Campaign - Convertible Top Fabric Damage: Overview
83ford3February, 1983
To: All Ford Dealers
Subject: Owner Notification Program B38 - 1983-Model Mustang Convertible Top Fabric Damage
The purposes of this letter are to advise you of a potential condition with the convertible top of 1983-model Mustangs produced prior to February 2, 1983, and to request your assistance in correcting units delivered to owners, in your inventory, or in transit to you.
This condition involves two fasteners in the convertible top mechanism which can puncture the fabric with the top in the full down position. Of particular importance is that the top fabric can be punctured the first time the top is lowered. One of the fasteners is the center mounting stud on the quarter window weatherseal which can press the fabric against the wheelhouse weld flange. The other fastener is a screw used to secure the weatherstrip retainer on the convertible top folding mechanism center rail. A plastic protective cover over the end of the screw can become displaced allowing the screw to pierce the top fabric.
This condition will compromise owner satisfaction with the new Mustang convertible not only from an appearance standpoint, but also from the standpoint that puncture repair involves complete replacement of the top fabric. Consequently, the Company is taking this action to notify dealers and owners of the condition so that corrections can be made immediately. Corrections were made in production effective with units built February 2, 1983.
Owners of vehicles built prior to February 2, 1983 are being notified to return them to their dealerships for correction of the condition (Attachment II). The letter cautions owners to not lower the top of their vehicles until the repairs can be made.
You are being provided a listing of vehicles, which according to our records, were delivered by your dealership. Owners whose names and addresses appear on the listing are being sent the above described letter. We ask that you contact owners of recently delivered vehicles whose names and addresses do not appear on the listing. Arrange with those owners to correct their vehicles as promptly as possible, and be sure to advise them to not lower the top until the correction can be made. Technical and administrative instructions are provided in Attachment I.
Your assistance in the timely administration of this program is appreciated in order to help assure continued owner satisfaction with the new Mustang convertible.