How to remove scratches from the plastic trims around the bed?(Update:With instruction how to replace the trim - See end of page5)

[Evil2ltr]

Good luck..

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[Snax]

Since you don't have much to lose at this point, maybe try a little magic eraser to see if you can buff out the scratches and the heat damage?

 

[Sylvester]

Before shelling out bucks to replace the trim, try and talk to a local interior repair facility. I am sure they know a product they use to repair plastic to restore color back to faded out plastic. It will have to be cleaned with alcohol and color matched to the non damaged area. 1 can of this special paint could be blended and you would never know it. It's worth a try, and you may enjoy doing it. Heck, you may start a repair business for plastic restoration. There will be plenty of Ford Mavericks that will need it! Good luck!

Thank you for your message. I think the damage is beyond the point that it can be repaired properly (the images don't show the full extent). I just ordered the part, it was only 90 bucks. I think it is not worth to go experimental with repairs and spend more money. I just hope the swap goes smoothly.

 

[Sylvester]

Since you don't have much to lose at this point, maybe try a little magic eraser to see if you can buff out the scratches and the heat damage?

As mentioned in my last post, the damage is beyond the point that it can be repaired.

 

[Oddzball]

I mean if you're gonna have a problem with that level of scratches, you're going to be replacing your plastic like.. every 3 months man... its just gonna happen. Especially given its a truck, and if you use it like a truck.. well.. good luck with that.

I put a huge scratch in my bed(No liner) moving a heavy metal jack around, the second day I owned mine.

TO me this is like folks who get a big lifted 4x4 and then never EVER take it off road because "scratches"

 

[Sylvester]

I mean if you're gonna have a problem with that level of scratches, you're going to be replacing your plastic like.. every 3 months man... its just gonna happen. Especially given its a truck, and if you use it like a truck.. well.. good luck with that.

I put a huge scratch in my bed(No liner) moving a heavy metal jack around, the second day I owned mine.

TO me this is like folks who get a big lifted 4x4 and then never EVER take it off road because "scratches"

I am with you and wish would have left the initial scratches alone. Now it looks really nasty, especially because on top of the heat gun damage I tried with some "back to black" chemicals and it looks all messed up. I think 90 bucks is not too crazy and moving forward I will try to keep the number and size of scratches under control.

 

[Oddzball]

I am with you and wish would have left the initial scratches alone. Now it looks really nasty, especially because on top of the heat gun damage I tried with some "back to black" chemicals and it looks all messed up. I think 90 bucks is not too crazy and moving forward I will try to keep the number and size of scratches under control.

Since you are replacing it anyway, and I assume it is ABS plastic, cleaning with acetone might be an interesting test. i use it when 3d printing to clean up/smooth out plastic.

 

[bgillen35]

Not sure how it would stick to that texture plastic, but this might be worth a shot to save it in the future:

 

[Sylvester]

Guys, believe me, once I take it off, I will use the part as a lab rat and test all sorts of products on it to see what is the best way to get rid of the scratches. Thus far I can tell you: Heat gun is the worse idea. It is anyway my fault that I didn't listen to my own gut. Back to Black products don't help neither, makes it even worse because you have to apply it everywhere and besides that, it doesn't help at all to get rid of scratches. I will keep you all posted what helps and what not. In the meantime I would appreciate if anyone here is a bodyshop expert and can give me some tips how to remove the part.

 

[Decayed]

I would have tried the heat gun method. Yeah there is risk but it should have worked. Sorry to hear it didn't. Thanks for taking that particular bullet for all of us.

 

[PortlandME]

Can you let us know how the replacement goes? One of my rails is loose and I assume it’s a clip or something either broken or not set correctly. Pictures would be awesome. Thanks.

 

[Sylvester]

I would have tried the heat gun method. Yeah there is risk but it should have worked. Sorry to hear it didn't. Thanks for taking that particular bullet for all of us.

The heat gun was too tempting not to try but these parts are apparently not made to be treated with it. If this would have been a proper solution, we would have found at least one decent youtube video about it. There is nothing. I was super careful but it still didn't work out. That is life. I think from all the "bad things" this is one of the least painful things we will have to deal with. I do it with pleasure and document everything.

 

[Sylvester]

Can you let us know how the replacement goes? One of my rails is loose and I assume it’s a clip or something either broken or not set correctly. Pictures would be awesome. Thanks.

Absolutely, this is what I am planning to do. I think this would be a waste if one of us here does something like this and doesn't share with the rest of the forum .

 

[Edge Haley]

Thank you for your message. I think the damage is beyond the point that it can be repaired properly (the images don't show the full extent). I just ordered the part, it was only 90 bucks. I think it is not worth to go experimental with repairs and spend more money. I just hope the swap goes smoothly.

Since you ordered the part it should give you a clue as to how to take off the damaged part, as to how it is clipped back on. Hopefully, what you ordered includes the attachment (clips) pieces.

 

[Sylvester]

Since you ordered the part it should give you a clue as to how to take off the damaged part, as to how it is clipped back on. Hopefully, what you ordered includes the attachment (clips) pieces.

This is what I am hoping for. I also asked the parts guy about the clips and he told me everything is included, so lets wait and see. This Video is the closest thing I could find about it but need to look at the replacement part to see how to push the clips on the other side to take it off.



FYI: The MSRP is around 108 plus tax and they sell it to me for 80 plus tax. It is the passenger side bed rail plastic trim. I will share the part number once I receive it.

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