Some choice words for a TBird design engineer

[Ralph Q]

Re: Some choice words for a TBird design engineer

Your wiper blade was probably worth the cost. I had a ford coupon for replacement wipers for 12.95 and the parts guy said you don't want these on your car, get the better quality wiper. He was right, the more expensive wiper does a great job compared to the wipers I buy for my other cars.

[ge0rge]

Re: Some choice words for a TBird design engineer

I guess I should not really complain with 5.5 years and just over 50K miles on the car but I just had to change the left rear taillight bulb and the engineer who designed this arrangement and his stupidvisor who signed off on it should be drawn and quartered. I suggest than anyone who does not have much mechanical aptitude take the car to the dealer (or shop or friend) to have this done but don't expect to be kissed. Fords price to replace the bulb is about $25, locally. BTW, the service advisor said to expect to pay around $5 for the bulb because it is for a TBird. Mind you now that this is a standard 3157 bulb (I paid $1.59 for a pair) which are made by the millions if not 10s or 100s of millions.
I have always felt that design engineers should be made to work on their designs, my guess is things would be a lot easier to fix.

I once worked as an engineer at a GM factory. Although that was quite a few years ago, I believe the designers' job responsibilities are mostly the same now as then..... They are judged on how well they can cut manufacturing costs, not repair costs. I don't believe they intentionally make things difficult to repair; it's just that repair-ability is not part of their job description.

A few years ago, I owned a VW Vanagon. After a couple of years, a light in the dash (instrument panel) burned out. I bought a replaement bulb from the dealer, not noticing its design until I got home and tried to replace the old one. I quickly discovered that to replace that instrument bulb required a spot welder! I suppose the designers decided that a bulb with pigtails was cheaper than one with a socket base. And welding saved the cost of sockets. I never replaced the bulb.

geo

[00mustng]

Re: Some choice words for a TBird design engineer

...Pass. side rear signal lamp went out last night. Just got back from my friendly Ford Dealer....bulb $4.00cdn....installation...free!....and no appointment necessary...A changed economy has developed a new and refreshing customer approach, it would appear!

[Dallasblackbird]

Re: Some choice words for a TBird design engineer

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe this is why Ford bought Volvo. I broke the headlight lens cover on my S80 and thought, "I can replace that."

To make a long story short, I ended up taking it in to Volvo. Replacement required taking loose the front bumper and breaking out plastic rivets under the wheel wells and radiator cover. Are you kidding!

[04birdman]

Re: Some choice words for a TBird design engineer

R&R tail light bulb....1 new light bulb,1 open end wrench and 15 min....it aint that tough................