2005 Sport Trac Bumper & side rail skins

[nomovingparts]

I have a 2005 S& & I would dearly love to bed liner the front & rear bumper skins & side rails - removing them for prep without snapping of any push-in connectors...
I recall seeing a fairly detailed post describing the locations & types of all the clips & screws involved, but for the life of me, I can't find it.
I thought maybe a ST "Bodywork FAQ", but I didn't see it covered at all.

Could someone point me in the right direction?
Thanks!

 

[01STrunner]

I don't remember a thread like that, but I've taken mine off and only ruined 1 or 2 clips.
The front is held in by the screws in the wheel wells (on the edge). I think there are 2 going up into the fender in addition to the big "washer" that locates the front cover. I can't remember if I replaced or added those on mine, it's been a few years. There are all of the screws across the top of the engine bay through the "tool tray". as you pull the cover off, you'll notice the big clips that run along the bottom of the grill and under the headlights.

The rockers are also held in by some screws in the wheel wells. The rest are the funky plastic clips. I used a flat pry bar covered in a rag and pried each one, trying to put pressure directly on the clip itself.

The rear, I don't remember quite as well as it's been even longer since I've taken that one off. There are 2 big rivets on the corners. It also has some screws in the wheel wells. Take the step pads off by carefully prying them up and remove the license plate lights. Then you can pull the rear cover off.

Hope this helps even though it's not exactly what you were looking for.

 

[nomovingparts]

Thanks! I really appreciate the quick answer. To be honest, it may not have even been this forum...
The post I DID see had all the locations of all the clip types clearly marked on pics & I was a damn fool not to have saved it....
I'll pic up a flat bar this weekend and get going on it - the skins are all looking gray from the sun & I can't wait to bed-liner all that washed out plastic!

 

[swshawaii]

MANY pics missing, but here are the threads you may be referring to. GL

Front Bumper Cover Removal

Removing the Rear Bumper Cover

Painting and Removing the Cladding Project.

 

[koda2000]

I'd rather spend the time masking off the stuff I didn't want to paint, rather than removing and reinstalling all those pieces.

- clean the cladding with Purple Power and rinse well twice.
- once completely dry, spray on an adhesion promoter
- use bumper paint (or other paint suitable for plastic)

Personally I'd use grey bumper paint, which would be similar to the original color of the plastic. I don't like the way black looks on the cladding, but that's what many here have used.

 

[nomovingparts]

I was thinking about painting the pieces in place, but I'll be applying with a roller to get the texture I want.
Swshawaii - you nailed it! That was EXACTLY the post I remember. As a matter of fact, that guys truck is the color as mine, so at least I see how it will come out.
Thanks all!