2003_MM_FYRE49
01-11-2007, 02:53 PM
Last month I was traveling down the road in my new 2006 Mercury Moutaineer slowing down and preparing to stop for the red traffic light ahead. As I was doing so I got rear ended by a 17 y.o. who was yapping on her cell phone. Damage was done to the rear cover, back-up sensors, rear step pad, rear bumper trim, hitch cover, trailor wire plug recpticle, and trailer hitch.
The hitch was not bent but was scuffed and scratched from being struck. Well come to find out the hitches are powder coated and welded to the frame at the factory and because they are powder coated it needs to be replaced because it can't be painted. The replacement hitch that comes from Ford Parts is bolted into place and not welded.
Here's my dilema. Do I have the body shop cut off the old hitch and bolt a new one in place, or just leave it as is and cover the rust with paint as it deteriorates? I know that even if they cut the original off and re-powder coat it they may not be able to get it welded as good as it was from the factory. I want to hear your opinions, especially and body and fender techs that we have here. Thanks in advance.
The hitch was not bent but was scuffed and scratched from being struck. Well come to find out the hitches are powder coated and welded to the frame at the factory and because they are powder coated it needs to be replaced because it can't be painted. The replacement hitch that comes from Ford Parts is bolted into place and not welded.
Here's my dilema. Do I have the body shop cut off the old hitch and bolt a new one in place, or just leave it as is and cover the rust with paint as it deteriorates? I know that even if they cut the original off and re-powder coat it they may not be able to get it welded as good as it was from the factory. I want to hear your opinions, especially and body and fender techs that we have here. Thanks in advance.