Radiator Support: Service and Repair

Inner Body Reinforcing Panels










Front Structure Components

NOTICE:
- Sectioning procedures can only be carried out on the outer body side panel. No sectioning repairs can be carried out on inner reinforcement panels. Failure to follow these instructions may compromise structural integrity of the vehicle.
- No frame rail sectioning kit is available for this vehicle. Front and rear frame rails must be replaced at the factory seams.

NOTE:
- Refer to the Ford Recommended Steel Repairability Matrix in the Specifications portion of this section for specific information regarding steel descriptions.
- Left side shown, right side similar.







Steel Type Legend







WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure, refer to Safety Warnings. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: No frame rail sectioning kit is available for this vehicle. Front and rear frame rails must be replaced at the factory seams.

NOTE: Factory spot welds may be substituted with either Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRW) 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.

1. NOTICE: Electronic modules and related wiring can be damaged when exposed to heat from welding procedures. Carefully disconnect and remove, or position away from heat affected areas. Refer to Welding Precautions-Steel.

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

Remove the outer body sheet metal from the affected area prior to performing any reinforcing panel replacement. Refer to Sectioning Guidelines.

2. 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 exterior surfaces or substrates. Refer to Restoring Corrosion Protection Following Repair.
3. Corrosion protection needs to be restored whenever it is necessary to sand or grind through painted surfaces or E-coat, or when bare metal repairs are carried out. Refer to Restoring Corrosion Protection Following Repair.
- Make sure horizontal joints and flanges are correctly sealed with seam sealer to prevent moisture intrusion. Water and moisture migrate to horizontal joints and corrosion tends to occur more rapidly in these areas. Clean metal surfaces with metal surface prep or equivalent, before applying seam sealer.

4. Proceed with the refinish process following Ford-approved paint recommendations.