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chuck zepfel

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  1. Thank you sir for posting that info. I was beginning to think that maybe a new model wasn't coming out anymore and Ford forgot to tell the public. ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  2. I too agree it would be great if Ford got back into producing the presidential limo, but naturally it wouldn't be any where's close to a production vehicle - nor should it be with all of the security features required. Would the chassis be the Expedition or F-350/450? From the proposal - "The contract proposal says bids are “restricted to Major domestic U.S Automobile Manufacturers, who have their primary headquarters located in the United States of America.” So, would this limit the companies in the running to be just Ford, GM and Chrysler? With Chrysler being owned by a foreign company, but with their Chrysler HQ in the USA, one has to wonder if they qualify? From the Detroit News: "In 2011, the limo came under scrutiny when the Secret Service said some federal vehicles are exempt from Obama’s directive that all federal vehicles purchased starting 2015 be advanced-technology models. As a candidate for president in 2008, Obama unveiled an energy strategy that called for boosting electric vehicles in the federal fleet. “Within one year of becoming president, the entire White House fleet will be converted to plug-ins as security permits; and half of all cars purchased by the federal government will be plug-in hybrids or all electric by 2012,” his campaign fact sheet said. In fact, none of the vehicles in the White House fleet were converted." Could anyone imagine the presidential limo being a plug-in? I know it would never happen as the suggested curb weight (while it's classified) has been estimated to be in excess of 10,000 pounds. How big of electric motor do ya think it would take? Plus, with the additional size of the battery required to power it, the limo would have to be the size of a tour bus. ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  3. I've seen a couple of dates for individual models in the forum, but here is a list of all of the models (including other makes) for those that may be on the fence with their ordering. You'll see there are some Ford models that flow from 2014 into the 2015's the very next day. http://www.arifleet.com/publications/build-out_start-up_dates/?/news/build-out_start-up_dates/ Obviously, this may be very fluid, plus there are some holes (TBD), so it's best to check with your local dealer. ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  4. I hadn't heard of them before I read about them on another thread, so when I went to the website, I was surprised that they'll no longer be available after June of this year. http://www.dmb.uk.com/cat/22/ford-badges-gel-overlays#page1 They're pretty interesting and different, but I guess it may have come down to Ford protecting their trademark...which they have every right to do. I don't believe that Ford has anything comparable, so it'll be a loss for those that desire having something different on their vehicle. I know to a purest, a "blue oval" is everything, but sometimes one wants to be a little different. So, if you're interested in purchasing these badges, ya better hurry before they're no longer available. ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  5. Not real new news, but... http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_EUROPE_FORD?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-02-22-09-18-23
  6. There is a Ford dealership in Huntsville...Woody Anderson. It has about twice the service area as Pearman Lincoln does. Maybe the car owner doesn't realize that he could take it to Woody Anderson, but then again, if he started with Pearman, he may want to continue for consistency. Another thought: Huntsville has a noise ordinance against loud vehicle radios. He may have a difficult time if it starts blaring right next to a police car. He'd be better off if he carried a copy of the service work (or lack of) in his car.
  7. From the Huntsville AL Times: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/01/huntsville_couple_sues_ford_li.html#incart_river_news Ya gotta wonder if this is a unique situation? If I was Ford, I would have offered them a new replacement vehicle and took the old one in for review.
  8. I need some help with this one. My 2009 Explorer has the SYNC, so I'm not all that familiar with MFT...yet. I rely a little on Consumers Reports as gauge for alot of what I buy, but I don't rely solely on it. What I have a problem with their reporting and position of a MFT flawed system, can anyone please address how MFT integrates into the overall operations of the vehicle? From what I gather, it's more or less for the entertainment portion of the vehicle...correct? If so, what the heck does it have to do with the drive-train, interior and/or exterior of the vehicle? I could see if MFT was tied into the drive-train and it caused interoperability problems, but come on....MFT seems to be just the radio and other electronic do-dads. To me, a properly working MFT is a plus but not a show stopper. Obviously Ford needs to correct any malfunctions with MFT...as soon as possible and it appears they're trying to do just that. ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  9. And yet another recall for older model Escapes. Not a banner year for Ford, but at least they're doing what is necessary. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FORD_ESCAPE_RECALL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-07-26-13-02-10 While this may be another stumble for Ford, can anyone answer me why Toyota has many more recalls, but still is the top selling nameplate? ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  10. I hadn't thought much about the garage door opener as I thought most if not all Ford's had them from the factory. However, I see where it's standard in the Taurus Limited and SHO so "bobbyd" got his.
  11. Just in case y'all haven't seen the video of the retractable roof, here is a link from the release:
  12. Ford should buy this for their museum. While it's not overly spectacular, it's kinda heart-warming. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/02/florida-woman-3-reaches-end-road-after-576000-miles-in-same-car/
  13. Watching this video, ya almost know what's gonna happen...but exactly when - is the mystery. The long traffic signal keeps ya in suspense a bit. http://jalopnik.com/5862633/identical-corvettes-crash-in-thanksgiving-stoplight-drag-race-fail?popular=true&autoplay While they're Ford competition, it sure is a waste to crash them...but boys will be boys. I guess they didn't have too much to be thankful for after that happened. ChuckZ Harvest, AL
  14. I've been an Explorer/Mountaineer guy for several years now, but the redesign isn't doing anything for me. In my eyes, it has too much of a "Ford Edge" look...and I don't like the "Edge" looks. A quick glance at the rear in the spy photos makes it look like they may have done away with the opening hatch window...but it may just be the picture that's playing games with these old eyes. The pictures that they're displaying on "Facebook" sure make the hatch opening look smaller, but that could be just the camera. I sure wish I had the automated rear hatch opener on my 2009 Explorer...getting too old to open it manually. HA! I may check with my Ford shop to see if they can install one from another current Ford product...easily. In the long run, I guess I'll have to lay aside my final opinion until the production model is unveiled. ChuckZ
  15. I took part in the survey for my 2009 Explorer Eddie Bauer. However, maybe it's a senior moment for me, but didn't see the Explorer listed. Maybe it's because the Explorer/Mountaineer isn't selling as great as the other models and thus didn't have that many navigation systems installed or just didn't get that many replies. I gave it great grades...as far as I remember - another senior moment. HA! ChuckZ
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