What did you do to your non-G body project today? [2022]
- Thread starter g0thiac
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Yet right now they seem to be having an issue with the 2.7L version in the new Broncos. And it appears specific to the Broncos and not in whatever other vehicles (Ranger, F150 etc.) that they've used that engine.
The other big 'complaint' on the F150 is the aluminum bodies. For me that was actually a selling point - knowing that in 10, 12, 15 years I'm not going to be looking at rotted out rockers, cab corners and box. I think the weight savings gained by using aluminum was partially used for adding sound deadening etc. I have a friend who is a huge German car fan, owns a 3 series and a Benz R-class (which is really a Chrysler). I've lent my truck to him a couple times and he's always commented on how quiet it is.
Modern steel body panels are paper thin anyway, what exactly is the complaint with the aluminum? I consider it a selling point as well.
I know aluminum and salt water isn't the best combo down here on the ocean but haven't seen the results of it with road salt yet, then again it depends on the alloy.
Steel is 26ga cheap low carbon steel. Definitely goes quick with the elements.
Steel is 26ga cheap low carbon steel. Definitely goes quick with the elements.
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Judging by how the trailers (don't) hold up, I assume road salt is also bad for aluminum cars. Hell I had a plastic grill start to show rot because the chrome inside started to go. I just don't see a downside to the aluminum vs paper thin steel.
hey now, that's high livin' 'round those parts! I'm bettin' he was headed to the Phillips 66 for their Great Wine Selection and some Arbuckle Mountian (see pic) Fried Pies!
had to complete Project GoToCollege on Wednesday. leave at 6am, drive 250 miles (4hours) to Corpus Christi, help daughter move into 3rd floor apartment @12noon in 90F and 94% humidity weather. go shopping for last minute stuff to finish out apartment, big lunch, say goodbye, and then a 4 hr drive back. get home at 9:30pm, goto bed and sleep for 11 hours 
I can tell you from an auto body stand point I hate the aluminum Ford pickup trucks. And I'm I-Car certified to repair them. I'm not going to go deep into it but the aluminum is pron to riping and cracking and it has no memory like steel not to mention the proper repair procedure for most panels is to replace them and do so with rivets and glue. My other beaf is the non repairable uhss and hydroform frame not only will it not pull it's so substantially stronger than the body if hit hard the aluminum body can tear off the frame like a beer can. No sorry not for me don't even like fixing them.
Had first hand experience with this. When my 2018 had about 1500 miles on it a vehicle kicked up a piece of crumbling concrete from an expansion joint, hit the car in front of me popping it in the air, and, no room for avoidance. Landed on the hood.
Fix was replace the panel for all the reasons you stress.
Fair comments, though most owners won't know or care. Really just translates into higher insurance costs I guess.
I've never worked with aluminum, but I understand that it's not nearly as malleable as steel, hence tearing and ripping vs stretching and thinning like steel would. I think this has been the main reasons it's been so slow to be adopted as a material for mass production. Economically stamping out panels is more of a process than for steel. But it's certainly becoming more common. Rivets and glue makes sense to me since most shops probably aren't setup for aluminum welding
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