"That tree just hit me!"

[explorerfriend]

I managed to remove the inside molding to manually pop open both glass and hatch. Well the top and bottom edges of the hatch got bent, so much that it takes a lot of force to get the glass hook to reach the latch. I feel like I am going to break the glass when trying to close it. The mechanism to open the hatch or glass is all screwed up inside and looks obnoxiously complicated to get working again. I found someone that is willing to sell me the hatch an bumper for $150 so i am going to go that route and replace it all this weekend. Just hope I can get the bumper to come off.

 

[pyroman_28]

hey, I'm in St. Augustine too.. ever go to scarletts? sucks about the truck though man.. luckily the damage isn't too bad.

 

[explorerfriend]

Scarlet O'Hares. Yeah love it. That and white lion.

 

[explorerfriend]

Update: It's been awhile since I hit that tree but didn't end up buying that hatch and bumper last year after cash constraints(books, food, and beer add up quick) But, finally got the parts just this week from another blue explorer(although looks darker than mine) all for $100 so saved a bit of money waiting a year I guess but anyway I'm gonna get my friends to help me out with swapping the hatch and glass. However. I've tried loosening the bumper and think it will need air tools to get the job done, so gonna find a shop to swap the bumper. Shouldn't cost too much though. I'll post pics after.

 

[Burns]

I had a really hard time getting off my bumper bolts for the first time. Its a pain but possible

 

[patrick112390]

I never thought I would be posting here, but unfortunately time has come. I'm at Flagler college in St. Augustine, Florida and well last night was just not the best for me. We were at the beach partying (I was DD) and well, it started to pour so we packed up and was driving the group home. Pulled into the parking lot at the girls dorms, dropped everybody off, and was pissed cause my girlfriend broke up with me and just wanted to get to my dorm to sleep it off. With the combination of the tinted windows, rain, crappy ford back-up lights, and a pissed off me I backed up to turn around and well a tree popped out. Damage is below

http://picasaweb.google.com/nickhalexander/UntitledAlbum

at least it didnt shatter your back glass...the dent looks like it was creepin up towards it

 

[explorerfriend]

Yes it must have been really close to breaking patrick.

Got the hatch on with 2 of my friends, took longer than I thought and they were very sore from holding the hatch while I unbolted and re-bolted (my fault for forgetting to disconnect the electrical wires until after hatch was unbolted) I was happy to see how well the paint matches albeit the hatch is a bit duller looking. I then left my explorer with a collision shop who swapped out my bumper.

Im happy with the results except for a couple things. (1) There was a sticker on the hatch that when I pulled it off left a hard yellow residue(pic) that Goo Gone wont even shed off. Any Suggestions?? (2) Didnt have the wiper before and dont have the controls for it so its stuck in the up position. Thinking about getting a new radio bezel since the wiring harness looks to be installed already. (3) Need to break out the black spray paint for the bumper trim (always too windy here in St. Augustine, so that will have to wait till I get back to Atlanta)

Bumper: $25
Hatch: $75
Bumper swap: $50
Hatch swap: $16 for Five Guys meals
Total: $166

So finally here are some pics of the aftermath:

Now to avoid the trees...

 

[patrick112390]

ehhh id try some laquor thinner on it.... the only thing is, you have to watch out, it will swirl the paint so you will need to wax/buff it after ....use conservativly

 

[mustangwarrior]

i did the same thing at work last year except it was at about 10am and a clear sunny summer day, i was however on the phone with my mother (making it her fault...lol), minimal body damage and slight dent in the bumper but the way the tree hung over it completely shattered the rear glass

 

[ornithology]

Darn that sux man. I once backed into a concrete barricade that was high enough to just be out of mirror's sight. Hopefully you get it fixed up with a very small deductible or something. Good luck!