Ford Celebrates The Mustang's 60th Anniversary

Above, the 1989 Mustang LX in the garage with my other "toys". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Ford Mustang is celebrating its 60th anniversary. 

The Mustang is one of those rare cars that one can still immediately identify it. Cars nowadays all look like each other as if they came from the same cookie cutter. I can look at a vintage photo of 1950s cars and can tell which is a Ford, a Buick, an Oldsmobile, a Chevrolet and so on. Those were the days when cars had style.

I still drive my late dad's 1989 Mustang LX on a Fox chassis. It was his last car and I really don't see the need to spend $24k and up for a new car. It is a 4-cylinder with a manual 5-speed transmission. It loves the open highway.

KABC-AM's "Motorman" Leon Kaplan has advocated that if one has an older car that runs and looks good, why spend money on cars that cost hundreds of dollars just to diagnose a problem with all their computers and other gizmos. 

I have been approached twice in the last month by people asking me if I want to sell the Mustang,

Fox Business has an article on the 60th anniversary of the Mustang. They go through the evolution of body styles of Mustangs over the years.

They begin it with:

Ford Motor Co. celebrated the Mustang's 60th anniversary on Wednesday with the pony car now in its seventh generation, having become an icon of the American auto industry.

The Ford Mustang debuted April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair and has carved out a unique legacy in the decades since its launch, even as its features have changed over time.

"Mustang has stylistically and performance-wise been a vehicle that appealed to the masses — anybody who wants a cool-looking car that goes fast, Mustang is there for you," Ford Heritage Brand Manager Ted Ryan told FOX Business.

They refer to the Fox body (or platform) Mustangs (1979-1993) as the third generation. 

To read the article, go here.

Ford E-Series Super Duty Rumor

Above, my motorhome is on a Ford E-350 Super Duty chassis. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The other day, a friend told me that Ford announced that it is discontinuing the E-series Super Duty truck chassis.

It is on these chassis (E-350 and E-450) that Class C motorhome bodies are mounted on. This would cause a major problem for RV manufacturers, to say the least. My motorhome is on a E-350 Super Duty chassis. 

I did some Google checking and found no such news. In fact, I saw one article that mentioned a 2023 Super Duty model year. 

Since there was absolutely nothing on any Super Duty discontinuation, I believe this was just a rumor or someone heard wrong. If true, this would be big news and would be all over the Internet.

Anyone Need A Little Ol' Tractor?

Down at the horse Christmas's fenced-in yard near the Jamestown fire station, a small old Ford tractor sits with a "for sale" sign.

The sign has only a phone number on it, so I don't know what the asking price is.

Some photos of it:

Ford Transit Class C Motorhomes At The Flying J

Above, two Coachmen Class C RVs on Ford Transit chassis. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After pulling into the parking lot at the Flying J this morning, I spotted two Class C RVs on Ford Transit chassis.

There were two of them parked next to each other. They were Coachmen Class C motorhomes. Since these were the first ones I've seen, I took some photos of them. They were in transit from the factory in Elkhart, Indiana.

Above, a side view of the Ford Transit chassis Class C. Photo byArmand Vaquer.

As it happened, the transport drivers (a man and a woman) were seated at the table next to ours and we struck up a conversation about the Ford Transit chassis.

The drivers like the economy of them and how they handled on the road. They said they are very comfortable and have "plenty of cubbyholes" for storage. They're taking them to the Port Hueneme, California to be shipped to Korea for the European market. That seems to be "the long way around the barn".

Above, another view of the two Class C RVs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The only complaint one of the drivers had was the sink and faucet is right next to the corner queen bed. There's no barrier to keep water from splashing on the blankets at the foot of the bed. At least the Minnie Winnie 22r has the stove/oven and refrigerator/freezer in-between the faucet and the bed.

The Transit chassis is not as big as the E-350 (what I have) and the E-450 Ford chassis. There's not as much "drag" against the wind as are with the Class Cs on E-350/E-450, they said. 

Replacement Shirt Has Arrived!

Above, the replacement shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My replacement Reyn Spooner Ford Mustang shirt arrived in today's mail.

It is an exact duplicate of the one the Wells, Nevada paramedics cut to pieces on July 27. It is in excellent shape (like the last one was).

However, in view of the angina episode I had last night, it probably wouldn't be prudent yet to wear it as I don't want this one to meet the same fate as the other.

At least until after I see my cardiologist tomorrow morning.

10 Millionth Mustang To Roll Off Assembly Line Tomorrow

Above, my 1989 Mustang that I inherited from my father. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The iconic Ford Mustang, first introduced in 1964, will achieve a major milestone tomorrow.

France24.com reported:

CHICAGO (AFP) - The Ford Mustang -- an iconic American brand and a symbol of cool -- will reach a major milestone Wednesday as the 10 millionth vehicle rolls off an assembly line at a Detroit-area plant. 

The car celebrated in American song and film, and recognized the world over as an iconic American cultural export, will get a big party at Ford's Michigan headquarters. 

It's a turning point for the carmaker, which is banking on the Mustang's wide appeal to help it grow global market share.

To read more, go here.

Ford Looks To Conquer RV Market

Above, The Beast at Goulding's Lodge Campground in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Ford Motor Company is reaping the benefits of increasing RV sales, particularly with Class C RVs.

According to MSM.com:

Ford is now acknowledging that RV sales are on the rise, and wants more people to join the fun. The RV lifestyle is as old as Genghis Khan, who was a well-known Winnebago fan. The Drive has even embraced RVs, though for somewhat mysterious reasons. But Ford noticed a nearly 36% increase in its camper sales so far this year. It seems that many families are suddenly jumping on the road trip bandwagon, and Ford says many people are buying their Ford Transit vans as entry level campers. Since this $50 billion a year industry is clearly expanding rapidly, Ford wants to teach you everything you need to know about camper vans, and prove to you that its vans are the best vehicles for the job.

According to Ford, the E-Series and Transit vans are being bought up by families looking to drive across the US, way more than the competition. 

The Beast (my 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C) is built on a Ford E-350 chassis. For those who do not know what the classes are in motorhomes, they are as follows:

Class A: The biggest RVs that look like buses.
Class B: The smallest of the motorhomes built as van conversions or on E-Series or Sprinter chassis.
Class C: The "C" stands for cabover. They are larger than van campers but generally built on van chassis (mostly on Ford's E-350 or E-450 chassis or on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis).

I've had my RV for two years and have not had any problems with the Ford portion of it.

To read more, go here.

The Beast Has Been Flawless

Above, at a viewpoint stop in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Each time I've taken my Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R out on a trip convinces me more than ever that I made the right decision to buy it last year. It performed like a champ during my Yosemite trip.

Above, at North Pines campground in Yosemite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been trouble-free in each of my trips, and I've had it for over a year, whether they be short ones or longer ones. I cannot sing its praises any more than that.

It is on a Ford E-350 chassis with Triton V10 engine. It is great for uphill mountain driving.

Above, at North Pines campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The systems in the "house section" have been working with no problems. The stove is flawless. The plumbing system (including shower and toilet) have been trouble-free. The house heater warms up the inside in no time. The electric awning has give me no problems. Electrically, it has been problem-free. And, the ducted air conditioning system has also worked great.

Above, at North Pines campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is in the market to buy a recreational vehicle, I definitely recommend Winnebago.

Yes, this is a product endorsement!

Winnebago's Fuse Introduced

Above, the Winnebago Fuse. Photo by Winnebago Industries.

Prior to buying The Beast, I was considering getting a campervan (Class B) RV.

But, two things made me drop that idea. First, Class Bs are (on average) $30,000 to $40,000 more in price than Class Cs. Second, Ford dropped the Econoline van line and went with the Transit in its place.

I looked at some Transits at a local Ford dealership and was not too impressed. So, I went with the 2015 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22R Class C and glad I did. The Transit is smaller than the Econoline vans. I am pleased with my 22R (its length is actually 23 feet) as it is mounted on Ford's E-350 chassis.

I received an email from Winnebago that introduces the Winnebago Fuse, which incorporates features found in Class B and Class C motorhomes and is compact.

According to their email:

And speaking of holiday lighting, you’ve absolutely got to check out the hot new Winnebago Fuse.  Launched at the RVIA Louisville show earlier this month, the Fuse brings all of Winnebago’s compact coach experience to the new, fuel-efficient Ford Transit chassis.

While the Fuse would not be the RV I, personally, would want, it could be one of interest to you. I have to admit, the interior does look nice.

To see more, go here.

Ford Announces New Aluminum Campers & Trailers

The Ford Motor Company is coming out with their own brand of aluminum F-150 truck campers and trailers.

According to Car and Driver:

If you like your all-new Ford F-150 enough to cook, sleep, and go to the restroom in it, you can now do so within a Ford-branded trailer or bed-mounted camper. Ford has announced a partnership to peddle campers and trailers with aluminum body panels and Blue Oval logos. Because camping quality is Job 1. 

Ford’s first factory-authorized campers, built by Indiana-based Livin’ Lite, arrive next year in six configurations for both short- and long-bed trucks.

To read more and see what they look like, go here. 

Reseda Mufflers & Brakes

Above, my Mustang being worked on while I had breakfast.

Like other things, parts on cars give out after a while.  I had to get a new muffler for my Mustang this morning.

Before going to a muffler shop, I checked around on the Internet for a recommended muffler shop.  I found several and Reseda Mufflers & Brakes was one of the recommended shops.

I got there around ten o'clock this morning and they had me out of there in 45 minutes.  While they did their work, I went across the driveway to a little Mexican restaurant and had an excellent Mexican breakfast of huevos and chorizo (for $5.00).

When the muffler work was done, the bill was under $200, which included the muffler, tail pipe and connector pipe (from the catalytic converter to the muffler), connectors and labor for installation.  I thought they were quite reasonable.  The old tailpipe and connector pipe were "like paper."

If you happen to live in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County and need muffler/exhaust work, I recommend Reseda Mufflers & Brakes.  They are located at 7444 Reseda Blvd., Unit C, Reseda, California 91335.  Phone (818) 344-4904.

Mustang Meets Bambi

I had an "interesting" ride home from work in Malibu tonight.

I was heading to the San Fernando Valley from Malibu on Malibu Canyon Road when a deer decided to j-walk in front of me. I hit the brakes, but hit the deer.

A loud thud was heard on impact and suddenly I lost all electrical power to my car, a 1989 Ford Mustang. After rolling from the impact, the deer got up and ran off. Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out what was wrong with the car.

I managed to roll the car to the shoulder off the road (well, most of it). My immediate thought was that the fuel cut-off switch Fords have was the culprit. I popped the trunk and when I did, the lights came on. So, I figured I could start it and gave it a try. No dice! No power again.

I tried the cut-off switch and it did nothing. So I called the Auto Club.

While waiting for the Auto Club, I popped the hood and found that the impact with the deer knocked one of my battery cables off the battery. I replaced it onto the battery terminal, and lo and behold, I had full power!

I cancelled the Auto Club service and was merrily (not exactly, I was a little shaken up) on my way home. Also, the impact with the deer did no damage to the front end of the Mustang. Lucky for me!

It was also my good fortune that the encounter happened at a wide section of the road. Otherwise, I might have skidded off over the side and down 100-200 feet into the canyon.

UPDATE: My claims adjusting boss called me this morning (with two new assignments) and I told her what happened. She said her brother once hit a deer and totalled his vehicle.

In my claims work, I've had vehicle vs. deer claims in the past. I am aware that people have been killed in these (especially when the deer's body goes into the windshield).

I consider myself lucky: no damage, no injuries. Don't know about the deer. I haven't heard from its attorney.

Ford's Mustang: Celebrating 45 Years

Above, a 2005 Mustang GT at a Woodland Hills, California Mustang club rally.

45 years ago on April 17, the Ford Motor Company introduced its newest car - The Mustang - at the New York World's Fair.

That year, Ford projected to sell 100,000 units. Instead, Ford sold 417,000 units. Now, 45 years and 9 million units later, the Mustang is still as popular as ever with the car-buying public.

I currently drive a 1989 Fox body Mustang LX (below) that I inherited from my dad and a 2000 Mustang.



One of the most iconic Mustangs was the one Steve McQueen drove in the movie Bullitt (1968). James Bond (Sean Connery) drove one in the 1971 movie Diamonds Are Forever through the streets of Las Vegas. And a Mustang won the final race in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006).

Above, vintage Mustangs on display in Woodland Hills, California.

Congratulations to Ford for this milestone in automotive history and a toast to 45 more years!