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

NOTE: Right side fender reinforcements and apron shown, left side similar.







WARNING:
- Collision damage repair must conform to the instructions contained. Replacement components must be new, genuine Ford Motor Company parts. Recycled, salvaged, aftermarket or reconditioned parts (including body parts, wheels or safety restraint components) are not authorized by Ford.
- Departure from the instructions provided, including alternate repair methods or the use of substitute components, risks compromising crash safety. Failure to follow these instructions may adversely affect structural integrity and crash safety performance, which could result in serious personal injury to vehicle occupants in a crash.
- Invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays emitted in welding can injure unprotected eyes and skin. Always use protection such as a welder's helmet with dark-colored filter lenses of the correct density. Electric welding will produce intense radiation, therefore, filter plate lenses of the deepest shade providing adequate visibility are recommended. It is strongly recommended that persons working in the weld area wear flash safety goggles. Also wear protective clothing. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
- Do not cut or grind body side components within 50 mm (1.96 in) of restraint anchoring points. Welding within 50 mm (1.96 in) of restraint anchoring points may result in incorrect operation of restraint devices. For additional restraints anchoring location information, refer to Restraints. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
- Do not carry out body side sectioning repairs in areas of laser welds. Factory laser welds cannot be duplicated with conventional welding equipment and structural integrity may be compromised. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
- Do not carry out body side sectioning repairs in areas of door hinge or striker anchoring points. Welding within 50 mm (1.96 in) of door hinge or striker locations may compromise structural integrity during a collision. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
- On vehicles equipped with Safety Canopy(R) options, prior to carrying out any sectioning repairs near the roof line or sail panel areas of the vehicle, remove the Safety Canopy(R) module and related components. Failure to comply may result in accidental deployment or damage to the Safety Canopy(R). Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to technician or vehicle occupant(s).

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.

1. 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.

2. NOTE:
- Observe prescribed welding procedures when carrying out repairs. For additional information, refer to Welding Precautions - Steel.
- 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 carrying out any reinforcing panel replacement. For additional information, refer to Sectioning Guidelines.

3. When welding overlapping surfaces or substrates, apply a high quality weld-through primer between the surfaces prior to welding.
- 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 applying seam sealer.

4. Proceed with refinish procedures following Ford-approved paint guidelines.
5. Apply corrosion protection as necessary to repair area.