Interior Trim - Vinyl Surface Repair Tips

Article No.
98-25-9

12/21/98

INTERIOR TRIM - REPAIRS TO VINYL COVERED
SURFACES - SERVICE TIP

FORD:
1997 PROBE, THUNDERBIRD
1997-99 CONTOUR, CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1997 COUGAR
1997-99 CONTINENTAL, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VIII, MYSTIQUE, SABLE, TOWN CAR, TRACER
1999 COUGAR

LIGHT TRUCK:
1997 AEROSTAR
1997-99 ECONOLINE, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, F-150, F-250 LD, MOUNTAINEER, RANGER, VILLAGER, WINDSTAR
1998-99 NAVIGATOR
1999 SUPER DUTY F SERIES

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to declare this TSB does not apply to vinyl covered air bag modules.

ISSUE
Some vinyl covered items such as dash panels, door trim panels, consoles, etc., may exhibit a small (less than 5 mm deep) dent, scuff, abrasion and/or discoloration resulting from assembly, transit, dealer prep and/or customer usage. Replacement of these items is not necessary, except for air bag modules which must be replaced.

WARNING
AIR BAG MODULES WITH DISCOLORED OR DAMAGED COVERS OR DEPLOYMENT DOORS MUST BE REPLACED, NOT REPAINTED.

ACTION
Refer to the following Service Procedure for details when any of the above conditions are experienced. Repairing and not replacing the damaged component should reduce the possibility of further damage during service.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

SMALL DENTS

1. Begin with the vehicle interior at room temperature.

2. Clean the vinyl using mild soap and water to remove all dirt, grease, and wax.

3. Wipe the surface dry.

4. Using a low temperature heat gun, slowly pass the gun over the dented area using a sweeping motion.

NOTE
DO NOT LEAVE THE HEAT DIRECTED AT AN AREA FOR MORE THAN 15 SECONDS. HEATING ABOVE 205°C (400°F) WILL DAMAGE THE VINYL. DO NOT TOUCH THE GUN NOZZLE TO THE SURFACE. DO NOT TOUCH THE HEATED AREA UNTIL IT HAS COOLED.

5. Check to see if dent has been removed.

6. If dent still remains, repeat Steps 1.5.

7. If the dent has been removed but the area is shiny, lightly sand with 800 grit sandpaper. Wipe the area clean and repaint the area following the procedure outlined below.

PAINT REPAIRS

1. Make sure the paint and part to be painted are at room temperature.

2. Use masking tape to mask off the surrounding areas to protect from overspray

3. Paint an area as large as possible to prevent a noticeable transition of color.

4. Test spray paint on a scrap surface to determine proper distance, usually 254-305 mm (1O-12") from the surface. Refer to the directions listed on the can.

5. Spray a light, even coat in large sweeping strokes. Let dry.

6. It required, additional coats may be applied after the previous coat has dried.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

SUPERSEDES: 98-3-1

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 106000, 107000, 190000