posted 07-06-2002 07:38 PM                  

To say that I am totally pissed about the cheap **** plastic used on these center caps would be a gross understatement. How much do you have to spend to get just an ounce of quality?????????

My dealer and whoever else at Chrysler is going to get and EARFUL tomorrow. This is ridiculous!!!!!!!! My show car was reduced to a piece of **** just because I washed it. This is unexcusable!!!!!!!!!!!

posted 07-08-2002 10:59 AM                  

I've contacted my dealer and hopefully they will get me a new cap post haste. I've got a trip to the hardware store in my future for a glue gun and silicone to hopefully reinforce the other 3 caps without breaking them!

Thanks to every one for all your help with this very frustrating problem. You can imagine the look on my face as I stared first at my naked wheel center and then at the broken cap in my hand.

I had a lot of fun driving around yesterday but was very self conscience of my 'naked' wheel...

Thanks again!

Mike

p.s. Any tips on removing the other 3 caps safely are appreciated.

posted 07-08-2002 05:38 PM                  

Thanks guys.

posted 07-09-2002 11:22 AM                  

This is why I asked the question if anyone knew how Chrysler handled "hidden warrantees" on known weak/poorly designed parts.

When I bought the extended warrantee, it was on the basis of the offering pamphlet that stated,

"THE ONLY MAINTENANCE AND PARTS NOT COVERED ARE . . . .
- Maintenance services and items used in such services;
- Glass, plastic lenses;
- Body and paint items, including soft trim;
- Snow plows, winches and trailer hitches;
- Wear items such as manual clutch assembly, brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and belts are not covered at any time."

The ACTUAL CHRYSLER CONTRACT eliminates MANY parts from coverage, including:

- wheel covers
- aluminum wheels
- exhaust system (this is a maintenance item?)
- lights (bulb, sealed beams, lenses) - (assumedly, the fogging headlight problem isn't covered)
- Shop supplies and materials (they can drive a truck through this one)
- side-view mirrors (glass/housing)
- door and window handles; knobs; buttons
- and MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Randy, you may have a SLIGHT chance of arguing this point. Contrary to what the dealer told you, at least my contract doesn't eliminate "trim parts". I would argue that the center caps are not "wheel covers" (don't wheel covers go over the entire wheel - on the order of 17" or 20"?) and they aren't "SOFT trim".

I, like jmcant1 who started this thread, am appalled by the lack of quality of the center caps and am amazed that DC didn't come out with a proper replacement the first year.

Anyone have any experience under the Chrysler extended warrantee?

- GRROWL

posted 07-10-2002 02:12 PM                  

Also, if these can be reproduced in metal, is anyone interested in having the Prowler cat logo engraved or embossed onto the center caps? I could check to see if this could be done and may be optional, if demand warrants it.

------------------
Bill Gallagher
1999 Red
www.MagicTouchDesigns.com

• MTD Prowler Intake System 2.2
• MTD Bypass Kit
• MTD Suspension Frame Braces
• Other Modifications

posted 07-10-2002 02:31 PM                  

That sounds great!

Prowler logo as an option sounds great!

You said, "if these can be reproduced in metal". If it's not practical to do the whole cap, maybe just the mounting tabs? (a 5-legged spring-steel spider to epoxy onto the back of the existing caps?).

Thanks for checking this out.

- GRROWL

posted 07-10-2002 02:45 PM                  

quote:

---

Originally posted by GRROWL:
You said, "if these can be reproduced in metal". If it's not practical to do the whole cap, maybe just the mounting tabs? (a 5-legged spring-steel spider to epoxy onto the back of the existing caps?).

---

posted 07-10-2002 03:41 PM                  

Now, I'm not defending DC or the vendors that produce parts for the cats (American Racing?), nor do I know what attempts they made to resolve the situation, but I don't think that the Prowler is any different than most other cars on the market. NO car is perfect or ever will be. Manufacturers can only strive for better quality from within and from their vendors.

I'm amazed that since the car was hand-built, came from "parts bins", new technology and numerous vendor parts, that it is as good a vehicle as it is!

posted 07-10-2002 05:38 PM                  

One of my best friends owns a high performance oriented wheel and brake shop in town. When I told him what happened and showed him the center cap, he basically told me exactly what you're saying, ALL of the car manufacturers make some cheap/flimsy wheel caps. He knows all to well because he WORKS on cars with caps that are probably broken before they enter his shop, but the customers give him the "Sorry for your luck" story when the caps appear broken in his shop and he gets to foot the bill.

I love my Prowler. I wish this hadn't happened, especially this soon. I do wish that Chrysler had addressed the 'known' issue some time in the 5 year run. I'm looking forward to Bill's caps, his other products carry my Candy Red Three Legged seal of approval.