Auto body repair & detailing: Trim repair, ford explorer sport trac, ford explorer sport

Question
Dave,
Thanks for taking the time to help me.

I have a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The tailgate has a trim piece that wraps around the top from the inside. This piece will slide side-to-side about 1/4 inch, but the part that wraps around the outside is very loose. On the inside of the tailgate, there are three Allen screws across the middle, and three plastic push in fasteners with the barbed sides. I have not removed any of these.

Can you help me repair this, or let me know if it should be replaced? If it needs to be replaced, do you know the name of the piece? I have had no luck on the internet. Thanks.

Answer
Hi John!....Sorry for the delay getting back to you....A friend of mine runs the Body Shop at one of the Ford Dealerships in town here, so I gave him a call today to see what I could find out for you....He said the trim piece you are referring to is called a " Production Rod "....It mounts exactly where you had mentioned....The part number is 4L3Z-83402-A68-A....The cost here, is $103.00 Dollars retail....As far as retainers/clips go, usually, they will be supplied with the part....If you would like to try and re-install the original piece, the attatching retainers/clips are supposed to be available from the Dealer as well...If they can't supply them, these should be available at most Auto Body Parts Supply Shops....Hope this gives you some direction as where to turn....If you have any more questions or concerns, you can drop me another line any time....Thanks....Dave