Radiator Support: Service and Repair
Inner Body Reinforcing Panels
Exploded View - Front Structure
NOTE: Refer to the steel repairability matrix chart in the Specifications portion for specific information regarding steel descriptions.
WARNING:
- Collision damage repair must conform to the instructions contained. Replacement components must be new, genuine Ford Motor Company parts. Recycled, salvaged, aftermarket or reconditioned parts (including body parts, wheels or safety restraint components) are not authorized by Ford.
- Departure from the instructions provided, including alternate repair methods or the use of substitute components, risks compromising crash safety. Failure to follow these instructions may adversely affect structural integrity and crash safety performance, which could result in serious personal injury to vehicle occupants in a crash.
- Invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted in welding can injure unprotected eyes and skin. Always use protection such as a welder's helmet with dark-colored filter lenses of the correct density. Electric welding will produce intense radiation, therefore, filter plate lenses of the deepest shade providing adequate visibility are recommended. It is strongly recommended that persons working in the weld area wear flash safety goggles. Also wear protective clothing. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
- Do not cut or grind body side components within 50 mm (1.96 in) of restraint anchoring points. Welding within 50 mm (1.96 in) of restraint anchoring points may result in incorrect operation of restraint devices. For additional restraints anchoring location information, refer to Restraint Systems. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
- Do not carry out body side sectioning repairs in areas of laser welds. Factory laser welds cannot be duplicated with conventional welding equipment and structural integrity may be compromised. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
NOTE:
- Whenever it is necessary to carry out weld-bonding procedures, refer to Weld-Bonding.
- Factory spot welds may be substituted with either Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRW) or Metal Inert Gas (MIG) plug welds. Spot/plug welds should equal factory welds in both location and quantity. Do not place a new spot weld directly over an original weld location. Plug weld hole should equal 8 mm (0.31 in) diameter.
1. NOTICE: Electronic modules and related wiring may be damaged when exposed to heat from welding procedures. Carefully disconnect and remove, or position away from heat affected areas. For additional information, refer to Welding Precautions - Steel.
Remove the outer body sheet metal from the affected area prior to carrying out any reinforcing panel replacement. For additional information, refer to Sectioning Guidelines.
2. When welding overlapping surfaces or substrates, apply a weld-through primer between the surfaces prior to welding. When the surfaces have been welded, apply corrosion protection material to the surfaces or substrates. For additional information, refer to Restoring Corrosion Protection Following Repair.
3. Where possible, create a backer piece using a portion of the old panel. This will create a stronger joint.
4. Appropriate seam sealer needs to be applied to exposed joints and seams in addition to corrosion protection, particularly horizontal surfaces where moisture collects and migrates. Exposed seams and joints can corrode or rust prematurely if seam sealer is not applied correctly. Clean surfaces with metal surface prep or equivalent prior to applying seam sealer. For additional information, refer to Sealers.
5. Proceed with refinish procedures following Ford-approved paint guidelines.