Howdy from Arizona. I'm a new member to this forum and this is my first post. Almost 2 weeks ago I took the plunge and purchased a new 2004 Super Duty, crew cab, short bed, FX4 4X4 with the 6.0 Power Stroke. I've found one concern that I would like opinions on. Passenger side front fender- rear upper corner where it meets the windshield molding and door. This "point" is not as flush as it should be. I've taken it to a very trustworthy body man and he told me that the best thing that could be done would be to replace the entire front fender and along with repainting this area and feathering the paint into the door panel. It seems that this may be covered under my warrenty. Geez this is my brand new baby and I hate to get envolved with repainting and such. One thing that the bodyshop told me was that if I elected not to have this work done that I should at least go back to the dealer and try to get compensation for this issue not being right. Gosh I wouldn't know what to ask of them, any opinions.

 

Welcome aboard, scout1

The very first thing to do is take it back to the dealer. Tell him that the misalignment is not acceptable and that they need to "adjust" it - either the fender or with money - whichever one YOU want, not them.

 

Thanks for the welcome and advice Big Orn. As far as fixing the fender, replacement is the only option as it appears the mounting tab for that area is not welded on right. If I demand money compensation from the dealer do you think that I can still have this fixed under warrenty? Jim

 

Whatever you have them do "for that problem" will be final, or logged (Work Order initiated) for that problem. Basically if you accept money from them as a "deal" it will be the same as "fixing it".

Just tell them that the fender needs to be repaired, it is a flaw.

Is the bracket that's flawed on the truck or on the fender?

 

It's the sheet metal bracket that is spot welded to the fender. I have a feeling that the dealership would want to pound, bend and bondo the repair. That is unacceptable. I 'm not sure if anything can be done to the mounting tab or not, first impression is rebending the tab will not work. The fit here isn't that grossly out of wack it's just now that I've noticed it it jumps right out at me. Jim

 

Maybe they can elongate the mouting hole - but you never know. It sounds like pow-wow time with the dealer. Get his opinion, see if he's dealt with this sort of thing before. If he shrugs, just tell him to get in touch with someone who might know. Sounds like a good deal of planning needs to go into this or you're looking at a new fender and repaint, which, depending on your neck of the woods, might not be all that bad.
But, man, on a new truck... I can only say have a long, detailed talk with your dealer.

 

Yea, but the only pain is the dealer is just north of Tucson, Arizona about 200 miles from where I live. However it would give me an excuse to get some Quail hunting in, as if I needed an excuse. This is the second truck that I have purchased from them and they always treated me right. But that was when a real good friend was their service manager. Felt like whuppin on him when he left, LOL.

 

LOL! Maybe you need to try that whoopin' on the new guy.

Just make the trip and be done with it - peace of mind and sack-full of quail. Sounds good to me.