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- Joined
- Jul 12, 2015
- Messages
- 342
- Reaction score
- 48
- Points
- 28
- Location
- USA
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Engine Size
- 2.3L
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
Original Poster: 1qaz
Difficulty: 2+ out of 10 depending on how much patience you have
Time to install: 45 minutes
Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.
Brief Explanation: How-to to replace the rear window chrome trim on multiple generations and models of Ford trucks. Truck shown is a 1987 Ford Ranger XLT.
Tools Needed:
- Small flat head screwdriver
- Scissors
- Soapy water or silicon spray (make sure it is safe on rubber)
- Optional: Lacing tool
Parts Needed:
- Chrome trim, Ford part #D7TZ-1042430-A
- Chrome cap (it should come with the trim or you can clean and reuse the one already on the truck}
Trim and cap shown came as a kit from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts for $34.95.
---------------------------------------------------------
Before: Sun roached and discolored chrome trim
Step 1: Remove the chrome cap with a small flathead screwdriver or similar to expose the ends of the flexible trim. Insert the screwdriver in one end of the cap and pry up gently and slowly as not to damage the seal or pull it away from the cab. If you are replacing the gasket/seal as well, no need to go slow.
Step 2: Once the cap is removed, pry up the end of the flexible chrome strip and again, slowly and gently start pulling it away from the gasket.
Step 3: After removing chrome strip clean and lubricate rubber gasket. I used clean, soapy water and followed it with a light coat of PB Blaster silicon spray to help ease the installation of the new strip.
Step 4: Install new chrome trim. To begin the installation, center one end of it at the bottom of the window and insert one side of it into the gasket. Having someone to assist helps but can easily be done solo. I let the excess trim trim hang over the side of the bed to reduce some of the tension and helped keep the trim in place.
Step 5: With about 6"-12" of one side of the trim seated in the gasket, use the small flathead screwdriver to seat the other side of the trim into the gasket. Go slow and stay patient to prevent damaging the gasket or your fingers/hand. You could also use a lacing tool but the screwdriver worked better for me.
Small, flathead screwdriver inserted into gasket:
Small, flathead screwdriver used to seat trim into place. Use a small amount of pressure with opposite hand as you slide the screwdriver down allowing the trim to seat in the gasket. When seated properly, the trim will lie flat with the gasket over both edges with no wrinkles, bends, or creases.
You could also use a lacing tool. The one below cost $12 from Amazon.
Step 6: Adjust method as needed. As you maneuver around the window you may need to switch the side of the trim you seat into the gasket first...especially in the corners. In the corners I found it easier to seat the inner edge then worked the outer edge about an inch or two at a time. Patience is key. If you use the screwdriver method be careful to pull the blade away from your other hand and body parts because it can come out as you slide it around the gasket.
Corner method seating inner edge first, then outer:
Step 7: Continue working your way around the window. When you get all the way around, trim the excess (about a foot or so) with the scissors leaving a small gap between the ends.
Step 8: Center and install the chrome cap by placing over the ends and inserting one edge into the gasket. Use the screwdriver method to set the opposite side. This may take several attempts to seat it properly as the inserted side can seat too far in forcing the opposite side to not seat and stick out. Patience is your friend.
Step 9: Clean glass and any surrounding areas as needed. Admire your work!
Install complete:
Difficulty: 2+ out of 10 depending on how much patience you have
Time to install: 45 minutes
Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.
Brief Explanation: How-to to replace the rear window chrome trim on multiple generations and models of Ford trucks. Truck shown is a 1987 Ford Ranger XLT.
Tools Needed:
- Small flat head screwdriver
- Scissors
- Soapy water or silicon spray (make sure it is safe on rubber)
- Optional: Lacing tool
Parts Needed:
- Chrome trim, Ford part #D7TZ-1042430-A
- Chrome cap (it should come with the trim or you can clean and reuse the one already on the truck}
Trim and cap shown came as a kit from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts for $34.95.
---------------------------------------------------------
Before: Sun roached and discolored chrome trim
Step 1: Remove the chrome cap with a small flathead screwdriver or similar to expose the ends of the flexible trim. Insert the screwdriver in one end of the cap and pry up gently and slowly as not to damage the seal or pull it away from the cab. If you are replacing the gasket/seal as well, no need to go slow.
Step 2: Once the cap is removed, pry up the end of the flexible chrome strip and again, slowly and gently start pulling it away from the gasket.
Step 3: After removing chrome strip clean and lubricate rubber gasket. I used clean, soapy water and followed it with a light coat of PB Blaster silicon spray to help ease the installation of the new strip.
Step 4: Install new chrome trim. To begin the installation, center one end of it at the bottom of the window and insert one side of it into the gasket. Having someone to assist helps but can easily be done solo. I let the excess trim trim hang over the side of the bed to reduce some of the tension and helped keep the trim in place.
Step 5: With about 6"-12" of one side of the trim seated in the gasket, use the small flathead screwdriver to seat the other side of the trim into the gasket. Go slow and stay patient to prevent damaging the gasket or your fingers/hand. You could also use a lacing tool but the screwdriver worked better for me.
Small, flathead screwdriver inserted into gasket:
Small, flathead screwdriver used to seat trim into place. Use a small amount of pressure with opposite hand as you slide the screwdriver down allowing the trim to seat in the gasket. When seated properly, the trim will lie flat with the gasket over both edges with no wrinkles, bends, or creases.
You could also use a lacing tool. The one below cost $12 from Amazon.
Step 6: Adjust method as needed. As you maneuver around the window you may need to switch the side of the trim you seat into the gasket first...especially in the corners. In the corners I found it easier to seat the inner edge then worked the outer edge about an inch or two at a time. Patience is key. If you use the screwdriver method be careful to pull the blade away from your other hand and body parts because it can come out as you slide it around the gasket.
Corner method seating inner edge first, then outer:
Step 7: Continue working your way around the window. When you get all the way around, trim the excess (about a foot or so) with the scissors leaving a small gap between the ends.
Step 8: Center and install the chrome cap by placing over the ends and inserting one edge into the gasket. Use the screwdriver method to set the opposite side. This may take several attempts to seat it properly as the inserted side can seat too far in forcing the opposite side to not seat and stick out. Patience is your friend.
Step 9: Clean glass and any surrounding areas as needed. Admire your work!
Install complete:
