I have recently purchased by 07 shown at the bottom of the page and have noticed a few things while cleaning my truck.

1. Within the first couple of weeks circular pattern scratches appeared on the black plastic covering my factory step bars. From the looks of it I believe my wife who uses the step bar regularly had stepped on it with a rock in the bottom of her shoe and twisted to get in the truck causing the circular pattern. Another possibility is from small grains of road grime and her constant use of the step bar.

Does anyone else have this problem and if so have you found away to remove the scratches from the plastic?

2. My 2007 has substainal more painted area in the rear fender wells. I always clean and wash in that area but, I am looking for something to offer more protection from chips and debris.

What are my options and what has everyone else expirenced?

 

If it was engaged by a rock or similar, I really doubt you're going to remove them. Let's see some pics here before we go any farther with this one...

Not too many aftermarket options here. Naturally, you should keep all of these areas protected in some shape or form. Additionally, always wash these areas.

I think some have gone with 'bed coating' material in their wells... I certainly wish that the 04+ came with some kind of well liner -- like the 97-03 did... You're discovering one of the spots where they 'cheapened it up'.

 

X 2 for rock

We need to see the rails, but most likely they are as they are

And you could undercoat the wells at best

 

I will post the pictures tomorrow when the rain quits. Also has anyone ever scratch the chrome piece on drop of the center concole shifter.

I also noticed a scratch there but, the dealership doesn't sell just the top cap.

 

Probably have to just live with that. I have that crappy silver painted center console that scratches if you look at it wrong

 

I do know this one from experience. You can't buy just the top cap of the shifter. It is sold with the shifter as an entire piece. I bought my '04 used and it was still under MF warranty. The top cap broke off and they replaced it under warranty saving me $78 for the part and whatever the labor was. If it bugs you that much, break the piece off and have them replace it. I know that is dishonest (for all you Ford manufacturer reps out there) but that's the system.