Best Grand Rapids area Ford Dealership to work with

[tmessink]

Hi everyone,

My name is Tom Messink and I'm new to this group.

I just purchased a 2005 GT 4 speed.  It is completely stock and has been very well kept and documented.  It has only 19,000 miles on it!

I've always wanted to own a mustang and now I do!

Although honestly, I feel more like I have the honor of being its custodian rather than its owner.

The car is obviously in great shape, and now that I've done some reading about the year and model, I have a few questions for a Ford Dealership about the car.
For instance:

• I've read that the plugs are often hard to remove.  These plugs only have 19,000 miles on them but they have been in there for nearly 14 years. (car was built in Sept of 04).  I'm thinking I should have them replaced and based on the issues others have had, I'm thinking I should have a dealership do the work.
  

• Other issue they had with early ones were the emergency brake cable and grommet.

• I'm looking into have the coolant flushed as well.

There may be other issues they had with early 05s that I don't know about and now that they've been out for a while, there may be other things I should evaluate to keep this car in the same shape it is now.

Do you all have any recommendations on a ford dealership in the GR area I could work with to make sure the work is done right.
Recommendations on any other things to evaluate would also be welcome.  

Thank you in advance!
Tom Messink

[staing]

I've used and recommend (going on 20 years) Heritage Service Center at 1044 Scribner PH.616-454-8104 They're a sponsor of our club Car Show and they are Ford guys but work on all makes and models. Chris Stawasz

[Phil Gibson]

Hi Tom. Welcome!

Since you are no longer in a warranty period on your car, and most if the stuff you are looking at is general maintenance, I would just make sure you use a good shop, Ford dealership or otherwise, to do the work.

I know a number of people who have used the shop Chris recommended and have been very happy. I have been using RealPro auto on Eastern just north of 36th street and they are good honest guys that work on all cars.

As for Ford Dealerships, the one I've had the absolute best luck with was Kent City Ford, but that's a bit of a trek out from GR.

[thunderfoot1992]

In GR Ford dealers are kinda a crap shoot, some members have had good luck, others not so much. The only service department I have not had an issue with in town is Keller Ford on Alpine and I have used all of them here in town. Heritage is a good choice, I have used them for different repairs/installs.
As far as spark plugs, from personnel experience you are better off with a dealer or shop that has the proper tool to remove a broken spark plug. On the 4.6 3v the plugs have a tendency to seize in the aluminum heads and the porcelain upper snaps off. Ford come up with a tool to assist with the removal of the broken plug.

[tmessink]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for the responses.

My own experience with Ford dealerships in GR has been spotty as well. It is why I was looking for input from all of you. I've had good luck with Pfeiffer Lincoln on 28th st but not sure they have the experience to do the plugs.
Speaking of which, do you think Heritage would have the tools and experience to do the plugs? Otherwise, I'll probably go to Keller and have them do it.

[thunderfoot1992]

You can always give Heritage a call to see if they have the plug removal tool. I have also used Pfeiffer for work on my wife's Taurus with good success