Radiator Support: Service and Repair

Inner Body Reinforcing Panels

General Equipment
3 Phase Inverter Spot Welder 254-00002
Compuspot 700F Welder 190-50080
I4 Inverter Spot Welder 254-00014
Inverter Welder with MIG Welder 254-00015







Front structure







WARNING:
- Never install used or reconditioned parts (as specified below) from pre-owned, salvaged or damaged vehicles. The use of such parts could lead to serious injury.
- Never use non-Ford parts or accessories for completing repairs. Ford Motor Company does not approve or recognize body and structural repair procedures, tools, parts or anything but new genuine Ford equipment. Ford cannot attest to the safety, quality, durability or legality of non-Ford parts or accessories. Use of such parts could lead to serious personal injury as they may contain damage which is not visible.
- Ford does not approve use of the following:

- Salvaged or used parts
- Major body clips or assemblies from salvage vehicles
- Aftermarket structural or body components
- Salvaged or reconditioned wheels
- Used supplemental restraint system (SRS) components
- air bags
- restraint system modules
- safety belts, buckles or retractors
- crash sensors

- Returning a vehicle to pre-accident condition can only be assured if repair procedures are carried out by skilled technicians using new genuine Ford parts and Ford-approved methods. Structural component repair procedures approved by Ford, using genuine Ford parts, have been validated by Ford Motor Company engineers.
- Ford Motor Company does not endorse, cannot attest to, and makes no representations regarding structural repairs (frames, rails, aprons and body panels) carried out using non-genuine Ford Motor Company parts or non-Ford-approved methods. In particular, Ford makes no representations that the vehicle will meet any crash safety or anti-corrosion performance requirement. Such parts and methods have not been tested by Ford, and may not meet Ford's requirements for safety, performance, strength, quality, durability and corrosion protection.
- Ford Motor Company bears no responsibility or liability of any kind if repairs are performed using alternative structural component repair procedures and/or parts.

NOTICE: Electronic modules and related wiring may be damaged when exposed to heat from welding procedures. Carefully disconnect and remove, or position away from heat affected areas. For additional information, refer to Welding Precautions - Steel.

NOTE: When it is necessary to carry out weld-bonding procedures, refer to Weld-Bonding.

1. Remove the outer body sheet metal from the affected area prior to carrying out any body side reinforcing panel replacement. For additional information, refer to Sectioning Guidelines.

NOTE: Factory spot welds may be substituted with either resistance spot welds or Metal Inert Gas (MIG) plug welds. Spot/plug welds should equal factory welds in both location and quantity. Do not place a new spot weld directly over an original weld location. Plug weld hole should equal 8 mm (0.31 in) diameter.

2. Remove the outer body sheet metal from the affected area prior to carrying out any reinforcing panel replacement. For additional information, refer to Sectioning Guidelines.
3. When welding overlapping surfaces or substrates, apply a weld-through primer between the surfaces prior to welding. When the surfaces have been welded, apply corrosion protection material to the surfaces or substrates. For additional information, refer to Restoring Corrosion Protection Following Repair.
4. Where possible, create a backer piece using a portion of the old panel. This will create a stronger joint.
5. Appropriate seam sealer needs to be applied to exposed joints and seams in addition to corrosion protection, particularly horizontal surfaces where moisture collects and migrates. Exposed seams and joints can corrode or rust prematurely if seam sealer is not applied correctly. Clean surfaces with metal surface prep or equivalent prior to applying seam sealer. For additional information, refer to Sealers.
6. Proceed with the refinish process following paint manufacturer's recommendations. Apply rust inhibitor or undercoating material to the repair area as required. For additional information, refer to Restoring Corrosion Protection Following Repair.