Armrest wear

[Adrian]

Re: Armrest wear

I'm wondering why "they are becoming more scratched every day"? My car is almost 7 years old and no scratches anywhere on the armrests, its not "a Ford problem". The armrests aren't scratching themselves, it has to be something you are doing to scratch them. Maybe your watch band or ring?

On a related note, about five years ago I noticed that the metal plate immediately above the arm rest had a few dings and scratches. Considering what could possibly be dinging the plate at that angle, I concluded (quite annoyed with myself) that I must have been unfastening my seat belt and tossing the belt and clip to the left, at which point the metal tongue of the seat belt clip hit and dinged the metal plate. I've been careful ever since, and have left the plate as-is, mostly as a cautionary note to myself to be careful, but now I am wondering what I might do to repair the dings. Any thoughts or suggestions, above and beyond replacing the plate (although perhaps that's the easiest option, depending on the cost), would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[My Raven]

Re: Armrest wear

Never had this problem with any of my Retros but thanks for the info should I have the problem in the future.

[justjon]

Re: Armrest wear

Adrian
were you the previous owner of my car? I've got some of those dents on the door aluminum and couldn't figure out how they got there? I would never throw my seatbelt off....

[Adrian]

Re: Armrest wear

Nope, not me -- perhaps someone took your Tbird for a joy-ride when you weren't around!

[eboose7]

Re: Armrest wear

Adrian, I had the same problem with the aluminum applique on the driver's side door of my 02. Just as you noted, it was caused by the male end of the seat-belt fastener striking it. I had to replace the applique, since there is no way to repair it. Because of the way the applique is affixed to the door, it cannot be put back on once it is removed. A new one has to be installed. The applique cost me $335.83 plus $99.95 labor to install. I know that is expensive, but it taught me to be more careful when removing the seat-belt!

[Ray]

Re: Armrest wear

Jerry, you should have posted something on this site about needing this trim. There was a period of time in 2003 or 2004 when Ford had these pieces priced at $6 each. Many of us bought several sets at that price. Ford eventually realized the error and changed the price. I'm sure someone would have made you a good deal on one of his/her extra sets.

[5bird7]

Re: Armrest wear

Well I finally picked up the new plactic piece to replace the broken one. I ordered it from my Ford dealer & the cost wasn't bad at $22.10. I thought that I could just pop out the old piece & put in the new one but the door lock & window controls stay attached to the old unit. Take a look at the new photos showing the new piece & the old one being lifted up. If anybody knows how the controls come off let me know.

Mike, I've attached what I foundin the manual. They didn't show the piece separated but their 1st instruction is to disconnect the battery.
exploded view of interior door:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/membe..._0321c-med.JPG

From what you have pictured after you disconnect battery, it looks like you can unplug the connectors on that piece.
I don't think you have to take the whole panel off as the instructions indicate.
instructions 2-7


I think from there you should be able to find the clips to remove the piece.

[eboose7]

Re: Armrest wear

Wow, Ray, now I really feel stupid! Anyway, Thank you for sharing that information with me. I didn't really notice the problem until recently when I was detailing the interior of my car. I thought about just letting it go, but it kept bothering me to the extent that I went ahead and took the plunge, expensive though it was. I now place my hand over the buckle when removing the seat-belt. Thanks again.

[Ray]

Re: Armrest wear

Wow, Ray, now I really feel stupid! Anyway, Thank you for sharing that information with me. I didn't really notice the problem until recently when I was detailing the interior of my car. I thought about just letting it go, but it kept bothering me to the extent that I went ahead and took the plunge, expensive though it was. I now place my hand over the buckle when removing the seat-belt. Thanks again.

I didn't mean to make you feel stupid. I'm sorry if I did. It's just always a good idea to run a problem by fellow owners, as chances are someone will be able to help out.

[z06bigbird]

Re: Armrest wear

I had a detailer look at the door armrests containing the power window buttons because they are becoming more scratched every day. He said that is a Ford problem and he can fix it for $120 per door...removing, repainting and coating with an anti-scratch finish. I'm inclined to go ahead with it because I don't have any other solution. Does anybody?
Thanks for any help.

Your detailer sounds like a key guy who used to travel the Memphis area decoding old GM keys, cutting new keys, and then coding the new keys. He actually had an old floppy disc drive that he put the old key in. He waiting a few seconds, and it was done. Then after cutting the new key, he put that one in a floppy disc drive and repeated the process. At that point, he put key in ignition switch, which then learned the codes.

All this for a bargain price of $120. He made thousands and thousands until someone caught up with him. This all happened in the past 2 or 3 years.

[BigDJBird]

Re: Pitting door applique

I've had the same problem on my '04 PCR. Although not exactly the same as the other T-birds (it has a very small polka-dot pattern over the brushed aluminum) the door applique began to look like it was pitting. Ford has replaced it twice for me under warranty but now it is occurring again. I really didn't think it was the seat belt although it made no sense to me that it was occurring only on the driver's side. I've never heard the seat belt hit the applique and it dangles too low to easily it the metal.
Can anyone else confirm that this is what is causing the small pit marks (perhaps scratches) to occur?
I would also like to replace the drivers seat as it is beginning to show its wear.
Anyone know where a salvaged PCR might be? I've had no luck at the used car junk yards in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Thanks-

Adrian, I had the same problem with the aluminum applique on the driver's side door of my 02. Just as you noted, it was caused by the male end of the seat-belt fastener striking it. I had to replace the applique, since there is no way to repair it. Because of the way the applique is affixed to the door, it cannot be put back on once it is removed. A new one has to be installed. The applique cost me $335.83 plus $99.95 labor to install. I know that is expensive, but it taught me to be more careful when removing the seat-belt!

[eboose7]

Re: Armrest wear

Ray, I hope you will accept a sincere apology. I didn't mean to imply that you intentionally made me feel stupid. It was merely an expression of the fact that I should have thought of it myself. I have been a member for nearly two years, and I read this forum almost daily. It should have occurred to me to consult the membership for help before going to the extra expense of buying the applique from the dealership. I really appreciate the suggestion. Again, I am sorry for any inconvenience my remarks caused you.

[Red Bird Dave]

Re: Armrest wear

Back to the door panel, I guess I got ripped off by Ford, I paid $8.00 each and bought two complete sets just in case. This was in 2003 and I knew it would be a good investment.

Red Bird Dave

[RareOldBird]

Re: Armrest wear

After several attempts at putting the new piece in myself the dealer installed it in about a minute or so no charge. I did however spend a grand in repairs. I think we more than covered the expense.