LTR REQUESTING NHTSA TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO POSSIBLE STRUCTURE DEFECTS OF THE CROWN VICTORIA... *MR UPON REAR END IMPACT VEHICLE EXPLODES BURNING PASSENGERS. *TS *JB FORD HAS OFFERED A FREE RETROFIT KIT FOR USE ON CVPI VEHICLES CONSISTING OF SMALL SHEILDS THAT WERE DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN REAR CRASHES. THE AGENCY HAS NO PRESENT PLANS TO REOPEN ITS DEFECTS INVESTIGATION TO CONSIDER POSSIBLE STRUCTURAL DEFECTS OR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RETROFIT KIT. *CB