2010-2014 GT500 - How can I paint the Heat Extractor, Hood Insert?

crjackson

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So this is my first post here on SVT. I've asked in other Fora with no reply so I thought I'd ask here.

My 2014 GT was recently damaged from a Tree-Fall (Tornado damage) and is being released from the Ford Body Shop today. The hood was replaced with a GT500 donor hood by one of the kind hearted techs. The hood was treated to a new coat of matching black paint/clear, and a new hood liner. However, it looks kind of blah... The heat extractor insert is very oxidized and chalky, and looks shabby in the middle of all that beautiful new paint.

The dealer was going to prep/paint it to match the hood but then backed out. He said the shop has to supply a lifetime warranty on paint repairs, and Ford doesn't offer the part as a painted item. Therefore, the shop can't warranty the work, and can't paint the item.

I've ordered a new replacement already, and I'll install it when it gets here. However, I know that this part too, will oxidize fairly quickly and look like crap.

Now for the question and plea for help...

I want this part painted to match my hood (the new part). I've seen a couple of non-specific videos on painting ABS auto parts, but I can't find anything that points to specific products to use.. I.E. Proper grit sandpaper, plastic primer(s), base coat, clear coat.

Has anyone here painted their Heat Extractor Insert, and if yes, could you please help with some of those specifics?

Thanks...

1FE4176E-607D-41F2-B316-A25EEBEB2D19.jpeg
 
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GTMAN212

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You best bet is to take the new one to a certified body shop and have them paint it for you so it matches.
 

crjackson

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You best bet is to take the new one to a certified body shop and have them paint it for you so it matches.

Thanks... Sadly I've not found anyone willing to take on this simple task.

I plan to practice on my old one first, but I'm mostly looking for product recommendations and tips from anyone who has already tackled this.
 

stang910

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It’s an extremely easy process and if done correctly you’ll never have an issue.

Use a grey Scotch Brite to scuff up the part, clean it with some alcohol and spray plastic adhesion promoter on it. At that point the part is ready to accept whatever paint you want to use. For trim pieces I like to use trim black. Makes the part look brand new.
 

crjackson

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It’s an extremely easy process and if done correctly you’ll never have an issue.

Use a grey Scotch Brite to scuff up the part, clean it with some alcohol and spray plastic adhesion promoter on it. At that point the part is ready to accept whatever paint you want to use. For trim pieces I like to use trim black. Makes the part look brand new.

Great, this plastic adhesion promoter sounds different than plastic primer. Is this the same as the adhesion promoter used when applying 3M double sided tape? The thick stuff used for trim/dress parts.
 

stang910

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Great, this plastic adhesion promoter sounds different than plastic primer. Is this the same as the adhesion promoter used when applying 3M double sided tape? The thick stuff used for trim/dress parts.
Can't say if it's the same or not cause I'm not sure what your using. For double sided tape I use the 3M adhesion wipes not a spray.

The product your looking for would be bulldog adhesion promoter. I don't personally use that brand, but I know its pretty easy to find.
 

Cman01

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The plastic adhesion promoter is used on plastic parts (like bumpers for ex.) to allow for flex and not have the paint crack. Your hood for ex. outside during the day with the sun shining will expand at a different rate than the plastic hood extractor that's also outside baking in the sun. If you paint that part without applying the flex agent first the paint will not stick to the part and will flake and crack in a short time.

Tony
 

crjackson

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If you paint that part without applying the flex agent first the paint will not stick to the part and will flake and crack in a short time.

Thanks, the flex agent being the same as the "bulldog adhesion promoter" mentioned above, correct?
 

Cman01

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I'm not familiar with the actual name or brand of flex agents for plastic parts that need to be painted.

Best thing to do is visit a body shop, ask them what they use on plastic parts before painting, maybe the person at the shop can point u in the right direction to get the correct stuff to use.
 

crjackson

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Yeah, I tried that at one shop without success. The guy showed me a white label can and said we use this, but you can’t buy it unless you are a commercial shop.

This is part of the reason I’m fishing here.

I guess I need to find a friendly custom shop. It seems most body shops around here only do collision repair. I live in a big city, and I can’t even buy auto paint except rattle cans around here. It’s apparently considered liquid gold in this city.
 

Cman01

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Try another shop or check out goonzquad on YouTube they have purchased flex agents in a spray can at an O'Reilly's or similar auto parts store (even perhaps Autozone)
 

crjackson

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Okay guys, been doing some reading and I think I’ve gathered all the information I need for the process. Thanks for all the VERY helpful pointers.

I was going to paint a matching gloss color, but I’m starting to think satin/Matt finish would be better on this part.
 

stang910

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Flex additive is a product that is added to paint and primer which you wouldn't be able to do if you were using spray cans. You only need it for flexible parts so there's no reason for you to worry about that. Just grab some bulldog, follow the directions and you'll be good.

If your looking to make the part look new again I'd get some One Choice trim black, the color and finish are great. Here is a pic of my car. The rear bumper assembly is off a totaled car and the license plate insert and lower valance were damaged some and sun faded badly.
IMG_0770 (2).JPG
 

1 Alibi 2

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Had a local " trusted " shop do the one on my 11, took it off when I sold it. ( 2017 )
I have it in my basement, plan to have it resprayed for my 2014..
.
5-Jan-2013-pic-run-010.jpg
 

PhoenixM3

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So this is my first post here on SVT. I've asked in other Fora with no reply so I thought I'd ask here.

My 2014 GT was recently damaged from a Tree-Fall (Tornado damage) and is being released from the Ford Body Shop today. The hood was replaced with a GT500 donor hood by one of the kind hearted techs. The hood was treated to a new coat of matching black paint/clear, and a new hood liner. However, it looks kind of blah... The heat extractor insert is very oxidized and chalky, and looks shabby in the middle of all that beautiful new paint.

The dealer was going to prep/paint it to match the hood but then backed out. He said the shop has to supply a lifetime warranty on paint repairs, and Ford doesn't offer the part as a painted item. Therefore, the shop can't warranty the work, and can't paint the item.

I've ordered a new replacement already, and I'll install it when it gets here. However, I know that this part too, will oxidize fairly quickly and look like crap.

Now for the question and plea for help...

I want this part painted to match my hood (the new part). I've seen a couple of non-specific videos on painting ABS auto parts, but I can't find anything that points to specific products to use.. I.E. Proper grit sandpaper, plastic primer(s), base coat, clear coat.

Has anyone here painted their Heat Extractor Insert, and if yes, could you please help with some of those specifics?

Thanks...
If you really want to do that, have the dealer give you the old part too and try your luck at a auto paint shop. The fact that the extractor has a grunch of holes make color matching a little less obvious if the color is slightly off.

Also, if your car spends time in a garage (something to consider due to the cause of the original damage....) that part should take years to fade and oxidize.
 

crjackson

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If you really want to do that, have the dealer give you the old part too and try your luck at a auto paint shop. The fact that the extractor has a grunch of holes make color matching a little less obvious if the color is slightly off.

Also, if your car spends time in a garage (something to consider due to the cause of the original damage....) that part should take years to fade and oxidize.

Yeah, I was going to practice on the old one first.
 

StrayBullitt

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Op if you want, can send me your Heat extractor, little $ for materials and I'll paint it for you. Just lmk, pm or whatever.

As others have said above though if you decide to take it on yourself, bull dog adhesion promotor will be your friend, 2-3 light coats. I really like SEM trim black (satin) if you just want to clean it up, but yeah a color match with clear would look really good too.
 

Imatk

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If you do a clear get one of those 2k clears like this with the activator/hardner


Otherwise your clear will likely yellow... don't want that.
 

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