Pillar posts

[SKI NUT]

Like many other Exploder owners, I too have the hideous, faded out pillar posts between drivers windows and passenger windows and between rear window and tailgate. One poster said to sand with 600 and follow up with 800 wet sanding. Looks like I'll try to remove posts and go this route. Bought this garage kept, never wrecked beauty primarily as a tow vehicle for our boat. Many, many mods and $$ but starting to enjoy it now.

 

[mbrando1994]

Mine are faded as well, haven't really thought much about them among the other repairs. I suppose you could sand them, but I'm pretty sure they sell kits (kind of like dash kits) that will either glue onto or replace them entirely. Something like this: Piano Black Door Pillar Post Cover fits: Ford Explorer 02-10 4 Door w/Keypad | eBay

 

[IIGood]

I got one of those overlay kits a while back to help remedy the same situation. The problem I saw with the kit is that the acrylic is about 1/2"-3/4" thick, and it just sticks on the existing pillars. So you've got this raised plastic piece just sticking on top of the pillar and it's a bit unsightly.

I've seen the how-to's on refinishing them and those seemed rather involved and above my skill level. I ended up coming across a post somewhere (probably here) which used glossy black vinyl to improve the dulled, faded appearance. While it's not exactly as glossy as the original finish, it's definitely an improvement.

 

[SKI NUT]

I got one of those overlay kits a while back to help remedy the same situation. The problem I saw with the kit is that the acrylic is about 1/2"-3/4" thick, and it just sticks on the existing pillars. So you've got this raised plastic piece just sticking on top of the pillar and it's a bit unsightly.

I've seen the how-to's on refinishing them and those seemed rather involved and above my skill level. I ended up coming across a post somewhere (probably here) which used glossy black vinyl to improve the dulled, faded appearance. While it's not exactly as glossy as the original finish, it's definitely an improvement.

 

[SKI NUT]

Thanks for the info. Think I'll try the sanding and painting route first. If I botch that job, I'll go withe the cover up pieces.