Forum Discussion
37 Replies
- It seems back in the late seventies GM went to aluminum bumpers with steel reinforcement. You saw a lot of wood bumpers on those cars. I had a Buick wagon and noticed that the aluminum was detaching from the steel. Buick wanted $300 to replace bumper. (Out of warrantee). I called GM customer service and told them about my problem. I suggested they talk to an electrical or corrosion engineer about galvanic action between dissimilar metals. GM called back and asked when I would like them to replace bumper at their cost. I hope the auto guys have figured this out.
Hannibal wrote:
Remember when cars were built to last? They were big, heavy and made of steel! None of that cheap plastic and aluminum everywhere!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ptUrQOMPs
I remember that until about 20 years ago if you advertised a car over 10 years old or with over 100,000 miles nobody would even come look at the tub of rust. I also remember that Fiskar got the best crash rating ever by using an all aluminum frame. I am willing to take my chances with the new bodies.- Remember when cars were built to last? They were big, heavy and made of steel! None of that cheap plastic and aluminum everywhere!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ptUrQOMPs - You all relize that aluminium body parts are everywhere eh? Too many to list for 10 years or so.
Hoods fenders to complete cars ,and yes they better crumble and crush they count on it. M GO BLUE wrote:
We all know what happens when an aluminum beer can is crushed...like stated above would be very interesting to see what happens in a crash..
Funny....- Wonder if that would help the raptors frame bending I keep reading about?
- If I'm not mistaken, the hood of the current F 150's are already made of aluminum. If Ford is talking a weight savings of nearly 700 lbs. most of that would be realized from use of an aluminum box. My only question would be how an aluminum bed would hold up to daily use if the owner is throwing more than groceries in it........And, would the bed be subject to cracking from vibration and flex?
Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Anybody know if they will still use a steel frame?
Maybe they can find some old AC Cobra dies and start making them on the same line?
Have to be the 427 ones! But why not just put a hitch on top of the boot. 2500-3000 lbs of pin weight would make the 427 less squirrelly! I have a friend with both a 289 and 427, will have to suggest camping in style to him. He and DW probably will stick it out with their MC9 bus conversion. They have all the toys!
Chris- Great get the truck light enough and they will be rated for 14-16k fifth wheels. "No Problem Man!" Who wants a big heavy truck anyway? If I could get my 7000 lb truck down to 6000 lbs look at how much bigger trailer it could handle, NOT! Chris
DSteiner51 wrote:
I'm also surprised not more carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc is used.
Me too. Aluminum can be stronger than steel in the right alloys and thicknesses. Comparing the aluminum that Ford is suggesting for frames to a soda can is laughable. It is, however, pretty expensive to use aluminum. It makes me wonder why we don't see more composite body panels to shave weight and cost.
I'm sure manufacturers have looked into the issue, but I am optimistic for the future of composites and light weight high tensile strength materials that cost less than steel/aluminum panels and less likely to deform or rust.
