I was with a buddy today who has a 2006, vs my 2005 - and noticed some differences in the clamshell fittings -
My 2005 has a painted clip mounted over the top edge of the clamshell (at the edge where the clamshell meets the roof), starting from underneath and wrapping around the clamshell to fit just under the edge of the glass; one on each side. It hides the gap between the outer edge and the centre portion. His 2006 doesn't have this; you see the gap between the two pieces on his, but that being said, his clamshell closes and locks easily with only slight downward pressure starting at about 6" above the closed position. I have to start a few inches higher up and apply a fair bit more pressure, and I can see the indentation of those clips in the rubber seal, so I believe that may contribute to the issue I have. (somewhat fighting with the clamshell to close it). Maybe that was a running change through the two years to help alleviate the issue. On mine - it's almost impossible to gently close and then apply a lot of downward pressure to lock.
His closes easily, with no undue pressure.
His clamshell support mount (bracket) has a spring with small rubber pad - where mine has a straight adjustable bumper-stop. When I release his interior latch to open the clamshell, his clamshell raises up a bit - whereas mine stays shut and I have to lift from the sides to unstick the clamshell. Not a big issue...just sayin'...
Today, we put a very thin washer under each of the spring loaded clamshell latching mechanisms (left and right) to raise the entire mechanism 1.5mm, which helps a bit in closing the latch. I don't have to apply as much pressure now and the clamshell sits at the exact same height as before the change. I thought it was interesting - noting the differences between the two cars.
Interestingly enough, the assembly line guys @ Ford had decided that my right side bumper-stop would work better being cross-threaded into the mount. I disagree. I noticed this today and will pull out my tap and die to try and rectify the issue.
What I also noticed, was that all of the nuts/screws that hold the 2 slotted centre "vents" on the lower part of the clamshell were very loose - with one gone altogether and another one about to fall off. I'll use some Loctite to address that issue and find a nut to replace the one that fell off.
Defines a whole new meaning to the tagline "Built Ford Tough"!
It's not the stuff I see that bothers me; it's the stuff I don't or can't see that's the issue.
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My 2005 has a painted clip mounted over the top edge of the clamshell (at the edge where the clamshell meets the roof), starting from underneath and wrapping around the clamshell to fit just under the edge of the glass; one on each side. It hides the gap between the outer edge and the centre portion. His 2006 doesn't have this; you see the gap between the two pieces on his, but that being said, his clamshell closes and locks easily with only slight downward pressure starting at about 6" above the closed position. I have to start a few inches higher up and apply a fair bit more pressure, and I can see the indentation of those clips in the rubber seal, so I believe that may contribute to the issue I have. (somewhat fighting with the clamshell to close it). Maybe that was a running change through the two years to help alleviate the issue. On mine - it's almost impossible to gently close and then apply a lot of downward pressure to lock.
His closes easily, with no undue pressure.
His clamshell support mount (bracket) has a spring with small rubber pad - where mine has a straight adjustable bumper-stop. When I release his interior latch to open the clamshell, his clamshell raises up a bit - whereas mine stays shut and I have to lift from the sides to unstick the clamshell. Not a big issue...just sayin'...
Today, we put a very thin washer under each of the spring loaded clamshell latching mechanisms (left and right) to raise the entire mechanism 1.5mm, which helps a bit in closing the latch. I don't have to apply as much pressure now and the clamshell sits at the exact same height as before the change. I thought it was interesting - noting the differences between the two cars.
Interestingly enough, the assembly line guys @ Ford had decided that my right side bumper-stop would work better being cross-threaded into the mount. I disagree. I noticed this today and will pull out my tap and die to try and rectify the issue.
What I also noticed, was that all of the nuts/screws that hold the 2 slotted centre "vents" on the lower part of the clamshell were very loose - with one gone altogether and another one about to fall off. I'll use some Loctite to address that issue and find a nut to replace the one that fell off.
Defines a whole new meaning to the tagline "Built Ford Tough"!
It's not the stuff I see that bothers me; it's the stuff I don't or can't see that's the issue.
---------------------------------------------------end of rant--------------------------------------------------------
