Quote from: Laconian on January 19, 2024, 04:04:53 PMThe CT's stainless steel might be "bulletproof" but it is raw and unprotected. The manual recommends that you wash it ASAP if it comes into contact with any kind of staining material, e.g. resin, road debris, bird poop, etc., otherwise it will become permanently discolored.

Screencap of the manual:


https://www.notebookcheck.net/Tesla-Cybertruck-wash-immediately-pedantic-cleaning-recommendations-spark-indignation.794569.0.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Uhh the model Y manual says the exact same thing nearly word for word. Just replace "exterior" with "paint" and "cybertruck" with " model Y."

https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_us/GUID-65384C1F-86F2-44E8-A8BC-8A12E7E00A40.html

It's next level desperation when people are resorting to reading the manual to find material to write up click bait Cybertruck hate articles. 

I feel like automotive clear coat is the most fragile substance known to man,  you look at it and it swirls and scratches, etches etc.  I've spent far too many weekends washing, waxing, buffing, sealing, ceramic coating, PPFing cars (small DIY panels).  I had the Blackwing and X3M totally PPFed because I was so tired of it.  I've never done any special care to any of the stainless steel stuff I own and a wash makes it look great again. 

Barkeepers CybertruckOwners Friend.

(We replaced all our All-Clad stainless steel cookware recently in a class action lawsuit settlement. We sold the unwanted stuff that wasn't part of the suit and needed to clean it up - Barkeepers Friend made them look new.)

Quote from: Morris Minor on January 21, 2024, 05:49:58 AMBarkeepers CybertruckOwners Friend.

(We replaced all our All-Clad stainless steel cookware recently in a class action lawsuit settlement. We sold the unwanted stuff that wasn't part of the suit and needed to clean it up - Barkeepers Friend made them look new.)

What's the lawsuit? Dishwasher-safe claim?

Heyyyyy if you think SS is so easy to maintain, throw your fridge out on the curb for a month and try to clean it and get back to me. 

Quote from: giant_mtb on January 22, 2024, 12:22:24 AMHeyyyyy if you think SS is so easy to maintain, throw your fridge out on the curb for a month and try to clean it and get back to me. 

My fathers boat has SS pipe work and railings, rod holders, and fittings that has been outside and exposed to not just weather but sea water, gull droppings,fish blood and guts since 2001. I use a stainless steel cleaner for boats each spring and it looks good as new.

Quote from: CaminoRacer on January 21, 2024, 05:00:58 PMWhat's the lawsuit? Dishwasher-safe claim?

Exactly that; the aluminium layer sandwiched between the stainless surfaces was exposed at the rims, and ablated away in the dishwasher, exposing the sharp stainless edges. Cuts & Bandaid resulted.

Quote from: giant_mtb on January 22, 2024, 12:22:24 AMHeyyyyy if you think SS is so easy to maintain, throw your fridge out on the curb for a month and try to clean it and get back to me. 

FWIW, this ginormously depends on the stainless steel alloy.

Between types, grades and alloys, there are literally thousands of different types of stainless steel, with a wide range of material properties - corrosion resistance vs. strength vs. temperature resistance vs. magnetism vs. electrical conductivity vs. machinability/workability/weldability, etc. IOW, in particular, some stainless steel is virtually impervious to the elements and some stainless steel is only somewhat better than plain carbon steel (source: minor in material science).

A quick Googlism says Tesla is being scotch on the alloy of stainless steel used. However, the DeLorean used 304, and generally speaking, some 40 years later, the exterior of those cars look fantastic if but as new - infinitely better than the average painted car of ~40 years ago. Quality stainless pots and pans are also generally 304, and they're regularly subjected to heat+salt+water which is almost like acid to plain carbon steel (and you'll never see a stained or rusted quality stainless pot or pan). Surface finish matters as well. A brushed finish (= micro roughness) mitigates the adherence of junk which mitigates corrosion - note how modern quality stainless steel kitchen appliances are virtually impervious to finger prints.

I hate both Musk and Telsa with a deep, searing, white-hot passion, but the use of stainless steel for the Cybertruck body panels is not a mistake, provided they used the proper alloy (and they probably did).

One of the youtube channels that got one recommends barkeeper's friend

Literally having to polish away at the surface with every wash.

It's not desperation at all.  "New" cybertrucks have doors that don't match.  I know they were going to for dystopian Cyberpunk vibes.  Ohhhhh man is it going to look like that when they're all patinaed and discolored differently.

I use a stainless cleaner for the boat which does a good job with a spritz and (after several minutes) a wipe. But you have to GTFO and breathe somewhere else while it works.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 22, 2024, 08:41:20 AMI hate both Musk and Telsa with a deep, searing, white-hot passion, but the use of stainless steel for the Cybertruck body panels is not a mistake, provided they used the proper alloy (and they probably did).

The use of stainless was justified by its function as a structure exoskeleton. It was promised as a weight savings measure first and a cool Blade Runner look second. The lie was perpetuated until for as long as practically possible until spy shots started being released of the panels being fitted to a conventional monocoque body.

I understand the CT's utility as a fashion statement. But it's really form over function, and as an engineer I get irritated seeing the rationalization (and mass belief in) the idea that it's the other way around, built from first principle thinking. The truck is simply shaped like that because it fits into Elon's sci-fi future fantasy.

Is the 304 alloy expensive? (Compared to other auto panels and/or other stainless alloys).

Quote from: Laconian on January 22, 2024, 11:41:58 AMThe use of stainless was justified by its function as a structure exoskeleton. It was promised as a weight savings measure first and a cool Blade Runner look second. The lie was perpetuated until for as long as practically possible until spy shots started being released of the panels being fitted to a conventional monocoque body.

I understand the CT's utility as a fashion statement. But it's really form over function, and as an engineer I get irritated seeing the rationalization (and mass belief in) the idea that it's the other way around, built from first principle thinking. The truck is simply shaped like that because it fits into Elon's sci-fi future fantasy.

A bit more Googlism shows the Cybertruck's body panels are 2-3x as thick as the conventional plain carbon steel panel so there is likely some strength/structural component there. That sort of stainless steel is also much more difficult to stamp, hence the SlabSPIN (just like the DeLorean).

Just the design and styling is absolutely abysmal, so there is indeed no reason for it, other than, "Make it pointy". Even so, IMO, the Cybertruck is the least worst thing Tesla's done.

One of my favorite automotive YouTube channels - such delightful Canadians (er, plus a Brit).

No surprises - just like all of the rest of Tesla product: fast, handles, range doesn't pan out, lots of weirdo/dangerous ergo stuff, cheap/creaky interior, cheap/flinty ride. IOW, interesting, but not a great vehicle (er, truck):

Wait what?! It's not a real truck?? Shiiiiit, I never woulda guessed.

I keep finding it hilarious that Tesla tries new things which no one else does without thinking about WHY no one else does them

Wheel covers which extended past the wheel onto the tires are wearing the tires out there...

https://jalopnik.com/tesla-cybertruck-s-aero-wheel-covers-are-chewing-up-the-1851218721

It's almost as if they didn't do enough real-world testing and rushed the product out.

This will be an interesting OTA.

Haha Plus I hadn't noticed they had the tires molded to match their stupid hubcaps (re-branded as an "aero cover)?....
What a pain for a tire shop to have to align.

OH WAIT will a regular tire shop be able to service this heavy thing? Will it have to go to heavy truck garages, or DIY?....

Nah, most tire shops are equipped to handle just about anything.  Cybertruck is right around the same weight as a Suburban or F250, etc, so, not a problem. A nice 2-post lift is good for at least 10,000 pounds.  Some tire shops don't even bother putting your vehicle up on the lift and just use jacks for a simple tire swap as it's quicker than monkeying around with the lift.

Most tire shops I go to have low profile floor lifts for changing tires rather than 2 post lifts. Drive up and over the lift section so the lift sits between the front and rear tires. For taller trucks they do tend to just use floor jacks.

Still a big nope from me. Looks like a 6 year old designed it (the original sketched by designers were futuristic and cool, even though they were similar to what we got). It doesn't even look better in a nice color wrap:

Quote from: GoCougs on February 01, 2024, 09:00:38 PMOne of my favorite automotive YouTube channels - such delightful Canadians (er, plus a Brit).

No surprises - just like all of the rest of Tesla product: fast, handles, range doesn't pan out, lots of weirdo/dangerous ergo stuff, cheap/creaky interior, cheap/flinty ride. IOW, interesting, but not a great vehicle (er, truck):

That was a fun video. Is it the Lamborghini Countach of our times? In my own experience Lamborghinis were the only cars that caused parking lot sensations wherever they went. The nonexistent rear viz is definitely a "feature" shared by both.

I'm pretty surprised the seats don't have adjustable headrests. I thought it was just cost cutting on the 3/Y but it looks like the nonadjustable seats are here to stay, even in their high end product.

Quote from: GoCougs on January 22, 2024, 08:41:20 AMFWIW, this ginormously depends on the stainless steel alloy.

Between types, grades and alloys, there are literally thousands of different types of stainless steel, with a wide range of material properties - corrosion resistance vs. strength vs. temperature resistance vs. magnetism vs. electrical conductivity vs. machinability/workability/weldability, etc. IOW, in particular, some stainless steel is virtually impervious to the elements and some stainless steel is only somewhat better than plain carbon steel (source: minor in material science).

A quick Googlism says Tesla is being scotch on the alloy of stainless steel used. However, the DeLorean used 304, and generally speaking, some 40 years later, the exterior of those cars look fantastic if but as new - infinitely better than the average painted car of ~40 years ago. Quality stainless pots and pans are also generally 304, and they're regularly subjected to heat+salt+water which is almost like acid to plain carbon steel (and you'll never see a stained or rusted quality stainless pot or pan). Surface finish matters as well. A brushed finish (= micro roughness) mitigates the adherence of junk which mitigates corrosion - note how modern quality stainless steel kitchen appliances are virtually impervious to finger prints.

I hate both Musk and Telsa with a deep, searing, white-hot passion, but the use of stainless steel for the Cybertruck body panels is not a mistake, provided they used the proper alloy (and they probably did).

The fuck they did. lol

Quote from: Laconian on February 05, 2024, 02:26:43 PMThat was a fun video. Is it the Lamborghini Countach of our times? In my own experience Lamborghinis were the only cars that caused parking lot sensations wherever they went. The nonexistent rear viz is definitely a "feature" shared by both.

I'm pretty surprised the seats don't have adjustable headrests. I thought it was just cost cutting on the 3/Y but it looks like the nonadjustable seats are here to stay, even in their high end product.

But the Countach had always looked awesome, not awkward and sad.

Quote from: giant_mtb on February 14, 2024, 03:30:00 PMThe fuck they did. lol

It's 301 stainless.

Quote from: giant_mtb on February 14, 2024, 03:30:00 PMThe fuck they did. lol

Sure they did (if it is indeed 301). Selecting a proper stainless steel is a straightforward thing industry has been doing for decades. Tesla is awful but they're not that awful.

Any rust is very likely from contaminants (such as metal particles from auto manufacturing) rusting on the surface. This is a common/known challenge in stainless steel construction.

And that's why you have high grade stainless, paint, wrapping, or clearcoating in those environments?

Tesla will sell you a factory clear coat for $5000. https://shop.tesla.com/product/cybertruck-satin-clear-paint-film

Why would they bother offering the upsell if it's superfluous?

Quote from: Laconian on February 15, 2024, 12:36:00 AMAnd that's why you have high grade stainless, paint, wrapping, or clearcoating in those environments?

Tesla will sell you a factory clear coat for $5000. https://shop.tesla.com/product/cybertruck-satin-clear-paint-film

Why would they bother offering the upsell if it's superfluous?

That's actually a wrap, not paint. And probably for the same reason others wrap their cars - to protect against grime, scratches, swirl marks, etc.

Think about it - the trucks are "rusting" within a day of getting wet. Only plain carbon steel rusts that fast.

Let's say it is contaminants.  Wouldn't you want to clear the $120k vehicle of these prior to delivery, so your customer doesn't get rust spots 1 month into ownership?

Whether it's improper material selection, or a total lack of pre delivery prep, either way, customers should not be using bar keeper's friend immediately on their $120k vehicle.

I think the finish it likely too fine and it will constantly look like garbage.  Hand prints look terrible.  This thing is already an abomination and it's only going to look worse with time.

Quote from: MrH on February 15, 2024, 01:52:10 PMLet's say it is contaminants.  Wouldn't you want to clear the $120k vehicle of these prior to delivery, so your customer doesn't get rust spots 1 month into ownership?

Whether it's improper material selection, or a total lack of pre delivery prep, either way, customers should not be using bar keeper's friend immediately on their $120k vehicle.

I think the finish it likely too fine and it will constantly look like garbage.  Hand prints look terrible.  This thing is already an abomination and it's only going to look worse with time.

You still misunderestimate Teslaism. The drama is mos def still part of the allure, and the greater the extent it is unpredictable if not crazy ass crazy ("rusting" stainless steel), the better.

The steel/iron could be from anything - manufacturing, transport, brake wear, road debris, etc. I haven't touched one yet, but the surface finish looks brushed akin to quality stainless steel appliances. Works great to minimize finger prints but stuff won't wash off easy as it does with a high gloss painted surface.