No, the example was fine. He said: "Why should a manufacturer need to change something that isn't defective." I gave an example something that wasn't defective, but was a good candidate for re-design.
Yes, a slip on my part.
Sure. So recess them.
You've obviously never designed or developed a switch. I've done a couple. Little surface mount detect and tact switches. The kind in consumer electronics. Changing it from push in to pull up is a major change, in fact, it's generally a different switch entirely.
I wouldn't be surprised if your 'trivial' cost ends up being 50K in tooling for switches alone. Then throw in a few more 10s of thousands for altering the plastic parts they are mounted to etc. And lastly the engineering time, travel to supplier, manufacturing line changes, etc.
Your 'trivial' cost is probably a $100,000 on the low side. (per car) Probably more like a cool quarter of a million. This is why you'll still see designs automakers did 10-20 years ago in switches, seat belts, latches, and all these little parts. Tooling up for new ones costs alot.
According to the article, Ford already offers some cars with the option. If they're already using it, why would they have to re-tool?
cost? Even more
For the same reason tire pressure monitors are being mandated for people too lazy to check their tire pressure. As if the handling feel of the car isn't enough of a clue long before it becomes dangerously low....
Sure, but in this case, at least according to the posted link, Ford already is using the redesigned switches in some of its cars.
So you did. I lost track of who said what.
It may require changing the door console piece to mount the new switch because it may mount differently. If that were the case, that piece would have to re-tooled. And those things are quite complex and hence quite expensive pieces to re-tool.
Also, it's one thing to re-tool if you're going to change the design anyway (such as possibly in a body style change where you may have interior changes anyway, or where interior changes can easily be justified in comparison to the cost of the body changes).
But to re-tool in the middle of a body style that just to change a light switch, is quite a waste of money.
Stephan
cost? Even more
Man having worked at a few tire places...
You don't even want to know how many times I've seen cars come in with
10psi of air...oh about..50% of em? the other 40% was lucky to have 20.....
Stephan
Because electric start is much easier to use than hand cranking. The same damn reason electric windows replaced hand cranked ones.
Sorry it's not that easy to just lift them out of one car and into another. Try it yourself, you'll see.
I think we're talking about different changes. I wasn't suggesting redesigning the current models, but putting them in future releases as the opportunity arose.
What if for one reason or another you _want_ or _need_ you window to go up regardless of an object in it's path, or even _because_ of an object in it's path? Some tree-hugger would sue over that one too.
I'm sure that's come up. "Oh... he must've hit the switch by himself. That's it."
JS
While this is true of many cars, some cars they simply will not put manual windows in anymore because it isn't an option and it would require a ton of re-tooling costs. I'm not sure you can get crank windows on a Mustang anymore. I thought that I heard the 2000 Cobra R even had power windows because it just wasn't an option to not have them. You'd think on a factory built race car, they'd find a way, but nope. I'd also like to think they'd do it to trim some of the weight out of the rather portly machine, all things considered.
I've seen plenty myself and everyone claims they are quite reliable. We bought a canoe off of a guy once that was claiming his Volvo wagon had
240,000 on it and still ran like a top. Wasn't the most recent (or first) million mile car a Volvo of some sort?JS
hrm... manual windows were still around when I bought my '97 as I remember. I ended up with power windows because I had to get that package to get the 17 inch wheels....
So.... gun safety switches should be done away with as well?
It's not a matter of needing "big brother" to keep us safe. It's a matter of introducing a new design that is not likely to be accidentally pressed so that it raises the window. So what you're saying is "screw all who might potentially be saved by this... I like my rocker switches!"
Faulty engineering of the safety of the entire car. Not necessarily faulty engineering of the specific switch.
It's his car, so if he wants rocker switches he should be able to have them. If you don't like the FoMoCo products with rocker switches then don't buy them, go buy some vehicle which you like. It's not a matter of him feeling "screw all who might
of him having a personal preference. I prefer the rocker switches as well, they take up less space and I feel give the car a cleaner, crisper look. I also find them more pleasant to use.
The bottom line is it comes down to common sense. Common sense on the kids part not to be hanging out the window with his knees up on the armrest. Common sense on the parents part not to leave the kid unsupervised in the car with the keys. Stop being brainwashed by the liberals, attack the problem at the root.
Cory
You're dreaming if you think a 93 Geo will still be around and running10-20 years from now. And, I'm not sure there are many cars left that still offer manual windows today, let alone in the future. REALLY limits your choices!!
Steve
running10-20 years from now. And, I'm
let alone in the future.
It has not needed a single bit of non-maintenance work done so far, and the frame and body are in good condition. When I get it I plan on changing the timing belt, which hasn't been changed yet, and then just driving it. It's been a very reliable car, and I don't see any reason why anything catastrophic should fail prematurely. Do Geos of that year with the 1.6l engine have a reputation for being unreliable? I don't see any reason why it shouldn't go too 200,000-250,000 miles or more before needing a rebuild. Whenever the engine goes if the rest of the car is in good condition I may as well rebuild it or buy a remanufactured engine.
No sense wasting my money on a new car when this one is doing just fine. I don't plan on ever getting a new car, as it's just a colossal waste of money. I could have more cars that I like better for less, if I buy used. If I am ever rich (don't want to deal with car payments) and there is a particular model of new car that I just can't live without I will go to the dealer and look over the options list and talk with the salesperson. If they can't or won't make the car with the options I want, I will walk away and get a car that I like.
Cory
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