Appearance Protection

Proper maintenance will help keep the vehicle looking factory-new for years to come. 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, 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 cautionary 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. Follow with a rinse using 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 Cream Wax E4AZ-19534-AA (ESR-M11B26-A) or equivalent, to remove harmful deposits and provide added protection for 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 such as front and rear bumper covers may be damaged by aftermarket rustproofing compounds. If rustproofing overspray, drips or runs are allowed to remain on the front or back side of the noted plastic parts, they may swell or become distorted. To prevent this, 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 with a naphtha-wetted cloth. Wipe completely dry. Inspect frequently, as rustproofing may run or drip for some time after installation, especially in hot weather.

Chrome and Bright Metal Care

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

 CAUTION: Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaner or detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents when cleaning chrome-plated materials, aluminum wheels or anodized aluminum parts. These cleaning materials may damage the protective coating, and 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.

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

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

 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.

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 Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner E0AZ-19521-AA or equivalent, following label directions. Commercial hot waxes applied by automatic car washes have been known to affect the cleanability of vinyl material.

Convertible Top Care

Proper care of the top material will prevent mildew and minimize shrinkage. Never lower the top when it is damp. Always use the convertible top dust cover to keep the top material clean, dry and in position when the top is lowered.

Use the top compartment behind the rear seat back only for stowage of the top. Stowage of other items may damage the top material or break the rear glass.

 CAUTION: Unapproved cleaners may result in damage to the top material or painted surfaces.

The vinyl top may be washed each time the vehicle is washed. Clean the material with Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner E0AZ-19521-AA (ESR-M14P4-A) or equivalent and a suede brush. For an extremely soiled top, it may be necessary to repeat the cleaning operation. Rinse the top and painted surfaces thoroughly with clean water both during and after cleaning.

The vinyl coating becomes tacky at approximately 82°C (180°F). When servicing paint, provide a cover for the top to protect the material from heat.

Paint

NOTE: Vehicles subjected to airborne pollen, insect droppings, bird droppings and other organic matter, especially vehicles subjected to this matter that are exposed to high temperatures and sunshine, should be washed as often as necessary to keep them free of this organic matter. Similar precautions should be taken where a vehicle may be exposed to chemical industrial fallout. Failure to do so may result in damage to the exterior surfaces.

The outside finish should be washed frequently. Never wipe the painted surface with a dry cloth. Dusting the finish when it is dry tends to rub dust and dirt into the paint, causing scratches on the surface. To keep the finish bright and attractive, wash the vehicle whenever it is dirty.

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

 CAUTION: Do not use steel wool, abrasive-type cleaner, gasoline or strong detergents containing highly alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-plated materials, aluminum wheels, headlamps, bumpers or anodized aluminum parts, as damage to the protective coating and discoloration or paint deterioration may occur.

Polish paint and bright metal with Custom Silicone Gloss Polish B7AZ-19530-AA (ESR-M11B26-A), Custom Cream Wax E4AZ-19534-AA (ESR-M11B26-A) or equivalent to remove harmful deposits and provide added protection to body surfaces, body hardware, and chrome and aluminum parts. Touch up nicks and scratches with proper paint.

Glass

Glass should be cleaned with Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner E4AZ-19C507-AA (ESR-M14P5-A) or equivalent, using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Follow directions on the container.