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...My story started out when I traded in my '84 Plymouth Voyager for a used '93 Dodge Dakota At Lehighton Chrysler Plymouth of Lehighton, PA.

.....I was aware there was paint missing on a small body strip that connects the roof and the passenger side body. I figured it to be no big deal, a little touch-up paint would take of this. For a few months there was no problem but then I noticed that the paint was starting to peel! Not my touch-up paint. It began peeling down the side of the truck and there was other small spots appearing on the truck I spoke to a local body shop and was told there were other Chryslers with the same problem. He also told me he just repainted a 92 Dodge Shadow with the same problem with Chrysler paying the bill! (I have a copy of the dealerships agreement to paint this vehicle and will soon post it.)

.....This little information turned me to the Internet for more. The information I needed was there. I then went to Lehighton Chrysler Plymouth's Service Manager (Peter Bowman). He told me there was a problem and Chrysler was paying to repair these vehicles but has cut back. I told him I was aware this problem occurred due to the painting process that Chrysler used and I had proof Chrysler had paid for a '92 Shadow to be repainted. He said he could get me a 50/50 split. Chrysler would pay 50% to have the affected areas repainted. I did not accept this offer. I then asked for Chrysler's phone number and Chrysler's Regional Representative's phone number.

.....I called Chrysler and got customer service. I explained my problem with the paint and the offer from the dealer. I then asked for the Chrysler Regional Rep to contact me so he may see the vehicle. This was not a problem and the woman on the phone gave me a reference number which would follow my case.

.....I received a call from the dealer to come in and see the Regional Rep. (Julius Canlas) I once again explained the problem and my awareness of Chrysler's painting process. He said the trucks are made at a different location and he was not aware of any trucks with a peeling paint problem. (I knew he was lying) He gave me the same 50/50 offer which I refused, he then offered a 75/25 split. He said he would give me this because I purchased the extended warranty. I asked if I accepted this could my vehicle be repainted at the body shop that I use, explaining the dealership has no body shop and this body shop has done warranty work for Chrysler before. He said this would be okay if it was okay with Peter Bowman. Peter Bowman also said it would be okay. I explained I wanted Chrysler to pay 100% He then told me he could not give me anymore because the vehicle was used. I asked what that has to do with the paint falling off? I then said I was going to do more research and post a website on the internet to see how many vehicles are affected, particularly Dodge trucks.

.....I gathered the info I needed, printed it out and left it at the dealership for Julius Canlas to pick up. The website grew bigger and I informed him of this and of the list of peeling paint owners names I received and how I was gathering a list of Law Firms interested in a Class Action Lawsuit.

.....Meanwhile I needed to get another larger vehicle. Still believing Chrysler would pay and thinking that a new Chrysler would not have a paint problem I traded in my '94 Plymouth Sundance for a new '98 Plymouth Grand Voyager. My fifth Chrysler vehicle since 91.

.....Later I received some good news from the dealership, Chrysler would pay 100% to strip and repaint my entire vehicle. (Just what I wanted!) The Regional Rep told the dealership since I purchased another new Chrysler vehicle they would fix my truck at 100%.

.....Did I accept the offer? No. Something along the way changed. I was told by the dealership that if my body shop was to do the repairs I would get $1300 towards it but if the dealership used their preferred body shop I would not have to pay a thing. I informed the dealership that would not cover the cost and reminded him of the 92 Shadow painted at this body shop that received $1800. I contacted Julius Canlas and he informed me he is now leaving the decision up to Lehighton Chrysler Plymouth's Peter Bowman. I thought to myself how could this dealership do this to me? I purchased four vehicles from them, two were new, I also referred many friends and family to them that actually made purchases.

.....My local body shop sent letters to the Regional Rep explaining the problem, he mentioned there might be some collusion going on. He did not receive any response and neither did I.

.....I heard that the dealership has a different Service Manager so I will now have to go over this with him. I have not bothered Chrysler over the winter since I did not want my vehicle repainted over the winter with our conditions here. Now that summer is back I'll pursue this issue again.