Owner Letter

September 13, 1991


Dear ASC Colamco Chevrolet Astro Van Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. ASC Colamco, Inc. has determined that certain ASC Colamco Chevrolet Astro van conversions failed to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies. The rear lap seat belts and front seat belts do not comply with this standard because the lap portion of some of the seat belts fastens several inches in front of and/or above the seat occupant's pelvis and may not remain on the pelvis at all times, depending on the position of the seat and the size of the occupant.

If this condition occurs, the occupant could move forward several inches before contacting the seat belt restraint in a crash situation. In addition, the crash load will not be distributed to the pelvic area which is better suited to accept the crash energy. The safety standard is intended to provide for the seat belt to remain on the pelvis under all conditions, including collision or roll-over of the motor vehicle. If the vehicle is involved in an accident the failure of the lap portion of the seat belt to remain on the pelvis can result in additional risk of injuries.


Until this condition is corrected by your dealer, we recommend that the front captains' chairs and mid-ship seats be maintained as far forward as possible and that the lap portion of the seat belt be kept secured as tightly as reasonably comfortable in order to maintain the seat belt as nearly on the pelvic area as possible and avoid any additional motion in the event of a crash or roll-over.

To correct this condition, your dealer will install an appropriate modification for the front and mid-ship seat belt installations. This service will be performed for you at no charge.

Please contact your dealer immediately to arrange a service date. An instruction bulletin has been sent to your dealer and parts will be available beginning September 16, 1991. Your dealer will remove and reinstall the seat belts in accordance with the bulletin and using the parts provided. Please ask your dealer if you wish an estimate of the total time needed to schedule, process and return your vehicle. Included in this time will be about one hour for a service technician to perform the work required.

Your dealer is best equipped to obtain the necessary parts and provide service to promptly correct your vehicle. However, if you take your vehicle to your dealer on the agreed service date and it is not remedied then or within a reasonable time, we suggest that you call ASC Colamco, Inc. directly at (614) 253-7263.


After contacting your dealer and ASC Colamco, Inc., if you are not still satisfied, that we have remedied this condition without charge and within a reasonable time, you may write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at l-800-424-9393 (Washington, D.C. residents call 366-0123).

Please present this letter to your dealer to identify the condition which needs to be corrected. If you no longer have this vehicle, please let us know by completing the enclosed postcard and mailing it back to us. The postage has been paid for you.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience. However, we have taken this action for your safety and will appreciate your cooperation in arranging for the prompt correction of this condition or advising us that you no longer own this vehicle.