[frankmehta]

A Special Car that comes with a Special Key must have a Special Keychain!

Key Cover

The first thing I thought of, when I saw the Aspire keys was a cover to protect them so they don't get damaged. The key moves from hand to hand and may fall etc. leaving gashes on it. So a Silicon Cover was a must. I looked for one in India, and I JUST couldn't find it. Ordered 2 of them for both keys from AliExpress. Photos at the end of the post.

THE Keychain

There is a lot of nostalgic value in this post. My Fiesta 1.6S (in 2009) had the same Keychain. This keychain was lost/flicked when the car was at the Service Station in the 2nd year of her time with me. It was ordered from the US the first time, but it wasn't available when I looked for it after it was lost. The Fiesta S was sold in 2012, and since that time I was hoping I own a Ford some day so I could look for this keychain again.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post1598795 (frankmehta gets a CARGASM: Ford Fiesta S Diamond White EDIT - REVIEW on pg10)



Come 2019, and I own a Ford now. I looked for this keychain EVERYWHERE this time, and I still didn't find it. Turns out, this has become a collectors' item, and a highly sought after keychain. I had almost lost hope, until one evening, at 2 am with my eyes half closed, I managed to snag it from an Antique collector in Italy (believe it or not!)
The keychain was NOT brand new, but in decent condition. I spent more money on shipping it from Italy that I actually paid for the keychain the last time over, but the heart wants what it wants.
The Shelby GT 500 is famed to be one of the most lusted after cars around the world, and it's known to have a very beautiful design on it's fuel tank. This keychain is a replica of that, and here are the pics.

Presenting to you, the Shelby Keychain 2.0 in all her Glory!

[frankmehta]

Choosing the colour of a car is a relatively easy choice! There are 6 colours available, out of which the reds and the browns are eliminated, leaving only the standard colours for choice.

Choosing the alloy wheels? That's a different ball-game altogether. More so, for a car that comes with some of the least attractive alloy wheels in the market. Add to it, the (less) popular 108 PCD, and you are left with quite a dilemma.

My brother in law, Karan and I had discussed a lot of things we could do to the stock wheels, i.e. paint them black, gunmetal, anthracite etc. The ST stickers did make them look passable for a few days, but the itch started again, and we decided we had had enough of the stock wheels.

We scoured the internet for wheels designs. Now this is a total waste of time, as whatever you see online is NEVER available with dealers (for less popular PCDs such as this car.) We spent 2 weeks looking for designs, and we shortlisted a few, but nothing really made us go WOW.
We even made a trip to Pal Tyres at Grant Road, which probably, will be the last on my list, due to a HORRID choice of alloys (standards fall very fast these days) and Crown Tyres, but both had really bad designs.

We did shortlist the Momo Revenge out of desperation, but it was beaten to death. I saw the wheels on karan561's car, and somehow they looked better off the car than on it. Maybe the white colour of the Figo didn't go with this design. But anyway, shortlisted this one if we didn't find anything. Pic from karan561's thread.


In some time, the excitement died down due to lack of choice.
The initial exercise was futile and we gave up on changing the alloys.

A month later, I had to attend to some patients in Juhu and I happened to plan the installation of the TPMS sensors that I had purchased shortly after the car was delivered. I went to Bombay Tyres at Milan Subway and the person started removing my original setup to fit the sensors. This is when I thought I will just 'glance' at what he had to offer, with zero expectations for my PCD. He generally keeps the best designs in town, but my PCD and the earlier internet experience scarred me.
My eyes lit up. This guy had 4 or 5 good designs. I was shocked to find something that pleased my eye, honestly.
I took some pictures and sent them to my brother in law, who was jumping in his seat in the office.














I liked a few, and shortlisted a couple. I asked him to put some on my car and show me.
All this while, my TPMS sensors were being installed in the older rims.









Somehow, everything looked 'average' and made the wheel wells look smaller. There was no way in hell, that I was going to upsize, and hence, with a hesitation, I asked the owner, Vicky (who was very patient and supportive, as well as helpful) to put my old rims back on, which had the TPMS installed.
I was in a hurry to make it to my appointments, and I had taken too much time to decide.
I left, grudgingly so, but with the decision that I want new alloys. I had tasted blood, and there was no chance of going back.

I got busy, thereafter, and I didn't get time to go back. Next week, AGAIN, I had patients. I planned to go to Santacruz 5 hours in advance, and check out all the stores around.

I started with Saifee tyres first, and met Mr. Sameer, who, very graciously put some alloys on to tyres to make me understand how it will look in the wheel well. He had only 4 designs, out of which one was the Momo Revenge and the only other one I liked, which was the Momo Next.







Somehow, they didn't make me happy. I decided to leave from there.


After this, I went to 7-8 shops and saw new designs everywhere. I couldn't get myself to like any, after which I gave up and went to the last shop before going to Bombay Tyres, which was Arvind Tyres.
I liked one design, which I took photos of, but I still didn't know how it would look on the car. I was sick and tired of taking my wheels off and on, time and again, so I just went back to Bombay Tyres, thinking he will have the same in stock and I can try it out on the car with the other designs. It was an ONYX design, and I quite liked it.





I reached Bombay Tyres, and I had time. I looked through all the designs he had again (20+ designs in 108 PCD could just be a world record) and I took some photos of the same.

https://youtu.be/F3BnSlN1peo

This is when things started heating up and I was coming closer to what I wanted. Constant communication with my Brother in law, and some good judgement later, THIS is what I chose. I LOVED at them at first sight, and they had touch competition from the similar 5 spoke ones in the earlier pictures, but these won by a fair margin.

LO AND BEHOLD! New Alloys!! FINALLY!

[frankmehta]

This is when I went shutter-happy, and all hell broke loose!
Pics!

[frankmehta]

I also happened to get the TPMS system installed in the car, and this time, I wanted a dedicated display, since my factory display couldn't accept inputs like my Alpine did. I had to get a new TPMS system, and I chose a decently priced one from Deelife (via AliExpress) as opposed to the vulgarly priced Steelmate Sets I bought for the earlier cars.
This was VFM and the display unit had a rugged feel to it. It being Solar Powered, also meant that I wouldn't have to tether it to wires and I could install it anywhere. I am still experimenting different positions, but I am yet to pick one

https://youtu.be/ut4t07D4COI

Pics.

[arindambasu13]

The alloys that you have chosen at first glance seem very similar to the stock alloys, albeit in a different color scheme. Nevertheless, congrats on the new rims and a good selection of designs that you went through and tried out.

[swiftnfurious]

Fantastic written review. Thanks for sharing. A little underwhelmed to read your feedback on the handling - dont think its that bad though Ford deviated from its DNA by a bit. May be due to the new tyre as pointed by someone else.

Am keenly awaiting the mods on the car as you hinted. How long before we get to read the details? Wish you a lot of smiles as the car muches miles and a safe motoring.

Originally Posted by frankmehta

...being Solar Powered, also meant that I wouldn't have to tether it to wires and I could install it anywhere. I am still experimenting different positions, but I am yet to pick one...

If it's solar powered, shouldnt you be placing it where sunlight falls on it?

[vigsom]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Attachment 1853846

The best looking alloys you could've put on this car, Doc.

The only issue is that half the threads on your wheel nuts won't be on the bolt.

How good is Onyx by the way?

[Mi10]

Originally Posted by swiftnfurious

Fantastic written review. Thanks for sharing. A little underwhelmed to read your feedback on the handling - dont think its that bad though Ford deviated from its DNA by a bit. May be due to the new tyre as pointed by someone else.

It may not be bad when you compare it with any of its current competition. But anyone who has driven the older Ikons and Fiestas will be extremely disappointed with the new gen fords in India.
Esp when the car in this equation was a Fiesta 1.6 S, which was once upon a time the best Driver's car under 10L!
Every time i see a road full of twists, i cant help myself from feeling gutted at giving away my 1.6S :(

[YoungSaint]

@Mods - can we get an infraction raised for @frankmehta for inducing interest in his post by saying that his Aspire is modified to do great 0-100 runs and then not posting enough details about it?

Jokes Apart, @frankmehta - please give the details of the modifications. I come to your post at least 5 times a day to check if you have posted the details already or not.

[Intelsingh]

Originally Posted by YoungSaint

@Mods - can we get an infraction raised for @frankmehta for inducing interest in his post by saying that his Aspire is modified to do great 0-100 runs and then not posting enough details about it?

I completely agree here.
Can we be done with the tease and get to know what have you done this time?

Your posts are legendary. So many of us are hooked.

[frankmehta]

Originally Posted by vigsom

The best looking alloys you could've put on this car, Doc.

The only issue is that half the threads on your wheel nuts won't be on the bolt.

How good is Onyx by the way?

Thanks a lot! ONYX is a decent brand and they are made by the SAME company and factory that makes wheels for Enkei, Konig, OZ etc.
Multi PCD means the remaining 4 holes are unused.

Originally Posted by Mi10

It may not be bad when you compare it with any of its current competition. But anyone who has driven the older Ikons and Fiestas will be extremely disappointed with the new gen fords in India.
Esp when the car in this equation was a Fiesta 1.6 S, which was once upon a time the best Driver's car under 10L!
Every time i see a road full of twists, i cant help myself from feeling gutted at giving away my 1.6S :(

I mirror your thoughts, exactly. My 1.6S still gives me the feels.

Originally Posted by YoungSaint

@Mods - can we get an infraction raised for @frankmehta for inducing interest in his post by saying that his Aspire is modified to do great 0-100 runs and then not posting enough details about it?

Jokes Apart, @frankmehta - please give the details of the modifications. I come to your post at least 5 times a day to check if you have posted the details already or not.

The sub-8 second claim may not be substantiated yet. I am yet to finish with what I have started.

Originally Posted by Intelsingh

I completely agree here.
Can we be done with the tease and get to know what have you done this time?

Your posts are legendary. So many of us are hooked.

Thanks guys!

I haven't been getting time to sit and post. I will post in detail very soon.
The last 3 days have been very exciting for the car, and I will post about that soon.

[Gilead]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

A Special Car that comes with a Special Key must have a Special Keychain!

Congratulations Frank!

This post below is from 2009.

Originally Posted by frankmehta

thank you all for your wishes.

here's a few photos of the keyring Gilead and I ordered from the United States.
It's quality is to be believed, and the finish is mind blowing. This is one keychain that will get noticed, wherever I carry the key. The perfect match for a car that is of the same legacy and same company as the great Shelby GT500 Cobra.
Here are a few shots!

Guess what? I still have the keychain that you sent me nearly ten years ago. And the car is still running flawlessly.

[d3mon]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

The sub-8 second claim may not be substantiated yet. I am yet to finish with what I have started.

Waiting eagerly to hear about what you've done.

As a reference, my Aspire (now sold) had a dual channel dieseltronic box, putting out about 125BHP, 260NM that could manage a best time of ~9.1 seconds (GPS) to the ton. This was with the stock 175 section, 14" tyres robbing crucial milliseconds due to constant wheel spin.

If you really want to hit the sub 8 second mark, you'll have to upgrade the turbo and other supporting components. A stage 1 / stage1+ car will probably not get you there, unless you put drag slicks on your car!

[YoungSaint]

Originally Posted by frankmehta

I haven't been getting time to sit and post. I will post in detail very soon.
The last 3 days have been very exciting for the car, and I will post about that soon.

The wait is killing us. Please post the details @Frankmehta. If you are flooded with official work, please take one day leave from office and complete the details of the post.

[AlokSharma]

Hi Guys,

Alok here. I have recently joined Team BHP

Frank, I would like to thank you for your detailed and valuable insights about the car as well Rudra Ford as a dealer. I have booked my Ford Aspire Titanium Plus (Diesel) through them. And guess what, the color is smoke grey.

I had visited Bhavna Ford previously in March to enquire about the Aspire & was unhappy with the way the Sales Consultant handled my queries. Finally read your post & decided to book through Rudra Ford and the whole experience has been exactly the way you described.

Roshni was polite & to the point and never bombarded me with calls for the booking. She answered all my queries with patience and was never pushy. I booked the car with them on 30th March by paying a booking amount of ₹ 11k and told her the preference of Color Smoke Grey. She called back within 15 mins to inform that Smoke Grey Titanium Plus was available in the national pool of Ford. I told her immediately to block the same. Few days passed by and she called up to ask me about any loan requirements and informed me about Ford Credit 6.99% scheme for 3 years. Now here, the loan amount is available for 50% of the ex showroom price which is ₹ 8.25 lacs. I immediately opted for the same.

On Thursday i.e. 4th Apr she gave me the VIN no and tole me that the car had reached Surat, and will land in their stockyard in Thane the next day. I was super excited to see my new baby in flesh and told her that i will visit the stock yard tomorrow to inspect the car.

I took a half day from work the next day and my wife tagged along as she wanted to check out the car as the color was her choice. Reached the stockyard at 3 and there she was. What a beauty!
I sat in the driver position and the odo showed 5kms. Held the steering in my hand and i was grinning from ear to ear. I got out and shut the door and the thud was very assuring about the build quality. At present, I own a Grand i10 diesel, and the Ford felt rock solid as compare to the Grand i10.
I re-confirmed the VIN No on the car and as per the forum on 'Decoding the VIN', 'KK' the 11th & 12th letter confirmed its a Feb 2019 make.
I reached back home and made the remaining down payment and requested Roshni to try to deliver it by the 13-14th weekend for which she said she will try her best.
I came back home and logged onto the http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do
and entered the Vin no MAJZXXMTKZKK67595. But I am facing an issue here. Post entering the vin no there, the result doesn't show any detailed report about the car. Attaching here is the snapshot of the same. Can anyone help me out on the same.