Out With The Old - In With The New

[Paul's stable]

@Paul's stable and @ Kangha ...... I doubt it very much that you guys would have driven. The pic of it going down (Vapor Blue Mustang) was taken before we ran into a winter storm about 80 miles from home - we knew we would. There was snow and ice on the highway and they were spraying brine. The 2024 has never been on winter roads and the 2026 was brand new. The flat bed's cab completely protected both vehicles. On the way to the dealer a sheet of ice slid off an 18 wheeler that the flatbed was passing and it took the hit. The driver called us on our cell phone - we were right behind him - and asked "did you see that?". I said we did and "thanks for taking the hit." Our 2024 arrived looking brand new. They had said the trade was conditional on inspection. As soon as they saw it an employee jumped into it and it was gone into their dealership detailing booth so fast it looked like it disappeared and was listed for sale the next day on their website. The new 2026 arrived at our home in almost show room clean condition and is now sitting in my garage under a custom made 600 percale Egyptian cotton cover. The really generous trade-in I got was for a pristine 2024. Not one with a chipped windshield or dent from ice and stones or with its convertible top covered in sand and brine. Likely the best money I ever spent on the two of them. The driver was so awesome we bought him lunch and dinner and I tipped him an extra $200 for each Mustang. Respect for a caring professional. Ain't nothin' too good for my Mustangs!

Goining to the dealer......

Coming home from dealer. Storm over, sun out but still a $hit load of brine dust on the highway. This pic is in town and doesn't show the $hit condition of the highway.

Nice long drawn out story. All I said is I would have driven the car. Don't feel like we are all out to get you. Also you don't have to justify what you do with your car. Just enjoy it.

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[2024_Night_Mare]

Thanks for doing your part to keep American muscle alive and well.

 

[MAT1955]

@Paul's stable ...... seriously? Maybe you have a "thin skin" but I don't. I just like to detail the whys of what I have done. You don't have to read my posts.

 

[MAT1955]

@B229218 as requested ..... attached is a picture of the lower control arm on my 2024 you should be able to see the housing on it - it is the U shaped metal that looks heavy. That is where the flatbed driver wrapped the soft canvas straps around. You can see that you have to be careful not to pull up with the straps and tear the rubber boot above it. I have heard of tows done where the upper control arm has been used and has been bent as a result as you can see it is not nearly as robust as the lower arm. I may get Ford to install the tow plates on my 2026, just in case! The boss (aka my wife) said I have to keep this one longer than 2 years......when is the next refresh coming?

 

[B229218]

@B229218 as requested ..... attached is a picture of the lower control arm on my 2024 you should be able to see the housing on it - it is the U shaped metal that looks heavy. That is where the flatbed driver wrapped the soft canvas straps around. You can see that you have to be careful not to pull up with the straps and tear the rubber boot above it. I have heard of tows done where the upper control arm has been used and has been bent as a result as you can see it is not nearly as robust as the lower arm. I may get Ford to install the tow plates on my 2026, just in case! The boss (aka my wife) said I have to keep this one longer than 2 years......when is the next refresh coming?

Thank you for the picture, but sorry brother. I was never good with. Where is Waldo? I can’t see that darn U-shaped piece of metal.

 

[MAT1955]

@B229218 .... I understand completely. It is really hard to see.....If you follow the lower control arm to the left the "housing" (as it was referred to by my local Ford dealer) that is where the arm bolts to the body - where you can see the bolt protruding. Yes, it is certainly hard to see and if part of the strap is on the arm there no harm done - but - the bulk of the pull should be on that area. It took the operator of the tow truck a good 10 minutes on each side to work the strap to where he was satisfied it would not pull against any other of the many, as you can see from the pic, other suspension parts. BTW - there is also an art to installing the tire "baskets" so that they don't rub on the rim or the flared fenders of the Mustang that's why I requested (demanded) an experienced tow operator and why I tipped him well.

 

[Marty1000]

MAT1955 that is an awesome looking machine with fantastic color. BTW did you make sure that the dealer did a PDI on the vehicle? If he did he should give you a copy. Enjoy the car and good luck!

 

[Paul's stable]

@Paul's stable ...... seriously? Maybe you have a "thin skin" but I don't. I just like to detail the whys of what I have done. You don't have to read my posts.

Thank you for admitting you ramble on. My skins fine. Also don't worry I will pass on your short stories from now on.

 

[MAT1955]

@Marty1000 .....thank you. Yes, I did. The highest volume Mustang delaer where I live will assume my warranty obligations so that is of comfort. The selling dealer just informed me my 2024 sold after three days and multiple viewings. BTW thank you for posting the checklist I used the one from the forum (I think you posted that too) to give to the salesman to use.

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