spocket Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 Totaled my previous car last week; Looking to buy a new 2011 Edge. Can't afford the "Sport" trim, so I am looking at a SEL or LIMITED version... but I really do not like the black textured front/rear lips and side rocker panels especially on a light colored car. Can the lips/rocker panels from the SPORT be ordered/painted and installed to replace the black unpainted ones? Or is the front/back bumpers of the "Sport" edition in 1 piece requiring a full bumper change? Anybody done that yet? Thanks in advance! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shantz Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 The 'Sport' kit lists out for approx $8500 (employee cost) last I checked - and it would still require painting. I've ordered a new 2011 Ltd. and it should arrive next week. My plan is to smooth and paint the textured lower cladding to match as I too dislike the look on a lighter colored vehicle (I ordered Platinum White). I'll be sure and post pictures when I'm done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 your cheapest way to get the sport look would use the rocker molding and door bottoms from 3D carbons 2007-2010 edge body kit, about $500 on the internet. the front lower valance can be swapped directly with the paintable sport models, as can the lower rear valance. then, either get a new grill or paint your existing grill tuxedo black. The textured plastic that Ford uses for the unpainted lowers is not suitable for painting. even once prepared it releases some type of oil or resin which creates paint adhesion problems. get primed paintable parts from the beginning and save yourself the headache and expense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKisaGeek Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 your cheapest way to get the sport look would use the rocker molding and door bottoms from 3D carbons 2007-2010 edge body kit, about $500 on the internet. the front lower valance can be swapped directly with the paintable sport models, as can the lower rear valance. then, either get a new grill or paint your existing grill tuxedo black. The textured plastic that Ford uses for the unpainted lowers is not suitable for painting. even once prepared it releases some type of oil or resin which creates paint adhesion problems. get primed paintable parts from the beginning and save yourself the headache and expense. I ordered my Edge LTD in Earth Metallic, and before I took delivery, I had the dealer install the Piano Black grill (like the Sport). Next stop was my buddies body shop where I had all the lower black cladding removed and painted to match the rest of the car. I'm happy with my one of a kind Edge ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dumpy Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 Do you have any pics? Would love to see it as I ordered the LTD in Earth as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shantz Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 your cheapest way to get the sport look would use the rocker molding and door bottoms from 3D carbons 2007-2010 edge body kit, about $500 on the internet. the front lower valance can be swapped directly with the paintable sport models, as can the lower rear valance. then, either get a new grill or paint your existing grill tuxedo black. The textured plastic that Ford uses for the unpainted lowers is not suitable for painting. even once prepared it releases some type of oil or resin which creates paint adhesion problems. get primed paintable parts from the beginning and save yourself the headache and expense. I run a body shop - thus painting the lower cladding is a far easier and more economical route for me versus the 3D carbon body kit. We've had a lot of success color matching lower claddings on other vehicles - it just requires the right procedures and products to be used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 Would love to see your photos as well. I had a piece of trim from my 2008 prepped and painted in an attempt to create my own Sport version back then, the paint soon began to flake. It was prepped again and resprayed but we couldnt get paint to stick well. Maybe it was just the wrong product? Maybe the plastics have changed? Very interested in seeing everyones results with this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKisaGeek Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 I run a body shop - thus painting the lower cladding is a far easier and more economical route for me versus the 3D carbon body kit. We've had a lot of success color matching lower claddings on other vehicles - it just requires the right procedures and products to be used. Can you clarify the correct process for painting the lower cladding? Listing the products as well (which type of primer, cleaner,paint, etc) So far as I know it is: 1) remove parts from vehicle 2) clean with warm soapy water 3) dry throughly 4) scuff with a scotch brite pad 5) warm the part 6) prime 7) paint 8) clear coat 9) reinstall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted February 5, 2011 Report Share Posted February 5, 2011 I ordered my Edge LTD in Earth Metallic, and before I took delivery, I had the dealer install the Piano Black grill (like the Sport). Next stop was my buddies body shop where I had all the lower black cladding removed and painted to match the rest of the car. I'm happy with my one of a kind Edge ! So G, am I reading this correctly or not? I thought you have the truck painted already with the black grill installed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted February 8, 2011 Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 Anybody there? I'm interested in knowing if this works now, like I said, I tried it on my 2008 and it failed. Maybe new plastics are used that can be painted now? I'd like to finish the lower cladding on my wifes Explorer when it comes in so that it would match the Edge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shantz Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Can you clarify the correct process for painting the lower cladding? Listing the products as well (which type of primer, cleaner,paint, etc) So far as I know it is: 1) remove parts from vehicle 2) clean with warm soapy water 3) dry throughly 4) scuff with a scotch brite pad 5) warm the part 6) prime 7) paint 8) clear coat 9) reinstall I will follow up with my paint rep. to confirm the adhesion promoter and primer/surfacer that is recomended for these plastics. On mine I will be sanding the texture completely smooth as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted March 4, 2011 Report Share Posted March 4, 2011 Still curious about this as we are expecting delivery of my Wife's 2011 Explorer sometime this coming week. All information is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal3thousand Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I will follow up with my paint rep. to confirm the adhesion promoter and primer/surfacer that is recomended for these plastics. On mine I will be sanding the texture completely smooth as well. I don't run a paint body shop, but my friend does. Adhesion promoter as you stated, but ALSO a flex agent that will allow the paint to flex with the plastic. If any movements were to occur in the plastic itself the paint will not chip/crack due to vibration and pressure, (as easily) My 1994 Volvo 850's plastic body trims have been body matched in this fashion. I will probably do the same to the Edge. Question: I plan to buy out at the end of a lease... will there be any complications at lease-end that anyone can think of? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 Not if you're buying out. If you decide to turn it in though, they want it back how they gave it to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKisaGeek Posted March 20, 2011 Report Share Posted March 20, 2011 Not if you're buying out. If you decide to turn it in though, they want it back how they gave it to you. Hey all, I finally got around to posting pictures of my Edge in the Photo Gallery. Let me know what you think! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted March 21, 2011 Report Share Posted March 21, 2011 Love it Love it Love it! That looks great! Im partial to the 22"s but your Edge really looks awesome. Kudos to you! Please keep us posted on how well the paint holds up on those parts, as Im looking to do the same with an Explorer. Can you explain the procedure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shantz Posted March 23, 2011 Report Share Posted March 23, 2011 I'm in the process of painting the lower cladding right now I'll post the full procedures and pics. when it's all done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shantz Posted April 4, 2011 Report Share Posted April 4, 2011 (edited) here's the final result... The lower rocker claddings are still missing... I had to order new clips as there was no way to remove them without them breaking... Edited April 4, 2011 by shantz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgieguy Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 here's the final result... The lower rocker claddings are still missing... I had to order new clips as there was no way to remove them without them breaking... Phenomenal job on this. I was just re-reading this thread. I might've gone for the Limited if I saw something like this before buying my Sport. I had a body shop try this on a piece from my 2008, and it didnt work well. Maye if my 2008 came out perfect like yours I never would have gotten a 2011 at all? Anyway, this is something I really want to consider doing to the Explorer we just got. If the wife wants it that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal3thousand Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 I really like the black painted portion of the visor, good idea! Are you planning on doing the mirror bases? It would really complete the look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal3thousand Posted April 12, 2011 Report Share Posted April 12, 2011 Hey all, I finally got around to posting pictures of my Edge in the Photo Gallery. Let me know what you think! Looks good! Best Earth one I've seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal3thousand Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 The Ford Edge model fills the gap between truck based SUVs like Explorer and minivans like Freestar. akirby, more misposts? or someone playing games with this guy's login? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choff1138 Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 akirby, more misposts? or someone playing games with this guy's login? Does it matter to you? just ignore it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shantz Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I really like the black painted portion of the visor, good idea! Are you planning on doing the mirror bases? It would really complete the look. I thought about it... but I think it would be too much white. I would think that it would compete to much with the glass - especially once I have the front windows tinted to match the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrinzII Posted September 28, 2012 Report Share Posted September 28, 2012 Shantz: Were the adhesion promoter and flex agent 3M products? I like the front end treatment and cladding. I'd love to do the same to my 2011. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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