10/31/13

Get Your Ford into the Halloween Spirit




Halloween is just around the corner. And you may be putting the finishing touches on your costume while trying to figure out just how to keep up with that neighbor down the street. You know, the one who always has the horror movie-quality props and unbeatable costumes?

Have you ever thought about dressing up your car for Halloween? Your vehicle represents the last, virtually-untapped opportunity to prove your Halloween spirit and show everyone on the roadways that you are the king or queen of costumes. Movies and television give you a whole world of possibilities to draw from and your car’s costume can be as modest or mind-blowing as you’d like.

Of course, we want to remind you to consult your owner’s manual before making any modifications, to be sure that you can see out of all of your windows, not to do anything that will affect how the vehicle drives or performs and not to do anything that could come loose from the vehicle and cause a safety issue for others on the road.

Check out some of these ideas from fellow Ford fans, from the simple to the sensational:

Ghosts, Bats and Hats
If you’re looking for an easy way to get your Ford involved in the Halloween mischief, try adding a few holiday accents to your grille and roof. Halloween varieties include Pumpkin, Bat, Witch and even Dracula. These probably won’t win you any costume contests, but they are a fun and trouble-free way to get into the Halloween “spirit.”

Shark Attack
What’s more menacing than a shark? How about a shark on four wheels that passes you on the road? All it takes is a few teeth on the grill, fins on the roof and sides and a cool-looking tail spoiler. Add a severed arm or leg in the front to really give the neighborhood kids a scare.

Ghost Removal
If you don’t want to join them, beat them! I think we all remember a popular movie from the 1980s where four heroes drove around in a special station wagon and chasing ghouls, goblins and…you know. Embrace the classic movie and turn your car into the famed ghost catching vehicle. Perfect for older station wagons or even a Ford Flex!


Space Fighter
Speaking of classic movies, if you’re going for a more sci-fi theme this Halloween, go all out and turn your car, truck or SUV into an intergalactic space fighter. Battle the forces of evil on the roadways as you hyperwarp to and from work on your daily commute. With your trusty robot co-pilot at the helm, you’ll be a force as far as Halloween is concerned.

Are you a Ford Social fan who likes to get their vehicle into the Halloween spirit too? Give us your best motorized costume ideas in the comments below! Or share a photo of a previous year’s costume by clicking here!

From  http://social.ford.com/

10/29/13

Ford F-650 Gasoline, Propane and Natural Gas Ready In Large Selection




Joe Hughes talks with Don Beezley, Sales Manager at Northside Ford Trucks in Portland, Oregon about the huge commitment they have made to stock a large number and wide variety of F-650 chassis cabs with gas motors that are ready to be used with gasoline, propane, or natural gas (CNG). See their website at http://www.northsidetrucks.com where they sell nothing but trucks. Call them at 800-757-4535

10/27/13

Titan Presents Revolutionary Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System at 2013 SEMA Show

30-gallon polyethylene tank fits into the existing spare tire cavity of virtually all American-made pickup trucks, doubling fuel capacity without encroaching on bed space.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho—Titan Fuel Tanks, a leading manufacturer of high-performance, engineered aftermarket fuel tanks, announced that it will introduce its new cross-linked polyethylene, Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The innovative 30-gallon tank and fuel transfer control unit have a patent pending and will be shown to the industry for the first time in Titan’s booth 35111 in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.


The first-of-its-kind fuel system is designed to repurpose the space commonly used to stow a vehicle’s spare tire and fits most American-made diesel pickup trucks made after 1999. The tank essentially doubles the fuel capacity of most pickups and, unlike in-bed auxiliary fuel tank solutions, its underbody location means that it has no impact on the truck bed’s storage capacity.


The lightweight, one-size-fits-all 30-pound tank is easy for one person to install and includes mounting hardware, a filler kit and an electronic fuel transfer control unit that can be operated from the comfort of the cab. Titan has engineered the system for fast installation, and all components come in a standardized package.  


“Titan’s new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System has tremendous potential, and is the most creative and efficient use of space I have seen,” said Kyle Shiminski, category director, Keystone Automotive Operations. “We are very excited to be one of the first to be stocking their product in our warehouses.  The lightweight material, ease of installation and concealed mounting location make Titan’s system an excellent universal solution for adding fuel capacity.”


Titan’s single-tank design accommodates all applications, while mounting hardware unique to the host vehicle’s make and model allows the tank to securely attach to the cross members of the vehicle’s frame. Mounting brackets attach easily and are completely noninvasive, requiring no cutting, welding or drilling. Like the spare tire it replaces, a mounting stud slides through the middle of the tank, which is then secured with a mounting plate.


“Diesel truck owners are always interested in extending their range and fuel capacity without compromising space in their trucks cargo bed and Titan’s new spare tire tank is an innovative solution to this challenge,” said Paul Nishanian, executive vice president for Xtreme Diesel Performance (XDP). “XDP stocks a complete range of Titan fuel tanks and we’re excited about expanding our Titan offering with their new spare tire tank.”


Titan’s electronic fuel transfer control unit gives the vehicle operator total flexibility in managing the use of extra fuel capacity. The additional fuel can be held in reserve or transferred on the go and as the need arises. The controller’s illuminated user interface indicates the tank’s fuel level in increments of one-tenth and features a single-touch button that starts the fuel transfer sequence. With one touch, fuel begins transferring from the Spare Tire Fuel Tank to the vehicle’s primary fuel tank and continues to flow until it is automatically stopped by the controller or the button is touched again. A red LED on the controller illuminates during the fuel transfer process.


“This new tank is available at Summit Racing Equipment now, for any diesel truck owner who wants to add extra fuel capacity,” said Jeff Winters, chief marketing officer, Summit Racing Equipment. “In fact, using this new tank in conjunction with one of the other Titan auxiliary tanks we offer, a truck owner can have up to 100 gallons of diesel fuel onboard, all in underbody locations.”


Titan’s new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System fits most full-sized, American-made, diesel pickup trucks and its polymer material is highly resistant to the corrosive effects of diesel and bio-diesel fuels as well as fuel additives that have been known to degrade the linings of steel diesel fuel tanks.


The tanks come with a universal filler kit featuring a brushed aluminum door that can be installed on the vehicle’s exterior sidewall or on an inside wall of the truck bed. The tanks include a rollover vent valve and a vent hose.


Titan’s entire line of polymer replacement and auxiliary fuel tanks are formed from military-grade cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE). The rugged polyethylene material is 200 times less thermal conductive than steel, and the polymer’s insulating properties eliminate condensation, boosting mileage efficiency by keeping fuel cooler and closer to optimal combustion temperatures than metallic tanks. All Titan fuel tanks come with a limited five-year warranty.


Titan’s tanks are designed by a staff of fuel tank engineers. Titan serves fleets and other end-users of
Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and Dodge diesel pickup trucks. Titan uses finite element analysis (FEA) in its design process, enabling it to simulate a wide array of dynamic stresses on systems and components. Virtual impact testing, off-road conditions and accelerated aging can all be simulated using FEA. For safety purposes, Titan requires that all trucks using their new Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System be equipped with a heavy class-5 hitch, standard on most full-sized diesels.


Titan’s distributors in the United States, Canada and Australia are expected to have the new polymer Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System in stock on or about December 1, 2013. For those who consider spare tires critical, dealers will also offer a Titan kit that allows the displaced spare tire to be vertically mounted in the truck bed.


To access high-resolution images of Titan’s innovative new cross-linked polyethylene, Spare Tire Auxiliary Fuel System, please visit: http://www.titanfueltanks.com/sparetirepr-images.html
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About Titan Fuel Tanks


Based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Titan Fuel Tanks engineers and manufactures ultra-durable, extra-capacity aftermarket fuel tanks made from advanced military-grade, cross-linked polyethylene. Titan offers a broad selection of replacement fuel tanks, designed to seamlessly integrate with and extend the fuel capacity and driving reach of a broad range of truck models, including Ford, GMC, Chevrolet and Dodge vehicles. Titan serves the aftermarket fuel tank needs of the United States, Canada and Australia, and is recognized as an innovator in aftermarket fuel tank design. Titan’s engineering staff employs the latest technology in its design process, including finite element analysis (FEA). To learn more about Titan Fuel Tanks, please visit: http://www.titanfueltanks.com
Titan is a trademark of Supertanks, LLC.

10/25/13

Ford F-250 Chassis with 8' Scelzi Service Body and Horizontal Series On One Side




Don shows us a Ford F-250 Chassis with an 8' Scelzi Service Body with closed top lids, a horizontal series on one side, and class IV receiver. See many service bodies at Northside Ford Trucks. http://www.northsidetrucks.com


10/21/13

2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Named ‘Off-Road Truck of Texas’ by Texas Auto Writers Association

  • 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor captures “Off-Road Truck of Texas” title, named by Texas Auto Writers Association

  • New Raptor Special Edition answers customer calls for more exclusivity in addition to truck’s unmatched off-road capability

  • Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been honored by TAWA every year since its introduction in 2009

The Texas Auto Writers Association named the 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor “Off-Road Truck of Texas.”

From Thursday through Saturday, TAWA members put trucks through rigorous testing at Knibbe Ranch near San Antonio.“Members of Texas Auto Writers pushed Raptor to the limit on one of the most rugged off-road courses in Texas,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Raptor again showed why it’s the most capable off-road pickup in America, as well as America’s favorite.”


Since hitting the market in 2009, Ford F-150 SVT Raptor continues to find new fans and
achieve sales success, with record sales performance eight of the past 10 months and sales up 14 percent this year. With sales expected to remain strong, Ford is increasing Raptor production, growing assembly from three trucks per hour to five trucks.


Continuously improved each year since its debut, the 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Special Edition – the latest variant – adds interior and exterior upgrades to further differentiate its appearance, and to appeal to luxury truck buyers seeking uncompromised performance off-road.



Key enablers to Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and segment-exclusive
suspension technology. Raptor is seven inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that enable its off-road capabilities.



Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches at the rear to handle tough terrain at high speeds. An electronic locking rear differential and Torsen® limited-slip front differential provide excellent capability for rock crawling and other low-speed off-road activities.


Industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels are available to further help increase grip in
low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC
® with MyFord Touch® is available for added connectivity.

SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed SelectShift Automatic® transmission with tow/haul mode. Raptor SuperCrew is rated to tow up to 8,000 pounds, complementing its unparalleled off-road capabilities. 

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company,
a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich.,manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. Withabout 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’sautomotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For moreinformation regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.








10/19/13

Break Time - A Demo by Bolt Locks



BOLT locks are made by STRATTEC, the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive locks and keys, and the main OE lock supplier for Ford, GM and Chrysler. Since BOLT locks use automotive technology and materials, they have the highest corrosion resistance rating on the market, and are nearly impossible to pick.

Whether you are a truck pro or a weekend warrior, you can’t beat the convenience of

BOLT locks. Why carry all those extra keys?

10/17/13

F-650 Gas Medium Duty Chassis with Scelzi 5-6 yard Steel Dump



Don shows off a HD F-650 Gas Chassis with a Scelzi 5-6 yard Steel Dump and class V receiver. Great construction work truck designed for many years of hard work. This unit is available with Propane, and Natural Gas conversions as well.

See more at http://www.northsidetrucks.com, or call 800-757-4535/

  

10/13/13

1,020,000-Plus Miles on this Road Trip Truck



You know how everyone thinks their baby is the cutest on the planet? Truth be told, there are many of us who feel the same way about our vehicle. Okay, it’s probably more about believing ours is the best, thanks to reliability, performance, comfort and being fun to drive. But in some instances there is indeed a cuteness factor (hey, we’ve heard it from Focus owners with our own ears!), but we’ll go with the more user-friendly, looks matter too.

Therefore, it’s hard to argue with Gary Mueller when he says, “I don’t think I could be happier with a truck” when he speaks proudly of his baby, a 2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty®. The pickup has more than 1,020,000 miles on the odometer, and Gary has no plans to stop packing on the miles while towing RV campers throughout the U.S. and Canada. And why would he even consider it? The truck keeps going and going and going and….

But let’s journey back a few hundred thousand miles.
Gary retired from Ford in 2000, and in the six years leading up to it, he worked overtime as much as possible because he wanted to travel North America and invested the money in stocks to earn more on his savings. Then the market crashed and Gary lost 70 percent of what he calls “fun money.” The dream seemed dead. But a friend was seeing the country on the cheap by towing large RVs and delivering them to buyers. Gary tagged along as a passenger, then signed on for the gig himself, buying a new truck – that aforementioned Super Duty.

Gary says the Super Duty gets about 20 mpg with its Power Stroke® engine while delivering the RVs, and “as long as I can keep getting 20 mpg, I’ll keep hauling. That’s the only way it makes economic sense,” since he is responsible for most of his expenses. He says his driving habits also contribute to the outstanding gas mileage; he avoids fast starts and stops. If weather conditions create too much drag, he parks it. He keeps the rpm near 2,000 whenever possible while generally staying between 60 and 62 mph. “I will see the same people pass me two or three times a day. They’re going 70 or 80 mph, and have to keep stopping for fuel.” He also maintains the truck; the oil has been changed more than 100 times and the tires have been replaced 10 times.

Gary says another reason he has been able to log more than 1 million miles is because of the truck’s comfort. It has cloth seats and the XLT package, which includes power seats, windows and mirrors. “I wouldn’t have been able to put so many miles on it if I was uncomfortable.”

He  travels between 600 and 800 miles on most days and has been to 48 states and seven provinces in Canada. He doesn’t know how many RVs he has hauled over the years, but there have been about 40 in the first four months of 2011. The RV trailers he tows start at around 11,000 pounds; the 2002 F-350 Super Duty had a maximum fifth-wheel tow capability of 14,400 pounds. (The 2011 F-350 Super Duty has a maximum fifth-wheel tow capability of 22,600 pounds.)

Even Gary acknowledges the special bond some owners have with their vehicles. “This truck isn’t just a truck; it’s an extension of me. I take care of it and it returns the favor. I see no reason at all to think about retiring it.”

Do you have a story like Gary’s? We want to hear it! Click here to go to Your Stories where you can post yours and read the other Ford stories.

10/11/13

Propane or Other Alternative Fueled Trucks Available At Northside Ford Trucks


Don briefly shows off one alternative fuel truck in stock at Northside Ford Trucks in Portland, Oregon. This one is a dedicated F-250 Super Cab Pickup Truck with very nice appointments and comfort. See more at http://www.northsidetrucks.com, or call 800-757-4535.

10/09/13

Vanair’s new LiveDrive 4×4 Plus for Ford Super Duty pickups provides power without underhood compressor


 Vanair LiveDrive 4x4 Plus Ford Super DutyBeneath Ford’s booth at this year’s ICUEE show, Vanair got a chance to debut its new LiveDrive 4×4 Plus PTO driven air compressor system for Ford’s Super Duty pickups.

Vanair says the new system is an industry first, providing Super Duty drivers with air and electric power without the need for an underhood air compressor which requires engine modifications—possibly voiding the engine warranty—and taps into the engine’s coolant system causing unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle.

The new system system connect a PTO to the compressor with a shaft directly through the transfer case, said Jim Perschke, Vanair’s vice president of global sales. “In the past the only options you had were either carving a spot out under the hood…or implementing a split shaft system and that can get complicated,” he said.

“This allows us to keep it simple.”

The LiveDrive system provides 90-200 cfm of air power, which Perschke said is equivalent to that of a large tow-behind compressor. “That’s 500 pounds underdeck as opposed to towing 2,000 to 3,000-pound trailer,” he said. “And the truck is still fully capable of going off road…Just make sure your truck has a rear fuel tank and not the mid-chassis.”

Plus, there’s the fuel-saving benefit of a PTO shaft-driven system: it can be geared reducing the RPM requirement for the vehicles engine.

When asked about the ordering process, Perschke said Vanair is still working it out, but customers would order at their local truck equipment facility and Vanair would ship them a kit to be installed. He said in the future that the LiveDrive system will be available during spec out at Ford dealers.

- See more at: http://www.equipmentworld.com/vanair-livedrive-icuee-2013/#!

10/05/13

Ford Transit Connect - International Van of the Year 2014




For the full story go to http://www.vansa2z.com/New-Transit-Co...


With a score of 130 out of a possible 163 points, Ford's all-new Transit Connect has been voted International Van of the Year for 2014 by a panel of 24 specialist European commercial vehicle journalists.

10/03/13

One of the Largest Collections of Pre-war Ford Vehicles



When you travel to Holland as a tourist, you expect to see tulips and windmills. You probably wouldn’t expect to see one of the largest collections of pre-war Ford vehicles. But, on a recent trip to Amsterdam, we ventured southwest to Hillegom, Holland, and that’s exactly what we found at den Hartogh Ford Museum.

What started as a fleet of work trucks for the den Hartogh company at the turn of the last century grew into a fantastic collection of early Ford cars and trucks. Do you have a classic Ford vehicle? Tell us your story!

Once we overcame the awe of stepping into the first room in the museum holding dozens of Model A, N, T and other model Ford cars, we dove deeper into each vehicle to enjoy the mechanical history spread before us.

It is only natural that the first car you see in the collection is a reproduction of the Ford Quadricycle Runabout. The original Quadricycle is part of the collection at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. This was the first horseless carriage that Henry Ford created in 1896, and led to other innovations and, ultimately, the Ford Motor Company.

From there, we made our way down a row of Model T cars, each a variation of the one beside it, with various mechanical and cosmetic options originally offered. One of the vehicles that captured our attention in the first hall was a 1930 Ford Phaeton that was used as a taxi in Egypt until 1995!

Another one that stood out was a Ford Model A pickup truck that featured triple rear axles with a track drive, and skis under the front axle. The perfect vehicle for making deliveries in northern, snow-laden regions!

Any one of these vehicles by themselves would be nice to spend some time admiring. This collection, spanning 50 years of early Ford history, was simply incredible.  If you find yourself in the land of tulips, take a detour to experience this world-class collection of Ford cars and trucks at den Hartogh Ford Museum.