VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DUAL REAR WHEEL SCHOOL BUSES BUILT ON FORD E-350 AND E-450 'SUPER DUTY' CUTAWAY CHASSIS, EXTERIOR BODY WIDTH OF 80", GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING OF 11,500 OR 14,050 POUNDS. THESE BUSES MAY HAVE A MODIFICATION TO THE FRAME RAIL CONSISTING OF A NOTCH IN THE LOWER FLANGE OF THE LEFT-HAND FRAME RAIL FORWARD OF THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. THIS MODIFICATION CAN AFFECT COMPLIANCE TO FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE FRAME RAIL FLANGES COULD CONTACT AND RUPTURE THE FUEL TANK INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE AND PERSONAL INJURY.
OWNERS WILL NEED TO INSPECT THEIR BUSES AND IF REPAIRS ARE NECESSARY, WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE REPAIR PARTS REQUIRED. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSPECTION AND REPAIR.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 26, 1998.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE INSTRUCTIONS AND REPAIR PARTS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT COLLINS BUS AT 1-800-533-1850.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).