REC

While they aren't as convenient as the ones in the Crown Vic were (in the console - LX Sport), but I've gotten used to them now. It's usually just me in there anyway.. My Dunkin' Donuts Large Coffee fits in there perfectly every morning. Gotta have it... Roland C. Happily Transiting

No, you got it. I found them to be quite noisey. Enough so that I could not wait to get rid of them. I went through the same issue on my last car when I bought a set of Continentals and put them on it. I went from excellent traction and minimal road noise to miserable wet traction and hideous amounts of noise. The former ride was an '02 Crown Vic LX Sport, and with the last two sets of tires before it self-ignited, I had little to no issue with road noise, and no issue whatsoever with traction - wet, dry, or otherwise. Michelin was the next to last, and the last ones were Bridgestones (tires I would not have bought had they not been a heckuva deal). The Michelins were the same ones (model wise - Pilot Exalto A/S) I had on the Blazer Extreme that preceded the Crown. I REALLY liked them, and almost went for the same ones on the TC. (Price, weight, and noise rating won out - $100 less for four, 2 lbs per tire less with 1/32 more tread from the start, and a better test rating for noise) The Bridgestones had only about 3/32 worn off when the car burned, so they never really got a fair trial. I did like the traction they offered though. Oddly, the Extreme had brand new tires on it when I got hit, and the first set lasted up to two weeks before that - at 76K miles, and had been installed at 8300 miles. The original Good Years were taken off within a week of buying the car, and replaced with some stupidly expensive, but very crappy (but also VERY sticky) german Fulda extreme tires that lasted about 7500 miles. If the next ones lasted to 76K miles, I would say the German tires were a load of something... I drove the car the same way all along. Leaving the question "why the different tires all the time?" Answer: Takeoffs from one of the dealerships I am in and out of frequently, and at really good prices! I got lucky with the Michelins, I got the only ones they ever had, I had a choice of approximately 48 of the Bridgestones.... It seemed they were not a very popular OE tire on Cadillacs. (Fine with me!) The Crown was a replacement due to the loss of the Extreme, and was not a car I'd have gone in search of, but it was the right price, at the right time, and I needed a car right now at that point. It was truly a nice car, but it was somewhat disheartening to pull up to an intersection and be looking at at least 10 more of them - mostly all piloted by what appeared to be little globs of silver/blue hair sticking up (barely) above the headrest. At least mine had buckets and a console! I never saw this car as more than just that - a car. It being "a car" meant that it would get by with whatever I could find at a reasonable price. The car was well maintained and provided perfect service with the exception of a failed alternator at about 38K miles, and a shudder in the trans a 114K miles (fixed by a trans flush!) I will also mention that the car pulled my (6 X 12' cargo) trailer well, and when it was not pulling the trailer, it got better than 27 MPG on the highway (at 75 on cruise). Needless to say, the difference between the Contis and the Kumhos now on the TC van is incredble at highway speeds. The noise level is far less over most types of road surface now. The tires are also a bit oversized compared to stock, and that helps too. Kumho was recommended to me by a friend who owned a towing company, and swore they were the best tires he had ever found. So far, I have to agree - but the real test will be when they are about 50% worn, will they become as noisey as what I got rid of? My friend says they will remain quiet... We shall see! At the rate they are wearing, 50% will be in about 35K miles at the earliest. They have 13K on them today. For the record, I also said (when the Extreme got hit) that I'd never buy another vehicle because I liked it... Well, I have to say the TC has proven that to be an inaccurate statement. I DO like it, and I find it fun to drive. Enough fun that I look forward to my daily commutes here and there. Different strokes for different folks... This is my experience, others may not see things the same way. Roland C. Happily (and quietly) Transiting

Sorry, but I believe that to be an incorrrect statement. I mentioned the several times, but I don't believe the words "Beautiful" and Continental" may have been the ones I chose. I drove the van approximately 8 days with them on it. They are sold and will finish their useful life on another vehicle that belongs to someone esle. Words I would use to describe them: Noisy, no traction, NOISY, hard as a rock when inflated to the correct (suggested) pressures, Noisey... Did I mention that? And NOISEY. They felt a bit odd slowing to a stop as well. Like out of round... Replaced them with the quietest tires I could find at the time. Kumho Ecsta Platinum LX, 225-55R16 blkwalls. Smooth, excellent traction (Wet & Dry), and QUIET! Treadwear rating is 600 as well. Very satisfied too. Sorry, did I mention that the Continentals were slightly less than perfect? Roland C. Happily Transiting

You have achieved carpenter status -- you hit the nail on the head. I used Kumho Ecsta Platinum tires, same size you refer. I looked at the "quiet" and mileage ratings... I also looked at the fact they weighed 2 lbs less per tire than the same size Michelin (first choice), and for four, were $100 less. Kinda looked like a home run, and so far, they're fine (presently have 12K miles on them.) Huge difference in transmitted road noise, and running at 42 psi cold. (Think fuel mileage...) By the way... Ya gotta watch them guys named Roland.... Roland C. Happily Transiting

T/C owner since 8/28/09, 12K plus miles, perfectly content other than wanting to get the inside finshed! Just came in from giving it a bath. All better now. Photos in the gallery.. Roland C. Happily Transiting

I bought the T/C in August and before having it two weeks, changed the wheels and tires. The TPMS on mine gives me the warning light after about 25 miles of higway driving. 1: I bought wheels/tires and had the sensors put in them to begin with. The cost was not terrible. 2: I bought aluminum/alloy wheels that are larger both ways than the little steel factory wheels at 16" X 7", and then Kumho Ectsa Premium 225/55R16 tires that are better rated (by far) than the Continentals that were there to begin with. (Not to mention the fact they are also FAR more quiet!) The problem with the TPMS as I see it, is that the factory settings for the TPMS are based on the pressure settings for the tires that the factory put on. They recommend 34PSI in the front and 49PSI in the rear - which I suppose if you were to load the thing to the hilt and drive it that way constantly, would not be a problem. I don't. With the sensors being set for those pressures, and a normally prodent person looking at the tire installed by the factory being a "special capacity" tire to even hold 49PSI, it is kind of silly overall. So that being said, I run my tires at 42PSI cold (translates to 44PSI hot) on both ends. They wear fine so far (11500 miles on them), and the T/C rides AND handles FAR better than with the smaller Continentals. The track is a bit wider due to a slightly different offset and width of the wheels, and the treadwidth is considerably wider than the oginials. The difference in wind (and rain) is substantial as it is more stable now. I drove it about 850 miles before the switch out and don't miss those noisy Continentals at ALL, and the gas mileage is the same as before, if not a little better due to the higher pressure up front. I was also initially told that the parameters for the computer in control of the TPMS could be changed to accept my present pressure settings, but I have not desired to pay to have this done. I have repeatedly attempted to reset, and also to "retrain" the system. Fail. END RESULT: I get the little light on the dash most all the time now, but have seen no other lights or problems associated with the TPMS system other than that. While it would be nice NOT to see that stupid little light most of the time (or at all for that matter!), mostly due to the fact I watch my tires pretty much all the time before driving to see that they look normal and inflated. And furthermore, I don't feel that a little sensor is required to inform me that I may need to check the pressure. I honestly think this TPMS thing is an issue created by frivolous lawsuits over injury accidents where the cause was attributed to tire problems, most of which could have been prevented by at least looking at the tires at the point the gas tank was refilled each time, or possibly before sticking the key in and turning it before each use. How long does it take? (Really the question is "do you value your (and others as well) life that little?) Sorry for the rant, but the tire/wheel thing is one of those personal choices you make (especially when given a vehicle with what are undoubtably the world's ugliest wheel covers!) when you want to improve its' looks and performance overall. While I'm not an advocate of these huge tires/wheels on the average car (like the guy at one shop who wanted to have me put 22" wheels/tires on my T/C "'cause that is like, cool, man"), I have usually stepped the tire size up a little just to get a little better ride and a bit more economy from the vehicle, not to look like a "Hot Wheels" cars from the back in the days of my youth. Ok, so they were a little after the days of my youth... but I still remember seeing them. As far as the wheels go, there are photos in the gallery of my T/C and the changes to it so far. Roland C. Happily Transiting

The "pieces" under the windows are the covers for the rear window wipers. Don't have a lot of love for them, and find the wipers to be un-necessary for the large part. (I'm in Florida) Wires to the rear were run through the bellows from the rear pillars to the doors. Not a big deal at all, and not a wire hanging out in the open. Nice and neat. I have not looked at one with no windows, but since they are all supposed to have them to begin with, I think the rubber bellows would be there in any case. Roland C. Happily Transiting!

Not 6X9's, but I put 6.5" Alpine SPR-17c speakers in the rear doors. I think they are 1/2" less depth than the 6X9. The rear door trim panels (crappy thin masonite) would need to be replaced with something more substantial to use a heavier speaker, and the thickness of the panel could be a help in gaining clearance for depth. I used the OE panels, but want to make new ones from some plywood, most likely in the 1/2" to 5/8" range, mainly for the better damping properties of the wood. I had to change all the plastic push clips out in order to hold the trim panels to the doors with the weight of the speakers as it was. They are now covered with carpet and screwed into speed clips found at the local parts store. Roland C. Happily Transiting

Hey Mad, That is pretty cool. I like the whole setup. That display is off the hook. GPS too? Now.... tell the truth. Are you just spying on the neighbors????? Where are you getting the aerosl paint from? Thanks, Roland C. Happily Transiting

John, Just passed the 10K mark, and mileage is pretty consistent around 21/24 for the most part. On a 600 mile round trip recently, with the wind and at 75/78, it was over just under 27, coming back, against a stiff headwind and pushing it a little harder, went down to 19/20. Keeping the cruise set at 70 it does 25 on the road with no problems, All figures are with the AC running. It does go up with it off (it's been a little cooler lately), but I've not taken any measurements with no AC. I'm QUITE happy with the mileage, it's paying for itself in mileage allowances. Roland C Happily Transiting

I'm not seein' any pictures.... Did I miss something? Roland C. Happily Transiting

Thank you Ed. This should be interesting. I'm a non-commercial, private owner. The van is used for personal transportation, and fits my hobby interests perfectly It is used to transport bicycles when needed, as I collect and restore classic/antique bikes for fun. Roland C. Happily Transiting

While I can understand your sentiment, I think you may be a little off in your statement. American Made .... or American Assembled? While I was looking into a vehicle, I noted that most every vehicle I looked at had the content sticker on one of the windows.... and sadly, all had some content from countries OTHER than America, many of them being more than 50%. Oh, well.... my Transit is still a Ford product, and I'm good with that. Just my $.02 By the way, I understand that the engine and trans are from countries other than Turkey. Roland C. Happily Transiting

Stop readin' my mind would'ya? We'll start from ... where else? the Start! Rear foglamps for the same reason there are wipers on the rear windows... I can now back up REALLY fast, and even in the fog!! Oh yeah, and the twine thing explains a little about the factory radio speaker hookups... The phone call between Otosan and Detroit - "Uh, hello..... hello..... can you hear me now?" OK... I got the A/C vents in the front cover, but I don't see where the hoses from the evap housing were supposed to be inserted. (Or maybe it's that pea sized intellect thing...) The back-up camera thing would be kind of useful. The European mirrors - GET BACK ON THAT DAMN SOAPBOX!!! I'm all for that, and have been having some conversation regarding finding a way to get a pair. There was a posting here somewhere about part numbers and a cooperative UK dealer... I go along with the Econoliner comparison. Something on the order of a trim panel for the rear inside panels would be nice for us "Non-Commercial" types.... Thanks for the funny stuff (and it was. I don't care who ya are, that stuff was funny!) Roland C Happily Transiting

Look at Madlock's signature... I think you'll find the seat answer right there. HE knows..... Roland C Happily Transiting

I can dispel one of the thoughts here. The TPMS system and the cruise control are not made to interface. My TPMS light has been on for most of the time I've owned the van. (Remember - I did this... I put custom wheels/tires on it right after I got it.) My cruise has worked right from the start, or I should say, right from the first time I tried it. That was probably a week after taking it home because I was not working that week. No problems with the light on or off, cruise works either way. The light is a whole 'nother issue! I can leave the van sit over the weekend (minimal driving - max 20 miles) and on Monday, it takes about 30 miles for it to kick the light on. If it is cold out.. OK, so I REALLY don't know what "cold" is, being in the lower end of Florida, so let's go with anything in the 60s or below, it seems to stay off longer, and will take longer to come on in the morning. Normal temps, it comes on within the first 20 miles at highway speed. I like when it isn't on, but know that is short lived every day. One day I will either pull the bulb, or pay to have it reclaibrated to the pressures I am going to use. I was told by a pretty savvy tech that this is not something they can't do. My $.02.... Your mileage may vary. Roland C. Happily Transiting

This was the $64 question when I put the additional stuff into mine. The $64 answer seems to be that there are no rear outputs from the radio itself, though the pass-through harness I bought has rear wires in it. We tried different things to see if they worked independant of the fronts, but to no avail. I also had hoped to use an EQ for just that purpose, but that was nixed by the choices I made for the amp/speakers/sub. After the installation, I don't think it mattered that much, the system delivers VERY nicely. I just need to complete my interior stuff and do some more insulation. I didn't put insulation under the front carpet, and it needs it. I also want to do the roof under the headliner, something on the sliding doors (challenge here is the clearance to the rear side panels on opening), and to finish the rear inner body sides. I eventually will make better rear door trim panels (slightly larger than the originals), and that should make the difference I'm looking for. It is presently MUCH more quiet than when I got it. The insulation done so far, and the tire change made it much better, then the rear floor and under the the front door trim panels made a good bit of difference too. Back to the subject... sorry. No rear outputs were found in this one. I don't know if the upgraded radio with all the bluetooth/computer stuff has them as I have the 6000CD radio. It's working fine now, but initially sounded like a couple of tin cans hooked together with kite string. Roland C. Happily Transiting

Damn, you have some serious problems with dealers where you are. The rust that you show is an issue that they should be all over getting handled - new car, new model, customer service type thing. The dealers here (two of them I've used) have been VERY helpful in getting the broken pieces replaced, taking care of the little problems that I've given them, and even trying to fix one that I not only wasn't worried about, but was self inflicted (TPMS light on). Someone needs to get a reality check. The last time I looked, there is an 800 number on or in the owner packet. If I got even one stupid answer like "we don't cover that", I'd be on that line wanting some explanation. There are too many dealers it seems, that don't quite have a grip on reality when it comes to service. Ford has been better than that as a rule in handling any problems I've encountered - not just with this van, but with previous vehicles as well. Further note: Most dealers now have a "customer service" person that handles BS like what you are describing. The one that we had would literally get right in your face if you didn't handle the customer and the problem. The store owner told us up front, you are empowered to do what it takes to please the customer. His GM added that if a dis-satisfied customer got to his office, you were not gonna have a good day, and it could result in termination. They were SERIOUS about customer service. When that owner sold the franchise, the new owner had the outlook and provided the service you describe. The franchise has been sold again times at least 2, as the store went down - bigtime. I watched from a distance as it spiraled in... It wasn't pretty. The broken pieces, I'd ask for some type of explanation as to how they think you may have done this, if that is what they implied. That is just plain asinine. Mine had some plastic pieces that were broken, as well as that silly piece you show (mine didn't break but the bumper seemed to be awol. They fixed all of it, and did so with a smile, as well as calling me during the time the parts were on order to give me updates on when the delivery of the parts would be. I give them an A for that. I believe the rust issue you show was under a 30 day/1000 mile thing. They would take it and either clean that mess up or repair/paint the area if it was required. Again, that's just not right. Mine was cleaned while I was back for other reasons (unrelated to the van) and there were NO questions and zero BS. I honestly think the sales guy was the reason. He was excellent, and has even said that I should let them re-clean it sometime when I'm in the store. (There was a minor monsoon the night I got mine) I have referred as many people as have asked where mine came from right back to him, and told them why as well. In a world of not so good service, the store and the sales guy are exceptions to the rule. Service in both stores I've used has been VERY good. I hope you have better luck soon... this is not what I'd expect. Roland C. Happily Transiting

Two questions: What speakers did you end up using? Do you have an amo after the radio? Looks good! (And I am VERY partial to the Infiniti powered Sub. Same one I used.) Roland C. Happily Transiting

Hey Mad, No guidance here, but I now understand that AST thing a little better. I thought it was a third set of selections for FM, and apparently programmed it initially without knowing it was something else. I have the FM1, FM2, and AST - 18 presets... Now the question arises... 18? how do you use 18? Truth is, I probably use the AUX for XM more than anything else. But hey... who knew? Interesting..... verrrrrrry interesting. Roland C. Happily Transiting

The tiedowns in the rear are done the same way seatbelt attachment points are done. Figure seatbelts will hold a 200+ pound person in a crash where G-force is multiplied, I'd say a 250 scooter won't be an issue. I carry antique/classic bicycles that don't weigh quite that much, but they are still hefty (or at least the ones I mess with are - at a minimum or 65 pounds) and use the tiedowns in the C pillars (just rear of the sliding doors) on a regular basis. No problems. I am also planning on putting additional tiedowns in the plywood floor I put in a while back, and again, I'm sure they'll be fine. I laid a 3/4 plywood floor in over the stock mat with a double layer of jute insulation placed under the rubber mat (Mine's a van). It is WAY more quiet on the road than before. Plus it will give me many more options for location of any type tiedown. Just my thoughts..... REC Happily Transiting

No problems with AM. I (don't laugh!) listen to the traffic broadcasts along the interstate and turnpike frequently. I don't think the signal from their broadcast is very strong, but everything else comes through just fine. REC Happily Transiting

Humi (JK), Same idea, different components (to a degree!) I put the antenna inside at the front of the dash in the center. Works GREAT! I posted some pictures of the setupp a while back in the gallery.. I would like to see photos of what you did... can ya post 'em? REC Happily Transiting

Been there and bought that farm. However, my spare WAS loose, and the cable end that goes into the bracket that holds it to the body was also creating some havoc. Much less after those, but still had that annoying little mouse. (or were it mice? sounded like a whole herd of 'em) The last issue was exactly what you are describing, and I could NOT believe that this was the culprit. Needless to say, my wife now thinks I am a freakin' GENIUS! (And I assure you, I will not even attempt to change that!) REC Happily Transiting

For the squeak - try putting a small bit of gease in the door latches, mostly the (black plastic) piece that catches the striker. That stopped it in mine. (And made driving far more pleasureable!) I missed the clunkers program by 2 days. Why couldn't that damn car have burned up a couple of days earlier??? REC Happily Transiting