1979: Ford light weighting was Limited
In February 1979, an experimental Ford LTD with body and chassis components made of graphite reinforced plastic composites was to be shown to the annual Society of Automotive Engineers meeting in Detroit. The SAE Sneaker would be put together in a manner similar to the illustration and would include graphite composite doors, hood, bumpers, driveshaft, wheels and deck lids. There was to be other lightweight stuff too, in the form of plastic and aluminum. Ford said the full use of these materials would not begin until 1985, but the air conditioner compressor brackets for some 1980 models would be made of the composite.
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