Dear Tom and Ray:

We have a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Several years ago the paint on the roof started to peel. We have notified Chrysler about the problem and have tried to work through their system. The bottom line we get from them is "drop dead." We'd like to get the car repainted by Chrysler. How can we get their attention so they'll paint the car like they should? -- Janis

Tom: How do you get their attention? Walk into their service department waving about eight Ben Franklins, Janis.

Ray: I'm afraid we can't be very encouraging. In the late '80s and early '90s, a number of manufacturers had paint problems. It was due, we believe, to a federally mandated reformulation of the paint to make it less harmful to the environment. Unfortunately, it took some manufacturers longer than others to get the new formula right, and during that time a lot of people got stuck with peeling roofs, hoods and trunks. And it seemed to be the worst with blue, gray and silver colors.

Tom: It was a nightmare for the manufacturers, who helped some people and successfully managed to discourage others. And at this point, I'm afraid, Chrysler considers it "not their problem."

Ray: We agree with you that it stinks. But if you've already been through their system, and found their customer service to be less than helpful, your only good option is to pay for it yourself. If you leave the roof untreated you risk having the primer degrade, and then you'll get rust. So whether you intend to keep after them for some compensation, or just write it off and never buy another car from them, you should go ahead and have the roof painted now.

Tom: Sorry to be the bearers of bad news, Janis. But we've had hundreds of letters from Ford, GM and Chrysler owners over the years who were in exactly the same situation, and who got similarly brushed off. © 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Stop the madness! You can stop driving like a knucklehead, and you'll help your car in the process. Learn how your driving habits can harm your car in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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