Well, the 2008's will be out soon, completing this life-cycle of the current version F-150.

So has anyone ever found out why, in all these years between 2004 and now, that Ford only put the nice glossy outer door trims on only the 2004 models, and not '05-'07 (and I assume '08 as well)?

Was there some sort of problem associated with them?

Did they reflect light into other driver's eyes?

Were they truly that much cheaper to produce?

And if so, wouldn't they just charge more to have them on the higher-end models like FX4 and Lariat? Honestly, why did Ford change over to the crappy black matte finish panels?

They look like crap compared to the '04's, you see the difference immediately. Aren't there some guys here who work for Ford, perhaps they have an insight into why Ford went to the junky looking versions instead of sticking with the glossy trim pieces between the doors that they used in 2004.

I only ask because I don't want the '09's to end up with some crappy matte black pieces instead of the sweet looking glossy ones (if anything on the new truck would use such pieces of course). If I knew why they switched at least I'd have some understanding here.

 

I'm pretty sure a lot of them had problems with discoloring or something.

Also 2009 is the year to bring this body style to completion.

 

Also 2009 is the year to bring this body style to completion.[/QUOTE]

I hope not, Ford needs the new refresh ASAP. If they use this old body style for 2009 and wait until 2010 to bring out the refresh they will continue to lose sales to the competition.

Although it would help me $ave more if they waited until 2010. But after all this waiting and drooling over the 2009 spy pics I sure hope they stick with '09 as the new refresh model year.

Discoloration? Hmmm, well that sounds like a plausible reason. I've never seen any with that issue, but at least if there's an explanation why it will make some kind of sense to me.

 

The 2004's finish oxidized to the point the gloss black had a purple swirl look to it.

 

I didn't know they used to come like that. Man that glossy finish would look great on my black 07.

 

If that's the case, I must be one of the lucky ones, mine are as glossy as the day i bought my truck.

 

I'm not saying 2010 will be the first year. It'll be the 2009 MY trucks..

. . like I said, it wasn't all of them.

 

Heck, I'm just glad I wasn't one of them, didn't get so lucky with the Diff, Front Disc's, Throttle body, etc.

 

Why? The current body style is far superior inside and out compared to any truck currently on the road.

 

My glossy's are holding up great!

 

True, that's why I still own my '04. But with all the squeeks, rattles and engine whine of the '04 model I can't wait for the '09's. I hope they are as quiet and trouble-free as the '97 model. Quiet-steel... quiet interior... yeah... that describes my '97, not a peep in 7 years of ownership. Just quiet as could be. Not this 2004...

Yep, my glossy's are as beautiful as the day I picked up my truck. Easy to keep looking great too, just get the water off after washing before it dries and presto, shiny! They do like water spots, just shammy before it dries on them.

 

my door things are still just as good as the body knock on wood. I was told it was for saving money? but i could be wrong too

 

I dunno, I kinda like the matte black trim.

 

Me too, oh well we're the minority.

 

Maybe any HALF TON truck.....