I find it funny (not necessarily in a good way) that this forum "breaks" news before my local Ford dealer and even their zone and regional Ford reps know about it. I forwarded the screen grab of the email regarding the forged aluminum beadlock capable wheels being unavailable a couple of days ago. My dealer tells me that he's been in contact with his Ford zone Rep who didn't know about it and was looking into it. Meanwhile my order that was placed and accepted almost 5 months ago is still in limbo with no VIN. Is it because my order has the beadlock capable wheels? Can't seem to get an answer. It's bad enough that they don't do a "first order, first serve" protocol for orders, but at least orders that have a material hold or whatever delaying it can be flagged and the dealer/orderer notified so that it can be modified at the discretion of the customer to hasten the order being pulled for build. I do not blame my dealer one bit. He's trying to sell vehicles and I don't expect him to drop everything to make sure that my order is catered to any more so that his other customers. I am getting upset with Ford. Every week I am told (through Ford Service on FB) that my order "looks good, should be picked up any day now, just hang in there (insert smiley emoji du jour)." But not one mention of a new material hold or some other hang up that may delay my order indefinitely. Shouldn't they know this? Wouldn't the status of my order change for them to see if there was some kind of material hold and then let me know so that I can act on it?
Sorry to complain and ramble but I did my due diligence. I ordered on day #1 of the order bank opening. I took off the Carbon Fiber immediately on learning of it being unavailable, I've patiently waited while many others who ordered long after me, including some with the CF option are now nearing delivery of their vehicles. Now I face even further delay because of options that I ordered running out. I am willing to pay a premium for this vehicle and as such want it tricked out. Now I find myself peeling off options just to get the thing built before Spring/Summer. I currently am leasing a vehicle that is almost up. I ordered the Raptor well in advance of my lease being up to give me a cushion of time so that I wouldn't have to scramble for a contingency if the new vehicle wasn't ready by time the lease was up. Now I am getting nervous as I may be faced with just that scenario. Frustrating to say the least. Anyone with a loaded Avalanche Supercrew (with CA emmission) whose order has been picked up willing to sell me their order???? I know, I know, I am being a spoiled child and should cool my jets. Just need to vent.