my cracked tailgate trim

[guy48065]

This week I bought an 04 Explorer... in great condition, but does need some things fixed.
I have an ugly crack in the plastic trim under the rear glass.
How is this piece held in place and is it a junkyard - only item?

 

[05XLimited]

You can get the piece new at any ford dealer, or online at most parts websites. Prices range from ~$80 (unpainted) to about $300+ with paint.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344827 is another post about this very topic.

Piece is held in by adhesive to the rear glass.

 

[Number4]

That's an odd crack. Haven't seen that on an Explorer before......

 

[lincolnshibuya]

seeing that all explorers/mountaineers/aviators have the same crack, I didn't bother to have it fixed. it's like a finger print, it's unique on every vehicle and identifies that it's FORD (not) TOUGH! crack under pressure.

 

[Donystoy]

Common problem. Plan on changing mine when I have the time. I think the hard part will be getting the old one off.

http://www.dormanproducts.com/gsear...lorer&parttype=Rear Panel Applique&origin=YMM

 

[Sock Puppet]

Mines cracked. Decided I don't care to spend the money on a repair. I can live with a little crack; not so much with mechanical/chassis items.

 

[guy48065]

Well now that I know it's adhered to the glass -- so rust won't result from it -- I'm just going to get a tube of silver rtv and fill it so it won't be so obvious.

 

[rockey95]

I've got a 04 with the same issue, every explorer around that year have cracks, I've looked at them every time I see one, there might be one in the bunch which does not have the crack, I took mine to the local Ford dealership and they told me $180.00, its a known defect but Ford wont do anything about it which is a damn shame.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

Well now that I know it's adhered to the glass -- so rust won't result from it -- I'm just going to get a tube of silver rtv and fill it so it won't be so obvious.

tried that and it didn't last since the crack expands and contracts depending on the temp. some forum members here just removed the trim making it all glass.
nice pat on the back for the engineer who designed this.