aluminum F150 under test since 2011

Ford has quite a bit of technology going into this vehicle. One advancement is a new bonding agent that is formulated to prevent the reaction between the two types of metals. Yes, similar products have been around for a while, they just made it stronger and more durable.

I am counting down the moments until there is a 2015 XLT in my driveway.

Golden_HVAC wrote:

I think that Ford made a great decision to make the F-150 out of aluminum, and drop the tiny Ranger. You can get the F-150 for only a few dollars a month more than the Ranger, and now they are about the same weight, and will get about the same mileage too.

Fred.

The aluminum F-150 will be a success I am sure, but don't knock the Ranger. The Ranger was allowed to die on the vine. Ford (and GM and Chrysler) always keep their full size trucks up to date and have all done an exceptional job on the full size offerings, but not on smaller trucks. A modern crew cab Ranger with a 4 cyl Ecoboost or 4 cyl diesel would be a top seller, but Ford chose to let the old Ranger wither and die with an outdated design and old-fashioned powerplants. At least GM has decided to do the right thing and update the Colorado/Canyon. So many people say that the market no longer demands a compact or midsize truck, and that is bogus. For many, the full size trucks (regardless of how great and efficient they are) are just too big for daily city use. The market is there.

I just hope they got the primer/paint process right? after seeing all the paint peeling off of the aluminum panels from different manuf. for the last 10 years it scares me to think what may happen with a bad prep/paint process!

hone eagle wrote:


link

They were driving them and didn't know since 2011 ,construction company and a mining operation,don't look too bad and they didn't dissolve to powder eh?

THis is a picture from the link above.



Who keeps saying that a aluminum body is "New"? Anyone hear of Range Rover? One of the reasons they where so popular in Africa is the aluminum body. It would not rust, and held up best to elephants and rhino's hitting them.

I think that Ford made a great decision to make the F-150 out of aluminum, and drop the tiny Ranger. You can get the F-150 for only a few dollars a month more than the Ranger, and now they are about the same weight, and will get about the same mileage too.

Fred.

Hey my Jeep has an aluminium hood! I just hope the insurance companies don't see it as an opportunity to increase rates. I also think GM and RAM will follow Ford's lead on the new material - don't think they can afford not to.

sch911 wrote:
Well we all know that the biggest challenge is the potential for galvanic corrosion between he aluminum and other metals, and how well Ford manages this. Perhaps a giant Anode rod will be needed...

:B

My 12 year old explorer came with an aluminum hood, and I just checked the garage and it's still there. I guess they've solved that issue over a decade ago.

Many cars have used aluminum body panels over the years. Land Rovers had them a very long time ago; my old Mercedes 300SD had an aluminum hood and sun roof.

ib516 wrote:
The only downside I can see to the aluminium truck is the potential for insurance rates to increase due to the cost to repair if involved in a collision. New techniques etc with a new material.

all those aluminum bass boats have not cause such a problem

sch911 wrote:
Well we all know that the biggest challenge is the potential for galvanic corrosion between he aluminum and other metals, and how well Ford manages this. Perhaps a giant Anode rod will be needed...

:B

Mega yachts have been built of steel (hull) and aluminum (superstructure) for 40 years,forget the details -bonding? maybe.
I will look it up you peeked my interest.

didn't audi have that A8 all aluminum car mainstreamed 10 years ago?