Ford's recently released On Target communication for the collision repair industry reminds collision repairers and insurance companies of the program changes of the previous generation Ford F-150.

Ford discussed this issue when it announced that it had released two new free videos for body repair shops on Fordcrashparts.com. One of the videos teaches maintenance personnel how to follow the new OEM maintenance procedures to repair the 2015-2020 F-150. Another video first explains how to find OEM programs on www.motorcraftservice.com.

"The first video details the revised Ford-approved repair procedure, which is now available for F-series bedside replacement," Ford wrote in On Target. "In it, Ford senior damage engineer Gerry Bonanni detailed the steps to replace the outer panel of the aluminum F-150 pickup box."

Bonanni in the video stated that these instructions "applicable from 2015 models." However, it is not clear whether these procedures will apply to the 2020 F-150 after the end of the design generation in 2015. The 2021 F-150 opens a "new" generation, which may be structurally different. You must check the OEM procedures-you must do this anyway, because neither this article nor Ford Video can replace official instructions.

The new instructions in section 501-30 "Back-end sheet metal repair, removal and installation" date back to September 14, 2020. They cover old OEM procedures-they can only date back to September 12, 2019, indicating that they also represent revisions.

Bonanni said in the video that according to the 2020 new instructions, the replacement outside the box can be accomplished by blind rivets or MIG plug welding "or a combination of both". He said that the F-150 also allows the option of using self-piercing rivets in the cab, but this is "not an option" for the Super Duty version.

"F-150 maintenance procedures are changing, but for Super Duty, it remains the same," Bonanni said.

According to the video, the necessary equipment may include a 6.5 mm drill bit, a self-piercing rivet gun that can remove and install rivets, belt sander, blind rivet gun, hot air gun, MIG/MAG welding equipment, locking pliers, Ford approved metal bonding glue Mixture, joint sealant and flexible foam repair agent.

Bonanni called the rivet bonding method "mostly blind rivets."

The rivet bonding method includes adhesives, but only in four aspects.

You also need a welder. The video explains that the 16 rivets between the pile holes in the top rail will be hidden by the rail cover. "For the six fastener areas between the pile bag and the pickup bed, you will use MIG plug welding to get a clean appearance."

The video says that there should be no adhesive between 0.25-0.5 inches of the connection point in the area between the pocket and the bed.

According to the video, if you perform MIG plug welding on the side of the bed under the alternative repair procedure option, you will leave the adhesive completely on the shelf.

"Don't use adhesives," said the commentator in the video. "Otherwise, the weld will be contaminated."

According to the narrator, Ford would prefer the MIG welding option in stores. "Compared with the appearance of blind rivets, MIG plug welding is preferred," said the narrator.

Bonanni said maintenance personnel can combine the two maintenance elements under certain conditions to produce a "quick and effective" repair, which is still approved by Ford.

Bonanni said that riveting repairers can use MIG plug welding on the top of the box closest to the cab, "to help the rail cover flush."

Conversely, a store can introduce 16 blind rivets into other MIG welding repairs, "to achieve the fastest repair," because the rail cover molding will hide the fasteners, he said.

"However, you must perform MIG plug welding at six points...near the pile pocket in the bed area," Bonanni said. "Also, this helps to create a clean appearance and flush surface for the track cover attachment."

Alternatively, shops can choose self-piercing rivets to connect the cab by riveting or welding. However, according to Bonanni, the original attachment site cannot be used.

"It must be adjacent to the original location and match the quantity," Bonanni said. He also reminded maintenance personnel that the Super Duty cab is a restricted area for this technology. "Aluminum Super Duty will never use self-piercing rivets at the opening of the cab"

Ford’s new instructions remind you that you need to recheck OEM procedures online before starting each repair, even if it is the model year combination that you often see or completed for different customers the day before.

The description may change at any time. A shop delivered a shop-printed repair procedure of a 2015 F-150 with a new headboard to a customer on September 13, 2020 or September 11, 2019. For the same damaged F-150 brought to the store, the first one will be outdated. Two days. If you don't check online again, the store won't know the difference.

The description of any model may also change, not just the latest model. On the program release date of September 14, 2020, the 2015 F-150 is 6 years old, and it and the rest of the 2015-2020 design generation will soon become old news. The next-generation 2021 F-150 will arrive at dealers within two months. However, Ford is still very concerned about overhauling the old model's bedside repair procedures.

Ford Video and On Target also remind people that Ford provides many resources for the collision industry for free. If you have not yet visited the FordCrashParts.com page, please check it out. There are On Targets and a dozen videos, as well as Ford’s position statement, links to official equipment and repair procedures websites, and information about approved paints, adhesives, and glass.

"Ford provides collision repair and safety tips in new video"

Official Ford OEM Repair Procedure

The 2019 Ford F-150 limited edition bed is shown. (Provided by Ford)

From left, Ford assembly line workers Denell Sadler and Levi Rouse work for the 2015 Ford F-150 in Claycomo, Missouri. (Sam VarnHagen for Ford/Ford provided)

The Ford F-150 passes through the Ford Rouge complex on September 27, 2018. (Sam VarnHagen/Ford)

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