Appearance Protection

Proper maintenance will help keep the vehicle looking factory-new for several years. The following cleaning and care recommendations will provide the vehicle with necessary appearance protection.

Proper exterior appearance protection includes proper and frequent washing (including underside areas), polishing to shield paint and bright metal surfaces (refer to Chrome and Bright Metal Care), touching up nicks and scratches with proper paint, and keeping body drain holes unplugged.

NOTE: It is very important to remember when using any chemical cleaner or polish to always follow label directions. Read all warning and caution statements which appear on label.

Washing

Use One Step Wash and Wax Concentrate D6AZ-19523-AA (ESR-M14P12-A) or equivalent, diluted to the proper concentration, followed by a rinse with clear, cold water. Do not wash vehicle with hot water, in the direct rays of the sun, or while sheet metal is hot.

Polishing

Use Custom Silicone Gloss Polish B7AZ-19530-AA (ESR-M11B26-A), Custom Paste Wax B4A-19534-AA (ESR-M11B23-A), or Custom Cream Wax E4AZ-19534-AA (ESR-M11B26-A) or equivalent, to remove harmful deposits, and provide added protection on body surfaces.

Underbody

In geographic areas using a heavy concentration of road salt or other corrosive materials for snow removal or road dust control, flush and inspect the complete underside of the vehicle at least twice a year.

Particular attention should be given to cleaning out underbody members and drain holes where dirt and other foreign materials may have collected.

Rustproofing

 CAUTION: The flexible plastic and/or rubber-like parts and rigid plastic bumper components may be damaged by aftermarket rustproofing compounds. If rustproofing oversprays, drips or runs are allowed to remain, they may exhibit surface swelling, distortion, or deterioration. If the vehicle has been aftermarket rustproofed, inspect and clean with Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover B7A-19520-AA (ESR-M5B106-A) or equivalent, or a hi-flash naphtha-wetted cloth. Wipe completely dry. Inspect frequently as rustproofing may run or drip for some time after installation, especially in hot weather.

 CAUTION: The driveshaft in the vehicle is a balanced mechanism. Therefore, if the vehicle is to be undercoated, it is mandatory that no undercoating material be present on the driveshaft after application. This condition may cause driveshaft imbalance or driveline vibration.

Chrome and Bright Metal Care

Frequent washing and the use of Custom Bright Metal Cleaner 8A-19522-A (ESR-M5B194-B) or equivalent, are recommended for bumpers, body hardware, chrome-plated materials and aluminum components.

 CAUTION: Plastic wheelcovers should always be washed with mild detergent and water immediately after using any commercial-type cleaner to prevent any possible damage to wheelcover.

 CAUTION: Do not use steel wool, abrasive-type cleaner or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated materials, aluminum wheels or anodized aluminum parts as damage to the protective coating and corrosion and/or discoloration may result. Clean with One Step Wash and Wax Concentrate D6AZ-19523-AA (ESR-M14P12-A) or equivalent, diluted per label directions.

Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate B8A-19523-AA (ESR-M14P4-A)

Custom Bright Metal Cleaner 8A-19522-A (ESR-M5B194-B)

 WARNING: READ THE WARNING INFORMATION ON THE PRODUCT LABEL.

1. Pour some cleaner concentrate onto a clean, damp cloth and wipe wax from the bumper. A second application with vigorous rubbing may be necessary for hard wax areas.

2. For severe wax buildup, pour some metal cleaner onto a clean, damp cloth and wipe wax from the bumper. Minimal effort should be required to remove wax. Continue this process until entire bumper is wax-free.

3. To provide a bright, glossy appearance to bumper, apply metal cleaner after removing wax coating. A separate clean, damp cloth should be used for this procedure.

Vinyl Top and Padded Moulding Care

Rinse the vinyl to remove loose dirt and grime. Exceptionally dirty areas should be precleaned with Triple Clean E0AZ-19526-AA (ESR-M14P4-A), Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate B8A-19523-AA (ESR-M14P4-A) or equivalent, or mild soap solution. Next, apply Vinyl Hardtop Cleaner E3AZ-19F535-A (ESR-M14P6-A) or equivalent, following label directions. Commercial hot waxes applied by automatic car washes have been known to affect the cleanability of vinyl material.

 CAUTION: To avoid damage to the vinyl top and mouldings, use only an approved Ford cleaner. The use of stiff bristle brushes or abrasive material or cleaners must be avoided.