Rear Hatch Repair

[fourfords]

Hi- the rear hatch of my 03 explorer was damaged at a construction site. They were nice enough to tell me about it and give me their insurance information, so I don't want them to get screwed with the repair bill. The glass has a three or four inch scratch on it and the plastic panel just below was cracked. Would anyone know if this plastic panel is replaceable; (it stays with the window when you raise it). I would think that the scratched glass could be buffed out and if the panel could be replaced the cost could be held down rather than replacing the whole unit as one. Any thoughts would be appreciated. THANKS

 

[zerodevil]

if you dont mind me asking, if they gave you their insurance information, why are you worried about the cost, to replace the back window + Back pannel your probably looking at around 800 bucks for a brand new set up. That piece of plastic is held to the glass by GOBS of glue, and is repalceable, but isnt for hte faint of heart, because if you mess up you shatter the back window.

 

[fourfords]

Well, its just that they were nice enough to tell my wife about it and you know how alot of people are; they wouldn't say a thing and I'd be stuck with a $500 deductible. Plus it happened at the school where she works as a teachers aid.

 

[zerodevil]

well like i said, its entirely possibly to do a cheap repair here, that back peice of plastic just needs to be removed carefully.

 

[fourfords]

Thanks for the reply; that's just what I wanted to know. I looked it over and couldn't see how it comes off. I'll bring it to a body shop next week; but it's nice to be informed before going in. Thanks again.

 

[2003vstrom]

hammer and a wide putty knife will get that plastic panel off, I replaced mine myself bought the part from ford, and painted it myself and cleared it and stuck it on with 3m tape been like that for a month and all is good

 

[fourfords]

Appreciate the help; and now that I know the panel is available from Ford I'll find a body shop that will do just that and not replace the whole window or worse yet replace the whole hatch. THANKS

 

[Blee1099]

How would you be stuck with the deductible. Their at fault so their insurance will pay for everything.. Nothing should be coming out of your pocket. A rental should be even offered.

 

[Dignan]

I think he meant that he appreciates them telling him so that he is not stuck with the deductible like he would have been if he just found it later and didn't know how it happened. Kinda like I am with mine.