I appreciate everyone's input on the topic. I decided to start a new thread with my two cents. I know I'm kinda the new kid on the block, so you old timers can take this with a grain of salt. The average design life of an automobile is 10 years. The average life span of a car in this country is 13.5 years. Yes, Ford made a mistake or two in dealing with this problem, Yes they have made the same mistake with other more modern vehicles, including the Crown Victoria which was used for cop cars and taxi cabs. Now we are talking about cars that are between 37 and 27 years old, they have outlived their design expectancy by 3 times and beat the average life of a car by two. Ford did recall the cars, say there were no cars presented between 1995 and 2005, should the Ford dealers still be required to keep at least one recall kit at every Ford dealership in the nation just in case one shows up? Say you made a mistake 37 years ago and did everything in your power to correct it, but you missed one person, yes you should try to help that one person, but to what extent? Now say you are a major corporation, you put out the recall notices, putting it in the owners hands to bring the car back and rectify the problem, but a few owners ignored the recall notice-is the blood still on their hands? Yes, Ford should stand behind their products, and they should care about all of us, but with the volume of cars they manufacture, it seems like it would be impossible for them to support each model they have made from 1907 until now. It is our responsibility to make sure the car we drive is safe, whatever car we choose. Should Edsel owners be able to go back to modern Ford dealerships when their revolutionary car won't shift gears because something shorted out in the steering column? I love my Pinto and hope I didn't rub anyone the wrong way with this post.
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,5283.0.html
Bill
Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place. I spent quite a while earlier following the provided links, and the discussion there pertains to the problem and the fix but does not discuss limit or duration of liability as I've suggested as far as I can tell. I am willing to learn and also willing to change my point of view if I'm wrong, so could you please point me to a topic where limit or duration of liability is discussed.
You did not post it in the wrong place, I just gave you a link to other info on the matter.
I am not sure what you are looking for, maybe info from a product liability or personal injury attorney?
I don't think Ford can be held responsible if someone removed or changed out anything to do with the recall, never brought the car in for the 'service', or lack of routine maintenance/care. IIRC: Even auto makers only need to stock replacement parts for 7 years, and can even refuse to work on cars of a certain age.
Bill
Read post "warranty work on 30 year old car" in General Pinto Talk, and the question, more above personal research into the matter, is how many of us think that Ford should still take care of the problem (regardless of it being 30 years from the recall date) or how many of us believe that this matter is our problem now, just like a bad headlight switch. Without a fight or bickering I would just like to know. Thanks
I know one of the admins "Original74" had this taken care off not long ago..I'll let him tell the story.
But I think it depends on the dealer ship going to bat for you or finding the part for the customer of the 30 year old car. Ford will pay the dealer ship for the recall work but the rest is up to the dealer ship. And some times the dearship will say, if you have the parts I'll do the work.
FrankBoss
i think the first recall was around 1954 for oil leaks in the new ohv v8s. almost possative there were no recalls in 1907. ;D
bob
Quote from: discolives78 on October 02, 2008, 08:24:53 PM
(PLEASE) Read post "warranty work on 30 year old car" in General Pinto Talk, and the question, more above personal research into the matter, is how many of us think that Ford should still take care of the problem (regardless of it being 30 years from the recall date) or how many of us believe that this matter is our problem now, just like a bad headlight switch. Without a fight or bickering I would just like to know. Thanks
What makes you think I did not read that thread?
What 'we' think is irrelevant, its a legal issue. I don't plan on going after GM because a fuel line on the sending unit rotted on my car (if they made them better they would last longer). BTW: The car was OVER 7 years old and they did not have any left in stock NOR did they HAVE TO find me one.
Take a 20 year old motorcycle to most dealers (for service other than a tune-up) and see what happens. In my experience most (all that I know of) will say 'sorry, no thank you'.
If Ford has a record of the recall being done on a particular car, but recall parts have been removed by a past owner; tough luck to the current owner. If the car was never 'done' because the owner at the time never had it done I don't see how one can NOW 'blame' Ford.
This is not all to say that you WON'T find a dealer to help you, but if you do great. As I had to with my sending unit: one could find all the parts from other car(s) in good used condition.
Buyer BEWARE: A full inspection of a car before a purchase should include checking to see if all recall work has been done.
Bill
I think this issue is dead just like Freddie Mercury.. :lol:
Quote from: 77turbopinto on October 02, 2008, 10:00:28 PM
I don't plan on going after GM because a fuel line on the sending unit rotted on my car (if they made them better they would last longer).
Bill
You would have if that caught fire and burned Connie to death and it was a known issue.
Quote from: CHEAPRACER on October 02, 2008, 10:10:06 PM
You would have if that caught fire and burned Connie to death and it was a known issue.
It was a known issue with this car when I purchased it, and it was repaired before I put the car on the road, but thanks for the kind words.
EDITED FOR CLAIRIFCATION (and then spelling)
Bill
I should have clarified. I meant " I Read" (past tense) not "Please Read" And if it's a dead issue lets drop it. sorry to have stirred the pot. I read in other posts that this site is "newbie friendly" I'll keep this in mind next time there's something I want to talk about. I have had other non-Fords and dealt with dealerships and have had such bad experiences with them that I would rather drive my 30 year old car, work on it myself and assume that I am on my own when dealing with ANYTHING on this car. There are 3 Ford dealerships in Albuquerque and every time I have tried to get anything for my Pinto, I get laughed at, but most of the time a salesman jumps me as I'm getting out to try to sell me a new Focus.
Quote from: discolives78 on October 02, 2008, 10:25:38 PM
I should have clarified. I meant " I Read" (past tense) not "Please Read" And if it's a dead issue lets drop it. sorry to have stirred the pot. I read in other posts that this site is "newbie friendly" I'll keep this in mind next time there's something I want to talk about. I have had other non-Fords and dealt with dealerships and have had such bad experiences with them that I would rather drive my 30 year old car, work on it myself and assume that I am on my own when dealing with ANYTHING on this car. There are 3 Ford dealerships in Albuquerque and every time I have tried to get anything for my Pinto, I get laughed at, but most of the time a salesman jumps me as I'm getting out to try to sell me a new Focus.
As far as impling that we are not "newbie friendly", is it that you don't like the (my) opinions that you asked for?
You can see were a missing word or two can make a difference.
Bill
On a more friendly note, Install an 8" rear axle assembly and that may cure 90% of the problem and may be more readily available then the recall kit. And :welcome: to our club disco.
Suggestion taken! Going to u-pull it this weekend, been eyeing a 77 maverick! :afro:
I recall talking about this before......
BTW: Maverick = 5 lug, .5" narrower and not a "DIRECT BOLT IN"
Bill
easy to get off topic, Huh? Wouldn't matter, my car has the plastic shield, and I feel safer in it than I did in my PT Cruiser.
Quote from: 77turbopinto on October 02, 2008, 10:50:53 PM
I recall talking about this before......
BTW: Maverick = 5 lug, .5" narrower and not a "DIRECT BOLT IN"
Bill
Yes, the shock perches have to be relocated as well. Sounds like a "bit of work".
Chris
Quote from: popbumper on October 03, 2008, 11:04:51 AM
Yes, the shock perches have to be relocated as well. Sounds like a "bit of work".
Chris
Sorry, no, they don't, they just need some modifcation.
Bill
Project: NHTSA Hotline Center
Case: Recall question
Case Number: 43515
Date: 10/03/2008 Time: 10:27:10
Creation Date: 10/03/2008 Creation Time: 10:24:03
Description:
Entered on 10/03/2008 at 10:24:03 by pgriffis@mail.com:
From: Phillip griffis
Comments:
I have a question concerning the folowing recall
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FORD / PINTO 1971-1976
MERCURY / BOBCAT 1975-1976
Recall Number: 78V143000
Was/ is there a time frame for the recall as i recently purchased a 1976 Bobcat and i have sence noticed it did not recive the sheild for the recall. Just curious about my options before I try to contact Ford. I have seen the Recall kits for sale on eBay would i be better purchasing one and installing it my self or is Ford still responsable?
Thank you for you time.
Phil Griffis.
From NHTSA Web Site.
Entered on 10/03/2008 at 10:27:10 by CLR:
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Department of Transportation's Vehicle Safety Hotline Information Center.
Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser. For example, if a defect was found in 2003 and a recall ordered, manufacturers were required to make the correction available at no charge only for vehicles purchased new in 1994 through 2003. However, consumers should realize that even though manufacturers are not obligated to remedy safety defects in older cars, a safety problem might still exist. If you receive notification of a defect on a vehicle older than 10 years, take the responsibility to have your car repaired at your own expense – and eliminate unnecessary safety risks.
If the manufacturer challenges the agency's final decision of a safety defect, there is no obligation for the manufacturer to remedy the defect while the case is in court. If you decide to have your vehicle remedied at your own expense while the case is pending and the court upholds NHTSA's final decision, you may be entitled to reimbursement. (Be sure to save all receipts and paperwork so that you can prove the repairs were made.) However, if the court ultimately rules the defect is not safety-related, Federal law does not require that the manufacturer reimburse you for the repair work
We hope that you find this information helpful. However, if you need additional information on our services please feel free to contact us at 1-888-327-4236.
Thank you,
NHTSA.dot.gov Response Team
Thanks phils toys for taking the time to research this. So thats the story, Ford only needed to honor the recall for 10 years. Other Pintos were recalled for other issues, The 78 was recalled for safety belt retractor lock problems. I never contemplated going to the dealership, Mine were threadbare and faded so I swapped them out of an 80 parts car. Shared opinions - If you don't feel safe driving it, don't drive it. If its a safety issue, then it should be corrected.
Quote from: 77turbopinto on October 03, 2008, 12:01:30 PM
Sorry, no, they don't, they just need some modifcation.
Bill
Ok, now I have conflicting reports on Maverick rear ends and their fit to Pintos. Can you elaborate on "just need some modification"?" It's nice to get the rest of the story - your statement just leaves me asking for more. Thanks.
Chris
Quote from: popbumper on October 03, 2008, 05:14:15 PM
Ok, now I have conflicting reports on Maverick rear ends and their fit to Pintos. Can you elaborate on "just need some modification"?" It's nice to get the rest of the story - your statement just leaves me asking for more. Thanks.
Chris
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,953.msg31360.html#msg31360
The photo speaks for itself as far as the axle goes. The Pinto shock plates need to be slotted to fit the bigger u-bolts, but thats it. It depends on if you plan to keep the rubber/clamp thingies.
BTW: Who told you that info?
Bill
P.S., I don't think this is a hijack because the author of this thread was talking about these as well; could be wrong....
Hi, All
How about if you check my post "under warrantee work on a 30 year car"
Even thou I don't want to close eather post (subject) I think that the problem has been resolved
What hasn't been resolved (and may never be) is the way that Ford's so called "Customer Service" department treats (or talks to) a person. I think that's the poorest advertisement ANYONE could have, certainly doesn't invite a person to purchase a new Ford.
Somewhat a shame that I haven't (as yet, but will) found a person at Ford to vent to
For now, best to all and thank you for all you effort,,,,Jim at jimspinto
I don't think the last posts are a hijack because we did talk about axle issues, it wasn't the original issue, but it was discussed. No hard feelings to anyone, and I didn't mean to hijack someone elses thread either. The whole point of this was "how long does/should the recalls last?" and that question was answered, thanks to all!