Are subframes OEM on 1999 Convertibles?

Thanks for the info people. I am never taking another vehicle to that shop
again. They do great on simple body work like painting, etc but showed no
competence in the other aspects of the repair. Plus, when I when into the
shop there were mostly young kids (18 - 24) working on the cars. I don't
trust them.

--
Paul

"SVTKate" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> One other thing in addition to Tim's sound advice.
>
> Sometime soon after your car went into the shop, they should have put it
> on
> a frame rack and measured it. It may have even been part of the original
> estimate.
> When they finished the job, they should have done the same. Someplace in
> between the two it would have been up on the rack for repairs. There
> should
> be printouts of the first and the last time it was measured. Ask for
> copies
> of them. I would also ask them to put it back on the rack when you can be
> there and have them hand you a current printout of the cars measurements.
> They will have to reach a certain percentage of 100% before they are
> considered properly repaired.
> If they are unwilling to comply, then call your insurance adjuster and
> tell
> him/her what is going on Explain the problem that you are having and they
> will look into it for you and back you up. It may be more difficult if you
> are a claimant. if this is the case, you should have your insurance
> company
> call the adjuster. As a general rule more will get accomplished that way.
>
> If the shop doesn't have a good frame rack, request that the car be taken
> to
> a better shop. One with the proper equipment to do the job right.
>
> After you get this information, you will be able to tell if the body is
> still bent out of whack or not.
>
> If so, THAT is what makes me suspect that the alignment shops are trying
> to
> avoid. I think that they know they cannot get it back to specs because it
> still ahs some damage and they will not be able to get it right - ever.
>
> Just my opion, only worth the paper it's printed on.
>
> Kate
>
>
> "Musttanguy" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
> |
> | The thin wall bolt on sub frame connectors are indeed factory original
> | on the 99+ convertibles.
> | Both shops unwillingness to align this car because of this is obviously
> | a plessing in disquise. This is just another example of why these shops
> | have the reputation they do. I see no reason the front end alignment
> | can't be set due to subs being installed even if they were
> | aftermarket.If the car is out of spec send it back to the body/frame
> | shop, but atleast check the damn thing and note it on paper work. Just
> | be thankful the car will now be checked by someone alittle more
> | knowledgable/competent. I would let the body shop know how unsatisfied
> | you were with their choice of alignment shops. I would not send a
> | vehicle to another shop that I don't a good relationship with and have
> | first hand experience with and shops like this would cease to get
> | referrals.
> |
> | Tim (Musttanguy)
> | PonyPerformance.com
> |
>
>

On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 22:26:38 GMT, "DevilPaul" >
wrote:

>"Dinsdale" > wrote in message
...
>> The unibody is the main structure of the car...less the front fenders,
>> hood, doors, decklid (basically the stuff that's bolted on).
>> The suspension is bolted to the unibody....if the unibody is bent, those
>> mounting points have moved in relation to each other and alignment may be
>> impossible.
>>
>> Now, why the alignment shops say that subframe connectors are the reason
>> an alignment can't be done is beyond me because they shouldn't be in the
>> way. The alignment shops should have found if some parts (the lower
>> control arms...tie-rods...etc) were bent.
>>
>> As others have said in this thread...the body shop needs to confirm if
>> the unibody is straight. (if it's a collision repair shop it should have
>> a frame jig to check it) If they don't check it, they may be giving you
>> an unsafe car.
>>
>> If they say the unibody is straight...tell them to check the k-member
>> (even though it should be part of the unibody checking)...the front
>> suspension/steering/brakes are bolted to this and it's bolted to the
>> unibody.
>>
>> Here's a pic of an aftermarket k-member...it's the blue thing.
>> http://mustanglife.tenmagazines.com/...aine/77928.jpg
>
>Thanks for the info Dinsdale, it's definitely appreciated. The unibody on
>the car is straight. All of the damage I had as cosmetic and I only bumped
>the guard rail at around 15 - 20MPH. I had the car taken to a Ford dealer
>and aligned.


Glad to add to the knowledge base....Happy Motoring.