Articles and Videos of Interest That Don't Merit Their Own Threads

[motorolas]

From Autoline Network YouTube channel - Ford says new truck not really a pickup - starts at 3:03.

 

[Luxrage]

Close enough, welcome back EV Explorer Sport-Trac

 

[AZFox]

His Slate Truck video is one of the most clicked videos on his channel. Now, after giving the Truck some thought, he thinks parts theft will be a problem.

 

[sodamo]

So apparently once Slate hits the market it spawns an instant stolen parts market?

 

[cadblu]

Who would want these body panels? Until Slate catches up to Honda production volumes, it's not going to be an issue. Generally, parts theft is a concern if / when they are 'high ticket items' and someone is aiming to repair their accident - damaged vehicle.

Some high theft items that I can recall,

• Air bags
• Headlamps (the large multibeam sealed units)
• Tail lamps
• Catalytic converters
• Old Cadillac chrome plated bumpers
• Aftermarket electronics (radar detectors, GPS, dashcams, audio equipment)
• OEM center hub caps
• Fancy aftermarket Alloy wheels & tires

 

[motorolas]

Would be interesting to see what Slate Truck looks like without the body panels.

 

[motorolas]

His Slate Truck video is one of the most clicked videos on his channel. Now, after giving the Truck some thought, he thinks parts theft will be a problem.

@pursuit @AZFox Glad you brought this up. I recall another YT car channel (Motor Trend) bringing this up and getting shredded by the chat just for mentioning it. I’ve commented on it as well and folks make it seem like it’s a zero percent chance.

Out of the 7+ cars I’ve owned (living in Oakland, CA), I’ve had 1 stolen car and 3 break ins, my wife twice for break ins, brother’s S10 had his bed and cat taken, and car stolen. If it’s not bolted, it can walk. Nowadays it’s more whole cars stolen and bipping for bags and luggage.

My understanding when I went to the SF Motor Cafe shop and a video I watched is that for the most part, the panels overlap and there is a process to remove the bigger panels, where the hood and doors need to be open, and the parts aren’t only held on by the external screws we do see.

I’m sure it’s unlikely to be a “big” issue or an issue at all, it will be interesting to see how it’s mitigated when we actually get to see the final form of the Slate Truck and go hands on.

As for the smaller items light the front and rear light covers and the front slate plate attached to the hood, seems fair game (Screen grabs from MotorTrend).

End of the day, we don’t know either way and it’s just a fun discussion. So… 🤷🏽‍♂️

 

[AZFox]

This whole video is interesting if you're a car industry nut. Among other things, they point out the importance of "timelessness" in car design and why knobs and buttons are superior to screens for doing things like adjusting mirrors and infotainment volume. That topic provides a segue to discussing Slate and the Truck.