Shocking! Aluminum Ford F-150 Repair Costs vs Steel Pickups
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 май 2019
- Is the aluminum Ford F-150 more expensive to repair body damage? This has been an ongoing debate and finally we have some data on the price differences between aluminum repair and steel body repairs. It is a shocking revelation and one that Ford fans will love and critics will hate.
Subscribe for more Pickup Truck and SUV videos: ruclips.net/user/pickuptruck...
Interested in upcoming 2021 vehicles? Check out this playlist:
• 2021 Pickup Trucks, SUVs
We NEED your feedback! Here is the playlist for our popular QOTD series: • Question of the Day fo...
Make sure you check out our collection of videos on classic trucks and SUVs are well: • Classic Pickup Trucks ...
Find us on Facebook: / pickuptrucktalk
Also, on Instagram: / pickuptrucktalk
And on Twitter: / pickuptrucktalk
Our website is here: www.pickuptrucktalk.com 
Авто/Мото
For more on the F-150 check out this video: ruclips.net/video/axw8dwm6ajQ/видео.html
@Frank Crooker Damn. Nothing like long questions. LOL.
I have been to Toyota and Chevy plants. I've never been to a Ram plant or Ford plant IIRC. The difference, for me, isn't so much in the plants themselves (although there is a part of it I'll get to). It really comes down to parts suppliers and the level of quality manufactures require from them.
For example, I've heard suppliers who don't want to work with Toyota do to their high quality standards. I've also heard suppliers who do because once you are in good with Toyota, they will invest in you to be better.
Parts suppliers and the quality of their parts is really where it is at. Everyone can screw in a bolt.
The other item with regards to Japan is due to their final inspection line. I've never seen so many individuals analyzing every detail of a vehicle like the Japanese do at their production plants.
2. Raptor all day, everyday. Limited is really something, but c'mon, it can't compete with the Raptor that thing just oozes cool.
3. Yes, yes and yes. If you search this channel you will find a video with a heavily modified Land Cruiser we took off-roading last summer. Frankly, the Lexus LX isn't that much off for price point to make that big of a difference.
The truth is, before I did this job, I didn't think much of luxury vehicles and especially of luxury off-road vehicles. After doing this job, I'd buy one in a heart beat. :)
@Frank Crooker Maybe. I just don't feel qualified enough to rate plants. I'd rather just report what I see.
Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk can you make a video on the 2019 Silverado single cab long bed
@@chevytrucks5445 If I see one, I'll be doing a video immediately.
@@Pickuptrucktalk Hope it has the carbon-fiber bed.
All thanks to Alan Mulally, then Ford CEO, who came from Boeing with a long list of engineering credits.
Agreed!
The same Boeing that is fighting with the federal government over their fly-by-wire technology? The fly-by-wire technology that the federal government gave them to use in their airplanes? Also gave Ford the technology to use in their vehicles? And then came back and told them that they should re-examine their fly-by-wire technology? That same Boeing? What part of that CEO is great? The fact that he's been experimenting with our wallets for the last 25 years? Or the fact that he's telling the people who gave him the technology to use in airplanes, that they don't know what they're talking about? Is that what makes him a great CEO? but hey... CEOs will always make decisions based on how many people are going to die with their junk engineering. Good thing for Ford Motor Company. All crash tests have to be done on the ground. with crash test dummies in the driver seat. Unfortunately, Boeing is going to be doing it with all 250 passengers on board. Makes you wonder. How many people Henry Ford thought, was an acceptable loss of life. Before he started making indestructible automobiles. a great CEO of Ford Motor Company probably would have picked up that tradition oh, and tried to develop that. But nope not these assholes. They're too busy selling Us out to China. And trying to figure out ways of implementing diversity, and equal outcome in the workplace. a great CEO, would have made the decision, to make parts, to fix the vehicles they were building. But nope outsource it to china for counterfeiting!
35 years at a Ford Dealership collision shop, I love these Trucks everything is so well thought out, I’ve replaced every panel on these trucks, Glue, Rivets, and bolts is all that’s needed to repair the body. Only thing is you cannot put skins on, the new panel just breaks instead of folding over inner. Which fine by me, skinning a door panel is hard on my hands at my age.
I was working with military grade aluminum at Ducommun Aerostructures before Ford swapped to aluminum. I knew from the get go that Ford had a great idea changing over. I thought it was funny when other companies were talking shit and all that. Even seen the GM commercial where they put a hole in the bed with a toolbox and thought "now if that were steel, that bed is going to be rotted out completely in 5 years." I'd rather have a hole in my aluminum truck bed with no further issues than a hole in a steel truck bed and watch as the whole floor of my bed rotted away. Aluminum does corrode, but is far easier to clean, prime and paint. Steel, you have to cut out the contaminated area completely and weld, or rivet in a new section. I guess being most of the people who were bitching about the aluminum have never been to a junkyard or worked with metal in general. On a side note, Tig welding skills are higher paid than mig welding skills and it STILL costs less to repair aluminum stuff than it does to repair steel.
Reminds me a bit of the Tesla vs Edison back when they were competing in electricity, AC vs DC. Edison attempted to demonstrate how AC was dangerous and electrocuted an elephant in public. A bit more dramatic than the Chevy ad dropping a toolbox an punching a hole in the bed of an aluminum body Ford, but same attempt to scare people and getting them to think OMG, I dont want holes in my truck bed, I better buy a Chevy! Naw, I'm good, I'll take a Ford anyday vs a Chevy.
Gm was caught fixing those commercials too. They were rigged
Since most ppl end using a bedliner GM seem to going the right direction and making a carbon fiber bed an option. Hope Ford and rest of the industry does the same...
N C: Its Only used on Denali...um...most of those buyers only haul their YETI Coolers...Not a REAL TRUCK!...SMH
@@misters2837So Im sure your on Rivian wait list :)
Correction it debuting only in the GMC Sierra CarbonPro Denali initially.... but it will be rolled out across of the Sierra and Silverado lineup ... so REAL TRUCK drivers will get a chance bitch about it too...since just like the aluminum F150s.... there will be those trolling about it.... until it has 30yrs for service behind it...
BTW thx didnt even know what a YETI Cooler was...
Been building a semi tractors out of aluminum since the 1950s for crying out loud
True. But they replace a whole panel when it gets damaged they don't try to pound it out
Fiberglass nose
@@1RUclips_you Peterbilt uses aluminum hood, and cab, and sometimes frame as well.
claterpillar1 The classics,. 379, 389 etc. all have fiberglass. Aircraft and such as well. Just must build body with extra rigidity as fatigue and corrosion are culprits.
Gasoline Tankers are aluminum. Not only for weight but because alum will not cause sparks if in an accident (fed law). The tanks themselves last forever. It's the tandem and any moving parts that need repair.
My dad was one of the greatest body bodymen
I remember walking into his shop many times and watched him pounding out the dents oddly enough on his spare time he would build airplanes
A year before he passed away he gave me all his tools he always told me it was not how fast you fixed it
It was the attention to detail and making sure you did it right
Body shops have changed over the years kinda reminds me of the snap together models from the hobby shop
Anyway great video thanks for sharing
Thanks for the comment. Sounds like your Dad was a great man!
I sure found this very interesting,
Thanks for sharing.
That's all well and fine, but 60K and up for a new truck is just way too much money IMHO....
F150 starts at 30k without any rebates.
The truck is only more then your old one if you get all the new little gadgets features. If get a similar options truck it is really close
I admit, I struggle with the cost of vehicles these days. I will most likely be in the market in the next year or two. If you watch dealers you will pay well below MSRP, especially if you are willing to drive an hour or so to purchase. Currently a STX 2 wheel drive is about $27,000 in North Central Florida. Which is less than the list on my wife’s 2018 Kia was. Of course in my world someone else pays the initial depreciation. I buy a vehicle which is a couple years old and then put the next 200,000 or so miles on it.
This didnt age well
GM is going to aluminum also it's only a matter of time they've already got it on all the moving parts of the body. The new Wrangler is all aluminum. I guess if you can't beat em join them. !
But for the next 4 or 5 years, only Fords will have worthless POS tinfoil beds. "Built Ford Tough" LMFAO!!
Interesting decision by GM, considering their rear fenders that are so well known for rust problems are still steel.
hochhaul IT'S probably going to take. G M. AT LEAST THAT LONG TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE A ALUMINUM BED........ THAT WILL GIVE THEM TIME TO GET A HEAD START ON RUSTING.
There New 4 Cylinders u can get in there trucks are also aluminum.
@@plmn93 Yeah but Ford was the master at rust rot. I don't know a single guy with Super Duty that hasn't had his bed completely rot out and required replacement. Foam in the bedsides great idea FORD! Gotta LOVE that even 2014 F-150's have rusted cab corners.
I got rear ended in my 2017 f150 thankfully I had my hitch in at the time and that resulted in damage to one side of the box. Anyways I got a new bumper, new tailgate, new taillight, and just one panel replaced on the passenger side. wasn't cheap about 6k in Canada but I thought the whole box would need to be replaced. No frame damage and the other vehicle was a write off
That sounds about right on cost not anymore then other vehicles out there. I got side swiped in my passenger side of my 2017 Kia sorento. It cost about $4kus to fix. All they replace was the door skin and mirror and had to body work the fender and back door.
I hit a chunk of transport tire and all it did was take out my front bumper cover and the lower valance and plastic stuff and the bill was around $2000 canadian
It’s because the mark up for replacement parts is through the roof. Theoretically it is cheaper but the owners never see this savings trickle down because everyone in between marks it up.
Your steel hitch did more to protect you than you know
NL FN unfortunately it defeats the crumple zone and the energy is transferred through the frame to the passengers. I learned this after buying an aftermarket hitch rather than an OEM hitch on my Subaru. My wife and son were rear ended, the car that hit them contacted the hitch rather than the bumper and they were injured.
They separated the repair bays because they were worried about dust contamination, not so much because of tools.
Great video as always!!! Very informative!!! Thank you for sharing and always bringing us great information!!!!
Thank you for watching!
The thin steel used in vehicles acts a lot like aluminum after a crash. no one beats out panels anyways. They replace panels.
Aluminium is actually quite ridged unless it is annealed although it work hardened when forged
ruclips.net/video/3TjQo9jnCew/видео.html
Don Ogoobo you must have some bodyman experience.
No it doesn't
Part of the reason is the steel is so thin that the heat from filler curing will actually warp the metal around it!!!!
I'm a whole lot more worried about coking in my 2017 F150 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine due to the direct fuel injection than I ever was about aluminum body parts. I wish now that I had either gotten the 5.0 liter V8, or waited until the 2018 came out with both port and direct fuel injection. I keep my trucks about 20 years, so this is my third one. I hope mine lasts. One thing I won't worry about is body rust. I love my truck otherwise!
Add an oil catch can in the PCV line
I bought my F150 because it was aluminum. I had no idea the engineering done to make it viable for cost effective repair. Thanks the insight, confirms my choice in vehicles.
You're welcome.
Great segment ! I was wondering about this very issue. I will soon be in the market for a truck and so far it's the F150 powerstroke crew cab. But with this new info probably won't look anywhere else thanks ! 😀
I can't really go with Ford with turbos! Would you buy a used twin turbo v.6 at 130 k??
@@waltbullet1287 no I wouldn't. But the power stroke diesel is a good engine.. Personally I prefer the Cummins Diesel but Dodge has a terrible track record with their trannies and rear ends. I don't trust the Italian made diesel in the Dodge 1500 and then all the difficulties getting parts for it if you need them.
That is shocking! And there goes a major concern in my consideration of a new F-150. :)
Because Ford. No other American manufacturer does this. They just put them together and pump them out. Ford takes their time. They are smart. That's why they don't get built with tax payer dollars.
That's a false statement. Ford has taken billions of dollars from the government. Every American automotive company has. To be an ignorant fanboy.
www.thebalance.com/auto-industry-bailout-gm-ford-chrysler-3305670
@@MrComputerCoder and when did they never do this? Find a legitimate article that says Ford used our tax money during the Bailout? Go on, I'll wait little sheep...
poked a hole in the top of my 2017 F150, to replace the panel it was about $2500, to have the panel bondo'd, the cost was $1436. If it had been steel, bending out, welding and bondo was under a grand. I'm not exactly sure where the numbers came from but from experience, it's much more expensive to do panel replacement or aluminum repairs than simple steel repairs still.
Like the video and wouldn't be watching it except for the fact that some jackhole creased the front passenger door on my 2020 SCREW!!! Oh, and he left the parking lot without leaving a note...hard to believe in this kinder, gentler world we reside in. Went to the body shop and I was told that the insurance company would pay to replace the entire door which would cost about $3K...Now this is a small dent that looks like paintless dent could handle the job. They won't touch the job, and told me to take it to a body shop. The body shop told me that they could get the dent out and could paint the bottom 2-tone stripe without having to paint the entire door - which is problematic because it is Race Red Metallic (Candy Apple Red). So if I'm ok with the repair and stripe paint only it could be fix for about $1500...What a deal. They said the aluminum wasn't a big issue and the door did not need to be replaced, thank you. So, I'm stuck with a 1500 parking lot dent. BTW, I owned the same 2013 SCREW 4x4 with the 5.0 V-8...eventhough the body of my 2020 is 850 LBS lighter and has the 10spd Trannie the fuel mileage is EXACTLY the same, about 20 on the highway and 18 combo driving...so the lighter body better mileage is bunk
Very good information, well presented. Thanks!
Thanks!
I worked at a Dodge dealership. RAM truck representative said nothing negative about Ford's move to an aluminium body.
RAM decided deliberately not to say anything negative in advertisements about this move by Ford.
RAM will remain mostly steel for the foreseeable future.
Our RAM representative called Ford's move "daring and innovative," the automotive industry is watching to see if the aluminum promises and strength endures.
RAM as a competitor did not focused on the materials that build the frame of a pickup truck and choose not to publicly nor internally speak negative about Ford's decision.
Thank you for your video sir!!!
@a steinmann Mr Steinmann I do prefer GMC pick ups over the Chevy. God bless your heart sir
Of course, if not already mentioned, for those of us who live in winter/salt states, aluminum has the huge advantage of never rusting.
Corrosion is the enemy of aluminum.
@@DavidsonMott rust is the enemy of steel..
After all those fake ass Chevy commercials, why would you believe anything they say😂
The Land Rover Defender (and the Series Rovers from which it evolved) have been made from aluminum since WWII, and those vehicles have been used in some of the toughest terrain on earth without anyone worrying about how durable or easy to repair they were going to be. I'm just hoping Ford makes an aluminum bodied Ranger in Raptor form.
Really some advanced thinking in their technology. Thank you for this video.😊
I’ve been in body repair for almost 10 years and I can assure you that aluminum vehicles are not only more expensive to repair, but far more likely to total out in a more serious accident. Not sure where this data is from, but it’s definitely wrong. I would never buy an aluminum ford truck. I hate these new Ford trucks and so do the rest of my coworkers. The replacement panels are insanely expensive (over $1,000 for a door) for these trucks. A new headlamp is close to $1,000. Absolute joke. Damage is far more likely to be non-repairable in these alum panels. Replacement required. This year alone we’ve had to replace the ENTIRE truck bed on 4 aluminum trucks because the structure gets kinked a tiny little bit (it’s weak). These are minor rear end accidents where the damage is almost not noticeable, Ford won’t let us fix them because it’s impossible to get them exact, and we’re basically throwing away truck beds that would have been easy fixes if they were steel. In 10 years when these trucks value is way less, they will total out so easily it’s not even funny. Grandma bumps you at a red light and you’ll kiss your truck goodbye. The cab structure is far less structurally sound than previous year model. Not safe. I would never invest my hard earned money in them
Thanks for sharing your experience.
This is exactly what my body shop said to me today.
Preach. Once aluminum stretches, the panel is no good. Overall more expensive to repair than steel that you could pull and fill and blend color within the panel depending on how big the repair is.
The into thing that really matters to be made out of steel is the frame.
Outstanding video. I'm not a ford fan myself, but was very curious about the aluminum.
Hey great info, just fell upon your channel and knew ford swapped from steel to aluminum, I’m not as knowledgeable about this as some of the experts but what does the longevity look like in states that use salt and calcium chloride on the roads for ice and snow control? Aluminum doesn’t rust but it still flakes right? Are there articles or links that have comparisons?
The grade of aluminum they use does oxidize and it looks a lot like steel rusting. Look at the older models that they put aluminum hoods on.
Good info what i got out of it is a little bump that would not have damaged a steel panel causes a aluminium one to go to a shop. But am not to surprised the cost came down with aluminum one, every new thing always cost more and there has always been a couple 3 years till ppl learn the tricks and the buy the tools to make those this become cheap and fast to fix
Gotta do something with all these energy drink cans!
And Aquaman DVDs. Oh wait... They haven't figured out how to turn those in the bumpers yet. I have faith... Someday they will.
The additional cost to the body shop upgrades is not hammers. The super high costs come from the separate air filtration system requirements inside the shops. Both Ford and GM now require certified repair shops (not just dealers) to be fully equipped with a completely separate air system. The panels still need to be sanded, primed and painted. The alum dust is different (probably a smaller particle) than steel and probably more health risky to the techs working on them.
Thanks for clearing that up.
Great video! Very cool! THANK YOU!
Well done. Very enjoyable...
Thanks.
Don't confuse aerodynamics and efficiency. Like you say, trucks are as aerodynamic as bricks, and aluminum doesn't change that. Making it lighter increases efficiency without affecting aerodynamics.
not only are they easy to replace but puncture and dents can be filled in with tin rods and smoothed out like icing on a cake
If it is going to take you 30 hours to fix the door you need to find a new line of work!
im starting to think an f150, even with the twin turbo twins, will be a fantastic vehicle to buy if you could never buy another vehicle again.
The Ecoboost engines have been proven to be very reliable. They build power very low in the RPM range and you don't need to run them higher than 3krpm in daily driving. Less RPMs=less piston ring and less cylinder head wear.
@@matthewd6306 even ran hard id trust em over chevy's botched cylinder deactivation. Ram's MDS has proven to be reliable along with their ZF8 tranny but the rest of the truck is bargin bin garbage.
I drove a 2015 3.5 NA F150 fleet truck, could get over 21 mpg highway. My 2013 3.7 NA barely gets 17 mpg. The efficiency alone makes them worth it.
Being a former auto body man I am sorry, but there is no way making a fender easier to remove and replace equal 6 to 7 hours of time/labor saved.
No but that’s what most body’s shops will charge
A fender is bolt on for most vehicles regardless of material. Typical labor is 2-3 hours to remove replace. Not sure where he gets 6-7 from
Well said
Sorry man this just isn't true. I'm a adjuster at a body shop thats aluminum certified. Door skins are not typically 60 bucks. The pabeks on an F-150 are not plug and play. A door panel on a f-150 is north on 500 bucks. Removing a fender pays 2.5 book hours. So much mis information here.
Two things: 1. The door skin price was for a 1964 pickup. Watch the video again.
2. This isn’t my survey data. Watch the video again.
Thanks for the video I really love those ford f150 and I've always wondered about the aluminum body
I got a pretty decent door ding during a wind storm a few months ago. 3 estimates were all close to the same. $1200! Insurance covered it but still. A PDR shop said we can fix that for $70, wait, what year is it? oh a '16? that's aluminum right? we'll try. They got some straightened out but not all and didnt charge me anything. Ended up at the body shop our insurance said to go to and was still over $1000.
jadd6810 the price was the same because they probably replace the panel....just like he said it easier to change the panel then to repair it I guess I don’t get your point
Point: Reducing weight DOES NOT improve aerodynamics. It does improve MPG. Point: Steel is cheaper than aluminum to begin with, and is just as easily recycled and has been recycled since its first crucible was ever poured. Not trying to bash Ford in any way. I think they did an excellent job with the truck. Just wish to clarify two points here.
Robert Beck it is a good point that it can be 100% recycled though, better than ending up in a landfill.
I've worked on aircraft for a while now and know aluminum is easier to work on than steel.....
great video, critics are usually wrong because they are paid to write something without researching it and it takes less time for knuckle draggers to pick up a hammer and swing it to damage a truck that is innovative in its thinking and manufacturing to the point to save their customers money in the long run on fuel costs, I use to work for Volvo back in the lates 80's and when they redesigned the 760 in 1988 and went to aluminum hood and trunk lids the weight savings was enough to show on the fuel economy ratings and did not sacrifice any safety that are always known for and that is why you have critics/haters who are not ford owners and comment out of their arses,lol
Good info. Only thing I'd add is that weight has nothing to do with aerodynamics. Weight will cause more rolling friction in the tires and wheel bearings though. The weight reduction will help more in the city, where you are accelerating and braking a lot. Takes more gas to get a heavy truck up to speed. Highway is more about aero than rolling friction, but less weight is always good. I've heard the new f150s handle quite well for a truck too.
FYI - The 2015 F-150, aluminum, gets 1 MPG better than the 2014, steel, with the same engine.
@@Pickuptrucktalk yeah I didn't say it wouldn't be better. All I said was it wouldn't be a huge gain on the highway. 1mpg is significant but not huge.
It's cool the videos showing the casting process of the aluminum is from my plant. Arconic Davenport Iowa is where we make all the aluminum for the Ford trucks.
I toured that plant a few years ago! Very cool!
I was excited to hear Ford was making truck bodies out of aluminum!. Here is Wisconsin it's normal to see rear fenders rusted out on trucks only 4 or 5 years old and everything else rusted out by 10 years old. Really pisses me off and because of that I've refused to buy a new truck. I'm not going to spend $40K only to have a rust bucket in 5 years. The aluminum F-150 is the only truck I would buy new.
Visited Dearborn F-150 plant in 2016. Came home and bought my first pick up. My F-150 is not perfect but still looks brand new and runs same. thx
I built tankers for fuel etc, dumptrucks, flatdecks etc for years and have welder steel, stainless and aluminum every day...all of these metals will oxidize especially if connected with ferrous and non ferrous components and all metals required a finish to protect from the elements. Curious to how the aluminum will hold up over time
Good thing Ford paints their aluminum trucks!
I got an aluminum porch canopy on one of my properties , that is 62 years old. Now that's in Houston , where it rains alot. Zero leaks in it, and it hasn't oxidized yet.
So I guess when compared to an older steel f150, repair costs for the new f150 are less because of better designs. I wonder what the repair costs of 2019 F150 tailgate (one of the most damaged components of a truck) would be compared to a 2019 Ram 1500 steel tailgate.
Yeah, more in-depth individualized costs would be interesting. Not sure how to get that data though.
The concept of easy to remove and replacing panels/parts is as old as the automobile. Only when unibody cars came along did it start to go away. From the original Model T Ford thru cars in the 1980s, remove and replace was normal.
It's good to know some American manufacturers may be returning to production methods that make routine maintenance and repairs easier and thus cheaper.
In Minnesota we fight rust more than we fight damage. I’d love to have an aluminum car. I have an old plastic saturn ion and I don’t know what I’ll replace it with. Kind of wonder what would happen if ford went with a stronger steel bed and did the rest in aluminum?
I’m interested in the Aluminum because I live in the North where roads are salted and sanded in the winter. You can wash it as much as you want but it’s STILL going to rust out and fall apart. I’m buying a 2017 f150 and undercoating the hell out of it with POR15.
And only 7% more cost, and you get a clean panel...one that is not filled with bondo. Sounds good to me.
Its also the skill level; I have a strong hunch "lower skill" (cheaper AND easier to replace as the "pool of labour" is larger) .. really comes into it. I noticed too how they just do not like repairing panels .. swap out the panel at literally all costs. I know steel .. in the "old days" it was shaped and spent the rest of it life really, trying to get back to being flat (the original shape before it was stamped); but that changed a couple decades ago and the "shaped panel" was .. wrong way to say it, but it was its "natural shape"; that is the metal memory was set to that final shaping .. so I bet if damaged it really is hard to have it look "factory" over time. So that is a factor. The great point you make is how Ford made these trucks easier to repair; and this is something that hads enormous potential including making manufacturing "easier" and impacting the quality via fewer parts and/or easier. I am also very impressed that aluminum .. I'm not versed on this .. but from "the raw" it is very costly to create .. a ton of energy .. but recycling can they just melt it down again and it is ready to use? If so that environmentally is fantastic as aluminum is one of the FEW recyclables that actually does get reused locally and not sent off abroad for "processing" (which sadly often means sorted by the poor and largely buried). So a soda or beer can .. it will get process in your own country for reuse, and it is not a complicated process. Some good insights as I was really wondering what was behind that "insurance finding" and if it was really true. Now why are they crashing more .... ?
I bought a Lariat I didn't know that.. awesome..ready to get a 2021
I believe I read that the 2015 F150 was rated very high is collision safety which was partially caused by the aluminum body. Explained that the aluminum absorbs impact better than steel softening the blow. Makes sense to me... Also mixing aluminum with steel will cause carbonic corrosion if not properly prepared. Most people don’t realize this but Ford has been using aluminum in their vehicles for years.. My 2004 Explorer has an aluminum hood, the rest is steel and I have NO issues with carbonic corrosion. Actually semi tractors have had aluminum in their body for decades, weight makes a big difference for them. Carbonic corrosion is caused by two dissimilar metas touching, they actually create a current that promotes the corrosion similar to a dry cell battery. And if insulated properly you will not have a problem.. P.S. don’t you love the way the Brits say aluminum? AL-YOU-MINIUM..
It's actually more expensive to have the aluminum fixed. Its easier than metal to fix but more expensive.
As an "A" level Auto Body Tech, the concern was more on mid, or large claims. Not so much drunk bumps. Frame Rails, Pull Times, Weld Time etc.. The big 55+ hour jobs. yes the contamination is a problem actually, but more in terms of an overall nation wide average type thing, because mainly a lack of knowledge, and work ethic of techs. Knowledge part being, aluminum welding, and good frame men, along with the fact there just aren't any body men left.. work ethic part being, lazy with cross contamination of metals, mudding, etc.. you get the idea, but great video nonetheless. For only a year in, if you can implement your talking points to work throughput you can pull an easy 100k a year from body work. Thumbs up from me mate. Cheers!
Edit: also just don't settle for anything under an A level shop. You get what you pay for, and unless that doors is absolutely just destroyed, stud gun, pick hammer, grinding wheel, straight edge, mud for pin pricks of hammer. Job done in under 4 hours. You're going to have an amazing time doing door skins, thankfully the age is old enough that the skin will be a few mm thicker, but modern cars. Door skinning is a joke, but is done, but will usually take you 20-30 hours vs a pulling, and mudding, and beating down high spots. Sanding it with 80, then 180, send her to paint. Done in 4 hours, but get paid for about 14ish or so. That's where you make your money.
Well done Ford however I would like to make a few points. Most or all manufacturers recycle their left over steel from the stamping presses. Normally the panels are made from virgin materials so the leftovers are valuable scrap for other metal products. The engineers could also have made the steel structures easier to repair like they have with the aluminium. I would like to know Ford’s reasoning for going to aluminium, call me cynical but Ford must see a cost saving in it. I’m wondering if there is a weight saving, yes, aluminium is lighter but is it thicker on the body panels to maintain the strength required? It will certainly help those people living in the rust belt but the frames will still rust away. Cheers. Edit, Ford said it saved 700lb so it is a worth while change.
New subscriber here. Great channel.
Thanks!
When the Alum body came out there was a vid that did a side by side repair comparison. It was roughly twice as much. 5 years later (as i myself predicted) that the cost is much lower now, then when first intro'd. Like everything else, cost always go down the more something is made. Remember when microwaves were $1000 and cost half that to fix....now the same one is a couple hundred bucks and gets tossed when its broke and a new one is bought. Ford is always ahead of the game, rarely are they not. (Adding lights to a truck bed doesnt count....lol)
Military grade: Meeting the military standard (in mass production terms) usually means that a manufacturer was able to meet the minimum stated requirements at the lowest unit price. Not better, just cheaper.
Dont forget and you heard it from me.
GM engineers were at the ROUGH plant taking notes discreetly because of the aluminum.
ROUGE
Thanks for the video. I do disagree with your analysis with regards to fuel economy & aerodynamics vs. aluminum/steel
1. Aerodynamics refers to the way air flows around the truck. Aerodynamics is not improved by a switch from steel to aluminum.
2. However, fuel economy is improved INDIRECTLY by a switch to aluminum in this way:
lighter truck --> smaller engine installed --> better fuel economy.
3. A lighter weight truck should have better city fuel economy due to its faster acceleration. Highway mpg depends more on Cd and frontal area -- not weight.
True. Light weight doesn't necessarily mean better fuel economy. I drive a semi. And running high speed empty against wind burns more fuel than if I had 20,000 lbs on me. How? Because the momentum of the weight advantage helping you push against the wind. Try rolling a baseball vs a whiffle ball see which one rolls further with the same thrust. The whiffle ball will stop way shorter because it needed more energy. The baseball did not because it didn't require more energy because of the help from the weight.
There are more claims because hail doesn’t damage steel as easilly as it does aluminum.
How about doing a video on insurance costs for the 1/2 ton offerings from Ford, Chevy, Ram, Toyota and Nissan? That could be a deciding factor on which truck you choose. Is there a big difference?
No more to insure a ford than a chevy is what i found.
Yes, aluminum is recyclable. But aluminum needs to be separated by alloy type or it becomes jig plate which is a mishmash. Jig plate is used as tooling plate.
Where aluminum falls short is that due to galvanic corrosion you need isolators between aluminum, steel, and copper used as body grounds.
Factory body repair parts would receive the same chemical processing as new build. The problem comes in when repairs are performed in the field as you won’t find a shop with an anodizing line. With adhesives being used to bond roof panels in place, the new panel will be fine, the part it’s being bonded to will be suspect.
I'm reading this also, that it's currently very difficult to create a new high grade aluminum part from recycled aluminum. pretty much have to use virgin aluminum every time, unlike steel. Hopefully this issue gets worked out in the future.
Loving my 2018 F150 FX4
Bushy556 Loving my 2016 f150 xlt
@@Coyote-pj1iu Loving my 2015 F150 Lariat.
Hating my 18 xlt on my second 5.0 motor due to piston slap and oil burn new motor 6 days ago 300 miles and its knocking
@@Destinoffshorefishing never had that problem with my EcoBoost.
@@Destinoffshorefishing there's good and bad in all of them. Never had good luck with Government Motors though
The one thing I don't like is that there is no way to use temporary signs on the truck for example if you can only afford one vehicle and you need a sign on it for work but don't want it on there when not on the job and no way to mount antennas lights or other things you may need temporarily that you wouldn't need to totaly replace each time you need to take whatever off and if there is please let me know
Yep. Not a fan of that either.
Nice video
Thanks!
the only reason ford switchd to aluminum was for weight savings and that was it. and higher payloads.the strength of the truck is in the frame not the body
And you know this for sure....... how?
Big boss man “knows this for sure” because Ford says this is the reason why on their F-150 commercials 🤣🤣 also, look at crash tests of all the steel BODY PANEL trucks and they all blow to pieces when they hit the wall... the steel folds, the aluminum rips, big deal. F-150 is still the best in crash tests (minus the 97-03 body style) so in the end, steel versus aluminum makes no difference. Anyone who thinks a thin steel body panel is going to save you in a crash versus aluminum, needs to watch the crash test videos
@@kineticenergy1085 what u have to keep in mind the f150 did better in crash test than ram or chevy because it was a newer designed truck at the time and the crash test are always changing. now the newer ram and chevy will do fine now because they are newer designsd to go with the newer crash test
@@kineticenergy1085 I'm thinking of buying a 1998 Ford F-150 4.6 Single Cab and have heard that this is the case especially in frontal collisions. I really want a Chevy OBS with the 5.7 since I've had one before and really liked it. Anyways, the price on the 1998 Ford F-150 is good and the truck is in great shape with low miles. I have just never owned a Ford in my 41 years of living. What's your thoughts if you don't mind me asking?
Big Dummy the 4.6l is bulletproof...... seriously...look it up , one of fords most reliable engine ever made , they put it in there cop cars (crown Vic’s) I’ve had one for 15 years now 240,000 miles and as far as the engine goes , all I’ve had to do is replace a idler pulley for 30$
So if ford would have designed the steel truck to come apart as easy as the aluminum truck the repair costs would have been lower on steel trucks too. Sorta bogus data, sorta not. It is interesting that the costs were not sky high as critics claimed. I'd say the true purpose of going aluminum is purely manufacturing costs being lower. Make them cheaper. Thanks for sharing
Ford has Always been the innovator out of the 3 big USA auto makers. They take much bigger chances and the others follow in their steps a few yrs later. The new Chevy Silverado front end is clearly inspired by the 2015+ F150 front end. Look at the Headlights.
Actually, Chrysler was the big innovator for many decades. First with uni body construction, production hemi-head engines, alternators vs generators, electronic ignition , electronic clocks, torsion bar suspension, airbags, lean burn combustion, turbo charged 4 cylinder engines that actually ran dependably well. Probably more.
Ford changed two variables at the same time. This doesn’t refute the truth that steel is tougher (engineering term) and cheaper. If Ford used steel instead of steel, but with the same design, the cost to repair would be less and the truck would be more durable.
Boatbroke ... say what?
Love the new plastic oil pan & drain plug on the new Ford's.
It's not on All trim levels I believe.
Yeah, right that oil pan is a true nightmare! I go in for my 2nd replacement on June 3rd. The first replacement didn't make it 5k miles. For the record, all of the 2.7 ecoboosts still have this drain pan/plug. What really torques me off is the fact that I let the sales person talk me into the 2.7. It made sense at the time, but with all of the headaches I've been dealing with I'm far from happy with my decision.
Lol true
@@CousinSchultz thats Ford for ya
@@Anth230 yeah but it goes to show what stupid shit Ford foes
Ive seen the cabs and beds ripped from there body mounts and dasboards ripped from the firewalls and b- pillers ! Scary !
Insurance costs on my 2019 f250 super duty diesel is around 20% higher than a comparable 19 Ram 2500 Cummins or Chevy HD diesel
Thats what happens when you are a shit driver
B.s
Just be thankful you don't live in Michigan. We pay 4 times as much as Chicago ( which is considered the worst place to live with higher insurance rates). If you live here in Michigan you know what I mean. We are the only state that requires a separate medical clause for lifetime insurance coverage for accidents.
thinking shit driving affects only his Insurance cost for his f250 ....That's what happens when you use shit logic
Why is that? I heard the cab has to come off to work on the fuel system (wrong fuel, def in wrong tank, etc) and that it's so expensive insurance companies were having to pay (not sure how they wound up on the hook).
What's funny is I just talked to a Chevy guy that tried to tell me how much he liked the Ford but only went with Chevy bc his insurance rates were quoted so high bc of how high the repair costs were. So what this video tells me is he's full of shit and listened to other Chevy guys that can't stand that Ford makes a way better truck in every way.
Great info and reassuring to me as a new F150 owner. Keep up the great work!
Thanks!
You have the absolute best truck. Why should you need reassurance? Didnt you buy it knowing it is the cream of the crop?
Armand Davis Haha...good point. Just nice to see vids like this 😊
Repair would never be my concern. The issue is that which meets steel when you toss in road salt or sea spray. What aluminum becomes is an anode and the body simply has the potential to become sacrificial. I'll wait on those results given the early evidence.
Hmm... good question. How many years would you want for evidence? I could do some searching and do a video.
Lmfao
@@Pickuptrucktalk The oldest aluminum F 150 is 4.5 years old now....would be interesting to see if there has been issues. I haven't heard any yet..
It won't be an issue. In fact the aluminum will hold up many times better than steel will under any type of conditions. Aluminum is often used in structural applications in marine environments due to its durability, it is nearly impervious to the elements. Yes there is the issue of corrosion but that tends to be very slow, especially considering the rate that steel will rust. And if you want data, just look at the numerous applications where aluminum is already used: engine blocks, wheels, boats, aircraft, etc. Bottom line: don't think twice about it because it is not an issue, no matter what people say (I know there are a lot of nay sayers).
Aluminium in salt water still corrodes...I live by gulf. Once it corrodes it isn't any better than steal. So really it comes down to how well you maintain your vehicle
I love my black '16 5.0 Supercab XLT XTR!.
@Gus Goose A-f'n-men brother!!!
Had a Ford....love the tundra.
5:45 Much research is often wrong or skewed.
IMO
Repair costs are not significantly lower because the metal they take off is recyclable.
The aluminum would net maybe $35 in scrap while steel would only be about $5
Meanwhile, without manufacturer discount, the cost of an aluminum fender would be much higher than the cost of a steel one. So, no, recycling is a red herring.
That he manufacturer discounts aluminum parts (to aid its image concerning using aluminum).
STILL - for the end user (buyer/driver) it is a good deal.
This information to me is very inaccurate. I write estimates for an insurance company and I can personally tell you that aluminum costs much more. The labor rates are higher. The amount of replacement part vs repair is higher. I will say Ford is good with keeping the cost of oem parts reasonable but paying $400 for a fender plus labor of the remove replace is much higher than a 6 hour steel repair which in my area would cost $276 rather than the $500 plus for the replacement. This does not even include the refinish times as blending is needed on replacement but could be avoided with repairs depending on area of damage. I feel really bad for the body techs because they are the ones getting hit the most as their pay is from labor and with the amount of replacements they are losing out.
Absolute bullshit...and if need be, I can prove it...
Insurance, the single biggest bunch of liars and thieves on the planet!
I have heard that the Aluminum is more ridged and has no flexability like steel. There has been reports of windows cracking and doors opening while driving down the road!
Doors opening while driving down the road is the result of the door latch freezing in the winter...unrelated to aluminum. TSB/recall to add hardware to protect latched from water getting in the latches.
So ford knowing that the panels will require a full replacement they made it easier to remove and replace. Now if they would do that with steel people would be upset with how little of the vehicle was welded. Honestly my opinion the steel on the new trucks is getting so thin and flimsy they may as well switch to softer aluminum that is thicker. Steel has become so thin on truck bodies that the latch panel on the tailgate of my truck deformed by me just walking on it. Now there’s a pritty good gap between that panel and the tail gate that’s only going to get worse
Thinner body steel=lower weight Higher MPGs.
Smart
Oh yeah!
It is a good truck... Only if the water pump does not dump water into the oil pan.
the box style frame rots out from the inside traps salt inside found 4 in last 3 months totaly shot
700 lbs less is a lot of weight 😮. Definitely it was a well designed change
My question would be If you have a low speed collision the aluminum would crunch so much easier than steel it would have more damage all over. It's not just a fender change.
After seeing my investment in a truck rust I can honestly say I will buying an aluminum truck next, it won’t be a ford but it’s gotta have aluminum bed and doors.
Yeah, the no rusting thing is a BIG damn deal. I grew up in Michigan where you threw away your truck after it was paid off due to rust. That's why I got excited for the new carbon bed from GM and the aluminum F150.
@@Pickuptrucktalk Exactly. It can indeed corrode but Aluminum corrosion is not nearly as bad as Steel rusting....
The new silverado has aluminum doors and tailgate but the rest is steel. Thats the best way to go
Andy's Shop and hood. Like I said in the video, if it swings, it is aluminum.
Andy's Shop that’s what I’m looking at getting in the next few years. I’m hoping they go aluminum on the bed, Chevy makes such a strong truck but damn they rust like crazy
Is the new ranger going to be aluminum
Nope. It is steel.
I have an aluminum ford, love it but it’s too light when empty on wet roads. Maybe that’s why there more repair claims
Does it slide around? Interesting what you say. Care to share more detail?
@@Pickuptrucktalk i have one and don't find it slides any more than my steel chevy.
Land Rover and Jaguar have been making cars for years in Aluminium. Why has it taken this long for our friends across the pond?
Aluminum ore production, mass production obstacles, dealership repair training, etc...
No offense to LRJ, but they don't build vehicles to the scale the Ford F-150 is built.