PORTLAND — The 2015 Ford F-150 is leading the movement on new vehicle materials. Is your shop prepared?
Ford has worked for a long time to create a comprehensive collision repair support plan for the Ford F-150, which features a high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy body, says Larry Coan, damageability engineer with Ford Motor Company.
“We didn’t set out to build an aluminum truck. We set out to build the toughest, smartest, most capable truck we’ve ever had,” Coan says.
The vehicle not only features an aluminum alloy body, but a 360-degree camera view, 400-watt power inverters, LED headlamps, LED lights in the bed and remote tailgate release, among other features.
The aluminum body is a 700 lb. weight savings, which translates into significant gains in fuel economy, more towing capability and better driving dynamics and handling. “It is lighter, but stronger,” Coan says.
Some of the smarter vehicle features in regard to the cargo system include a power tailgate lock and release and LED cargo lights. Other safety technologies include forward collision warning with brake support, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, among others.
Among the vehicle’s features is a detailed collision repair support plan.
Design for repairability
Since day one of the vehicle’s design, engineers have been working to make it more repairable. For example, a two-piece reinforcement will allow for a B-Pillar replacement without disturbing the roof panel. And the technician will have the choice of welding the upper joint or rivet bonding.
Enhanced workshop manuals
Ford will provide more detailed procedures and instruction sheets with the purchase of sheet patterns and parts.
Training
Three training courses are available to prepare shops for F-150 repairs. They are: Collision Body Shop Essentials and two I-CAR training courses, Structural Repair and Welding Training and Qualification.
Insurance and Collision industry partnership
Ford wanted to be forward and upfront and is working with great insurance partners, Coan says. “Ford engaged U.S. insurers during development to make sure repair costs were held down while repair standards remained high. Insurance adjusters will be trained on latest repair techniques to help assure vehicles are repaired properly.”
Tools and Equipment
Ford mandates specific tools and equipment shops must have in order to properly perform aluminum repairs. All tools, except one are not specific to a manufacturer. The tools and equipment are:
- dedicated aluminum MIG welding system
- dedicated aluminum hand & power tools
- dedicated aluminum dent extraction system
- aluminum wet mix air filtration system
- work area separation system
- specialized aluminum self-piercing rivet (SPR) gun (manufactured by Henrob)
Communication plan
Ford has been working to promote the collision repair support program and the vehicle throughout industry events this year. “We are working to promote training, the tools and equipment program, review repair procedures and showcase the vehicle,” Coan says. Ford attended NADA in January, the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show in New Jersey in March, and gave this presentation at CIC Portland. In July, they will attend NACE and will finish the year with a presentation at SEMA in Las Vegas.
OE Certification
Ford, working with Assured Performance Network, has the Ford National Body Shop Program that enables dealerships and qualified independent body shops to become certified (or recognized) by Ford, says Paul Massey, Ford’s product marketing manager. To achieve certification, shops need to have some dealership support and must complete the general repair requirements and be working toward aluminum capabilities, which includes the training course mentioned — by December 2014. If this is achieved, shops will be allowed to remain in the program in 2015 and beyond.
The goal is for Ford to have 750 dealers and 750 independents recognized by the end of 2014, Massey says. Those enrolled in the National Body Shop Network will have priority for I-CAR classes beginning in June. For more information, visit www.FordCertifiedShop.com or call (949) 221-0010.
