Exterior Trim A-Pillar Recall

[J_C]

^ I'd imagine that Ford is receiving a lot more of these than Kimbridge, but using up their stock as fast as they can get them.

 

[Brian16Limited]

I had mine in for other service two weeks ago, the recall was completed on both A-pillars since my local dealer had a set in stock.

The new passenger side outer molding flew off while driving on the highway this Sunday.

 

[J_C]

I had mine in for other service two weeks ago, the recall was completed on both A-pillars since my local dealer had a set in stock.

The new passenger side outer molding flew off while driving on the highway this Sunday.

Wow, was it loose when they finished the install? What's left of the adhesive, did it not bond to the trim strip?

 

[peterk9]

I had mine in for other service two weeks ago, the recall was completed on both A-pillars since my local dealer had a set in stock.

The new passenger side outer molding flew off while driving on the highway this Sunday.

Since the parts came from their stock, I'm wondering if they replaced all the plastic clips? Ford only included the clips as part of the replacement package later on.

Peter

 

[UxHamby]

I got the "don't call us we'll call you" hint from Ford dealer here so, I went to our local auto recycler and ordered a one from a wreck.

 

[Brian16Limited]

Since the parts came from their stock, I'm wondering if they replaced all the plastic clips? Ford only included the clips as part of the replacement package later on.

Peter

Not sure, but the clips all stayed in place when the outer molding went for a flight…

There was no trace of adhesive left behind either.

 

[J_C]

Not sure, but the clips all stayed in place when the outer molding went for a flight…

There was no trace of adhesive left behind either.

Then it seems like the shop did not do a proper surface prep, if they used adhesive at all. Adhesive doesn't disappear, so it's a shame if you can't recover the lost piece to examine it.

If this repair is done right, it should just about need a crowbar to pull them off. I'm exaggerating a bit, but not much.

 

[TXExplrPlt17]

I went through 3 aftermarket A-pillar sets from ebay. I never blame those companies, as I'm not the most mechanically inclined and blamed them not working on me. This last set ended up with the driver's side duct-taped down everywhere to keep it from flying off, and also so that I could go through the car wash. I'd finally had enough of the duct tape coming off, and it looking like a hooptie, so I ordered max strength duct tape, and super strength double-sided tape (both from Amazon). Double-sided tape claims it holds up to 300 lbs. I read that and though 'Pffft. . .suuuure it does.' But I was out of options, as we're going on a long road trip tomorrow, and the wind noise from that A-pillar piece arching up, coupled with the duct tape flapping, is enough to drive me bonkers.

Took the A-pillar trim piece (only driver side coming off) off today, and placed the double-sided tape everywhere on the trim piece. Now I understood why they say it holds 300 lbs: it was a nightmare to work with, as my fingers and hands kept getting stuck. Was getting aggravated, then realized: this is going to work. Installed it, fully expecting it to come right off, at which point I was going to say 'f*** this' and go in and chug a beer. But it held. Could not believe it. Only placed one small piece of duct tape at the top while the glue from the tape fully adheres and cures. I'm not waiting for Ford, because they're likely going to end up saying 'We're no longer supporting that generation, because that was 3 generations ago.' This setup will definitely hold until I get rid of her.

Just trying to help y'all, because like you: I was at the end of my tether. Hope this helps.

Double-sided tape + duct tape failed miserably, even with proper surface prep. I'm done with these. After what happened yesterday on the freeway with a near-fatal accident with me and my young son (brakes/tires/suspension failures on my Explorer), I could care less about these trim pieces. It's time for this SUV to go. I've been though a LOT on the road (well over 1+M miles driven lifetime), but even this one scared me. God/guardian angel were watching over us, for sure.

 

[BrettS.]

I got the "don't call us we'll call you" hint from Ford dealer here so, I went to our local auto recycler and ordered a one from a wreck.

They are impossible to remove without breaking the clips. It's usually a one and done deal. The clips will break if you try to remove them. I have used two sets of ones from Amazon on two different 5th gens. They fit perfect and havent come loose in the past 5 years through car washes, offroading, etc. There are a million resellers on Ebay and Amazon selling the same sets from China. But they fit good and stay.