A friend of mine asked if there was anything that could be done to seal the cracked plastic panel on the rear hatch of his 2004 Ford Explorer, similar to this:
A quick Google search indicates that this is a pretty common problem. Dorman makes a replacement panel that costs about $80 without paint, but I'm wondering if the replacement panel is going to do the same thing next winter.
I'm curious if anyone here has dealt with the same problem.
The Explorer panel crack is more a matter of when than if. The 2004 I used to drive cracked in 2011... so if he replaces it, he should get several years of no cracks before it happens again.
Other solutions:
The photo isn't loading for me but I'm guessing its the plastic panel with the Ford oval logo just below the glass? I don't know of any fixes aside from buying a new one or replacing he hatch with the facelifted version. It's going to keep shrinking as it dries out so filler or something won't be a permenant fix.
I haven't seen a single one that hasn't been cracked. Hooray for using E36 M3ty cheap brittle plastic. Out here those only lasted about 2-3 years before they started doing that.
Edit: just checked and the glass is different, the wiper arm/latch holes are not the same. The overall size is the same but the glass is different. The hatch should still swap if I had to guess though.
I had the same problem with my '03 years ago, but sold it before I could fix the issue.
My plan was to apply two layers of vinyl over this entire panel so the cracks didn't look so bad. I was voting checkered flag, wife was voting to sell the Exploder.
I would seal it with silicon then take some stainless steel wire and put simulated staples across the crack and some red paint simulating some blood dripping out and then put a ford "quality is job one" sticker next to it.
Like this:
Ok I am no help and I.
I can say that I have had a bunch of Fords both explorers and expeditions and all of them have been rattle box's but they never left me stranded and were always ready to take the next beating I shelled out on them and would come back for more.
Fun Fact…great insights about Explorer owner’s personalities and destinies can be derived through the careful application of palm reading techniques to their cracks and practicing the fine art has become a tradition on our family road trips.
So Woody, inspect the crack with you friend and after a dramatic pause, slowly shake your head and ask him if he’s got a will.
Joking aside, I’m super happy with the Explorer we bought new in 2003 crack and all so….
Forgetaboutit
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