GMan's_2008_Edge

With a quick forum search and a bit more reading, I think you'll find that the "Redfire Curse" is nothing more than a poster's imagination drifting a little too far off on a boring day... :boring: There is no more of a curse on red(fire) Edges than there is on red cell phones, ink pens, coffee cups, match packs, etc., etc... Go with the Redfire if that's your choice, and enjoy your sharp looking Edge.... I do!

That's interesting Lex... as I'm on the opposite end of that. I went from an Expedition to the Edge, and find that I have trouble referring to it (the Edge) as a "Truck", since it seems more car-like to me now. However... several of my co-workers here call it a truck when talking about it so I can see that it's more of a personal perception kind of thing. You and I do agree on the 'Crossover' moniker however, and I really never use that term when talking about my new Edge... :D

First, I'm neither a Ford employee, nor an expert in vehicle titling... So how about another twist on this? My 2008 Edge here in Pennsylvania is titled as a "Station Wagon", which shows on my state registration card as the abbreviation "SW" under 'Type', and the fee is $36.00. The "rules" on type classification may vary somewhat from State to State, however, I believe that the registration type in all is based on how the vehicle has actually been titled, with titling based on features/characteristics the vehicle has as manufactured (including gross weight). As an example of how convoluted this can be , here's a clip from the PA Code on classifying a vehicle, and the various categories: § 1304. Registration criteria. (a General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, vehicles shall be registered for a flat fee. (b Classification of vehicles.--The department may identify vehicles by type as to weight, design, loading, use, ownership or other significant characteristics for purposes of registration. SUBCHAPTER B REGISTRATION FEES Sec. 1912. Passenger cars. 1913. Motor homes. 1914. Motorcycles. 1915. Motor-driven cycles. 1916. Trucks and truck tractors. 1917. Motor buses and limousines. 1918. School buses and school vehicles. 1919. Reduced combustion vehicles. 1920. Trailers. 1921. Special mobile equipment. 1922. Implements of husbandry. 1923. Antique, classic and collectible vehicles. 1924. Farm vehicles. 1925. Ambulances, taxis and hearses. 1925.1. Limousines. 1926. Dealers and miscellaneous motor vehicle business. 1926.1. Farm equipment vehicle. 1926.2. Fleet owner transporter. 1931.1. Street rod. 1933. Commercial implements of husbandry. Regardless of what type class a particular vehicle falls into according to the State, the point here is that they should all be titled/registered the same way.

Very informative post TN-EdgeSEL.. thank you. It is "first hand experience" stories like yours that really allow readers here in this forum to give proper consideration to things before just jumping on the bandwagon and finding out the hard way after it's too late. I opted for the exterior mounted shades also.

I wouldn't think that these little "door pull floor mats" have been discontinued. My 2008 Edge came with them, but... they were in a plastic bag (along with the double-sided adhesive mounting pads) in the glove box. My dealer never mentioned them so when I found them there after taking my Edge home, I had to think a minute or two before it came to me what they were for. Speaking with my sales person later, he stated that they are probably shipped un-installed so as not get lost during transit, and the dealer's new car prep station is supposed to install them. There are four required, two front, two rear. So you ask... why does Ford make these little rubber (neoprene actually) mats in the first place, instead of just forming a smooth bottom surface in the pull opening and calling it a day? Because there is a screw head down in there that must be accessible in order to remove the door panel, and the mat is intended to cover it for a more finished look. Wondering also if they might be left off if the dealer prep crew removes the door panels to take away any plastic sheeting used to protect the panels during transit. The plastic is commonly wrapped in behind the panels to hold it in place. It make sense since they would be taking that screw out anyway then to easily remove the sheeting, and would install the mats when replacing the door panels. Just a thought... I would first look in your Edge's glove box, console, or in any collection of documents/items you received from him to see if you do actually have them and just need to put them in place. If you can't find them, definitely ask your sales person about it. Good luck..!

First, be advised that the shade being discussed does not fold in any way.. it rolls only. OK... now.. I haven't actually ever measured it, but do this if you want more precision regarding size before you purchase... first take the dimensions of your windshield (height" x width"), and that will give you the size of the shade when fully opened. Now, it rolls up from side to side from driver 'A' pillar to passenger 'A' pillar, with the (shiny) side facing front becoming the outside of the roll. The height" measurement you got above tells you the length of the rolled up shade.. and, the diameter of the roll can vary some depending on how tight you roll it. I don't try to force mine into the smallest roll possible, but rather just reproduce the size of the roll it was in when shipped from the factory. That all said, to take a stab at the size when rolled up, I would estimate about 30" long and in a 6" diameter roll. During the winter months I keep the shade stored in the garage as it really isn't needed in my part of the world then. When using it daily in summer, I keep it on the floor in the back seat within easy reach. I rarely have passengers riding back there, but when I do and need that foot space, they simply move the roll over the back seats and into the cargo area before settling in. Another related note here... I find that the shade is easily put in place while I'm sitting in the drivers seat. I reach back and grab it, undo the velcro strap, unroll the shade flat across the dash toward the passenger side, and then simply lift it up toward the glass, bending the corners of the rearview mirror slot around the mirror mount post and tucking the shade into place where needed. Two visor flips and I'm out... maybe 15 seconds. Removing is just the reverse order. Finally, on a somewhat humorous note.. besides the shade itself, my favorite part of buying this product was reading the following caution statement printed on the wrapper when I first opened it: "CAUTION - Use ONLY in a parked vehicle!" I thought to myself that they must have needed to add that as liability protection against stupidity (hmm.. did someone REALLY try to drive their car with the shade installed..?!?!? ), but then thought that maybe it refers to using these shades inside a motor home type vehicle (other than on the windshield) since they make these shades for many vehicles, including aircraft, and will make custom sizes to order for any use. Anyway.. hope that helps... good luck!

I have the Heatshield Model 183 for my 2008 Edge mentioned above (made by Canvas Works in Sunnyvale, CA) , and can say that yes, it fits the windshield exactly like shown. Like it was custom fit & trimmed with an exacto knife! Features worth mentioning: 1. Fits the shape of the windshield perfectly. Exact custom shape and notch for the rearview mirror allows the shade to fit closely against the glass, without overlapping the headliner or A pillars. Like a second windshield against the inside of the glass one. 2. No gaps that hang open around the edges. Seals it completely, unlike those accordian style or two-piece types. 3. High quality space age material with heavy duty hemmed edge (no pun intended) all around and quilt-stitched across entire surface. 4. Sturdy and rigid, but lightweight (a few ounces!) and flexible enough to be easy to put in place/remove in mere seconds. Stays in place perfectly with just the visors folded down on it, even when hot (when the 'others' tend to fail and you find them laying across your dash..). 5. Rolls up into itself and secures with velcro strip that is permanently sewn on, for stowing. Mine was just shy of $45.00 total to my door via UPS, came in 4 days. This may seem a bit expensive compared to a common "1 size fits all" shade that you could pick up in your local Auto Parts or Wal-Mart type store, but side-by-side... there really is no comparison. Highly recommended.

Not difficult at all IMO... if you can operate a tape measure and a roll of masking tape you're golden..! :yup: They come with easy instructions, the cleaner & prep packs, and are very nicely packaged for the trip to your door. The paint is true Ford OEM (you enter your paint code when ordering) and matches perfectly. Well worth the cost and one of the favorite mods I've done so far.

I'll agree on the door side mouldings... besides giving the Edge a really sharp looking detail across the blank door panels, mine have saved a couple of dings so far. Also got mine from SportWing.com - very high quality product and highly recommended if a mod like this interests you. Pics of mine in Redfire in my album.. 08GMansEdge

Not sure if you may also be referring to door mouldings that protect the vertical outer edge of the door skin when opened, but if you mean to include the horizontal ones that are applied across the middle of the door, they were one of the first mods I did to my '08 Edge. I ordered mine in the matching Redfire paint from Sportwing (http://www.sportwing.com/catalog/displaycat.pcgi?fm_catid=22&fm_subcatid=103#). Excellent product at a good price, along with fantastic service. The mouldings come with 'no brainer' instructions, are easy to install, and look great. Mine were looking good in less than 20 minutes after opening the box. Comes with everything you need except a tape measure and some masking tape. Highly recommended... pic in my photo album '08GMansEdge' here in the forum. Good luck!

Hmmm... interesting thread... :shades: Check my photo album in the Gallery.

Quick weigh-in on this from here... same issue with my '08 AWD (1400mi)... subtle low-toned 'grinding' or rumble/scraping noise as has been described during first drive off after sitting, when applying brakes.. especially during wet weather. Stops after the second or third brake application. Mine seems to come mostly from the front left each time, but that may just be because that's the closest wheel to my ears(?)...

Jim - Congrats on getting your new Edge... check the photo 'Gallery' link above, here on the forum if you haven't yet.. lots of great shots from fellow Edge owners... Good luck..!

Noticed the thread's interesting subject line... and then became even more interested once I read sengland's post above regarding the C.M. Escort/Passport units. I was working in Cinci in/around 1987 or so, and for 6 months was commuting there weekly from Western PA at the time (Rte 70==>Rte 71). I had initially borrowed an original Escort model (the big black boxed one with the huge red light on the front!) from a friend to use during the drive. It worked well on the Ohio State Police radar, and I could make that trip in slightly over 3.5 hours with good weather and a heavy foot. Soon after, I found time to drive a short distance up the road from my job site near King's Mills (there was a large Amusement Park there at the time, not sure if it's still there...) to the Cincinnati Microwave office/factory, and bought a brand new Passport. Can't remember exactly, but I think I paid at least a few hundred for it at the time, but it has long since returned the investment. It was without question the leader of the (radar detector) pack back then and ahead of its time. Many models that appeared later mimicked the Passport's innovation. It still works great on conventional radar types, and I still use it today. Excellent compact design and rugged construction inside that metal case. I use mine on the windshield above the rearview mirror with the suction cup mount (from where it has detached many a time in the past and fallen to the dash, without damage..!). My occupation no longer requires the drive time of yesteryear as I have a daily commute of only 20 miles one way each day now, and speed traps are few and far between. I still use the Passport only because I have it, it's paid for, and it still works on PSP radar (no laser here yet)... Plus, the nostalgia factor ala this thread was a nice reminiscence... :yup:

Front sides of mine done with 20% film, and all others (except windshield of course) done with 5% Limo. Pic in gallery under: 08GMansEdge The windshield does have a 5% visor strip across the inside top btw...

Mine is the "6P" version. It's labeled: FLM Navigation System - North America - Map Release 6P The back of the DVD case has: 2008 Pioneer Corporation / 2006 NAVTEQ / Made in Japan / 8L2T-10E987-AF / Supplier Code EDMEA GMan

Yes, the (optional) power liftgate can be disabled by changing the setting for it (on/off) in the dash's Info/Message Control Center menu. GMan

No, the puddle lights are mounted in the bottoms of the side view mirrors. Mine does. My door lift is a 2007 model from Marantec. Yes, and that's done by changing the setting in the dash's Info Center menu. They stay on for a few seconds, and then slowly fade to black. Not sure about the NAV DVD updates, depends on how often Ford's GPS vendor creates a new version. Whenever they are available, I'm guessing that a new edition of the NAV disk will likely NOT be free. My 2008 Edge came with a disk that is dated 2007 on the labeling, but not sure if that dates the creation of the data, or just the disk itself. GMan

Yes, since the elastic bands simply slip over the headrests, the rear seats can still be reclined with the cargo area cover installed, however, the cover is designed to fit snugly with the seats in their "fully upright and locked positions", so reclining the rear seat backs will cause the cover to sag a bit. Cargo cover issues aside, I'm sure you will enjoy your new Edge once you get it.. good luck..! :yup:

If you mean the FORD accessory Cargo Area Privacy Cover (I have this one), it is simply an add-on, and there is no required pre-consideration necessary if you want one... it can be added at any time. There was some discussion in another thread about whether or not there is a FACTORY installed cover option, but I have no info on this if it exists. Possibly another poster can enlighten us... Meanwhile here is some info/opinion about mine: Install & Fit: The cover is constructed of a (thicker, but not exactly 'heavy-duty') vinyl material, cut to shape and hem-stitched around its perimeter. It's a "tool-less" install except for the two pilot holes that are drilled into the plastic trim near the hatch opening on the right and left sides, about level with the height of the top of the rear seats. These are used for mounting the two-pronged plastic hooks (they look like miniature versions of the ties used as mooring points on a boat dock), where the two short elastic bands on the rear of the cover attach. Once installed, the cover is then suspended over the cargo area at about seat-top level, held in place from the front (3 headrest bands), sides (trim hooks at base of each rear side window, with sewn-in weighted inserts), and the aforementioned rear hooks and bands. The cover is cut to take the shape of the top of the cargo opening (includes the inside shape of the hatch when closed), and does fit well in this regard, with minimal "flap" during travel (windows closed). Curious to see if this holds true once the elastic bands age some, and hot weather returns to soften the vinyl/elastic and back windows may be opened to allow air wash over the cover (flapping & noise?). Use: Since the cover has no retracting mechanism, once in place, it can not easily be "opened" or moved out of the way to provide good access to the cargo space, other than the very back edge (no pun intended..) closest to the back lip of the opening. Without detaching any of the rear or side anchoring points (not easily done one-handed or when carrying packages), one is forced to simply bend down and reach under the cover to place or retrieve objects, and when this is done, the cover's rear side ends up just about in your face. Releasing the two rear bands off of their hooks allows about 1/3 of the cover to "droop" down to expose a bit more of the cargo area, but then is in the way of placing/picking up your parcels. This back 1/3 of the cover will not stay in place when folded up and over toward the front (at least in my vehicle), which would make it somewhat more workable. It just falls back down in the way. If you need even more access to items stored further forward toward the rear seats, you will likely need to lean in and release the two side hooks in addition to the rear ones. These two plastic hooks are attached to the cover via flat elastic bands, are "fish hook" shaped, and are not easily manuevered into/out of the small gap between the plastic cargo area trim and the glass of the rear side windows while leaning into the cargo area with your knees pressed against the car's rear (and dirty..?) bumper. They are thin plastic and don't seem very robust, and so may be suseptible to breakage if overly exerted upon during this exersize. Once these hooks are removed, the cover can then be flipped up and forward toward the rear seats (if you can reach in far enough to do this, shorter folks may have trouble here), and will stay folded over there. All of the above would then need to be done in reverse order of course to button things back up. Overall, this item does accomplish the basic task it is designed for, that is, to keep items in the cargo area out of sight of prying eyes and maybe out of a bright sun at times, but (IMHO) would not be described as a "convenience" to use. Unknown at this time how it will hold up to continued use. Also, the cost at ~$115 does not seem to balance against the actual construction and lack of ease in using this product. GMan