Just came back from beating the dog
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 37
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RE: Just came back from beating the dog
ORIGINAL: graythang
I find it hard to believe that any of these newer vehicles are heavy or as to why anyway. I was told by a custom body shop that over the years the gauge and the amount of steel have decreased steadily. The body panels on today’s vehicles is like tuna can grade. Just lean on any panel and you can cause a permanent impression because of the oilcan effect.
The outer skin is not only lighter but also softer. That was a quote from a Dent wizard (paintless dent removal) service tech. He said it is more noticeable from the grade of vehicles. Lexus, Volvo and MBs he said where general harder to repair for him because of the metal grade. Where the extra weight must come from on the G3 Dak might be the slight increase in size and the heavier frame (hyroform full boxed latter frame). Horse power to weight ratios have not kept in pace so slower we go.
I find it hard to believe that any of these newer vehicles are heavy or as to why anyway. I was told by a custom body shop that over the years the gauge and the amount of steel have decreased steadily. The body panels on today’s vehicles is like tuna can grade. Just lean on any panel and you can cause a permanent impression because of the oilcan effect.
The outer skin is not only lighter but also softer. That was a quote from a Dent wizard (paintless dent removal) service tech. He said it is more noticeable from the grade of vehicles. Lexus, Volvo and MBs he said where general harder to repair for him because of the metal grade. Where the extra weight must come from on the G3 Dak might be the slight increase in size and the heavier frame (hyroform full boxed latter frame). Horse power to weight ratios have not kept in pace so slower we go.
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2006
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RE: Just came back from beating the dog
I think the reality is sales of trucks and suv are down,Ford recently cut production by 21% and closing factorys supposedly best selling truck in the USA,Honda slashed production numbers for the Ridgeline to make more Civics.I think you see where I'm going with this, unless gas prices drop back down around $2.00 much as I wish I don't think it's happening soon,The next engine option in the Dakota going to be a diesel or hybrid the same for Ford,GM and everybody else.A Hemi Dakota would be great but I'm afraid the only way we'll see one is to build it ourselves.But just think all the fun we'll have hassling the Dakota hybrid guys.
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 301
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RE: Just came back from beating the dog
Before somebody reminds me, I know Dodge says a Hemi want fit,A hybrid truck sounds pretty stupid but who knows Ford sells a small suv hybrid now,gas hits $4 they'll be slapping hybrid on everything and Flex Fuel for sure.I'll bet Dodge does offer a diesel option in a year or two.That might be pretty cool with all the trick stuff I"ve seen for diesels.
