Once upon a time......wait a sec.

Ok,

Got the call from my service writer informing me the intercooler replacement was complete and L was ready for pickup. Total time in shop, 1 week. Not bad considering.

Leave work early so as to allow for time to review pertinent documentation, interrogate tech(s), and most importantly, inspect The Red Rocket (RR).

Service writer presents me with my complete file for inspection without me asking, nice PR move. He also tells me they are having said RR cleaned up. OK

I take a strole back to the dealer prep bldg and catch them before they attempt to run it through an automatic washer.. UH NO. The motion of my index finger crossing my neck in a horizontal manner enforced the point. Then they washed it by hand (half-assed, but non-automatic) OK fine.

They pull it up upon completion for which I open the hood and begin Speedin Bob Scrutineering of RR. When I got to the top of the bumper just under the upper grill, inspection just became REALLY retentive.

Cooter and/or Gomer utilized the bumper as a step as they were "twistin and torquein" under the hood. Scratches all across the front and a couple more for good luck just above the corner markers, yes both sides.

As the time was roughly 5:45pm and said "crew" was stuck in traffic jonesing for their daily celebratory Meister Brau, the rental/loaner car attendant helped me track down the MOD (Mgr on Duty).

After we exchanged greetings, I nearly had to keep him from fainting when I pointed out the "mishap." He beat me to the words "Completely unacceptable." I never had to raise my voice.

In conclusion, L is mechanically sound again yet is waiting (inside) for body shop attention first thing tomorrow.

Just had to share this one with everyone...

Please feel free to comment and use this thread to enlighten us all with your trials and tribulations of local C&G's.

------------------
Brake Late, Dive Deep

Speedin Bob
'99 Red Lightning #2504, 6/17/99
NLOC # 438
13.56 @ 100.89, 1.97 60' of F-1's
JL Ram Air (awaiting install), R9 Chip,Keyless Entry, Retrax Bed Cover, Shackles, Wet Okoles, FilterMag
Autophysics filter FOR SALE [9" x 3.5" Red Trim]



[This message has been edited by Speedin Bob (edited 10-04-2000).]

 

You've got quite a crew, there Bob.

Watch the paint. From past experience w/ rubber bumpers, if they don't prep it right, every rock that hits it will take out a chunk of paint. If Gomer's brother-in-law (his first cousin) is manning the paint shop, you'll be having a long term relationship with your dealer's service manager.

Good luck

------------------
Regards,
Gordon

'99 Red Lightning
Johnny Lightning Superchip
Johnny Lighting Stage II Ram Air Kit
Century Tonneau

 

Grreat Speeding Bob - just what I needed, more anxiety.

Mine has now been in the shop for 13 days (intercooler), and I cannot even get the courtesy of a returned telephone call from the A$$holes at Mullinex Ford in Apopka, FL. Strange, but I believe the cousins of those guys work at that dealership. Driving a rental Focus is driving me nuts. The car seems to have about 6 inches of play in the steering wheel.

------------------
Sandy (Spider) Scott
Skydive69@msn.com
Apopka, Florida
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box (S&B Filter) & Superchip
Kills:
Last 4 generation Mustang GT's (Including Cobra)
Audi S4
Dodge R/T

 

Gordon,

I concur with your advice and have made them aware of this. Luckily (I guess) the area in question is the horizontal area of the bumper, right under the grill. The service manager and I are on a friendly first name basis already from the Filtermag and oil debacle earlier this year. He knows I don't and won't setle for anything sub-standard.


Sandy,

After the first time they said they would call and didn't, I made a friendly call daily to check on the status (today being no different) just so they know I am on them like a duck on a June bug.

Give your L a THOROUGH inspection.....



------------------
Brake Late, Dive Deep

Speedin Bob
'99 Red Lightning #2504, 6/17/99
NLOC # 438
13.56 @ 100.89, 1.97 60' on F-1's
JL Ram Air (awaiting install), R9 Chip,Keyless Entry, Retrax Bed Cover, Shackles, Wet Okoles, FilterMag
Autophysics filter FOR SALE [9" x 3.5" Red Trim]

 

I wonder if Ford could be persuaded to offer a "no warrenty" sold as is, on new 2001 Lightnings. with maybe a 1-2K refund for us with "gooberphopia" to cover our skinned knuckles.

 

5k instant rebate MRBBQ

 

****UPDATE ON Gomerism 101****

1:00pm: No call from dealer, so I call. Truck's done. OK

4:15pm: Leave work early (again) to inspect and p/u Red Rocket.

5:00pm: Arrive @ dealership. Gentlemen I spoke to last night was first person I saw. Had a puzzled look. UH oh.

Sales Rep: Why are you here?
Me: Was told truck was done..
Sales Rep: Uh, I think we had a misundersatnding.
Me: Define "we" please.
Sales Rep: The service writer thought vehicle was done after buffing the scratches out.
I inspected it. You would not have accepted it.
Me: Thank you for following up on the vehicle ssir. However, why am I here then? I'd like to see it please.

off to paint shop.

Two areas on the top of the bumper prepped and ready for new paint.

Me: (Addressing Sales Rep, Lead Tech, Service Writer and paint guy) GOOD AS NEW PLEASE.

All: Yessir.


Me: Done TOMORROW!?!?!?

Sales Rep: Yes Sir.

Me: See you Tomorrow at 5:00. I will be taking an important exam tomorrow and would like to celebrate the evening driving the Red Rocket home.

Off into sunset rush hour I go in rental Ranger.

***Cliffhanger music***

Will the Red Rocket be ready and pass muster?!?!

Will Speedin Bob's retentiveness go beyond that of mortal men?!?!?

TUNE IN.....Same Bolt time, Same Bolt channe "L"....



------------------
Brake Late, Dive Deep

Speedin Bob
'99 Red Lightning #2504, 6/17/99
NLOC # 438
13.56 @ 100.89, 1.97 60' on F-1's
JL Ram Air (awaiting install), R9 Chip,Keyless Entry, Retrax Bed Cover, Shackles, Wet Okoles, FilterMag
Autophysics filter FOR SALE [9" x 3.5" Red Trim]

 

Update??

 

As I know you aer all waiting with baited breath......here goes.

Called the dealership after taking my exam and heading to class.

Talked to same sales rep (S/R)

Me: Hi ---, this is Robert, is my Lightning done?

S/R: Body shop hasn't called me yet.

Me: you point being?

S/R: Did someone call you and say it was ready?

Me: I was hoping you would have by now with the expected news. So where are we now?

S/R: Um..er.. I told the body shop to call me when it was done so I could inspect it prior to you coming to pick it up.

Me: I appreciate your concern. I am in route to pick it up as you promised yesterday. Again, where are we ---?

S/R: Since it has rained for two staight days, the paint needs to dry and cure a bit more.

Me: So what your alluding to is this: The truck is not done as promised (not all your fault) yet still not ready.

S/R: I just want to be sure you receive the best possible service.

Me: Again, I appreciate your concern -----. However, let's dispense with the PR and get to the point. Just so we are on the same wavelength here, let me give you an illustration of how I will be critiquing the repair. As I recall, you have a very nice Red 2000 Lighting in your display showroom correct?

S/R: Yessir.

Me: Do me a favor. When you get the call that it is all cleaned and ready, pull the 2000 outside and park mine next to it.

S/R: I think i can do that.

Me: Now take a good hard look at the 2000's paint then look at mine. This is what I will be comparing the body shop's work against. As I stated yesterday, GOOD AS NEW. Sctatches GONE, No orange peel, no overspray, buffed to a fine shine. Just as Ontario built it. Do I make myself clear?

S/R: Yes Mr. "Speedin Bob"

Me: one last thing ----. The little matter of any charges on the courtesy vehicle,...

S/R: What charges?

Me: Thank you. I look for your call at this number as it is my mobile.

****to be continued****

Sorry so long but this is just too unbelieveable not to share.

Done tomorrow? Bet's anyone?? I know where my money is going.



------------------
Brake Late, Dive Deep

Speedin Bob
'99 Red Lightning #2504, 6/17/99
NLOC # 438
13.56 @ 100.89, 1.97 60' on F-1's
JL Ram Air (awaiting install), R9 Chip,Keyless Entry, Retrax Bed Cover, Shackles, Wet Okoles, FilterMag
Autophysics filter FOR SALE [9" x 3.5" Red Trim]

 

Well, it took 14 days, but I rescued my L from the dealer. New SC/Intercooler, oxygen sensors, EGR valve, spark plug harness, spark plugs. There seemed to be no damage. It amazes me that a dealership keeps a vehicle for 2 weeks, and does not offer the courtesy of a mercy wash job. Oh well, I was happy to escape. Getting oneself into the service loop is as bad as getting oneself into the medical loop. Now to the garage to get my trusty Superchip R9, and airbox reinstalled. When will the next leak begin......?

------------------
Sandy (Spider) Scott
Skydive69@msn.com
Apopka, Florida
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box (S&B Filter) & Superchip
Kills:
Last 4 generation Mustang GT's (Including Cobra)
Audi S4
Dodge R/T

 

While not being a Lightning owner,I understand your being picky about your truck. I am the same way. I own a 98 ext. cab that has been mishandled on a few
occasions. The worst being all three power steering bolts hanging out 3/8 of an inch,and the p/s cap laying on the rad.
support when I popped the hood! This is
what made me look under the truck to begin with to check out their work. Also,
having worked at two Ford dealerships,
I can assure you that Cooter and Gomer
have relatives all over the country,LOL.
I do light body work and painting,and
treat every vehicle the same, whether it's
a 90 Tempo or a 00 Lightning. Nine times out of ten the Body shop manager
is responsible for trying to pass off a buff
job as a repair. I've been in the position
of the guy who's stuck trying to buff something out when you know for a fact
that it needs to be repainted. The sad part is would be cheaper to refinish the
bumper instead of buffing on it for three or
four hours,and then sanding it down for
refinishing. stupid,huh,,,,,,,,,,98

------------------
98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Westin nerfs blk .powdercoat
Clear front corners
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
On the way/wheels,tires,air dam, etc..etc.......
doin the monochromatic boogie
on the front end.Billet grilles on order
Hoping for deliverance from door crack hell.

 

Great news.

I picked up the Red Rocket today at lunch upon getting the final "It's ready" call from aforementioned above Sales Rep, Mr. ---

They had it prominently displayed out front gleamin in all its beauty.....

ok, Mr. Retentive hat is donned.

Bumper looked very good. I'm satisfied. However, they overlooked or failed to see the hairline scratches on the fenders. Sales rep took one look, said "I apologize. I missed them. Have a look around (of course), I'll ge right back."

Went over to the new R they had on the showroom, opened the door and made myself comfy, REAL comfy. Needless to say, I drew sales flunkies like stink on ****. The rep that sold me my L just looked at me and chuckled "He's the owner of that Red Rocket (BIG brownie points scored) Lightning Mr. --- is taking addressing. You would have thought I was an escaped lunatic holding a live grenade.

Back to the point.

My L is brought back up with freshly buffed fenders. Excellent. 15 minutes tops.

Thanked Mr. --- for taking responsibility for this and following up with me. Also told me he would have filled it up but didn't have the gas cap key. (intentional move on my part).

All is good. Now time for installation of Johnny Lightning Ram Air and re-install of Superchip. Supposed to be in the high 40's in Indy this weekend. OH yeah.

Thanks for the direct and indirect support from all.

------------------
Brake Late, Dive Deep

Speedin Bob
'99 Red Lightning #2504, 6/17/99
NLOC # 438
13.56 @ 100.89, 1.97 60' on F-1's
JL Ram Air (awaiting install), R9 Chip,Keyless Entry, Retrax Bed Cover, Shackles, Wet Okoles, FilterMag
Autophysics filter FOR SALE [9" x 3.5" Red Trim]




[This message has been edited by Speedin Bob (edited 10-06-2000).]