick chitown]

paint it!! Cost me just about a $1000 to have it professionally done... and I tend to agree it essentially takes it a Limited trim level. some other "upgrades" to the Limited were different seats, and the wood trim on the steering wheel, I'm sure there's more... the Eddie Bauer's are pretty decked though. Plus, I had the Limited headlights on mine as well... although for 2005, they never had the bright white as a Limited, just the yellow/diamond/bone white (whatever it was called), so mine def stood out...