Dodge Dakota Crew Cab - IV

168101112

Comments

  • vmanvman Member Posts: 103
    I succumbed to the pressure! After getting no real response from the dealer where I placed my order on 5/1, I decided to officially cancel it and look on the local lots. Oddly enough, I ended up finding an Amber 4x4 Sport (ordered SLT) with almost all the options I wanted, at the dealer where I bought my '95 Dakota. It's a 3.9/auto (ordered the 4.7), but the wife and I decided that it wasn't a show stopper. The interior and options are what we wanted, and all I have to do is put on the hitch and wiring harness. The dealer even told me they send all their hitch work to the store where I usually buy accessories anyway. I've got to admit, I wouldn't have taken any other color in the Sport trim, but the black and amber really mix well. What a beautiful truck!
    I thought I'd actually get to order this one exactly the way I wanted it, but fate would not hear of it. The wife and I really couldn't wait any longer and it all worked out well anyway.


    Enjoy!


    P.S.: Boo, keep your eyes peeled for another Amber QC trucking through Langhorne!
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    I might have guessed the TSB # would have been so simple...Thanks for the posts and info...Im going tommorrow at lunch to talk to the resident service moron....Is there a place on the web or through D/C where you can get an up to date list of all the TSB's??? Sure would be nice...Id rather have the TSB's mailed to me as they are issuedfor my $20 customer mail money than the cheezy dodge magazine...

    Anyway...Thanks


    Wetwillie----> What aftermarket brand did you end up purchasing and what was the price point on it...Did you try any web retailers or consider more than one brand...This will be my next project...


    mouldd---> If you like the Factory look with an aftermarket head unit, Take a look at ALPINE's CDA-D852($350 US) or the CDA-D855($450US)...I installed the 855 in mine, Its a DIN & 1/2 which is the same size as the MOPAR unit so it fits in the factory hole and uses the factory mounting holes withot the need for any trim kits...Has Buil-In CD player, Cool Dancing Lights Display and wireless remote...Also for you guys that have the Steeringwheel Controls, ALPINE sells a kit to allow them to work the ALPIN unit......Check them out at :

    CDA-D855--->
    http://www.alpine1.com/html/De_n_149_n_n.html

    CCA-D852---
    >
    http://www.alpine1.com/html/De_n_150_n_n.html


    Enjoy

    CHAD
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    I might have guessed the TSB # would have been so simple...Thanks for the posts and info...Im going tommorrow at lunch to talk to the resident service moron....Is there a place on the web or through D/C where you can get an up to date list of all the TSB's??? Sure would be nice...Id rather have the TSB's mailed to me as they are issuedfor my $20 customer mail money than the cheezy dodge magazine...

    Anyway...Thanks


    Wetwillie----> What aftermarket brand did you end up purchasing and what was the price point on it...Did you try any web retailers or consider more than one brand...This will be my next project...


    mouldd---> If you like the Factory look with an aftermarket head unit, Take a look at ALPINE's CDA-D852($350 US) or the CDA-D855($450US)...I installed the 855 in mine, Its a DIN & 1/2 which is the same size as the MOPAR unit so it fits in the factory hole and uses the factory mounting holes withot the need for any trim kits...Has Buil-In CD player, Cool Dancing Lights Display and wireless remote...Also for you guys that have the Steeringwheel Controls, ALPINE sells a kit to allow them to work the ALPIN unit......Check them out at :

    CDA-D855--->
    http://www.alpine1.com/html/De_n_149_n_n.html

    CCA-D852---
    >
    http://www.alpine1.com/html/De_n_150_n_n.html


    Enjoy

    CHAD
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    The link for the CDA-D855 is

    http://www.alpine1.com/html/De_n_149_n_n.html

    Dont know what happened

    CHAD
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    You will love your truck. The Amber Fire Pearl is just gorgeous, and actually looks better on the sport because of the continuous flow of color. I ordered the SLT for other reasons (simplified accessory options). I'll be looking for you,there
    are not too many of us around. Enjoy!

    Bookitty
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Read a few remarks regarding 2WD vs 4WD, and I guess it all boils down to specific driving conditions.

    I live just 55 miles north of Detroit, where we generally get just one or two severe snowstorms in a winter... So, I should be able to handle it with 2WD, right? NOT!

    The caveat is that we live down 3 miles of hilly gravel roads... And when the snows do hit, we're the LAST to be plowed out by county trucks. Three days of isolation is no fun!

    Anyway... The Westin step bars arrived today... Look pretty sturdy! I'll be starting the install tomorrow. If anyone's interested in progress/cautions, I'll be happy to update.

    Enjoy the Quads!!!
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Tow, there is a right and left step bar, but my dealer said that it was not marked. Had to take off and re-install. They did not run properly parallel to the frame until they were switched. At least, that's what they said. Great looking strong bars. Enjoy!

    Bookitty
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    I have a 2000 club cab sport with factory wheel flares and 31" tires. Does anyone know how much 4 mopar mudflaps would cost. (the kind with the red "ram head" on them.) Will I need to drill holes to install them or can I use the screws that are already there? Being that it is a mopar factory part, I would think they would match up to the pre drilled holes that are in the wheel flares. My main concern is cost. I really like the way they look, not to mention it will keep rocks from chipping the paint. Thanks again. By the way, I have not heard my leaf springs make any noises yet. Was this problem corrected later in the year. How can I test it. I ordered my truck on May 10th and it came in June 15th. I changed my tire pressure from 47 psi to 31 psi...........WOW!!! what a difference in ride and handling. Thank you guys for this tip!!!!
  • vmanvman Member Posts: 103
    boo: Thanks.....I wanted the SLT for the same reasons (plus I like chrome), but gave in to the raw beauty of the sport. I'm sure it will serve it's purpose well.

    2wd/4wd: Yeah, I always used to think 4wd wasn't worth it, and for some it may not be, but I recall some of the reasons why I traded the '95 in. My cousin has some land way up in the hills of central PA. Every time I went there, I'd think, "man, I wish I had 4wd!" It's one of those things that you don't want to do without when you do need it.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    I traveled New England, PA and New York state. I have owned and operated 4WD vehicles for over 30 years. Right now, we have 3 4WD vehicles. I would not be without one. Just remember, they do not make you invincible, they only offer a more sure-
    footed way of getting around in uncertain terrain and weather. Besides, this area is comprised of hills and we have to use Brownsville road on a daily basis. People love to stop in the snow in the middle of a hill. That way they can get stuck with a dumb look on their face.

    Bookitty
  • roundrocktxroundrocktx Member Posts: 14
    I picked up my Quad two weeks ago and did not look it over as carefully as I should have at the dealership -- otherwise I wouldn't have left the lot. Here is what I found. On the rear driver's side door along the edge are two one inch long areas of "extra" paint flabs sticking toward the drivers door as well as some drips, about 3 inches down from the window is an irregular jagged ripple of glopped paint.(wish I had a digital camera) The service manager looked at it and said "Gee, I've never seen anything like that before". He wanted to take the vehicle in and have the door repainted -- 2-4 days w/ rental car (paid for by my extended warranty). I refused this and fought with the sales manager (mentioned I still had the survey to fill out) and he agreed to replace the door with another one off of a like colored SLT which he will either order, or get from another dealer. My dad pointed out the paint may vary from truck to truck and the match may be better going with the paint job and swapping doors may lead to rattles and loose hinges. What would you all do? I have 1000 miles on it, so trading it in is not an option.
  • roundrocktxroundrocktx Member Posts: 14
    I live near Austin, I opted for the 2WD. I drove on some rock/dirt/mud already and it seemed fine considering the cost difference (I wish I had the LSD though). Around here its not the much of an edge for resale as everything big holds its value. Of course, Austin rarely gets snow -- last storm was a half inch of snow/sleet 3 years ago -- it closed every major and minor employer and many roads and bridges(for up to two to three days). Of course, being a Northerner I went out anyway to find donuts -- couldn't even buy a donut -- all the donut shops and even some 24 hour grocery stores closed.
    If I was still living in CT then I might have bought the 4wd since they took 2-3 days for the plows to reach us in the worst storms. Its all a matter of what you are doing with your car-truck and where you hang your hat.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    BOO:
    I recall one of your ancient posts in which you mentioned a "right" and left" on the Westin step bars, and carried a mental notation as I broke the box open and dug into the instructions.

    Your dealer was RIGHT in saying that the bars are not marked "left" and "right." What he DIDN'T tell you, however, that Westin very CLEARLY expresses where each bar should be installed in both words and pictures.

    To wit:
    For those technicians who cannot read, there's a large, pretty color picture on the face of the box showing the "Westin" logo on the step pad facing "out." ... "That's it, Joey... Put away your crayons, get your wrench, and just do like the picture says!!!"

    For those who CAN read, the instructions note TWICE that the front leg of each bar (where it's fastened to the mounts) is slightly longer than the rear leg. HOWEVER, I DID note that these instructions were not expressed in braille.

    Fact is, Boo, the right/left thing is a no-brainer. Of course, we know that these are highly skilled service techs for whom illustrations and instructions are unnecessary, superfluous steps! Which is also why dealership service manpower productivity/efficiency ratios are so wretched!

    IMPY:
    Haven't seen the Mopar mud flaps with a "red" ram logo, but I purchased the same units with a "chrome" ram from the dealership for $21/pair. They're interchangeable from front to rear. They fit both flared and non-flared Dakotas. They utilize existing holes, but some new holes must also be drilled (through the fender liner only. Hope that helps.

    ROUNDROCK:
    On the door paint problem... Just a suggestion.

    When my '95 Ram came off the piggyback, the roof was scraped and creased. The sales manager said they would fix it prior to delivery. They did, and it still looks like new after 5-1/2 years.

    Before I took delivery, I drew up a letter of agreement stipulating that if the roof repair ever needed additional work while I owned the vehicle, the dealership would perform the repairs at no charge. It was signed by the General Manager and filed with my other papers on the truck.

    Personal opinion: Skip the door replacement, Have the paint repaired, but cover your butt in writing.

    That's all folks! Enjoy the Quads!
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Mopar produce a mud flap that can be installed without drilling additional holes - I am not sure whether this particular model is available with the Ram's head design though. Of course the no extra hole model is more expensive - about $80 Canadian a pair I believe - call it $50 US.

    This is one of the rare occasions where I might actually support going with Mopar as I don't know of any other flaps that don't require some additional drilling.

    Paint problem, I'd definitely get them to fix it - replacing the door could cause all kinds of problems down the road.
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Tow, I realize the bars must be "green side up", so perhaps it was the mounting brackets. I was not there for the entire installation, but heard the remark during the re-installation. It was at the same time as the Tuffliner, and the A.R.E. LSII were installed. I do know however that they did have to remove and re-install, but told me that the bar logos were correctly oriented. If the
    mounting brackets are different, then perhaps I did not express myself clearly. If not then unhappily, your nightmare has come true once more.

    Bookitty
  • tpmillertpmiller Member Posts: 45
    I purchased through Mopar, ram's head is white. I think 2 pair were around 60 bucks.
  • rotondimrotondim Member Posts: 27
    I took delivery of a 4x4 CC 4.7/Auto back in March. Since that time I have been trying to resolve the right rear wheel issue, sticking out further on the right side, to my satisfaction. I also had the bed alignment problem which was resolved. With only 2000 miles on the truck the Oil gauge decided to go to 0. By the time I got the tuck off the road it seems that the damage was already done. The dealership is telling me they have to pull the engine and break it down to determine the damage. To say the least I am very disappointed in this vehicle and have had nothing but disappointment from day 1.
    It is not my intention to discourage anyone about this truck but feel it is my obligation to share with all the members my disturbing tale so you can all be aware of this potential problem.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Boo,
    I may be wrong, but based on instructions and illustrations with the step bar kit, I'm still baffled that they can be installed incorrectly without disregarding the instructions.

    As soon as the windshield guy finishes with the QC (caught a stone at 900 miles), I'll get out underneath the truck for some test fits... Hope I'm not in for any surprises, but won't rule that out!
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    What can ANY of us say except that we're sorry to hear you've experienced such a major disaster with your Quad.

    Regardless of what sort of engine damage occurred, your dealership should ALREADY have a fresh engine ordered. If not, I would definitely call DC, get the name of the DC area or district service manager, and make some noise.

    Please keep us posted on progress... This forum isn't "pollyanna"... It's about both the good and the bad.

    Good luck.
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Yesterday you stated that your truck "...came in June 15th". I don't know where you live, but today is only June 14th HERE!!! ;)

    ferous
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    Sorry man. My brain is a little messed up. (I have a wedding in 3 weeks) I ordered the truck April 10th and it came in May 15th. I laughed so hard when I saw what I did. You must of thought I was from the future!!!!!
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    I have a good question (It may turn out to be a dumb one) I have the 2000 club cab sport loaded. I ordered the "RAZ" stereo system. AM/FM CD/cassette with graphic equalizer. It says in the Dakota brochure that this is supposed to come with "8" infinity speakers. I only see "6" I have 2 in each door and 2 in the back. Where are the other 2 speakers? I have a tweeter in each door and a mid range in each door. I have 2 mid range in the back. This is six total speakers. Is it possible that the rear speakers have another little speaker built in? (coaxials)
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Okay... It's probably a dumb question... But could anyone tell me a quick & easy way to remove that blue gunk they paint over the white lettering on new tires???

    Replaced the tires on my Ram about 10K miles ago... Immediately hit the road for a month in the Keys... Tried to wash the blue off a few times with no luck... Now it's back in the drive for sale, the blue stuff still intact... Tried brushing it with various cleaners... No luck.

    Any advice???
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    Boo,
    In temporary suspension on the step bar install... But spent enough time under the truck to see that the intructions are clear and the installatioin relatively simple.

    My guess is that your installer attached the mounts to the body/frame correctly, but then installed the bars on the wrong sides (long leg to the rear)... In that case, the Westin logos would still have read "out," but the rear of the bar would have protruded out about an inch further than the front.

    Wish it would stop raining!!!


    A TRICK THAT SEEMS TO WORK:
    Prior to crawling under the truck, I used my super-duper underbody wash machine... An old oscilating lawn sprinkler... Holes drilled a bit larger... Stick it under the truck for 10 minutes and let it do its thing.
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    I have a very good remedy. It took all the blue stuff off my tires. Get a scrub brush. (the kind with bristles and a handle) Wet down your tires and wet the scrub brush. Pour some Comet or Ajax on the brush. (don't by shy) Start scrubbing!!! It will come right off. Rinse the tires real good. (wipe the tires with a wet sponge or you might have a white film left on them) Spray them with some armor all or something similar (I use the STP tire foam. Just spray on and leave it). They will look great!!! Blue stuff will be gone and all the road grime. Take a look at post #387 and see if you can help me. (If you are familiar with that stereo setup.)
  • rjoderrjoder Member Posts: 12
    OT: I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you loose your mind the minute you say "I Do." Because once those words are uttered, an invisible tube comes from your wife and sucks all your brains out. At least I think that's what happened to me, for some reason I can't seem to recall exactly what I did before I got married...
  • tpmillertpmiller Member Posts: 45
    for club secretary having shown a keen eye for detail. Rjoder is definitely out by his own admission above. Impy2 must report subsequent to honeymoon and remains on probation till then, at which time he must provide a detailed report of which seat of the Dak the bride prefers.
  • impy2impy2 Member Posts: 50
    she prefers the bed of the truck!!!! I have the heavy duty suspension and bigger tires!!!!!
  • 96g1196g11 Member Posts: 88
    impy2, the other 2 speakers are in the rear doors and act as mini sub woofers, You cannot see them unless you remove the rear door panels.

    towcrazy, if you do not wish to scrub like a madman, use a product called whestleys bleach white. just spray on, lightly brush and the blue stuff will come off and leave very white lettes behind. Althouth the longer the blue stuff stays on the tires, the harder it is to get off. good luck
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    I have the Infinity/CD as well... You mean there are "invisible" speakers in the rear doors of a Quad???

    By the way... Thanks for the tip on the Westley's stuff... I'll try it!
  • badassbobbadassbob Member Posts: 78
    I dont have the Upgraded radio or speaker setup, but i distinctly remember reading somewhere...I think it was the BIG-BOOK in the dealkership tthat stated the RAZ came with 8 Infinity Speakers with an astrick above the 8....When you looked at the foot note, it said 8-speakers in 6 locations....I took that as 2 tweeters in the top of the drivers door and 1 speaker in each of the front and rear doors...With one set of them having a 2-way speaker design(a main mid-woofer + a separate tweeter on top).....

    But then again, i could be wrong...

    CHAD
  • bigal31bigal31 Member Posts: 189
    "simple green" it works wonders!
    Allen-
  • bookittybookitty Member Posts: 1,303
    Tim, you are a bad person. Impy2 is just stating down the trail of matrimony, and with your help, not only won't he hit 42 years of marriage; He'll be luck to hit 42 minutes. By the way Impy2, you mentioned that your bride enjoys the bed of the Dakota. Do you have a spray in or a drop in liner?
    Any suggestions or recommendations?

    Bookitty
  • stonehamdavestonehamdave Member Posts: 10
    Roundrock, go for the paint.
    The door works, the paint doesn't; fix the paint.

    I have the same 'problem', although much smaller, (3/8 x 3/8 or so of driftwood on the patriot blue and a streak (1 inch by doow width) of PB on the driftwood on the leading edge of the door.
    The dealer needs 3 days to repaint.
    I would not have them remove/replace the door, who knows what problems that might lead to, (although in theory there should be none).
    My concern is that the new paint job may be a slightly different shade and would stand out so I am trying to decide whether to have it repainted or to live with it
  • stonehamdavestonehamdave Member Posts: 10
    Tow, I like your idea of the welded bar sticking out of the tow hitch.
    Coincidentally my salesman has retired from the car business and returned to his first trade, welding.
    I think I'll look him up...
  • roundrocktxroundrocktx Member Posts: 14
    I am going for the paint job -- they will start it on Tuesday, should have it back by Friday. At least they are providing a rental. Thanks to everyone who offered sound advice -- it helped that you all agreed. I will let you know how it turns out Stonehamdave.
    Odd thing happened today. I approached an intersection (4 way stop - 2 lanes in each direction) and their was a Nissan Frontier Crew Cab coming from my right, a Ford explorer Sportrac next to me and a F-150 Supercrew coming from the left. I had the right of way. Of course, I punched it. I moved away from the intersection so fast I was only able to catch a glimpse of the Nissan driver turning his head to watch me pass by.
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    1. How the heck can I protect that beautiful full-size spare tire and authentic 15 x 8 spare alloy rim?
    2. How do I add rubber side-moldings (are they available anywhere?) to the Quad?
    (thanks to all Quadders)
    -quark
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    Sounds like a one-in-a-million occurence! What are the odds of 4 different "quad" vehicles arriving almost simultaneously at a 4-way stop? (Go, all you expert closet statisticians.....) Sure you ain't making this up? The only better scenario is all 4 vehicles waiting at a stoplight, at the beginning of a long, straight, freeway offramp in Nevada, with no pedestrians or safety officers in the immediate vicinity. My money's on the Quad-
    The only competition would be the SuperCrew, if it had a 5.4l engine, but in any event, the Quad is head and shoulders quicker than the rest...
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    Went to the local dealer's "New Owner's Dinner" last night-free to all family members..
    Was impressed with the non-BS approach the dealership took. Sounded like they really are trying to improve service, which has always been the weak link. Food was excellent, free door prizes, raffle, and lots of good info on how to receive the best treatment from service department. My (5-Star) dealer here in town happens to be one of the dealerships that "problem" vehicles get sent to as a last resort-hence a lot of vehicles sold elsewhere in the state are brought here as a last attempt to please the customer. Lots of beat-up, frustrated customers from out of town end up trying to get their problems remedied before arbitration process starts. Nuff said about that. We got discount coupons, a free appointment for a "detail" of our cars/trucks, and a lifetime discount on parts. You could sense that it wasn't a slam-dunk to keep the 5-star rating. I got the sense it was easy to get the rating, but damn hard to maintain it. DC slams the dealerships if they don't receive replacement parts (under warranty) in a certain time-period, and this was the service manager's biggest lament-(he poured out his troubles over tri-tip, salad, etc. as he sat next to me and the wife.) Lots of other "dings" against the rating-too much to post here. They really rely on those survey forms, but the damn thing about them is that most people get 'em and "grade" the product (vehicle, parts, etc.) instead of the service (attitude, courtesy, attentiveness of service staff, etc.) As a result, the survey results sometimes don't accurately reflect the "treatment" you receive.
    My gut feeling is that they will/are slowly going to improve, as a lot of other posters here have commented, it's 5-Star sales staff, but service is lacking......
    -quark
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    Did I miss something? At last night's "dinner" (see previous post) there was a Dakota CrewCab R/T with "SuperCharged" logos on the sides and rear of the vehicle. It had a cap, stripes and all, and the extra logos looked "factory." Did DC ever make a 5.9 Dakota with a blower? Or was it a cleverly done aftermarket blower? Anyone know? Yes, I'm thinking a blower would make my little 4.7l quite the monster...with an intercooler...an easy 350 hp and 425 lbs of torque...
    -quark (yes, I'm done for tonight)
  • quark99quark99 Member Posts: 136
    You got the idea.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    I've had several similar occurrences on the street here in Midland - though not at a fourway stop, and usually a couple of pairs of us going in opposite directions. Quads and crew cab variants are literally taking over the landscape out here. Ugliest thing in a four door I've seen so far is the Sport-trac in a 'near' Amber Fire hue. It's just gawd-awful. I know they make up the lists of future colors several years in advance of mixing them, but that color is just crap on the Ford. It looks like some kind of baby $%#@ or something...

    My favorite is when one of them tries to pull up beside me to show off their new Super/trac/crews and they never 'quite' catch up before I just nonchalantly blow them off (handily), slow down and then turn off as they flash by while I look in the direction of the turn. It must really p/o most of em, as I've had a couple turn parallel to me at the next intersection and try to catch up with me! I even had a guy in a chip & 'propane enhanced' SD-250 Crew Cab try to race me the other night. Amazing.

    BTW - have any of you (really) watched the faces of people in the competition when they pull up beside you? I just nod and smile (except for the show-offs I mentioned above); the guys (ALWAYS the driver) looks straight ahead and clenches his jaw, but the women just stare at my truck for blocks. Weird. But hey, the only ones who appear happy are the SuperCrew owners, the others look real (and I mean REALLY) unhappy.
  • towcrazy2towcrazy2 Member Posts: 337
    SPARE PROTECTION:
    I was also surprised to see an allow rim on the spare, and have the same concern! Obviously a spare-lock is in order. I'm also going to remove mine and paint a couple of coats of latex mask on the front and rear of the wheel... The see how it holds up.

    SIDE MOLDINGS:
    I'm CERTAIN that you can get a much better deal on aftermarket stuff, but in my initial zeal, I went with the flat black factory moldings they fit to the SLT models: PN 5FX95DX9AA (front) and
    PN 5FX96DX99AA (rear). They're the same part #, so it's up to the counter guy to specify "front" and "rear" when he orders from the PDC. If you go the factory route, be prepared to part with about $150 for the set.

    Haven't installed mine yet... They'll go on after the Westin step bars. However, when I picked up the moldings, I took a bit of extra time to wander out onto the lot... Shot a couple of digital images of the molding treatment on SLTs and took measurements for front/rear and molding-to-style line spacing, etc. On the install, I'll be laying down "guide tapes" in the form of 3-inch "blue" masking tape (wide stuff holds a straight line MUCH better than, say, 1-inch tape)... Then snug the moldings up against the guide tape for a good, straight line before fully removing the adhesive backing.

    SERVICE FIVE-STAR:
    Your dealer is obviously quite concerned about developing a good rapport and service relationship with its customers... Owner clinics are a good way of not only maintaining the Five Star rating and getting good survey results, but ALSO a good way to increase repeat business on the front(sales) end of the operation.

    I've designed owner clinics in the past as a part of developing dealership service training programs. A modest clinic will typically set the dealer back about $3K - $3.5K The statistics will bear out, however, that resulting service porfits will more than offset the cost of the clinics.
    More importantly, owners who attend the clinics are far more likely to purchase their next vehicle from that dealership than those who do not... It's that repetitive sales/service cycle that really makes a strong and profitable dealership operation these days.

    Looks like the rain has stopped... Time to get out and wrestle those step bars onto the Quad!

    Good day to all!
  • tecknoteckno Member Posts: 30
    I bought a roll of "Trimbrite Body Side Molding" from Kragen Auto Supply for $13.99. It is black, 16'x1" and adheres w/ 3M adhesive. They also had thinner (3/4"?) molding w/ chrome outlines. This stuff can be cut w/ scissors, but it's better to use a razor knife for smooth curves. It can be lightly sanded to achieve final contour. Easy to work with, just be real careful, it will stay where you put it!
  • ferousferous Member Posts: 226
    Date - I understand the date mix up. I thought you were going to say that you have been driving so fast that you are ahead a couple of days.

    Truck Bed - I'm sorry to hear your wife2B prefers the bed of the truck while you are driving the truck. I wouldn't even think of my wife riding in the back. Even Sir. Andy's dog gets to ride in the cab. I hate to say it boo, but my money is on the 42 minutes.
  • lmeyer1lmeyer1 Member Posts: 215
    My dealer tells me he'll be able to get the VON for my 2001 QC next week.
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Same advice goes as for dogs - make sure that they are wearing a body harness and anchor them to at least two different points in the bed - making sure that the anchors attach to the harness not the collar.

    As far as liners go, well spray in will offer less slip.
  • steveeaststeveeast Member Posts: 158
    truck bed would surely have to be the BedRug?
  • yank2yank2 Member Posts: 49
    Has anybody with the 40-50 rear end whine had any luck with a dealer fix. Dealer trying to say this is normal?
  • andy_jordanandy_jordan Member Posts: 764
    Is the rear end whine the same as the wife in the bed??
This discussion has been closed.

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