molding

[Terry Bonner 2]

Happy New Year, everyone! I get a lot of great info from this site (thanks!) and I'm hoping someone can answer a question:



As the proud owner of an '08 ST Limited, I'm VERY interested in the color-coded bodyside molding that Ford uses on the Explorer. Has anyone installed this molding on their Trac? Pics?



I realize the rear doors aren't the same size but would the difference in molding length be noticeable?



Please let me know what you think.

 

[Dingo]

What molding?



<img src="http://www.cars-velocity-wallpapers.com/public/wallpapers%5Ccars%5Cford%5Cford_explorer%5Cford_explorer-0002.jpg">

 

[Terry Bonner 2]

There is a strip of color-coded molding in the lower crease of each door. It's approximately an inch wide. It's kinda hard to see on the pic you posted, but it's there. Why isn't Ford including this on the Trac? And you've also probably noticed that the Trac is missing the "Explorer" emblem on the front doors.

 

[Dingo]

I still don't see it.



<img src="http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/images/vehicle/pg/epr08_pg_011_ext_enl.jpg">



I'm happy not having the "Explorer" plate on the sides.

 

[Todd Z]

Dingo,



Just under the Explorer badge on the door bulge is a small piece of molding that runs the length of the truck.... IF you look at where the front and rear doors meet you can see the indent in the molding where it clears the door so it can open properly..



Todd Z

 

[Dingo]

Oooooooooooooooh. I see it now. The funky angle of the pics makes it just look like the body line on my truck.

 

[Vin Perrotta]

I ordered the Explorer moldings from the dealer and had them painted and applied. The come only primed. Since they are body color. they look seamless to me, but they only cover 3/4 of the rear door. I have been satisfied with my decision. I also had the dealer add the Explorer name badges on the ST. If I remember, they were only $18 or so. I have noticed that Ford is not using any bodyside moldings on the 08 Explorer Limited and EB models, which they did on the previous 2 model years. I prefer the color keyed moldings to the dings that could come later. I noticed the same decision on the 08 Escapes as well. Maybe they are looking for a clean look, yet I still want protection from dings in a parking lot

 

[Terry Bonner 2]

Thanks so much, VP. I thought my original inquiry had become buried and no one would respond.



The rear door was my only concern. 3/4 coverage would probably be o.k. Your last sentence sums it up....I, too, would like having SOME parking lot protection, minimal through it may be.



And although many may prefer a "clean" look, I would bet that deleting the molding is another Ford "cost-cutting" event. God bless the bean-counters.