The new Ford F-150 is a big risk for Ford Motor Company. The truck is the best-selling vehicle on the planet, has a loyal customer base and allows Ford top dog bragging rights in the super hot full-size truck market. No one in their right mind would mess with the formula.

But changing the body to aluminum and increasing the EcoBoost V-6 engine line was doing just that. Saving a quarter of a ton in curb weight makes the risk worth it in fuel economy and performance even as gas prices collapse. The aluminum body is a great pitch for Chevy dealers though as they can now differentiate the Silverado even more to old school guys that don’t like their trucks built out of old beer cans.

The biggest concern for old school folks is the cost and complexity of fixing the aluminum body and bed. Well, the folks from Edmunds.com have taken it upon themselves to investigate such a problem.

Watch Associate Editor Travis Langness assault a shiny new, $52,000, blue 2015 Ford F-150 4X4 SuperCrew with a sledgehammer. At first glance, the two blows leave little more than a couple of dimples. Upon further inspection, there are refracted creases and distortion in the once pristine box.

They chose the bed because it requires a repair, unlike replacing a front fender or door. They also fibbed a bit and told the service writer the truck had been involved in an accident as opposed to intentionally damaging the panel.

Stay tuned for Part Two with the final repair and total cost to fix.

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