Ford Repair: 2 questions, rear quarter panel, mustang v6

Question
Hi Shaun

I have a couple of questions regarding my 1996 Ford Mustang, V6 Automatic.  First off my air conditioner, heater, vent, etc. all blows out the defrost in the dash.  It doesn't matter where you turn the knob, it all comes out the defrost.  Any suggestions?  Second, I had a little accident and dented the rear quarter panel on the passenger side, where the gas door is.  Now when I fill up the gas tank it leaks where it's connected.  I'm not sure if I pushed it in when it got dented or what.  But any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Nanci

Answer
Hello Nanci,
    Usually, the cause of the defrost-only operation is lack of vacuum supply to the system under the dashboard. There is a supply line that attaches to a check valve and a storage reservoir. The fact that the vents are always on defrost means there is NO vacuum, so there is probably an obvious big leak to find under the hood area. That reservoir is tucked inside the plastic fenderwell on the right side, and body shops usually don't hook them up because they don't know what it is. If you have had collision repair on the right front, it is likely that is where the problem is.
     I would take the car back to the body shop and see if they will look to see if they left the fillpipe loose, because it is possible that it was replaced and installed improperly. Its probably a hose not hooked back up. Good Luck, and I hope this helps!   Shaun.