The plastic cowling on my '04 F-150 has pretty much turned sort of chalky white color over time.
Wondering if something like this would be covered and replaced at no charge at the dealer?

 

is it plastic degradation or just dirt in the texture of the plastic?

 

Without a doubt plastic degradation.

 

Have you used anything on it like Back to Black or a tire shine chemical? The reason I ask is that I put Back to Black on the bed rail plastic and the stuff turned grey or white after about 2 weeks. It was embedded in the grain. I tried the tire treatment stuff and it was no better. The only way I could get it out od the grain was to go to the self service car wash and hold the wand very close to it. Took two trips, but it came out. Now, I do not use anything on it. May not be your problem, but thought I would mention it.

 

Nope, never put any product on it, it looks to me like the sun and elements just did a number on it.

 

Are you still under warrarnty? I'd give it a shot - but they may decline and say it's normal wear.....the cowling piece is pretty easy to change out and probably not too expensive. I worry abou the window and beltline rubber mouldings as well....my '05 is about a year old now and the are already showing deterioration from the uv rays......

 

Im still in warranty, just turned over 15k miles. My F-150 was an early one, mfg'd 7/03, I bought it Jan. 04. Wondering if Ford has changed suppliers on the cowling. I am going to call my service guy and see what he says.
The worse part is i work in a 2 story building and park (assigned parking spaces) next to a fellow employee that bought a Dodge 1500 at the same time. He pointed it out how bad it looked (while looking out his office window) next to his still shiney gloss back cowling...lol

 

I hear ya.....but don't forget - he's still driving a Dodge

 

I just replaced mine because of something hitting it. If I remember right it was $45 or so a side from the dealer. I got mine off of ebay for $9.99 a side. If they don't replace them it may be better to paint them.

 

Do they come off and reinstall easy?

 

There are some screws along the firewall that you need to take off. One is behind the PCM (I had to take the PCM off to get it). Then there are the 2 plastic "pins" on each end and one more screw in the middle you need to remove after taking off the right side. This is after removing the wipers.

I wouldn't say it was to hard to do. I think I had it complete in about a hour at the most.
If you are just concerned about the fading I would take them off and try painting them with a quality spray can paint for plastic.

 

Thanks Donnie, that is exactly what i am going to do...
Prime and paint.