Recall - Seat Belt `D-Ring' Replacement
84ford24TSB # 477-S
PLEASE ASSURE THAT COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN ARE ROUTED TO YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL
March, 1984
To: Selected North American Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Product Dealers and Affiliated Ford Motor Companies
Reference: Safety Recall 477 - Service Recall Bulletin Dated December, 1983
Subject: Safety Recall 477-S - Identification of Vehicles Requiring Final "D-Ring" Attachment Correction
The referenced Service Recall Bulletin informed dealers of Safety Recall No. 477 for modification of front shoulder restraint "D-ring" attachments to B-pillars. Some vehicles involved in this program were built with washers installed on the shoulder belt "D-ring" attaching bolts to increase the effective load-bearing area of the attaching bolt heads. These bolts and washers were installed because of a temporary supply shortage of the proper attaching bolts and in order not to delay unnecessarily the delivery of the vehicle. On certain vehicles with these bolts and washers, the trim covers could not be properly installed and were placed in the vehicle glove boxes, allowing the "D-rings" to remain exposed and presenting an appearance not fully consistent with the intended vehicle image.
On vehicles in which the trim covers were not installed, the washers and attachment bolts are to be removed and replaced with attachment bolts having larger diameter heads. (The washers are not to be reinstalled.)
The purpose of this bulletin is to identify the vehicles involved in Recall No. 477 that require further modification of the "D-ring" attachments for appearance purposes. Affected vehicles are those built with exposed style "D-rings" from 12/6/83 through 12/12/83, and listed on Page 3 of the Safety Recall 477 dealer bulletin, except for St. Thomas and St. Louis vehicles. On the affected vehicles the "D-ring" attaching bolts and washers are to be removed and replaced with new design attaching bolts in accordance with "FINAL CORRECTION" instructions on Page 3 of the Recall 477 dealer bulletin.
The trim covers can now be installed. If the trim covers which were shipped with the vehicle in the glove box have been misplaced, new covers should be installed.
NOTE: Units built after 12/12/83 are not involved in this recall.
Notification of Owners
Vehicle owners whose names and addresses are shown on the enclosed listing are being notified by First Class Mail. If the owner of any vehicle cannot be contacted or does not make an appointment to have his vehicle corrected, advise your supervising location or Wixom of the owner's name and address so that we can handle further notification.
If no vehicle listing is enclosed, you are not involved at this time, and this Service Recall Bulletin is for information only.
Recall Procedures
Refer to the Recall 477 Bulletin, dated December, 1983, for technical instructions, parts information and reporting procedures.
Parts
If "D-ring" trim covers for vehicles with exposed "D-ring" attachments are needed, order the correct color part. Refer to the Ford or Lincoln-Mercury Parts Catalog, Body Section 600, Base Part Number 60235, Boot (front seat shoulder strap). Do not order recall parts from Newark Export Supply. Order all requirements directly from Wixom using the mailing address on page No. 1 of this Bulletin. For more urgent handling, use cable address "RECALLS - FORDEX, WIXOM, MICHIGAN". Our telephone number in Wixom, Michigan, is area code (313) 344-5641. Please give the part number, description, quantity and recall number when ordering.
If you have any questions concerning this supplement, please contact your supervising location or this office.
Ford Direct Market Operations P.O. Box 600
Ford Motor Company Wixom, Michigan 48096
March, 1984
Dear Owner:
The purpose of this letter is to tell you about a Ford Motor Company service program to replace a pair of washers and attaching bolts that were used temporarily to attach the front shoulder belts on some of its 1984 model vehicles. Our records indicate that your vehicle (serial number shown on the enclosed Form 1864) may have been built using those washers.
REASON FOR THE PROGRAM:
Some vehicles involved in this program were built with washers installed on the shoulder belt "D-ring" attaching bolts to increase the effective load-bearing area of the attaching bolt heads. These bolts and washers were installed because of a temporary supply shortage of the proper attaching bolts and in order not to delay unnecessarily the delivery of your new vehicle. Of course this temporary attachment measure provides the strength required for the shoulder and lap belts to perform as intended by Ford; however, the "D-ring" trim covers could not be installed at the assembly plants, and were placed in the glove box. Dealers now have the correct bolts to attach the shoulder belt "D-rings" to the vehicle so that the trim covers can be properly installed.
DESCRIPTION OF FORD'S PROGRAM:
We ask that you return your vehicle to any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership in your area as soon as possible. The dealer will install new "D-ring" attaching bolts and the trim covers delivered in your glove box at no charge to you.
TO HAVE THIS SERVICE PERFORMED:
Please contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealership in your area to arrange an appointment for service. These dealerships have been advised of this program and can assist you as necessary. We encourage you to have this service performed as soon as possible.
Present the enclosed Form 1864 to your dealership when this "D-ring" attachment service is performed. The form authorizes the dealer to perform this service at no charge to you. After repairing your vehicle, the dealer will return the form to us verifying that the required service has been performed. If you lose the Form 1864, the dealer will still repair your vehicle at no charge to you.
We appreciate your purchase of this vehicle and hope that this service program serves to assure your continued satisfaction and patronage.