Subject:        Leaking 1999 Mustang Convertible

     To:         fordsucks@tgrigsby.com

Todd: I have a problem with my 1999 Mustang convertible similar to that
described by DARLA in her e-mail of 7/25/2000.

I bought the car new in August 99 at Joe Sartain Ford in Decatur, Al. The car
has so far made nine trips to the dealership for the same problem. Can't
drive it in the rain unless you want to bail out the back seat later. The
problem appears to be improper weather-stripping that does not mate up to the
rear windows creating a pencil sized gap through which (of course) water will
run while the car is in motion. Rain will also enter when the car is parked
so I have to keep the car covered at all times.

Last summer the dealer kept my car for over 50 days and returned it in the
same condition saying there was nothing more to do. After some argument they
said to bring it back and an "engineer"from Ford would check it out. I made
an appointment to do so and stuck around to see what would happen. They never
moved my car. I watched it all the while it was there and then they had the
balls to tell me the "engineer" doesn't have an answer either.

They have put on 2 new tops during this period even though it is obvious that
the problem is with the weather stripping. I took the car to two different
trim shops. Both said the tops were improperly installed so they don't mate
up to the weather-stripping and could be fixed for under $200.00.

I called Ford Headquarters and got the usual corporate run around and follow
up letters which I returned to no avail. One Ford flunky suggested I sell the
car and buy something else. I reminded him that the car is still under
warranty and I expected the warranty to be honored. I'm trying a different
Ford dealer tomorrow. I doubt that the results will be any different. I guess
the next step is to hire a lawyer.

I have been checking Ford lots and looking at Mustang convertibles. About 1
out of 4 seem to have the same gap as my car so it is apparently a common
problem. Any other Mustang owners have similar problems? I'd love to have any
useful info to do battle with the dealer.

Long time Ford owner. Last time Ford buyer.


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