Items Included
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Tools Required
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Before You Get Started...
Warm surfaces and 3M tape with heat gun if ambient temperature is below 68 degrees F
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Any Modification or unintended use will void the manufacturers warranty
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A dry fit of all pieces must be performed before the final installation of the product to ensure fit
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Products cannot be returned for a full refund after the red backing to the 3M tape is removed
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Paint Preparation Instructions Link
If you ordered the "Paintable" version, click on the instructions link above for paint prep, and trim installation instructions.
Preparation
- The Shellz™ tailgate applique is secured using the highest quality 3M Auto-Grade tape. The optimal temperature for installation is between 68°F and 100°F. If the ambient temperature is below 68°F, acclimate the overlay in-doors to room temperature and use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the Original Equipment Grille surface immediately prior to installation.
- Ensure the tailgate surface is clean. After a thorough wash, use Isopropyl alcohol with a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining residue from the surface. For maximum adhesion, use included Adhesion Promoter 94 on the areas of the grille where tape will be applied.
- Dry fit all parts before removing red backing from 3M tape to check for fitment and practice the installation method before the attachment is permanent.
The degree to which you follow these preparation instructions will determine the quality of the installed product. Please follow all instructions, and be patient. If you are unsure of any area of the installation after reading these instructions, please call us at 844-918-3688, and we will answer any questions that you have.
Installation
NOTE: Dry-Fit all pieces to their specific locations BEFORE removing ANY of the red backing strips from the tape. Make sure all pieces are correct, i.e., you have received all pieces shown above, color/pattern is correct, and that all are undamaged. Dry Fitting is also good practice for lining up each piece and guiding it into place, visualizing how to do it when the backing strips are removed and the tape is STICKY. Note that once the backing is removed, we cannot give full credit for return.
1. Remove Ford emblem and any other lettering or badges, if present within the perimeter of the applique’. Instructions for safely removing emblems and lettering are available on-line.
2. Dry fit tailgate applique’ without removing red backing to 3M tape.
3. Clean the tailgate thoroughly, including final isopropyl alcohol wipe. Use the included adhesion promoter to wipe the areas where tape areas will adhere to the tailgate.
4. Align top edge of applique’ with the valley of the upper style line of the tailgate above. Ensure that the cover is centered correctly (same distance to edge of tailgate on either side). If installing with just one person, we recommend removing the tailgate, and placing it face-up for this installation.
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5. Peel back the first 1 ½ inches of the red backing from each section
of the perimeter 3M tape, as pictured to the right. You may wish to tape this backing to the front of the applique’ for easy access later. Completely remove backing from all remaining inboard 3M tape, which will be inaccessible when the applique’ is flush with the tailgate. Note: If a tailgate light bar is present, feed the wire through the hole where the Ford logo used to be in the center of the tailgate and out through the center hole at the bottom of the tailgate |
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6. Carefully center and align the applique’. Don’t allow the tape to stick until you are satisfied with its positioning.
7. After the applique’ is properly positioned, slowly begin pulling on the section of the red backing along the top perimeter of the cover to fully expose the tape to the tailgate surface. Ensure the cover does not shift while performing this step. Put firm pressure on these areas of the cover as the tape is gradually exposed. After the top perimeter is fully adhered, repeat this step on the other perimeter sections of tape.
8. After the applique’ is fully installed and all red backing is removed, put firm pressure on all areas where the 3M tape is touching the tailgate surface to ensure a permanent bond.
Note: Wait 48 hours before taking your truck through a car wash or on highway driving.
Note: Wait 48 hours before taking your truck through a car wash or on highway driving.
9. After 24 hours, again put pressure on all taped areas to ensure all of the tape surface is firmly attached.
10. See Wiring Instruction Addendum if tailgate light bar is present.
Care for your Shellz™
Care for your Shellz™ like you would any fine paint finish. Use high quality cleaning products designed specifically for car care.
Gloss finishes: Oftentimes, minor scratches can be buffed out on the gloss finishes. Rubbing compounds can be used with a mechanical buffer, for deeper scratches.
Matte finishes are much more susceptible to abrasions, leaving a "glossy sheen" on the finish, which are generally permanent. Do not attempt to buff out scratches/abrasions on your matte finish, as this will generally make the damage worse. Avoid excessive friction when trying to remove anything stuck to the matte finish surface and keep cleaning rags/water clean and abrasive free. Abrasive brush-type car washes are not recommended, as they can abrade the Matte finish. Brushless car washes are acceptable.
Gloss finishes: Oftentimes, minor scratches can be buffed out on the gloss finishes. Rubbing compounds can be used with a mechanical buffer, for deeper scratches.
Matte finishes are much more susceptible to abrasions, leaving a "glossy sheen" on the finish, which are generally permanent. Do not attempt to buff out scratches/abrasions on your matte finish, as this will generally make the damage worse. Avoid excessive friction when trying to remove anything stuck to the matte finish surface and keep cleaning rags/water clean and abrasive free. Abrasive brush-type car washes are not recommended, as they can abrade the Matte finish. Brushless car washes are acceptable.