[the invisib1e hand]

My youth is filled with tormented memories of rust-buckets and bondo. As a result, I've always thought aluminum should be used more for body material, and have owned a couple of aluminum-bodied vehicles.

however, it can't be cheap. Well, it might be cheaper than going out of business because your cars can't meet ridiculous EPA mileage regulations, but it can't be cheaper than sheet metal and plastic.

[al baby]

They will also have a CRV fee attached to them in Kalifornia

[Secret Agent Man]

The homeless will now steal quarter panels for recycling.

[Alberta's Child]

Proud owner of an F-150 here.

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with Ford's decision, but when they redesigned the F-150 for the 2004 model year (I think it was 2004) one of the characteristics of the newer version was that it was substantially heavier than the previous one. I wonder if they've simply determined that the F-150 has a "weight problem" and they're acting accordingly.

[frankblack.millenniumgroup]

IVE HEARD THAT THEY GROUND OFF A SECTION OF PAINT ON THE DEMO AND ALL THEY FOUND WAS COMPRESSED PULL TABS.....

[taildragger]

How should I say this...

I can't believe this story is out.

The Ford Culture is probably like Lockheed's was during Have Blue.

This was inner scantum stuff...

[Loyal Sedition]

Aluminum bodies?

About time!
I’ve been advocating for that for decades.

My 1950 Jag had an aluminum body, my Land-Rover 88” has an aluminum body, Range-Rovers have aluminum bodies, many Ferrari’s have aluminum bodies.

It’s not like it’s a black-art to make aluminum bodies.

Much more durable than cheap plastic, mere sunlight does not rot it.

Recycles very well too.

I expect panels will be bonded on in a manner that makes them easy to replace.

Given a choice between Aluminum and Plastic, I will take Aluminum EVERY time.

[Boiling point]

There is much more weight savings to be had by going to aluminum than just those parts. For example, the weight carrying capacity of a Ford F-150 is 1000lbs. If you remove 500lbs from the truck, other components can be lightened as well. For example, one less leaf spring per side in the rear. Axles can be made slightly smaller. Engine size can be reduced WITHOUT sacrificing performance. I never understood why rear axle/differential housings were not made of aluminum. Or steering boxes. With a truck that much lighter, power steering becomes un necessary, saving even more weight. Can anyone tell I used to fly Ultralight airplanes?

[clearcarbon]

"The weight reduction target on the next-generation F-150 is in the area of 700-800 pounds"

That should make it easier for the wind to blow them around.