Thoughts on the ford courier

[85_Ranger4x4]

It seems that rust was a big issue with every Japanese vehicle during that time period. I had a 1982 Celica and my mom a 1988 Nissan truck. Both got retired to the scrap yard due to rust even though there was nothing wrong with the powertrain.

Very few countries deal with winter like the US does, most don't do the salt/chemical thing. That is why Japanese automakers have struggled with rust so bad historically in the US, it was never even on their radar pretty much anywhere else they build vehicles for.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Very few countries deal with winter like the US does, most don't do the salt/chemical thing. That is why Japanese automakers have struggled with rust so bad historically in the US, it was never even on their radar pretty much anywhere else they build vehicles for.

What do they do then? Or do they just leave it and mop up the mess afterwards?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

What do they do then? Or do they just leave it and mop up the mess afterwards?

Russia uses obsolete jet engines (MIG-15 engine pictured)

A lot of places just don't have access to enough rock salt to do anything.

Toyota Truck Rust: Epic Auto Failures

As part of our automotive engineering failures series, Popular Mechanics is rounding up the most dismal design failures in automotive history. Today: The Toyota truck beds of the 1970s.

www.popularmechanics.com

 

[tw205]

My brother had one that was an old forest service truck back in Washington state. Someone had put a jeep axle under the front and made it a 4x4. We did a bit of wheelin in it, mostly power line cuts and dry lake beds. When I moved back here, he was still driving it, but eventually, it gave up the ghost.

 

[sgtsandman]

Very few countries deal with winter like the US does, most don't do the salt/chemical thing. That is why Japanese automakers have struggled with rust so bad historically in the US, it was never even on their radar pretty much anywhere else they build vehicles for.

What do they do then? Or do they just leave it and mop up the mess afterwards?

They have gotten better since then. The 1999 and 2001 Honda CR-Vs I had held up to road salt very well. Others have had success in living a long life with road salt with newer Japanese built vehicles since the 80s as well. Japan just had a learning curve in dealing with the issue. In some ways, they have done better with road salt the the domestic brands have since then.

Of course, some of it has to do with how well a person keeps up with their vehicle as well. My '99 was pretty much pristine when I wrecked it and was a certified used off the Honda lot. The 2001 was bought from another forum member and they did ok on taking care of the vehicle but it did have some rust issues underneath since they they weren't as diligent. So, one can't just point a finger at just the manufacturer on how well a vehicle holds up.

My 2011 on the other hand, is showing signs of rust underneath and on the bottom of the doors even though I've been pretty good at keeping it clean and treated underneath. Fords are know for rust and I live where they love to throw salt and pre-treat the roads quite often. So, it's a bit of a battle and eventually I'll loose.

 

[rubydist]

I had a Courier for about a year back in mid-80s when I was still in MN. It was supposed to be my winter driver. Except that when it got cold (below about 10 degrees) the heater motor just would not run. Apparently there was some electrical connection that would open when it was cold. Whenever it was warm enough to work on the truck, the heater motor worked fine. So I traded it for a Ranger the next summer...