Roof trim pieces

[SwampTrac]

The two trim pieces below the roof rail are bothering me. Im thinking about taking them off. What's underneath them? How should I remove them?

 

[DILLARD000]

Carefully pry them out, hopefully without breaking either plastic or scratching paint.
Just a recess in the body metal underneath. Mine were a little loose a couple of years ago;
took them out, cleaned up & touched up body paint,
filled recess with axle grease to prevent water intrusion & rust,
then resecured each of the 2 pieces with a clean looking stainless sheet metal screw.

 

[parker_lansing]

This has been bothering me as well. They are both warped on my 2003 (see attached photos). I have done a ton of research on these parts, and I was planning on posting on this subject soon, so I'll just add on to this thread. Here is everything I have on the subject.

New Old Stock
NOS of the correct color code is what I would prefer. I recently bought a NOS driver side (1L5Z-3551728-AAF) part on eBay (December 2023), but the seller cancelled the order after I made my payment, claiming that it was a "broken item". It felt like a scam, we'll see if I get my money back. I have saved searches for some of these part numbers on eBay that are turning up nothing.

A month later, a NOS passenger side (1L2Z-3551728-AAPTM) part showed up on eBay. Bought. I'm hoping to see another driver side part eventually.

There are still a few passenger side NOS parts available, but the colors available are limited. I have not identified any source for NOS driver side trim of any color. And I have spent many hours looking.

2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
1L2Z-3551728-AAPTM - Moulding - Roof Drip Side Trim RH - Passenger Side (01/2000-06/2005) 2001-2005
Replaces:
1L5Z-3551728-AAS Redfire (08/2002-08/2003) 2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAM Aspen Green Metallic (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAA Harvest Gold (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAH Oxford White Solid C/C (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAB 2001
1L5Z-3551728-AAP Silver Birch Metallic (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAK 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551728-AAN True Blue Pearl (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAD 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551728-AAC 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551728-AAE 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551728-AAL Zink Yellow (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAJ Estate Green (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003
1L5Z-3551728-AAF Ebony Solid C/C (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003

1L2Z-3551729-AAPTM - Moulding - Roof Drip Side Trim LH - Driver Side (01/2000-06/2005) 2001-2005
Replaces:
1L5Z-3551729-AAS (01/2000-06/2005) 2001-2005
1L5Z-3551729-AAM Aspen Green Metallic (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAA Harvest Gold (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAH Oxford White Solid C/C (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAB 2001
1L5Z-3551729-AAP Silver Birch Metallic (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAK 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551729-AAN True Blue Pearl (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAD 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551729-AAC 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551729-AAE 2001-2002
1L5Z-3551729-AAL Zink Yellow (03/2002-08/2003) 2002-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAJ Estate Green (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003
1L5Z-3551729-AAF Ebony Solid C/C (01/2000-08/2003) 2001-2003

Used Parts
On Gil G's thread below, it is reported that a search of junkyards for usable trim pieces generally turned up empty, and that they all suffered from the same problem and were in worse condition than the ones on his own vehicle, unless the vehicle was covered. It is apparently the sunlight that causes the damage, they get brittle, warp, crack, and fall off eventually.

Related Threads
- Explorer Talk: Wanted: Left Roof Molding for 2004 Black Ford Explorer Sport Trac Apr 4, 2017 (Lisa)
- Sport Trac Forum: Confused about how to replace a piece for the roof. Nov 10, 2019 (Natureboy)
- Sport Trac Forum: Roof Rail Trim Nov 22, 2019 (Gil G)

Equivalent Parts
A lot of Ford pickups of the same generation had very similar trim pieces that are still available. However, I don't think there are any that are compatible, because the shape of the back of the Sport Trac cab seems to be unique among all of the Ford models. I would love it if someone could provide some evidence that disproves this assumption. I don't have enough information to know for certain.

Aftermarket Parts
There is a company that makes "upgraded" rear corner trim replacements for a lot of Ford trucks, including the Ranger. But I don't think any other model is part-compatible with the Sport Trac for these two specific trim pieces. See eBay search. I contacted the seller but they said they don't make anything specific to the Sport Trac.

A hint from Natureboy's thread from 2019 led me to search for "sport trac roof repair kit," and this turned up another seller on eBay who makes aftermarket replacements. He states that these can be installed using adhesive, without removing anything from the interior. I can't vouch for them because I haven't tried them (yet), but here is the seller's store:

MOPAR B-BODY PARTS

Normally, I would have preferred factory parts. But since the originals were clearly designed to fail, I ordered a set as a backup, because I know it is just a matter of time before mine fall apart/off. I've attached photos of those including the installation instructions. I think these are cut from black wall base. I can't tell if they're vinyl or rubber.

Procedure
I'm attaching the relevant pages for removing the cab trim from the 2003 Sport Trac Workshop Manual. The "proper procedure" is to remove the interior roof lining and unbolt from the inside.

Update

My NOS passenger side trim (1L2Z-3551728-AAPTM) finally showed up (see attached photos). I hope to use this as a template for 3D printing "new" passenger and driver side trim components from ABS plastic instead of polypropylene (which may be why the original pieces warp and break).

 

[SwampTrac]

Interesting. I wonder if the upgraded ranger trim piece could be cut or modded to fit the st... One thing is sure--I wont be paying 50 bucks to replace one of them!

 

[parker_lansing]

Interesting. I wonder if the upgraded ranger trim piece could be cut or modded to fit the st... One thing is sure--I wont be paying 50 bucks to replace one of them!

I was wondering the same thing. Shame on Ford for these parts. Are these trim pieces really doing anything important?

FYI, I remember seeing a post (I think on the Explorer forum) regarding interior water intrusion from the mounting holes from these trim pieces, so be careful about what you're doing up there.

Edit (July 10, 2024): Yep, I'm getting water intrusion from both of those places!

 

[SwampTrac]

I think im gonna try to carefully pry them off and see what it looks like underneath. Ill report back with what i find.

 

[dvdswan]

I know it's not a Explorer but when I repaired my water leaks on my 91 Ranger, the moldings were generally held on by metal clips attached to the body moldings. Maybe a screw or two that you would see. I ripped the complete interior out to dry it.

Do be careful as the plastic tab that the clip holds onto is old and brittle.

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/dvdswans-91-xlt-maintenance-build.205581/
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/headliner-wet-across-front.191924/

 

[parker_lansing]

Interesting. I wonder if the upgraded ranger trim piece could be cut or modded to fit the st... One thing is sure--I wont be paying 50 bucks to replace one of them!

I just found another option for you on eBay - see my updated reply above and check out MOPAR B-BODY PARTS.

 

[parker_lansing]

I know it's not a Explorer but when I repaired my water leaks on my 91 Ranger, the moldings were generally held on by metal clips attached to the body moldings. Maybe a screw or two that you would see. I ripped the complete interior out to dry it.

I think this is exactly the post I was referring to! The forums are so similar and all three have relevant content for the Sport Trac, so I get them confused sometimes.

 

[SwampTrac]

I just found another option for you on eBay - see my updated reply above and check out MOPAR B-BODY PARTS.

Good find! Those trim pieces in the kit remind me of floor tile, which reminded me of a project where someone used floor tile to cover holes after deleting the roof rails. Not the same, but related and maybe applicable.

 

[parker_lansing]

Good find! Those trim pieces in the kit remind me of floor tile, which reminded me of a project where someone used floor tile to cover holes after deleting the roof rails. Not the same, but related and maybe applicable.

Thanks, it was a lucky guess based on someone else's post. I've been digging into this problem for weeks with no leads. I saw a reference to that linoleum "fix" too (original post), but I think these are 3D printed (not sure, I'll let you know when they arrive).

Update: They are not 3D printed. They are likely cut from vinyl wall base. My previous post is updated with photos.

 

[parker_lansing]

I know it's not a Explorer but when I repaired my water leaks on my 91 Ranger, the moldings were generally held on by metal clips attached to the body moldings. Maybe a screw or two that you would see. I ripped the complete interior out to dry it.

How much work was involved to remove and reinstall the interior?
Did it all go back in the way it was supposed to?

I'm asking because I'd like to replace some of the boring/depressing light grey interior with either the warmer Prairie Tan or the darker Charcoal.

 

[dvdswan]

It's not that much work, per se. The Ranger is just a regular cab. I've replaced the 60/40 bench with buckets and a console. To get the carpet out is just a matter of removing the seats/console, seat belts, and trim panels. If you read the thread posted about the wet headliner, the carpet was soaked too. So, the only interior pieces left in the truck at that time was the 2 door panels and dash. Door panels and rear windows are easy as well.

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/headliner-wet-across-front.191924/
I have done the dash removal and install on my Nissan which had a few more electronics in it and it wasn't bad at all. You could do an interior swap on a vehicle over a weekend easily. You would just have to have all the pieces/parts on hand.

I do plan on gutting the Sport Trac this summer as the PO I think lived on a dirt road. Interior is dusty under all the panels. So, removing all and scrubbing the seat cushions off the frames is one of the tasks, completely striping the console to clean, removing trim panels and headliner, door panels, and removing the matting.

I will do a small write up on my maintenance page when I do it.

 

[SwampTrac]

Well I took off the passenger side trim piece. I did not remove the bolts from the inside. I removed the two back bolts of the roof rail and slid out the trim. Unfortunately it broke as I expected. It was so dryrotted it broke when i barely touched it. Underneath...ugh. I scraped away some of the loose paint and glue. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do next. Still thinking on the best solution.

 

[parker_lansing]

That photo looks just like the one on that eBay store. I think this is exactly the situation he designed that replacement for.

 

[dvdswan]

https://www.amazon.com/Advance-Igni...9&psc=1&mcid=de75fea6826b38a5bd119510a3b5af18

^^^Advance Ignition Upgraded Left Driver and Right Passenger Side Roof Molding Compatible with 1998-2011 Ford Ranger Set 2PCS​

https://www.google.com/search?q=spo...gQIRgWGB4YHcICChAhGBYYHhgPGB0&sclient=gws-wiz

 

[SwampTrac]

Well i finally got around to cleaning and painting the place where my trim used to be. I scraped out the old paint and whatever ford used to fill in the groove. Then I filled in the groove with some white sealer and painted the whole area with some oxford white spray paint. Not very pretty up close, but from far away you cant tell. Ill leave it like this til i decide how to cover it. At least now i know ive stopped any leaks, chipping paint, and rust.

On a side note, does anyone have any tips on how to clean up those dirt lines/stains? Ive tried alcohol, googone, and lemon juice, but nothing seems to work. I noticed I have the same stains around door handles, roof rails, etc.

 

[dvdswan]

Put some foam ear plugs in the bolt threads so water doesn't go in through them.

 

[DILLARD000]

MagicEraser?

 

[swshawaii]

https://web.archive.org/web/2010121...IEW=295&WRENCHES=2&PageHeader=Member Projects
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