'A' Pillar Aftermarket replacements

[Ironworker40]

So I'm thinking of buying aftermarket replacement a pillar trim and not waiting any longer for Ford. For those of you that have done it what brand did you use and how are they holding up?

 

[peterk9]

There is already a thread with that subject title although the topic is different.

Explorer 'A' pillar replacement

On the passenger side, the black plastic cover on the top is no longer latched. I can see that the plastic mounting piece has split. What's this thing called (or part number) and where's the best place online to buy it? Thanks for your help.

www.explorerforum.com

You can get cheaper ones from Amazon etc or you can order the OEM ones.

Glass - Windshield for 2015 Ford Explorer | Levittown Ford Parts

parts.levittownfordparts.com

Levittown offers a 50% discount on shipping for members.
Which ever way you decide to go, tenure that the plastic retaining clips are included.

Peter

 

[J_C]

I wonder if all the non-motorcraft generics are coming from the same Chinese factory, regardless of seller or branding.

I checked Rock Auto and they offer a Dorman door trim panel but not the A pillar trim... at least not listed for my '14.

 

[Ironworker40]

Pete I read thru that thread. I didn't see anyone saying what aftermarket ones they bought and if they are holding up. So that's the reason I started a new thread. What would you have selected for a title? Yes I know I can buy Ford ones at a considerably higher cost, that's pretty obvious. I am looking to buy aftermarket ones and want to know how others experiences are with them. I thought I was pretty clear on that.

 

[peterk9]

Pete I read thru that thread. I didn't see anyone saying what aftermarket ones they bought and if they are holding up. So that's the reason I started a new thread. What would you have selected for a title? Yes I know I can buy Ford ones at a considerably higher cost, that's pretty obvious. I am looking to buy aftermarket ones and want to know how others experiences are with them. I thought I was pretty clear on that.

'A' Pillar Aftermarket Replacements

Peter

 

[Ironworker40]

'A' Pillar Aftermarket Replacements

Peter

Done

 

[roofkorean]

So I'm thinking of buying aftermarket replacement a pillar trim and not waiting any longer for Ford. For those of you that have done it what brand did you use and how are they holding up?

I wasn’t down to wait on Ford’s “solution” and pulled the trigger on theseby MotorKing:

Recall 24S02 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUV Recalled Over Trim Piece Issue

I installed my set shortly after that post and so far so good!
Build quality of the pillars is solid and aesthetically identical to OEM.
Most importantly, their solution for the problematic plastic hardware was to replace and upgrade with steel ones.
**The only thing I would do differently is to replace the original pair of lower trim brackets prior to attaching MotorKing upgraded set.
I installed my set onto the original lower brackets and they’ve held up fine so far… however it was just not worth the time and effort spent while stripping the old adhesive off the weather-beaten OEM lower brackets.
overall, Im very happy with MotorKing’s product and have definitely restored some peace of mind. Ford is going to address this recall in disappointing fashion just like they did with the roof rails… aka by adding glue. Id take this solution over the “backordered” solution from Ford.
Hopefully this helps, Cheers brother

 

[javaleo]

I had a set of the aftermarket ones. Need to replace with the Ford ones.

 

[roofkorean]

I had a set of the aftermarket ones. Need to replace with the Ford ones.

If you haven't alrdy, check out the details I shared here: Recall 24S02 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUV Recalled Over Trim Piece Issue

A new set of OEMs will just continue to fail because of the flimsy plastic retainers

 

[2013LimitedColorado]

So I'm thinking of buying aftermarket replacement a pillar trim and not waiting any longer for Ford. For those of you that have done it what brand did you use and how are they holding up?

So I'm thinking of buying aftermarket replacement a pillar trim and not waiting any longer for Ford. For those of you that have done it what brand did you use and how are they holding up?

I'm considering the same. My son is the primary driver and says you can buy the part on Amazon, cheaper. I'm hoping to see more replies here.

 

[stuarto]

Recently purchased this. Seemed like a reasonable price


https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BYRKG863...NC3QJQ0351GH4H02V&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1

 

[Merckx]

So I'm thinking of buying aftermarket replacement a pillar trim and not waiting any longer for Ford. For those of you that have done it what brand did you use and how are they holding up?

I ordered a cheap (Chinese) set from ebay for $40 dollars, and they were complete junk. The top post on the outer trim did not line up correctly with the hole on the vehicle frame, broke lower and upper post trying to get it to fit. I will soon order the Precision kit from Rock Auto and see how my luck goes with that.

 

[1sicbronconut]

We just got a huge shipment of OEM "A" pillar trim and brackets at my dealership, I'm guess that at last 90% of the ones I've had failed were due to windshield replacement and who ever did the windshield replacement gluing them back on with urethane. The instalation of the new moldings has also been revised they get attached with a two part adhesive now.

 

[J_C]

We just got a huge shipment of OEM "A" pillar trim and brackets at my dealership, I'm guess that at last 90% of the ones I've had failed were due to windshield replacement and who ever did the windshield replacement gluing them back on with urethane. The instalation of the new moldings has also been revised they get attached with a two part adhesive now.

Thanks for the info. What adhesive do they use?

 

[Ironworker40]

I also bought the $40 4pc set Amazon ones. The one went on perfectly. The other I broke the top stud that goes into the body so its not great. I'll wait until a windshield replacement or one flys off to get Ford to do it. The inners on mine were completely shot, dried up rubber and dried up plastic they broke with no effort into two pieces.
1sicbronconut lets see some pics of the '68. I owned a '68 back in 1981 I used it as a plow truck. It had an extra low range position that was not marked that was two wheel low. I paid $600 for it, sold it after 4 years for $800. `

 

[1sicbronconut]

Thanks for the info. What adhesive do they use?

It's a two part 3M adhesive that sets up in five minutes, you have to work fast!! The thing that worries me is that if or when you need to have your windshield replaced the whole thing will start over again, it's kind of a poor design that a lot of manufacturers use. Here's a full copy of the recall for those that might be interested. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCMN-24V031-2265.pdf

 

[J_C]

It's a two part 3M adhesive that sets up in five minutes, you have to work fast!! The thing that worries me is that if or when you need to have your windshield replaced the whole thing will start over again, it's kind of a poor design that a lot of manufacturers use. Here's a full copy of the recall for those that might be interested. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCMN-24V031-2265.pdf

Okay I see on that PDF...

Approved Adhesives – Obtain Locally (chose 1 adhesive and 1 primer)

3M™ 08237 - Semi-Rigid Parts Repair – 3 (shorter cure time) Or: 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Plastic Adhesive DP8010 (longer cure time) + 3M™ Adhesion Promoter 4298UV (primer) + Or: 3M™ Adhesion Promoter 06396 (primer)

FUSOR® 152 PLASTIC REPAIR ADHESIVE + Fusor® 602EZ Surface Modifier (primer)

LOCTITE® HY 4070 Adhesive + LOCTITE® SF 770 Adhesive Primer

 

[1sicbronconut]

I also bought the $40 4pc set Amazon ones. The one went on perfectly. The other I broke the top stud that goes into the body so its not great. I'll wait until a windshield replacement or one flys off to get Ford to do it. The inners on mine were completely shot, dried up rubber and dried up plastic they broke with no effort into two pieces.
1sicbronconut lets see some pics of the '68. I owned a '68 back in 1981 I used it as a plow truck. It had an extra low range position that was not marked that was two wheel low. I paid $600 for it, sold it after 4 years for $800. `

Here you go, lockers, armor, 34x10.5x17" BFG's

 

[Ironworker40]

Nice. I like the soft top and doors? Next time I'm in town you can take me wheeling! LOL

 

[1sicbronconut]

Nice. I like the soft top and doors? Next time I'm in town you can take me wheeling! LOL

If you're brave we'll take the buggy it should be done this winter.