GT Rear panel... how should you maintain it?

[danno1]

OK
I do keep the rest of the car highly clean and waxed. But it seems the rear deck lid panel is VERY prone to scratching. Being its plastic what tips can I take to:

1) Wax/Polish to protect finish
2) Can a spray can of clear coat protect from scratching?
3) How can fine scratching be removed?

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[LOL WUT]

Don’t look at it, touch it, or breath near it.

 

[1emglenn]

Reason I switched mine to CF.

 

[opengl]

Don't touch it.

Tell others not to touch it.

No automatic car wash (but you shouldn't be using those anyway)

Close the trunk by the spoiler or the trunk lid.

DON'T EVER TOUCH IT.

 

[Stangomydreams]

A couple coats of ceramic then a spray top coat product to maintain.

 

[ice445]

Buy a replacement and have it wrapped with ppf. Problem solved lol. Imo the biggest issue is sun and heat softens the plastic to where the gentlest microfiber will scratch it.

 

[kluke15]

i wrapped mine in carbon fiber wrap. keeps it protected and changed the look a bit.

 

[mustangdriver]

I had good luck removing light scratches with motorcycle windshield polish. Do not
use any type of aggressive rubbing or polishing compounds or sandpapers.

 

[DFB5.0]

The plastic surface of these rear decklid panels are extremally soft. This problem is not limited to Mustang's, all cars with these sort of surfaces are prone to micro-marring.

While a wax/sealant/ceramic coating will help make cleaning easier and therefore safer, they will NOT protect the surface from being scratched, even with correct/careful washing.

Spraying clear coat will not work either unless the whole panel is painted black.

As mentioned, the only real solution is to apply PPF to the panel, or buy a spare and have the PPF applied and swap it over. PPF can also mask some minor marking.

In both cases, you will need to polish the panel first before applying PPF. Try something like Sonax Perfect Finish or Meguiars M205. The panel will actually correct very easily but keep in mind, even the softest and plushest towel can induce marring, so work carefully.

 

[StangTime]

I'm planning on removing the emblem and covering mine with high gloss black PPF. https://www.xpel.com/ultimate-plus-black-paint-protection-film
Will replace the chrome emblem with a black one too.

 

[wadewolf76]

I'm planning on removing the emblem and covering mine with high gloss black PPF. https://www.xpel.com/ultimate-plus-black-paint-protection-film
Will replace the chrome emblem with a black one too.

I have considered similar, I was unable to get the black accent option on my 2021 so im thinking of doing the mirrors, roof and wing as well to recreate it.

 

[Mr. Met]

Buy a replacement and have it wrapped with ppf. Problem solved lol. Imo the biggest issue is sun and heat softens the plastic to where the gentlest microfiber will scratch it.

Yes, Xpel makes a precut piece for it.

 

[danno1]

So do you call them up and order just that piece ? Is it hard to do it yourself?

 

[Nardly]

So do you call them up and order just that piece ? Is it hard to do it yourself?

You can order on line but it's not cheap. You have to buy the trunk lid kit at $414. https://www.xpel.com/paint-protecti...D--Light-Trucks/2021/Ford/Mustang/Fastback/GT

 

[Mr. Met]

So do you call them up and order just that piece ? Is it hard to do it yourself?

As @Nardly said, it appears, at least online, to only come with the trunk lid kit. You could try giving them a call/email to see if they could sell you just that piece.

As far as how difficult it is to install, you will get a range of opinions. I had my ppf done by a professional. It would never come out perfect if I did it, and its not a cheap material to make a mistake with. Ironically, my deck lid panel is the only piece of the car without ppf as I had to remove it to change the emblem.

Also note, a shop, at least the one I used, doesnt order kits from Xpel, they "print" the pieces on site. So their prices are lower then what you see on Xpels site (retail) and they can make/install any piece you need.

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