Expert: David Caulfield - 3/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: How do you replace the back black passenger side trim on the 2003 expedition. I dented it while turning to sharp with a boat in tow. I have the new trim peice but I need to remove the hinge ass. for the power window on the Eddie Bauer model. I know that I will have to drill the rivets out.

ANSWER: Hi Ralf, I want to help you; but I am not sure what trim piece you are exactly referring to. Is it an outer door lower body side molding? What panel panel on the car does it attach to? I can help you right away if you let me know a little more info. Thanks Ralf,
David

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QUESTION: It is in the upper right side of the rear hatch. It is attached to the car not the lift gate. I need to dril out the rivits, but I need to gain acess by removing the window motor hinge on the Eddie Bauer.

ANSWER: Hi Ralf, I went to 2 dealers for you and asked several techs. They say it is difficult to have a specific answer without knowing all the cars options. However, I believe this will help you. To access the molding (Applique) via a glass that swings out, you will need to remove the glass hinge from the body. Leave the glass in place at the other end. The interior trim panel must be removed. Remove the rivets with an 1/8 drill bit. The new molding should come with 2 sided tape and will also need to riveted back on. Use 1/8 "black head" aluminum rivets. Reverse the process to put the car back together. Hope this helps you Ralf. Have a great day!

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QUESTION: How do you remove the hinge? That is exactly what I need to know.

Answer
Ralf. I was answering your original question best as possible on how to remove the applique. As far as the hinge; it is actually pretty difficult to get in there if you don't know what you are doing. You actually need to remove the entire window. I consulted a glass company and body tech to confirm. Body technicians will not touch this, so heres what the glass guy said...

1. R&I interior trim panel
2. Disconnect window motor, including wiring harness. R&I the 3/8" bolts on the fiberglass weatherstrip all the way around the window.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO PULL TOO HARD OR IT WILL CRACK!
4. Drill out rivets
5. The hinge is easy to remove once hinge can be accessed after trim panel is off.

I recommended having a professional do it...

Ralf, I tried to help you on this the best I could without being there. There are just some operations to difficult to explain. I hope this helps. As a courtesy, I do the best I can. If you feel my help was not sufficient, please do not rate me, as I do not want to score poorly on trying to help you out. Hope all is well and you get the job done. David