81-F150-Explorer Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 ... What I've used is rubber tools and soft wood blocks...... Sometimes you have to say... That's enough. As for the red plastic piece. I believe it's the same plastic that the taillights are made out of. If so I've found that "3M Lens and Hard Plastic Cleaner" works well to clean them up. Then use 3M plastic polish to seal them. You will need to do it again after awhile, but it does a pretty good job. Great advice. I'll definitely take it easy....might even leave it alone. It seems this panel might be coated with a clear??? I'm thinking maybe I can strip the clear and reapply??? Yes there is a anodized coating over the aluminum parts on our trucks. It states in the owners manuals not to use chrome or abrasive cleaners on the chrome plated or aluminum trim. People have used oven cleaner to strip the coating off of their aluminum pieces, so they can polish the tarnished metal underneath. I've never tried it though, so I'm very hesitant to recommend it. There is a aluminum clear coating that you can buy for wheels and parts after stripping and re-shining the metal to seal it. Again never tried them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts