2003 XLT rear lift gate applique

[ROBinGa]

Our 2003 XLT liftgate applique that typically cracks didn't crack but the adhesive has finally turned loose/dried apparently since it totally came off today in a car wash my wife went through. She says it isn't broken or damaged but totally off the car. they retrieved it and gave to her. I haven't seen it yet only picture she took of back of the Explorer.

I know I can buy a pre painted one to match (which may not be exact but close) that is if mine is really damaged when I see it. My question is has what has anyone used to get that old dried adhesive off the lift gate so I can reattach either my panel or a new one? Elbow grease and scrapper? Or is there a solvent that is safe? Thanks

 

[faberj]

To save a little time I would contact a couple of body shops to see what they use. I did google adhesive removers and there are a number out there.

 

[Black Dynomite]

Elbow grease and a small flat chisel tipped craft knife worked well for me. Doesnt take too long.
I used black silicone adhesive (roofing stuff) to reapply the panel and its been perfect for several years now.

Painted panels (if required) on Amazon

 

[ROBinGa]

Finally found time to reattach the rear appliqué. I did use a small and medium sized chisel to remove all the dried adhesive from both the back of the panel and the molding that is attached to the rear lift glass. It took patience but I was able to remove all of it from both surfaces and then wiped the surfaces with alcohol to get clean. The 1inch chisel was especially good at getting the dried adhesive from the applique panel. The 1/2 chisel fit well on the channels of the molding attached to the glass liftgate. I bought 1/2" wide 3M double sided automotive molding tape and applied that to the molding on liftgate along all the contact points where applique would meet. Then after test fitting peeled off tape backing and carefully applied the panel. It fit very nicely and seems extremely solid.