I recently purchased an 2004 F150. After purchase from a KIA dealer (first mistake) I noticed some bubbling paint on my back fender of the bed. Took it to a body shop and it's been discoverd that a "pad" that was put under the panel by the back tire has caused my truck to rust all the way through. FORD is not taking responsibility for this and I am having to pay to get it fixed out of my own pocket.
ANyone ever hear of this happening!?
Don't think I will every buy a FORD again and this is my first FORD truck!

 

I highly doubt it's a stock paint job. You said that there was a "pad" that was put there so it's prolly been wrecked before or had some sort of body damage before. Check the Carfax report and see what kind of damage was recorded if it was reported. Ford didn't do that from the factory.

 

Upon further research, Ford has admitted to it being their fault.

04B23- Butyl Pad Removal.

However, since I bought it used and was unaware of this issue, Ford is saying this recall expired on September of 2006. The previous owner did not take care of it so now I get a rusted thru truck! Lucky me!! Water was collected on this "pad" which caused rust proof Ford truck panel to rust!

 

where did you research this. I'm in disbelief until I read it. I still think that it's had some sort of body damage.

 

The lady w/ Ford Customer Service emailed it to me after going back and forth w/ her all morning. She finally emailed me the Customer Satisfaction Program notice. I also found something on Consumer Guide that a "campaign was issued to replace the right side panel of the pickup box on 6 1/2ft. bed trucks because water gets trapped (in the pad) and can lead to rust through."

That explains what happened to my truck to a T!

 

is your truck the new body style of the heritage body?

 

New body style.

 

I would be very interested to see the entire document for this issue.

 

me to. I'm still in disbelief.

 

does this apply to the 06? btw, triton, is urs an 06? do u by anychance have any problems with water getting into any of ur lights...i pulled out my left tail light this evening, and realized that i have a pool that i can go swimming in from the bottom of the reverse light, all the way to the bottom...ford already told me they will warranty the problem, but still, its been like that since about a week or so after i got the car...