[Tiger-Heli]

Not sure if this is in the correct forum section, but ...

The defroster trim on my 2002 Focus is discoloring (the dark part in front of the tan dashboard, the part that goes over the VIN Code. I suspect Ford may call this the Defroster Grille.

There are several light splotches on it, which are more annoying because it reflects onto the windshield.

I was wondering if anyone knew of an easy fix for this, or if not, if anyone knew what a replacement part would be and how you would replace it.

Thanks!

 

[saurin37]

Could you just yank it out, sand it down, and repaint the thing? Probably cheaper than buying and installing a replacement...

 

[Tiger-Heli]

Could you just yank it out, sand it down, and repaint the thing? Probably cheaper than buying and installing a replacement...

Can you just pull it up and out without taking off any of the rest of the dashboard?

 

[Tiger-Heli]

I wanted to update this thread.

The trim piece in question is not available separately from Ford - you would have to buy the entire dash cover.

It is a separate piece, so you can remove it to paint it, but you have to remove the entire dashboard (retainers in front by windshield), instrument cluster, HVAC cluster, airbags, etc., to get it out.

I ended up taking it to an interior/upholstery shop and he managed to take off the A-pillar trim, mask off the dash and windshield, and spray tint to make it flat black again.

Came out really well and a lot less work than what I was planning.

 

[norcalfocus01]

Thanks for the update. Mines fading really bad to. I might paint it when I paint my headliner.