Don't anyone get me wrong, I love this truck. But I've had the chance to really look it over and wash a couple times and I got three things that bug me.

1. The rear drivers side door hits the pillar in the cab in one spot and has rubbed the paint off just from opening and closing the door. That bugs me.

2. The leather trim around the drivers side door handle is kind of buggered up on the bottom side. That bugs me.

3. I don't know if this is due to some idiot at the dealer , or if Ford screwed it up all by themselves, but the paint has swirl marks all over it. It just doesn't seem like it should be that way. What are peoples opinion about clay bars and types of wax? I've tried Meguiar's Quick Clay detailing system on a small portion and see improvement. I haven't decided yet on wax, but am leaning toward Turtlewax or Mothers. I am convinced that some dumb!!s took a machine buffer to the paint in some insane effort to "detail" it, I don't know. This bugs me.

Other than that, I am starting to get kind of nervous with the stares, and one guy in a Dodge almost ran into me from looking at the truck. The wife came out of the store the second day we had it, and found three strange men staring at the truck. She didn't know what to do. We keep getting the thumbs up sign and waves from total strangers. Aside from my few complaints, this is one beautiful vehicle. Later...

 

Steve, I know what you mean about the stares. I'm TDY at Leonard Wood until Fiday. When I first got here, EVERYONE checked out my truck. Even went to the local dealer here, Sexton, and they all flipped over it. They had never seen one. I must admit that me feel good! They've since gotten a 01 Screw on the lot.

 

stevel-
A recommendation on fixing the swirl marks on your truck(mine had them too)is to get Meguiar's Professional Swirl Remover #9. Apply it with an orbital wheel. Follow the directions and you will bring the paint to life. Then use a wax that you like. I don't think the clay bar is the solution - I use one a couple times a year to take the junk that sticks to the surface off. It does make the paint surface feel like glass.

 

Fort Leonard Wood? I don't know if you noticed, I'm 25 miles from you. My Father-in-Law is retired First Sergeant living in St. Roberts. Hope you enjoy your stay.

 

stevel, you are not too picky! The vehicle should not have those faults. What you need to decide is if getting them fixed, if they bother you, is worth what some uninterested guy is going to do at the dealership. As to the swirl marks, as others have said you can fix them yourself. It sounds as if that is your main grievance.

My only complaint with the truck is some light orange peel on the sides (the hood and front fenders are perfect.) I got the truck home and detailed it (other than a basic wash at the dealer) myself. I would never let them repaint it, though, as it would likely be more problems than I have now.

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2000 F150 Harley-Davidson: Superchip, K&N FIPK
Hard Tonneau, Hidden Hitch, 2-Meter Rig (KG0UK)
'99 FLHRCI, '95 XLH

 

Swirl marks shouldn't show on a brand new truck--probably not factory but an over energetic dealer worker who thot he was doing you a favor by buffing it to a sheen. When I picked up my '00 HD it was gleaming, hand washed they told me, no swirls. Only light orange peel I've noticed and this is when the light is right is tailgate and as Harlyguy mentions the sides but again nothing I would angst over. Other then a few scratches I've picked up since Sept which I suspect are ice related since I have kept it on the road, I have no paint or build issues yet on the truck. I swore I never would buy black again--so much for promises. I know the looks thing: Harley bikers gathered for a look are one thing; the general public you'll have to live with. Those wheels are special and it shows off the whole package--get some McGuards. You bought it for the looks--you liked it, they like it! Protect it. I still feel self concious driving this winter on regular F150 alum rims; people still look and ask questions.

Casey K

 

Stevl--one other thing about the door thing--it can be adjusted, maybe the guys were in a hurry. My '99 SVT Contour was a KC build--again I have no build problems other than some minor cladding fit in the rear--not worth getting excited over. Paint out of KC was not a problem on my green one. Black on the other hand is a problem for every manufacturer--check out a black bmw and see the swirls--I did on brand new ones at the auto show.

Casey K.

 

Use a clay bar only to remove tree sap or road tar. Follow the directions. Use "Liquid Glass" (can found at many autoparts stores) for your black truck. Let a professional detailer fix the swirl marks in your paint. Use "ultra mist" detail spray for the daily wipe. Ultra mist can be bought at 1-800-666-8587. (no, I have nuthin to do with them, just use it all the time on my black truck). You wouldnt be sorry.

 

Hey any of you Harley guys had a chance to race a Lightning yet?

If so tell me how the Lightning guy smoked the doors off you eek: eek:

Hehe I'am just messin with you guys your trucks are awesome!!

 

Hey guy--you got yours quick! short drive down the QEW. I looked at the '00 version but the gas mileage scared me. Also didn't think the '01 interior L felt as good as the HD. But hey, I'm too old to burn rubber anymore. I can spin the rears now with the '00 HD. Amazing that a major manu like Ford can make us both happy I won't race you but I will run beside you.

Casey K.