I've had my 01 about a month now. When I got it, it had a front license plate bracket. I didn't think anything of it at the time.

Today, I went to remove it and found that the dealer had mounted the bracket directly onto the plaster fender/bumper/whatever.

They drilled two screws (the piercing kind, like wood screws) directly into the plastic. They ruined the fricking fender.

Why would they do that? There's a big 4" scratch all the way through the paint, w/ "SCR" written in greasepaint by it. They mounted the license bracket over that to conceal it.

Since I've already signed off on the truck, what're my chances of getting the dealer to do something about it?

I took pictures of it; I'm having them developed now. Proof for court, if it comes to that.

That's FIVE STAR FORD in Scottsdale, AZ.

I called today, and talked to some saleschmuck who said I'd have to speak to so and so on Monday. What's really funny is this clown was trying to tell me how it was so nice of them to mount that front bracket, because it's ordinarily $65 after the sale.

Next time I go to the dealership I'll mount it to his forehead, free of charge.

 

Yep... that's how its mounted.

 

That sucks. First time I've heard of that happening. LMAO at the comment about mounting the bracket to his forehead.

 

ACoder-
This may just be this dealers rule but a sales guy told me that they have to have a signed statement in order to mount the front bracket. I've heard of dealers having to replace the front bumper for installing it w/o permission. Five Star Ford is a major dealership so i don't think they will give you any trouble.
Good Luck!
Later

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Matt
Black 2001
--Mods--(so far)
BedRug
Snug Lid
Email:Lightningkid@mac.com
My Truck Pics: http://homepage.mac.com/lightningkid/PhotoAlbum.html


[This message has been edited by black2k1 (edited 03-17-2001).]

 

Do search on "drill bumper" and you'll get a bunch of hits on this topic.

Here is a good thread:
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/001071.html

In some states the dealer is required by law to install the front plates... I had to sign a form stating that I insisted that the dealer not install the plates, and new I was violating state laws, blah blah blah.

 

Mine had the plate attached when I found it on a dealer lot. At the time No one had L's anywhere and no Silver were coming in. This one was right there so I took it.
Now as it happens I removed it last week and found a fairly reasonable way to hide the hole. I'll post pics when I get back tomorrow with details if anyone is interested. Total cost. $1.07 (99 cents plus tax)
k

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2000 Silver Lightning
#2372 of 4966
SnugLid
BedRug
dual Ravin Z-33 Exhaust
Valentine 1
Hyper Bright Headlamps and Foglamps
Mobil 1 Tri Synthetic and Mobil1 Filter
Mobil1 FactoryFill Plaque in Engine Bay
Matter/Antimatter Exchange Unit
Thinking about those Nitto Tires

http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4293534625

 

I called my dealer about a week ago and told them when the truck comes in, do NOT install the front plate bracket. It's law where I live, but I can get a few pics. and run without it for a little while. I also said to leave the plastic on the seats and to only hand wash it. Hope they don't get any rocks in the rag.

------------------
Rick
'01 Red Lightning Ordered 11/30/00
Build week of 2/19/01
Built On 2/20/01
Shipped Via Rail 2/27/01
ETA Of 3/12/01
Mods :
G-Tech Pro
Bel Radar/Laser Detector

 

They aren't suppose to mount the plates. When I picked mine up the dealer said that the Lightnings are the only vehicals that don't come with the mounts installed.

 

If they installed the bracket to cover a scratch, you should have a good case for getting them to fix it.

Just go your salesman and give him your best "I can't believe you people did something THAT stupid" look and show him the scratch with the grease pencil marking.

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

'99 Red Lightning
Johnny Lightning Superchip
Johnny Lighting Ram Air Kit
Century Tonneau
Best 1/4 mi. ET: 13.249 secs

 

Acoder, Wow another Phx resident. Cool, when are you going to take your truck to the track?? Next time we go to Speedworld you need to meet us (Peter B, & Mod69) We all went last night, had a great time. Sorry about the scratch. How do you like the truck?

------------------
99' Black (Wikd)SVT
best run 13.20 @ 105

**Millions have seen Lightning, few have ridden one**

 

My Sales guy new I did not want that bracket installed and tossed it into the map holder for future use.

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2000 Lightning
2000 EB Explorer
1995 Sable
1986 MZB
1966 Mustang
1969 Fairlane 500 Convertible

 

should have gone to biddulph world

 

Yoda,

I love the truck, except for the bumper, but hopedfully the dealer will step up to the plate and do the right thing.

Anyhoo, yeah, I need to get the truck out to the track and see how it does. It'd be the first time for me. Sounds like fun.

 

'01...I've never run a front plate on any car/truck in Vegas. What's going on up there? Who are you getting your truck from?