Front upper bumper fitment issue

[Badmothertrucker]

When I bought my leadfoot back in mid February this year I noticed the drivers front side upper bumper didn’t fit flush at the seams where the two pieces joined ( see pic w orange highlights). I brought this to the GM’s attention and he immediately took action to fix it by running it over to their sister Ford store a few miles away for them to readjust. They couldn’t get it right and ended up causing the inside out dent in the picture labeled dent. So the GM writes me a “ We owe” for it to be repaired in the future after they get some clip he supposedly ordered ( he never ordered anything ).
Fast forward to a week ago and after I’ve texted him a over a dozen times over the past 3 months asking if the “ clip” was in and it never was. I then tell him I’ll take to a body shop 100 yards from his dealership and they will bill him. He then takes action and sets me up with the same body shop which I finally left my truck on Wednesday to be repaired. So the service manager at the dealership texts me this afternoon saying it’s ready. I asked how it looks and he says good. So I go there hopefully optimistic that it is finally flush like the other side. So as I am driving up to the dealership I see my truck in the parking lot and the inside out dent is drastically improved/ removed. I’m satisfied with that result, however the bumper pieces aren’t close to being flush at all. Stevie Wonder nor Mr. Mcgoo would be fooled. The service manager is saying it’s definitely better. I concede that it was better but the gap is just as bad. I then reached out to the body shop GM who was familiar with my truck and he tells me I can only do what they tell me to do. He says he’s doing his best to fix within his authorization limits meaning they only want to pay for a half ass repair. I left my truck and the body shop GM says he’ll see if they can do better tomorrow. I told the service manager to authorize the body shop to fix it correctly. So to be continued tomorrow, I’ll update as to what happens but wanted eveyone to look at the same spot on their front bumper to see if they gave any fitment issues.

Thanks

 

[Cranbery]

When I bought my leadfoot back in mid February this year I noticed the drivers front side upper bumper didn’t fit flush at the seams where the two pieces joined ( see pic w orange highlights). I brought this to the GM’s attention and he immediately took action to fix it by running it over to their sister Ford store a few miles away for them to readjust. They couldn’t get it right and ended up causing the inside out dent in the picture labeled dent. So the GM writes me a “ We owe” for it to be repaired in the future after they get some clip he supposedly ordered ( he never ordered anything ).
Fast forward to a week ago and after I’ve texted him a over a dozen times over the past 3 months asking if the “ clip” was in and it never was. I then tell him I’ll take to a body shop 100 yards from his dealership and they will bill him. He then takes action and sets me up with the same body shop which I finally left my truck on Wednesday to be repaired. So the service manager at the dealership texts me this afternoon saying it’s ready. I asked how it looks and he says good. So I go there hopefully optimistic that it is finally flush like the other side. So as I am driving up to the dealership I see my truck in the parking lot and the inside out dent is drastically improved/ removed. I’m satisfied with that result, however the bumper pieces aren’t close to being flush at all. Stevie Wonder nor Mr. Mcgoo would be fooled. The service manager is saying it’s definitely better. I concede that it was better but the gap is just as bad. I then reached out to the body shop GM who was familiar with my truck and he tells me I can only do what they tell me to do. He says he’s doing his best to fix within his authorization limits meaning they only want to pay for a half ass repair. I left my truck and the body shop GM says he’ll see if they can do better tomorrow. I told the service manager to authorize the body shop to fix it correctly. So to be continued tomorrow, I’ll update as to what happens but wanted eveyone to look at the same spot on their front bumper to see if they gave any fitment issues.

Thanks

I would escalate to Ford corporate if it doesn't get fixed properly this time. Or maybe even before then just to keep him honest.

Sorry that is happening!

I'm going through similar with a Ford dealer trying to get my replacement mirror, service department is just terrible. And I'm paying it, so can't even say it's because it's at their cost.

Keep us posted.

 

[Yeti]

I'm sorry you guys are experiencing the same garbage I am with dealerships not making our vehicles right.

 

[Yeti]

It's funny, I literally considered taking a week vacation to go to one of my old dealerships in the Atlanta area to get my truck worked on.

 

[FaKtor34]

I am lucky to have a dealership that works with us, I hate to hear horror stories, I had one when a dealership changed owners several years ago, the local media finally busted them out.

 

[Billy231]

Hello guys, just my 2 cents here but I feel for you and this problem is likely that painted upper filler/trim which maybe deformed or repaired already, etc. Without insulting anyone, I want to share a few things. Many years ago I worked at a Ford dealership in the parts dept and the crap that Ford was putting out was just that, CRAP. Although, somewhat better then others. With that said, those plastic fillers prior to paint come in from the manufacturers twisted up bent in half etc. The body shop we had on site was lucky enough to be able to pick through items for the best looking one. Bumper covers were notorious for imperfections and I would think that this is likely the issue just the same. With labor rates these days, they dont nor want to spend any amount of time playing with this. If that fender is perfect and has not incurred any carrier/lot damage to where that is causing the fitment issue, then that plastic filler is deformed and should be replaced with a new one and repainted. With the summer temps down there I think it can either fall into place or get worse. If it were me, I would go to a body shop on my own and inquire an unbiased opinion and then take from there with your dealer with options.
General Managers for dealerships are all about bottom line, thats all... Years ago there were Ford reps, each covered a general area and they would jump around and "assist with issues" satisfy problems on all levels from dealership problems and customer relations to warranty repairs.
If you have documented the problem as it appears you have done so, I would definitely escalate to trying to call and or locate the Ford rep on your own away from the dealership and anyone who you have dealt with previously, being you have become tired of spinning your wheels and the part is either defective or damaged beyond fixing. It is very possible that that part shouldnt have passed quality control prior to assembly causing fitment issues that you, the costomer does not approve of. Do this all as soon as possible. They will let the dealership do what they can and you have to let them attempt, as you have but to what extent the rep will have to explain and you should be satisfied in the end.
Sadly, its not easy and tiresome but do not fold, become their problem to fix to your liking. Sorry to ramble. Good Luck!

 

[Badmothertrucker]

Hello guys, just my 2 cents here but I feel for you and this problem is likely that painted upper filler/trim which maybe deformed or repaired already, etc. Without insulting anyone, I want to share a few things. Many years ago I worked at a Ford dealership in the parts dept and the crap that Ford was putting out was just that, CRAP. Although, somewhat better then others. With that said, those plastic fillers prior to paint come in from the manufacturers twisted up bent in half etc. The body shop we had on site was lucky enough to be able to pick through items for the best looking one. Bumper covers were notorious for imperfections and I would think that this is likely the issue just the same. With labor rates these days, they dont nor want to spend any amount of time playing with this. If that fender is perfect and has not incurred any carrier/lot damage to where that is causing the fitment issue, then that plastic filler is deformed and should be replaced with a new one and repainted. With the summer temps down there I think it can either fall into place or get worse. If it were me, I would go to a body shop on my own and inquire an unbiased opinion and then take from there with your dealer with options.
General Managers for dealerships are all about bottom line, thats all... Years ago there were Ford reps, each covered a general area and they would jump around and "assist with issues" satisfy problems on all levels from dealership problems and customer relations to warranty repairs.
If you have documented the problem as it appears you have done so, I would definitely escalate to trying to call and or locate the Ford rep on your own away from the dealership and anyone who you have dealt with previously, being you have become tired of spinning your wheels and the part is either defective or damaged beyond fixing. It is very possible that that part shouldnt have passed quality control prior to assembly causing fitment issues that you, the costomer does not approve of. Do this all as soon as possible. They will let the dealership do what they can and you have to let them attempt, as you have but to what extent the rep will have to explain and you should be satisfied in the end.
Sadly, its not easy and tiresome but do not fold, become their problem to fix to your liking. Sorry to ramble. Good Luck!

Good advice Billy, I did get another body shop quote ( see pics )which was to do exactly what you said, they would be installing new bracket and repainting. I think I’ll take your advice and reach out to Ford directly.

Any advice or contact strategy to reach the correct Ford rep to communicate with?

 

[Billy231]

As for reaching out to Ford directly, I would try some 1-800 numbers within your new vehicle paperwork and start asking questions, bottom line is that you want to speak to the person/rep that the dealer answers to!
There are several other F150 forums out there, can look around there as well. I have been out the dealership game for 25 years, I would definitely go around that GM from your purchasing dealer and with your documentation in hand from them doing work thats unsatisfactory to you, either open a complaint or just go up the chain from an 800 # and take notes along the way. You will get there. Blast off emails is the best, its all documented for them and you to see.

 

[Badmothertrucker]

When I bought my leadfoot back in mid February this year I noticed the drivers front side upper bumper didn’t fit flush at the seams where the two pieces joined ( see pic w orange highlights). I brought this to the GM’s attention and he immediately took action to fix it by running it over to their sister Ford store a few miles away for them to readjust. They couldn’t get it right and ended up causing the inside out dent in the picture labeled dent. So the GM writes me a “ We owe” for it to be repaired in the future after they get some clip he supposedly ordered ( he never ordered anything ).
Fast forward to a week ago and after I’ve texted him a over a dozen times over the past 3 months asking if the “ clip” was in and it never was. I then tell him I’ll take to a body shop 100 yards from his dealership and they will bill him. He then takes action and sets me up with the same body shop which I finally left my truck on Wednesday to be repaired. So the service manager at the dealership texts me this afternoon saying it’s ready. I asked how it looks and he says good. So I go there hopefully optimistic that it is finally flush like the other side. So as I am driving up to the dealership I see my truck in the parking lot and the inside out dent is drastically improved/ removed. I’m satisfied with that result, however the bumper pieces aren’t close to being flush at all. Stevie Wonder nor Mr. Mcgoo would be fooled. The service manager is saying it’s definitely better. I concede that it was better but the gap is just as bad. I then reached out to the body shop GM who was familiar with my truck and he tells me I can only do what they tell me to do. He says he’s doing his best to fix within his authorization limits meaning they only want to pay for a half ass repair. I left my truck and the body shop GM says he’ll see if they can do better tomorrow. I told the service manager to authorize the body shop to fix it correctly. So to be continued tomorrow, I’ll update as to what happens but wanted eveyone to look at the same spot on their front bumper to see if they gave any fitment issues.

Thanks

I’m happy to report they fixed it correctly, nice and frush ( what the fuks a frush….anyone know what that’s from? )
I’m at a all day softball thing but will post updated pics later.

 

[Billy231]

Glad that all worked out for you . Funny thing is that after going out in my truck today, I noticed that my upper trim was popping out, just like yours was
Looks like I will have to look into that soon as well. I just dropped off the truck for PPF and ceramic coating today. Looking forward to seeing how that comes out.

 

[Badmothertrucker]

Glad that all worked out for you . Funny thing is that after going out in my truck today, I noticed that my upper trim was popping out, just like yours was
Looks like I will have to look into that soon as well. I just dropped off the truck for PPF and ceramic coating today. Looking forward to seeing how that comes out.

Oh no, sorry to hear that. Since mine is fixed now I already had a quote from local PPF shop and was thinking about doing the full front. They are going to use a tint PPF on the lights, then clear on front bumper and thinking about doing the hood in a stealth to stand out. Just not sure if whole hood in stealth will be too much.

 

[Billy231]

I opted to doing the full hood and full fenders, as well as lights, grille, bumpers. The shop had another truck there (F150) from a dealer and they opted for the front section (18" from lip) as well as fenders to match. It was a darker color so that was obvious to me where it ended. The installer also mentioned that being the hoods are sloped like they are, all the dirt seems to sit right at that lip where the PPF ends and always shows. It was a bit more to do full panels, but I wanted a top notch job. The extra for that was $500 more, he is also doing the ceramic coating as well, so likely got a better package deal from what I can tell.

 

[Badmothertrucker]

I opted to doing the full hood and full fenders, as well as lights, grille, bumpers. The shop had another truck there (F150) from a dealer and they opted for the front section (18" from lip) as well as fenders to match. It was a darker color so that was obvious to me where it ended. The installer also mentioned that being the hoods are sloped like they are, all the dirt seems to sit right at that lip where the PPF ends and always shows. It was a bit more to do full panels, but I wanted a top notch job. The extra for that was $500 more, he is also doing the ceramic coating as well, so likely got a better package deal from what I can tell.

Here are my quotes. I’m not doing the ceramic coating thru them as I want to do on my own. I am going to use them most likely for the PPF full hood quote. I am going to see if I can get a lower price from them which they eluded to they’d work with you.

 

[Billy231]

Here are my quotes. I’m not doing the ceramic coating thru them as I want to do on my own. I am going to use them most likely for the PPF full hood quote. I am going to see if I can get a lower price from them which they eluded to they’d work with you.

My truck is getting a PPF material called Xpel, likely similar. Ask about the fenders also. Depending where you are located, maybe you can shop that price around a bit if there is other shops locally.

 

[Fatkid55]

My qoute for the xpel stealth was 12k for the whole truck. I decided i could paint it twice for that price. My heart was set on it, but 8k for the clear was hard to swallow as well.

 

[Billy231]

12K, wow thats scary! i went with the Xpel clear. with my Space White color, it should look great. Although, not the full truck, just full front.

 

[Fatkid55]

12K, wow thats scary! i went with the Xpel clear. with my Space White color, it should look great. Although, not the full truck, just full front.

Right, think i had a slight stroke

 

[Badmothertrucker]

When I bought my leadfoot back in mid February this year I noticed the drivers front side upper bumper didn’t fit flush at the seams where the two pieces joined ( see pic w orange highlights). I brought this to the GM’s attention and he immediately took action to fix it by running it over to their sister Ford store a few miles away for them to readjust. They couldn’t get it right and ended up causing the inside out dent in the picture labeled dent. So the GM writes me a “ We owe” for it to be repaired in the future after they get some clip he supposedly ordered ( he never ordered anything ).
Fast forward to a week ago and after I’ve texted him a over a dozen times over the past 3 months asking if the “ clip” was in and it never was. I then tell him I’ll take to a body shop 100 yards from his dealership and they will bill him. He then takes action and sets me up with the same body shop which I finally left my truck on Wednesday to be repaired. So the service manager at the dealership texts me this afternoon saying it’s ready. I asked how it looks and he says good. So I go there hopefully optimistic that it is finally flush like the other side. So as I am driving up to the dealership I see my truck in the parking lot and the inside out dent is drastically improved/ removed. I’m satisfied with that result, however the bumper pieces aren’t close to being flush at all. Stevie Wonder nor Mr. Mcgoo would be fooled. The service manager is saying it’s definitely better. I concede that it was better but the gap is just as bad. I then reached out to the body shop GM who was familiar with my truck and he tells me I can only do what they tell me to do. He says he’s doing his best to fix within his authorization limits meaning they only want to pay for a half ass repair. I left my truck and the body shop GM says he’ll see if they can do better tomorrow. I told the service manager to authorize the body shop to fix it correctly. So to be continued tomorrow, I’ll update as to what happens but wanted eveyone to look at the same spot on their front bumper to see if they gave any fitment issues.

Thanks

Post repair….. not perfect but much better, I’m satisfied to be done with worrying about it.

 

[Billy231]

That looks very good. I agree, much better. Sadly with heat/sun etc., these parts just expand and contract so much, they may change again in time. I will have to check mine when I get it back end of the week. I have more issues with doors needing alignment to deal with first. I think the guy who inspects for things like such, took a long break that day when my truck passed by his station.

 

[Badmothertrucker]

That looks very good. I agree, much better. Sadly with heat/sun etc., these parts just expand and contract so much, they may change again in time. I will have to check mine when I get it back end of the week. I have more issues with doors needing alignment to deal with first. I think the guy who inspects for things like such, took a long break that day when my truck passed by his station.

Took a break or his drinking on the job. Good luck on door alignment.