(Part 3) Top products from r/FiestaST

I have an update on my own blend door problem. Because I'm a glutton for punishment I went ahead and bought the Dorman replacement that I mentioned in my other comment and did it myself instead of taking it to Ford. I can confirm that the Dorman part is significantly heavier, physically thicker and higher quality than the OEM unit. The gear set is in a slightly different arrangement and the gears themselves are more robust. I can also confirm the overall shitty quality of the OEM part.

The install wasn't quite a nightmare, but it was challenging. I used this video as reference though I didn't have to take the driver's seat out. I also had this handy mini ratchet which was absolutely perfect for the job along with a T20 bit. Now the tricky part which I wasn't quite sure of going in: I switched the car on and turned off the HVAC assuming that doing so would put the actuator in some sort of parked position. This probably isn't necessary since it likely goes back to the same position when the car is turned off. Anyway, after removing the OEM blend door I noted which position the output shaft was in. There's a little arrow on the casing that part of the gear lined up with. The new unit's output shaft wasn't in the same orientation. So, I plugged the Dorman unit in but didn't install it, turned the car on and switched the HVAC on and off to put the new unit in the same position as the OEM one. After that I noticed the output shaft still wasn't in the correct orientation. So, I had to open it up and take out one of the drive gears so I could reorient the output shaft. Once I did this the new unit slid into position pretty easily and I tested it out and BAM, no noise and the climate control works as expected. Now to see if this one lasts longer than 13,000 miles but after seeing the two parts together I really think it will. Hope this helps someone!

Edit: So I've got everything in one place for people stumbling across this here's the link to the Dorman part. It is Dorman 604-400 Air Door Actuator replacing OE part BE8Z19E616B

You will love the ceramic. I did mine when I bought the FiST. Did the wheels and glass too.

Just remember, don't wax it. Waxing reduces the hydrophobic qualities of the ceramic and attracts dust.

Also use a soap without polymers/additives.

CarPro Reset is what I use. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MLG4CX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M3S9BbAX426W7

Also, try not to rub too much when washing. For drying (if you don't have a leaf blower), go with a waffle weave and pat dry. I picked up an aquios hair towel. No lie, it's the best waffle weave I've ever used!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AMA43Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c7S9BbSY3VA0F

Haven't been on the highway yet, but at 65, it's not bad in 6th. This is the tip: Vibrant 1333 3.5" Round Stainless Steel Dual Tip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E43BCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sp4Pyb4PFE6E2

This is what I currently use for the tires themselves: https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-155700-Wheel-Brush/dp/B001GJ3DZS
As for the rims, a good cleaner like Sonax can really help, but other than that, I just use some cheap microfibers to wipe em' down

Thanks. Here's the link, I bought it on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013HP98C?cache=2a0a3e869c0994ab91901315e6275a39&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1404933896&sr=8-6#ref=mp_s_a_1_6

A buddy of mine recommended this stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001THV9D0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

Just tried it out last night - hoping it keeps the brake dust build up to a minimum.

I use the RAM X mount. Mine is solidly mounted to the side of the console down low by the shifter. That way I can easily touch the screen with my hand still on the stick. Here is their suction cup mount that can be mounted to the small side window if you prefer it up high. https://www.amazon.com/Suction-Universal-X-Grip-Holder-RAM-B-166-UN7U/dp/B0066BWMNU

Here is a good book to scratch the surface of this stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/Chassis-Engineering-Building-Performance-Handling/dp/1557880557/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51EY-w1mACL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL480_SR372%2C480_&refRID=18DT9RX5R6S4WKQAP9Q3

These are two books to REALLY dive down the rabbit hole on how this stuff works:

http://www.amazon.com/Suspension-Geometry-computation-John-Dixon/dp/0470510218?ie=UTF8&colid=384OKOACV813S&coliid=I3TSBASETAFWOJ&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/Shock-Absorber-Handbook-John-Dixon/dp/047051020X?ie=UTF8&colid=384OKOACV813S&coliid=I2EFK1P5GQNHET&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

I sure do!
Rack: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

lock & cable: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SLHU2W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

trailer hitch: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C6S0SC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Reposting what I said further down :)

• Lug nuts (Gorilla 12x1.5)
  
  
• Tires (Cooper Zeon RS3-A Radial Tire - 205/40R17 84Z XL - VERY STICKY TIRE FOR AN ALL-SEASON)
  
  
• Wheels (Rota Recce 17x8, 4x108, offset 40, hb 73)

I used some universal mud flaps. All in it was pretty cheap but I had to source my own hardware and install them myself.

Cheaper on Amazon.

Genuine Ford 8U5Z-9C268-B Fuel Filler Plug

https://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-795161-Gasohol-Replaces/dp/B002WNULS4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493389363&sr=8-2&keywords=ethanol+test+kit

I went with this one. It seems to be the cheapest and will tell you % ethanol.

I also found that it does make a difference to let the fuel sit for 15 minutes before taking a reading.

Armor all wheel protectant spray...every 2 weeks..https://www.amazon.com/Armor-All-78482-Wheel-Protectant/dp/B0035XGPNA

Just need the right tool.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3N7YW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B003D3N7YW&pd_rd_wg=RfdOc&pd_rd_r=QBKDNMAMCJP14Z1F67G2&pd_rd_w=JYDKV

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003GSLDOA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498754041&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=shallow+sub+box+10&dpPl=1&dpID=41WyoHzRebL&ref=plSrch

This is the box with the review by a fist owner. You would need to find a shallow mount subwoofer that fits. That's my next issue and I would prefer to hear it before dropping a couple hundred, or more, on it.

If you check the forums, there are a few builds that prove it's possible. The car audio shop near me was quoting 500+ just for labor to build a box without the sub or amp to power it. They didn't understand I'm not looking to wake the neighborhood just add some bass to my music.

Edit: you would be able to keep the spare with this setup.

This stuff for USA?

https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Scotchcal-Striping-70204/dp/B0010AQVFC/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1538236380&sr=8-21&keywords=3m+striping+tape

What funnel are you using? There is one attached to my scissor jack for my spare tire that apparently is some fancy ass special one for using a fuel can to refuel. Its purpose is to move that flap in the filler neck out of the way if i understand it right. IDK where it could be if you have one of the Euro trims without the spare though.