Dodge Challenger Has an Extremely Thin Sheet Metal Gauge !

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by synoptic12, Nov 1, 2018.

  1. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    To begin, I'll never purchase a new vehicle again, ever. I did not realize the many ways the auto manufacturers have been cutting costs in order to use adhesives over welding of panels. There have been many complaints regarding the "thin" sheet metal causing ripples or indentations from hail, acorns, or even waxing the car.

    In fact, if one waxes the hood, it is clearly evident that the sheet metal (JUNK) expands and contracts; i.e. > 'Like a soda can'. Not only the hood but all panels are prone to ripples from exerting too much pressure. This facet is not so on the older cars, such as my 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. I can practically hit it with a hammer and cause no damage.

    F.C.A. authorized the repair of at least seven small dents (ripples) upon purchasing a new Challenger. To be honest, I never saw the dents upon purchase and was really not looking for any type of body abnormalities. From what I've learned (too late), many if not all new vehicles and S.U.V's have "Thin" sheet metal. Most likely, this is a way to save cost, only by adding features like heated seats, touch screens, u.s.b. ports, and any other meaningless add-on to divert attention away from the structure of the vehicle.

    We would like to hear from everyone that may provide input to the aforesaid and to expand upon the premise. All replies welcome.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2018
  2. btcm22

    btcm22 Member

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    Got to agree. The sheetmetal especially along the rear roof line is soda can thick. Be careful when you wax or buff
     
  3. Diehard

    Diehard Full Access Member

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    The hood is aluminum, as you probably know. Weight saving!:badidea:
     
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  4. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    The service manager told me that but I was hesitant to believe it. When did they institute an aluminum hood, from 2010?
     
  5. 10DYRT

    10DYRT Full Access Member

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    If I'm not mistaken all of the LX and LC cars have Aluminum hoods back to 2005.
     
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  6. synoptic12

    synoptic12 Full Access Member

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    Thanks very much.
     
  7. btcm22

    btcm22 Member

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    I have the 2014 Shaker RT aluminum hood. Plus underneath is clear coated. It was a real butt pucker when I drilled through for the hood pins.
     
  8. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    Damn, a magnet will not stick to my 2010 SRT hood, but does to the fenders
     
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  9. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    2009 here and my first one had aluminum , but my RT now has fiberglass


    all you got to do is stick a magnet and see where it is metal
     
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  10. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Apparently, the thickness of sheet metal on cars has been a long-time issue.

    Back in 1926, the Dodge sales brochure proudly stated that its cars were made with "chrome vanadium steel- toughest and most enduring metal."

    Note: Chrome vanadium is a special kind of steel formed by combining different alloys. It is structurally strong, and its toughness enables it to withstand high fatigue and wear. In sheet form, the substance can be cold-formed into different shapes and can be folded, flattened, and influenced into intricate forms without any signs of breakage or any type of structural degradation.