Ford F-150 aluminum repairs cost more than steel, IIHS says

I hear thats it takes a lot of training and some expensive equipment to work on aluminum. I believe that it might cost more for the time being. Are others going to switch to aluminum? That should bring the cost down. Not surprised that GM is calling out Ford, but if im not mistaken they want to build an aluminum truck too. Oh, thats right, only if it works for Ford.
 
One of our Audis has aluminum body panels and suspension components to reduce weight. They are about 4X more money than a steel equivalent.

When first I heard about Ford's new F150, I said to myself, "wow, those guys are gonna be in for a big surprise when they need to do typical pick up truck repairs !!"
 
One of the reasons why I chose my Sierra over the new Ford. Both good trucks though, spent time with both of them. I will say that the new GM's seem more solid/sturdy than the new Fords when driving.
 
Yes indeed, body repairs to the A8 and S8 were very pricey. And now there aren't any remotely local places authorized to do the work either...
 
No surprise.

I don't agree with the touted "benefits" of aluminum. I'll just put my soap box up before I start and leave it at... I think it's mostly marketing and their excuse to get old cars off the streets. Stop making the aluminum replacement parts after a few years, it can't be fixed, it goes to the scrap yard. Same thing with their "green" dashes that are supposed to last 10 years.

Good news about the aluminum though - it will be worth more to scrap after a total loss. :D
 
I haven't owned an aluminum skinned vehicle so I have no opinion that's worth beans, unless by some chance this new Edge has aluminum fenders. I'm going to have to check that out now. That said, aluminum doesn't rust out and it's oxidation process is likely slower than a similar steel piece. Can't quote me on that as I don't have anything to back it up. Salt still does a number on aluminum. The benefit that aluminum brings to the table is plain and simple. It weighs less. As the CAFE standards get tougher I believe you'll see more and more aluminum vehicles being offered. I think it might be funny should GM choose to go this route to play the re-runs of the commercials they're putting out this year. They'll have to spin it as they do aluminum right. ;)
 
GearHead_1 said:
I haven't owned an aluminum skinned vehicle so I have no opinion that's worth beans, uness by some chance this new Edge has aluminum fenders. I'm going to have to check that out now. That said, aluminum doesn't rust out and it's oxidation process is likely slower than a similar steel piece. Can't quote me on that as I don't have anything to back it up. Salt still does a number on aluminum. The benefit that aluminum brings to the table is plain and simple. It weighs less. As the CAFE standards get tougher I believe you'll see more and more aluminum vehicles being offered. I think it might be funny should GM choose to go this route to play the re-runs of the commercials they're putting out this year. They'll have to spin it as they do aluminum right. ;)
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Yes, but the weight deference isn't going to translate to a consumer benefit. Mileage increases will be negligible if even noticeable since we're talking less than 1,000 lbs.

I don't see anything wrong with it, just don't see much of a point either. Aluminum panels dent so easily too - that I know from first hand experience.

I do agree with your last couple lines. Would be funny to see what they do.
 
I think the advertised weight difference is only about 700 lbs. on the typical F150. That said, I don't know any manufacturer that wouldn't like to drop the weight of a vehicle by 15% - 20% when it comes to fuel econonomy. It couldn't help but make a difference over the long haul. Will the consumer see it in their wallet? I don't know. When you factor in the cost of repairs and potentially the up front costs, the offset may end up being negligeable but it sure makes it easier on the Manufacturer when it comes to hitting it's targets.
 
That was kind of my point. I doubt the consumer will ever see the benefit. It's kind of like the cost of hybrids vs non-hybrid. The consumer would have to drive a lot of miles (don't remember a closer number than "a lot" to offset the higher initial purchase price and we haven't even got into the higher repair costs on that either.
 
The ford mustangs have alumn hoods and they keep bubbling under the front seams. Ford repairs them once then your warrantys up and your SOL. Guys are just buying aftermarket hoods
 
The use of aluminum in vehicles is an engineering development by manufacturers in response to government-mandated CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) requirements. Aluminum is a the most cost-effective material to reduce weight while maintaining the necessary structural rigidity and strength in vehicle chassis and body design. Ford's use of aluminum, however, is also a response to get its weight down to match (finally) Chevy's trucks weight with the use of its proprietary high-strength steel. As mentioned, there are several drawbacks to aluminum's use in vehicles, the most significant being initial cost of material, and hence, the vehicle purchase price, and as stated in previous posts, the maintenance and repair issues associated with aluminum.

To me, however, a much bigger cost (and problem) is the corrosion factor and the need to protect aluminum from oxidation. Aluminum will lose its strength due to corrosion much more quickly than steel, unless properly protected. Durability and longevity is an issue, especially when a new truck is now in the $40,000 range and a new vehicle loan is in the 72 month (6 year) length to make its monthly payments affordable to the new vehicle owner. You would like the vehicle to outlast the length of the loan.

So what does this development mean to detailers? New paints and coatings for aluminum panels will probably be developed, requiring new care-car products to be compatible with them. I am guessing this will happen.
Most cars built in the last 20 years have aluminum parts within the engine compartment. Any detailer/hobbyist/mechanic knows the white corrosion that forms on these parts and having to deal with those issues. Don't even get me started about using OCT Simple Green (and other caustic APC's) as a degreaser and its effect on aluminum. It will mean those of us who clean/detail vehicles, whether for fun or for profit, will need to be more vigilant about the products we use on newer aluminum-built vehicles, if we are not already.
 
The new Ford trucks haven't just matched GM's trucks curb weight. They are a good chunk less. My guess is GM & Dodge and others will both follow suit to one degree or another within the next 5 years. As far as GM goes it will then be their proprietary aluminum design. ;)
 
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