Shadowman making life a bit easier

[Shadowman]

Now let me begin by sharing that most will never see this part of their gal unless looking at it when changing a tire; it is the front inner fender liner. However for the less than fortunate few that have to remove one of these they will quickly realize that it must have been the same person that brought the Rubix's cube to market that created these as they are a royal PITA to remove.

In any case this situation is compounded when you have the up swept door system in place because there is more hardware that conflicts with the removal and installation process. Since I had to remove mine to facilitate the twisting and tweaking that I am doing at this time I decided that I was going to take the steps necessary to fix this issue once and for all.

Now I am not suggesting that folks pull their inner fender liners and make this modification but rather I am simply sharing what I am in the process of completing.

This much I can share; after the initial cuts I put them in place and removed them with no trouble at all; in fact I smiled.

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[MAD IN NC]

Interesting and simple as can be.... Can't wait to see why you have to remove it once again

I know - converting the windshield washer pump and bottle to a MAKERS MARK MANHATTAN pump? :banana or... trying to see if there is really a gasket under the gas cap :rofl

If I ever have to take one out - I'll be sure to "Shadowman" it! Thanks for the tip Bill

 

[Shadowman]

Interesting and simple as can be.... Can't wait to see why you have to remove it once again

I know - converting the windshield washer pump and bottle to a MAKERS MARK MANHATTAN pump? :banana or... trying to see if there is really a gasket under the gas cap :rofl

If I ever have to take one out - I'll be sure to "Shadowman" it! Thanks for the tip Bill

ROFL... I already fell for the old "there is a gasket under the gas lid myth" and if you recall went so far as to order one and then post pictures of it. I still have it and smile very time I come across it.

Now as for the MAKERS MARK MAHATTAN pump; this would make Bony VERY happy and would likely provide for an interesting drive to Rally III; there is to be one right; but when?

Now back on topic; I have had the liners in and out now several times tonight and it is a breeze; I should have done this after I fought the first one.

Live and learn

All the best

Shadowman

 

[B O N Y]

Hello,
Thanks for the tip, I will share it with Evan.
Regarding drinking and driving, that is NO-NO... that is why God invented the Elbow Room and DD's.
Cheers,
daniel

 

[STORMCAT]

Bill,
Great minds think a like. After just completing two Carbon Fiber hood installs I can attest first hand the liner remove and replacement is a PIA !! I equate it to alligator wrestling and we get some practice down here. :biggrin

I thought about doing it myself. The only thing I would add is a small cover strip to keep water being slung at high speed from entering the joint. I would silicone the strip over both halves than push the plastic push pins through all three pieces.

I don't know why Ford didn't make this a two piece flange design and just slip one under the other and hold them in place with the pins? Anyway this mod will make a tough job much easier for sure !!! :thumbsup

 

[MAD IN NC]

Hello,
Thanks for the tip, I will share it with Evan.
Regarding drinking and driving, that is NO-NO...

Who said anything about drinking and driving! - I didn't but for Rally III as we hang around the cars just hit the button and wallah! instant Manhattan!

Key's don't even have to be in the ignition! If you remove the wipers - you have to use the hose's for something :banana

 

[BlackICE]

I thought about doing it myself. The only thing I would add is a small cover strip to keep water being slung at high speed from entering the joint. I would silicone the strip over both halves than push the plastic push pins through all three pieces.

+1

 

[Shadowman]

Bill,
Great minds think a like. After just completing two Carbon Fiber hood installs I can attest first hand the liner remove and replacement is a PIA !! I equate it two alligator wrestling and we get some practice down here. :biggrin

I thought about doing it myself. The only thing I would add is a small cover strip to keep water being slung at high speed from entering the joint. I would silicone the strip over both halves than push the plastic push pins through all three pieces.

I don't know why Ford didn't make this a two piece flange design and just slip one under the other and hold them in place with the pins? Anyway this mod will make a tough job much easier for sure !!! :thumbsup

Agreed

Now as for a slip fit; I have been considering my final design and certainly an overlay or insert fit is an option. In order to do this it will require 2 addition liners. I cut them in such a way that I can do this and may; it will depend on how anal I remain in the end. If you look at the pictures the only natural place to have a tongue of sorts is in the middle which is a broad flat section because the other areas are molded with recesses and the ability to fit them flush (meaning on the top of each other) is impossible. Then add to this the idea of simply placing a strip over the top as a 3rd piece and then even considering silicon or ?? Well for me this was out of the question as OEM would never present such an option.

Now having shared this; if they are simply butt seamed together yes a modest amount of water will get through however keep in mind that the liner is not a water sealed piece to begin with but rather designed to protect the fender etc from flying rocks etc.

Thank you for the comments

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[STORMCAT]

Agreed

Now as for a slip fit; I have been considering my final design and certainly an overlay or insert fit is an option. In order to do this it will require 2 addition liners. I cut them in such a way that I can do this and may; it will depend on how anal I remain in the end. If you look at the pictures the only natural place to have a tongue of sorts is in the middle which is a broad flat section because the other areas are molded with recesses and the ability to fit them flush (meaning on the top of each other) is impossible. Then add to this the idea of simply placing a strip over the top as a 3rd piece and then even considering silicon or ?? Well for me this was out of the question as OEM would never present such an option.

Now having shared this; if they are simply butt seamed together yes a modest amount of water will get through however keep in mind that the liner is not a water sealed piece to begin with but rather designed to protect the fender etc from flying rocks etc.

Thank you for the comments

Takes care

Shadowman

Hey Bill,
I was looking at making a full width strip to follow the contours. the silicone was going to provide the seal but I was still going to use the push pins to go thru the strip than the liner. I was thinking to make the contoured strip out Heated ABS or PVC or cast one out of fiber glass. I was looking at cutting it down the middle so the strip would have been 1" to 1 1/4 wide if I recall.

With all of the push pins the liner does a a good job of sealing off spray to the areas it covers. I'm just envisioning if the car is running in the rain. The tread kick up directly above the tire is going to see a constant spray in the rain. Any idea on the cost of the liners ?

 

[Shadowman]

Hey Bill,
I was looking at making a full width strip to follow the contours. the silicone was going to provide the seal but I was still going to use the push pins to go thru the strip than the liner. I was thinking to make the contoured strip out Heated ABS or PVC or cast one out of fiber glass. I was looking at cutting it down the middle so the strip would have been 1" to 1 1/4 wide if I recall.

With all of the push pins the liner does a a good job of sealing off spray to the areas it covers. I'm just envisioning if the car is running in the rain. The tread kick up directly above the tire is going to see a constant spray in the rain. Any idea on the cost of the liners ?

I think that your idea maybe a bit over kill and yet I understand

FYI I just ordered a liner and will cut it and see if the over lapping makes sense and if so do both; either way i will keep you updated.

As for the associated cost; huuuum I did not ask; I simply asked to have it shipped in because in the end the cost would not have been a deal breaker

*** UPDATE ***

I just checked and the retaiil price for each liner is $188.00 and change

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[fjpikul]

The GTGuys told me that Ford's original idea was for these liners to be expendable and cut off each time it was necessary to get into anything in the wheelwell. They also highly recommended not working on them in the cold and using a hairdryer to warm them up as they are more pliable when warm and impossible when cold.

 

[Shadowman]

The GTGuys told me that Ford's original idea was for these liners to be expendable and cut off each time it was necessary to get into anything in the wheelwell. They also highly recommended not working on them in the cold and using a hairdryer to warm them up as they are more pliable when warm and impossible when cold.

I suspect that the original "accepted idea" once they realised what a PITA they were to remove was to simply cut them out and discard them however at nearly $400 for a pair this seems a bit extreme to me when a simple modification makes them very user freindly

All the best

Shadowman

 

[paul b]

This may sound too simple, but I have had good luck with black duct tape. If you clean the area the tape makes a great seal and should last an acceptable amount of time.

 

[SFLGT]

That would explain a little why there are so hard to get out and there are a lot of parts and panels on the car that are one time use, but Ford does not allow for the fender shields to be replaced after removed under warenty. I wish they did because every time I have to work around the fenders or get to the bulk head connectors for the dash I know those inner fenders are waiting for me.

 

[Shadowman]

This may sound too simple, but I have had good luck with black duct tape. If you clean the area the tape makes a great seal and should last an acceptable amount of time.

No it is not too simple; in fact it would work fine if one feels it necessary for a total seam seal. I do not feel that such a seal is needed for the reasons as mentioned earlier. However "IF" used and the tape became dislodged and caught by the rotating tire could it be torn out and then possibly pull a portion of the inner liner with it; I would say yes.

Regardless; in my silly little world within Area 51 when I make a tweak I always look at two things;

1. Would the OEM have presented it this way given a larger budget and or more time; with regards to a tape sealed seam I doubt it
2. Is it easy to service by another; now if black tape were used then one would have to hope that another deligated to service her would have or access to the same.

Takes care

Shadowman