Body panels out of line

[GreenMachine]

I should have seen this before I bought the car but I didn't. Guess I was drolling so hard my vision was blurred. Now that I've had the car a week and washed it a couple times I notice the entire right side, doors and fenders all line up in a perfect fit. However, the left side is off by as much as 1/16th inch
where the front and rear quarter panels meet the front and rear nose and tail pieces over the wheels. The drivers door is even worse. Its so bad that if you stand by the left rear wheel you can see the sticker on the inside of the rear of the driver's door with it slammed shut.

So what do think. I'm taking it in next week, do you think the dealer can correct these build problems without screwing something else up. The car has been problem free otherwise, no right pull or anything.

[mileshoover]

I had that problem, same side, on a previous Chrysler LHS. That kind of mis-alignment appears to be very unusual on the 300 series but wasn't on the early LH bodies. But it CAN be fixed, providing the body itself is not out of alignment. Dealer needs to send it to a body shop for assessment and repair. If his own, so much the better. Worse cases, the auto has to be replaced.

Generally speaking, moving the doors, etc. is not a good idea but don't let them tell you it can't be done. You may have to send it back several times until they think you are serious. If necessary and you aren't pleased with the results, get with the DC Regional Rep (see your owner's manual for the number).

On second thought, with your so far out on the doors, I would begin with the Regional Rep; call, make an appointment to meet that person at the dealer; let him decide what way to go.

I've learned to refuse delivery of cars that are out that much; it's just a hassle to get them fixed. You just have to turn off the enthusiasm when you are purchasing something that expensive and LOOK IT OVER carefully.

[GreenMachine]

Thanks Miles, also have what appears to be a bump or small nipple sticking out on the right rear quarter piece about 10 inches at 10 o'clock from the right rear wheel. Dealers service manager thought it was from an interior weld or overtorqued bolt. Drivers door has a piece of grit that wasn't cleaned off and was painted over.

There were 2 other 300's (not C's) at the dealers the day I took mine in. On both the quarter panels didn't meet the front and rear pieces exactly on either side front or rear. I've studied some of the pictures of others cars posted on this site that have the same problems. I think it is a bigger problem then you think.

[300C4ME]

I am inclined to agree with you GreenMachine. I have noticed this issue on mine and others that I have looked at. In fact, the Parts Manager at my dealership commented on this phenomenon to me unsolicited. He pointed out that the body pannel alignment on the German-constructed Crossfires vastly exceeds the alingment and fit & finish of the Canadian-constructed 300s.

[Krock43]

I have the same problem...........at first I thought it was just an illusion, I need to bring mine in soon!

[Jerk_Fitter]

I have a hood alignment issue with the bumper cover.

[LWOOD]

Jerk fitter, Me too. And looking at your photo it is identical to the gap I have. With the first model run I expected some of these things. Frankly it's also an American car, my tenth...and the have all had something (small or large) shoddy about fit and finish. I would be pissed if my door to fender line relationship wasn't right like some of you are explaining.

[midwestrc]

My drivers door is slightly askew as well but nothing like you folks are talking... I am planning on mentioning it when I hit them up for my service in a week or so....

[GreenMachine]

My dealer had the car all day today. When I went back to pick it up had taken care ofsmall scratch that was on the driver's side rear door. The had also worked on hte driver's door alignment. The top looked better, the bottom worse. They didn't do anything with the other panels. The is sleeping over at the dealer for another attempt tommorow. I'm not brimming with confidence.

[Fast4Door]

I've noticed being able to see the sticker on the inner part of the drivers door with the door closed, but are you sure you wouldn't be able to see it on the passenger side if there was a sticker in the same location????

Thanks for bringing this up!!! I've wondered about this for quite some time now. I'll look the car over a lot closer in the morning.