I agree with that, customer satisfaction begins with good information and taking care of the customer "after" the sales as well...

 

Thanks Screwbuilder for your input. Although I thought the problem was only at Norfolk plant, but from what you've said the same problem must be at KC plant also? Does KC plant only build screws , or are other models built there also?

 

We build all models, conventional, supercab and screws.

 

screwbuilder, What do you do at the Kansas City plant? Have you seen any SCrews come through with the bright step bars?

 

Those that are out there nail biting and saying lets see how Ford treats this problem and that problem listen to Screwbuilder. I used to work for one of the Ford suppliers. We supplied for a large number of vehicle manufacturers. I'm sure Screwbuilder will agree. These things happen all of the time unfortunately. Fortunately, QA usually catches them before they get out. That is what has happened in this case.

It was not unusual for a 100,000 units to be questionalble and require checking. Then ususally only one or two are bad. However, the only way to know is to check every one in question. So where they are in the production startup this is really (although disappointing for those of us who have one on order) part of the normal vehicle building process.

 

I totally agree. I am as excited as everyone to see these trucks on dealer lots. I will be ordering one soon, but remember Ford has a lot riding on this vehicle. It is best to get all the problems fixed before they reach the dealer lots. Launching a new truck is a huge project and the company knows that this has to be the best launch they have ever had. I think they are doing a great job on it and they will be on lots soon enough.

 

A friend just reported to me a conversation with his neighbor in Chesapeake, VA. The neighbor works in the Ford plant.

"He said that when they attempted to weld a bracket to the truck frame the frame cracked. Ford had already made 900 trucks and they scrapped them all and are making new ones. The company making the frames is catching up and they are working overtime to get the trucks replaced. The guy in Norfolk who had the article in the paper had his truck picked up at his house and was given a new truck. "

Hopefully mine was later in sequence.

 

Well there must be a problem my build date was changed to a date not yet determined. It was going to be built on Aug 26th. I asked why they had to change the date and the salesman had no answer. Oh well

 

Has anyone been able to confirm what the problem is with these trucks that have been put on hold? A cracked frame seems a bit hard to believe? What stress have trucks just off the line gone through to cause this? Also hard to believe that welding would cause cracks unless the material was overheated and weakened.

 

The forming process causes internal stress to build up which when heat treated can result in materials that crack and fracture when welded on. Look at the frames on a tractor of a tractor-trailer. On most of them you will see large signs that read "Do not weld to frame rails." That is why.