2002 color, washfluid odor and running boards

[Tim OLeary]

Really minor stuff but

someone keyed on e side of my white 2002. Where on the door post is the color info, and any recommendations for touch up product?

Also just noticed when I use the windshield washer long for stubborn bug guts, I notice the odor of washer fluid inside the vehicle. I think the black rubber washers around where the wiper arms come up out of the firewall are porous. So that means besides washer fluid, when it rains, water is also getting in there and probably ruining something important. Anyone ever replace these or otherwise deal with this issue?

Finally my runnig boards are gray original and totally rusted. the brackets and rubber inlays are OK. Should I seek out salvage replacements or get aftermarkets? if so any recommendations for a good product. want to also get matching bull/pushbar

thanks

 

[Spencer Wallman]

Would like to know about the running boards myself. Mine are really rusted as well.

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Hi Tim, the vehicle information label may be on the drivers door or on the "B" pillar. Again on the drivers door opening. I believe it is also a part of your VIN number. You can take the truck to the dealer or VIN # and they can decode it for you. I would highly suggest getting a tube of touch-up from them. Although it can be had at any number of online sites.

You smell the washer fluid because all modern vehicles have "flow-thru ventilation". The cowl vent(those openings at the base of the windshield) will, quite normally, let the vapors enter the truck. Its how the smell of a skunk gets in with all the windows rolled up. I don't believe this is a big deal unless you begin to smell something funky like, mold or mildew. Then you'll have to do a cleaning job of the ventilation duct work.

The running boards can be handled in several different ways. A set from a salvage yard, you can sand them all down and repaint them and (I like this one) is to sand them down really well, tape off the rubber treads if you can't get them off and then have them coated with the spray on bed liner stuff. Tough as nail, doesn't fade, chip or peel off. Good luck, Bob

 

[Tim OLeary]

I already checked out the vehicle label and couldn't decode it.

I got the vehicle used from a Ford dealer so they will be able to assist me on the color.



OK I get the idea on the venting.



Going the salvage route OK

and spraying with bed liner

Never thought of that! Sounds like a plan.



I also damaged my rear bumper sliding on snow, but will post images of it and start a new thread for that one.



We've had the Sport Trac for a little over a year now, and we are happy with it.



thanks!

 

[Bryan Tobey]

For the paint code, look on the vehicle ID sticker. Lower left hand area there will be something to the effect of "BC" with a code after (ie e6). That code is your paint color. An automotive paint supplier can decode your VIN for a "variant," a bit more precise match.



Any decent parts store should be able to help you decode the number and get the generic match, duplicolor is the common brand about $6 for a touch up.

.

A paint supplier can mix a customer spray can or touch up bottle, expect to pay $25 or more for a custom spray can or about $12 for a touch up bottle.



Good luck

 

[EddieS'04]

You smell the washer fluid because all modern vehicles have "flow-thru ventilation". The cowl vent(those openings at the base of the windshield) will, quite normally, let the vapors enter the truck.

The only time I have flow thru ventalation on my '04. Is when I set it on vent or regular ac.

Max ac and other settings my vent to the cowel shuts off. Sounds as if your doors in your plenum are not completely shuting off outside air. Or the seals around the plenum doors are shot. They have to be able to shut off on certain settings. Or you would never warm the cab up on the highway in freezing weather. Or you could not have max ac, which is recirculation of inside air. Outside air is closed.



Nonthing stops the smell of a skunk though,,LOL.