Casey
Enthusiast
I really, really, really hope they do!!
2003 Viper Hardtop
- Thread starter Casey
- Start date
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
Do you think that they think about selling a car as "track ready"? One of the main reasons they are developing the Competition Coupe is to offer those who wish to have a track vehicle come "track ready".
All I know it the original RT10 didn't come with a hard top, yet I had no problem visiting tracks. So why has it become such a big deal today?
All I know it the original RT10 didn't come with a hard top, yet I had no problem visiting tracks. So why has it become such a big deal today?
Tom Shapiro
Enthusiast
Steve, Viper Days require a hard top or a roll bar if you run an R/T 10.
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
Maybe now, but but Viper Days did not require them when the RT10 started attending the events. The tops were just starting to appear.
This may be a Viper Days rule now, but it is not a rule at most tracks. I have run at Road America, Gingerman, Gateway, Las Vegas, Sebring, Moroso, Putman, Blackhawk (and I probably forgot a few) all with no top.
As in the beginning, making a STREET CAR track friendly is not the goal, at least when it comes to the street version. You are buying the baddest ASP STREET MACHINE on the Earth. If you choose to take it to the track then it is your personal responsibility to make sure it meets the safety standards of each venue.
This may be a Viper Days rule now, but it is not a rule at most tracks. I have run at Road America, Gingerman, Gateway, Las Vegas, Sebring, Moroso, Putman, Blackhawk (and I probably forgot a few) all with no top.
As in the beginning, making a STREET CAR track friendly is not the goal, at least when it comes to the street version. You are buying the baddest ASP STREET MACHINE on the Earth. If you choose to take it to the track then it is your personal responsibility to make sure it meets the safety standards of each venue.
SoCal Rebell
Enthusiast
In other words EVERY track in California will turn away the 03' unless you weld on an ugly, uncomfortable 6 point rollbar.
Anthony - 98 GTS
Enthusiast
After attending the Vette/Viper Drag Races this past weekend and seeing an early year Vette hit the wall and flip at over 115 mph I would hope hardtops or rollbars are required at all tracks.
I know I am glad my GTS has a rollbar and 5 point harnesses.
Just my $.02.
I know I am glad my GTS has a rollbar and 5 point harnesses.
Just my $.02.
Phil Lee 94 red RT
Enthusiast
I didn't see the Vette flip!
Anthony - 98 GTS
Enthusiast
Phil,
I thought the Vette rolled after it hit the wall. Either way is was pretty scary.
I thought the Vette rolled after it hit the wall. Either way is was pretty scary.
Tom Shapiro
Enthusiast
Steve you are correct. It is a VIPER DAYS rule. They started it with the 2001 season.
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
I would bet that they have a mock-up in place and are just waiting for the attachment specs.
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
I would bet that Steve at AutoForm and Biff at V-Mainia are already making plans?
As for tracks in Cal, is this the rule of thumb now? If so then good for them. Safety should be priority number one. But I guess that makes ALL versions of an RT10 illegal? If you want to "race" then you are responsible to make the necessary changes, it is that simple.
As for tracks in Cal, is this the rule of thumb now? If so then good for them. Safety should be priority number one. But I guess that makes ALL versions of an RT10 illegal? If you want to "race" then you are responsible to make the necessary changes, it is that simple.
... and this is what it would look like (photoshop cut and paste using concept car hardtop)
You must be registered for see images
SoCal Rebell
Enthusiast
Janni
Enthusiast
JOE HOUSS - Oh My God!
Now who DOESN'T want a 2003????? Even if I cover up the wing, that car looks INCREDIBLE... Best of both worlds right there - true convertible and a very nice looking hardtop.
Biff - AutoForm - we need this to be ready to ship when the first 2003 rolls off the line - abso-freaking-lutely gorgeous....
Was planning on keeping ONE 96 coupe, but geez, may have to rethink that strategy now.....
Decisions decisions....
Now who DOESN'T want a 2003????? Even if I cover up the wing, that car looks INCREDIBLE... Best of both worlds right there - true convertible and a very nice looking hardtop.
Biff - AutoForm - we need this to be ready to ship when the first 2003 rolls off the line - abso-freaking-lutely gorgeous....
Was planning on keeping ONE 96 coupe, but geez, may have to rethink that strategy now.....
Decisions decisions....
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
SoCal is the top you use a MOPAR product? Did you know that MOPAR did not start producing tops for the Viper until late 95-early 96? While MOPAR was playing around with the notion of producing a top, about 4-5 companies began production; AutoForm, V-Mainia, TGF, Northwind (I forget if there was a fifth).
If the track in your area require a top then GET ONE (if you want to put a new Viper on the track?). Or maybe they will scrap the whole Viper production since, "the tracks in Southern California require a roll-bar or hard top." Makes sense to me?????????
BTW. What is the DODGE hard top part number?
If the track in your area require a top then GET ONE (if you want to put a new Viper on the track?). Or maybe they will scrap the whole Viper production since, "the tracks in Southern California require a roll-bar or hard top." Makes sense to me?????????
BTW. What is the DODGE hard top part number?
Scott J
Enthusiast
I have to agree with Janni. Despite the early criticism of the 2003, the image Mr. Houss has shown is simply breathtaking. The lines of a 360 Modena have nothing on this car!
My concern is that the first issues of RT-10's will be offered to VCA Members foremost, but the eventual release of GTS's will come as a free-for-all. Since I am biased towards the coupe, I could be faced with jockeying alongside the hordes of potential buyers. Any word that the GTS will be offered to VCA members first?
I really need to join VCA - its been 3 months of procrastination already!
My concern is that the first issues of RT-10's will be offered to VCA Members foremost, but the eventual release of GTS's will come as a free-for-all. Since I am biased towards the coupe, I could be faced with jockeying alongside the hordes of potential buyers. Any word that the GTS will be offered to VCA members first?
I really need to join VCA - its been 3 months of procrastination already!
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
What GTS Scott? And yes, if all goes well the VCA will get first dibbs on the RT10. Sorry to hear that you have not joined.
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
Scott, didn't you get a membership when you got your Viper??
Scott, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
1-800-998-1110! ..and ****, you're a member!
Why miss two very, very important opportunities (hint, hint)
1-800-998-1110! ..and ****, you're a member!
Why miss two very, very important opportunities (hint, hint)
Janni
Enthusiast
ALRIGHT - enough already. Stop it - I cannot contain myself. Clayton, you're killing me...
I have been saying for quite some time the RT was very similar to the show GTS/R - just without the ground effects - but no one listened - and then this - I am even shocked myself. Any way that one of the aftermarket guys could get a VGX for some pre-production mockups and get a jump on removable hardtop production??? This is a MUST DO....
Slaughter - Henry may want to race something - and that would mean one car going away if it were to be replaced by a ......... But plan was to keep my car - maybe may 96 will have to be a daily driver to earn its keep so that the 2003 won't seem so insane..... Maybe I'll have to get a real job - this could get expensive...
J
I have been saying for quite some time the RT was very similar to the show GTS/R - just without the ground effects - but no one listened - and then this - I am even shocked myself. Any way that one of the aftermarket guys could get a VGX for some pre-production mockups and get a jump on removable hardtop production??? This is a MUST DO....
Slaughter - Henry may want to race something - and that would mean one car going away if it were to be replaced by a ......... But plan was to keep my car - maybe may 96 will have to be a daily driver to earn its keep so that the 2003 won't seem so insane..... Maybe I'll have to get a real job - this could get expensive...
J
I actually did a few more tweaks... but all easy "aftermarket" ones:
Note that I "lowered the car"
Added a black strip of ground effects
Added the wing
..and of course the hardtop.
ALL would be easy to package... and as I said many months ago...
I'm quite sure our aftermarket brethren are chompin' at the bit to get their hands on some dimensions
Note that I "lowered the car"
Added a black strip of ground effects
Added the wing
..and of course the hardtop.
ALL would be easy to package... and as I said many months ago...
I'm quite sure our aftermarket brethren are chompin' at the bit to get their hands on some dimensions
2charmed
Enthusiast
Unfortunatly the aftermarket hard top wont fit that well
They should just build the GTS and then we would all be happy!
2Charmed
They should just build the GTS and then we would all be happy!
2Charmed
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
I don't know why you think that? The Mopar top does not fit any better, and in some cases, as the aftermarket in the early cars. It would actually make sense for MOPAR not to make a top, since everyone needs the aftermarket companies to stick around. They need projects, and what would be better than producing something that may have such a high demand?
If the aftermarket top is engineered right, it should be almost as solid as the coupe. Remember, you're NOT just attaching it to our current generation sport bar (targa bar).
I visualize two to four round eye holes in the roadster back (maybe at the back edge of the area that houses the existing softop), that the hardtop bottom edge would fit into, then screwed down with a removeable butterfly "key". Front edge could be held down with the existing latch hardware. Lots of rubber moulding strip to seal and quiet the top from squeeks.
I visualize two to four round eye holes in the roadster back (maybe at the back edge of the area that houses the existing softop), that the hardtop bottom edge would fit into, then screwed down with a removeable butterfly "key". Front edge could be held down with the existing latch hardware. Lots of rubber moulding strip to seal and quiet the top from squeeks.
2charmed
Enthusiast
The tops I have seen on the RT/10's (factory and after market)
just don't seem to fit well. I wouldn't have a problem with how
they do fit, if I wanted a convertible, as that's the way they are. I don't want a convertible Viper, I have no problem with those that do want one, that's their choice. I just want what I want (a GTS-R Viper Gen III) and that's my choice (if it were built) The competition coupe is encouraging, but not attainable
for most of us
I have no problem with the after market guys needing things to make - heck I think I have helped to support many of them and appreciate what they do for us!
I don't think what I am asking is too much ? I just want one little Viper ( a GTS-R coupe I would take almost any color!)
I don't mean to Rant and Rave, but...........................
Build them DC and we will buy them!
2Charmed
just don't seem to fit well. I wouldn't have a problem with how
they do fit, if I wanted a convertible, as that's the way they are. I don't want a convertible Viper, I have no problem with those that do want one, that's their choice. I just want what I want (a GTS-R Viper Gen III) and that's my choice (if it were built) The competition coupe is encouraging, but not attainable
for most of us
I have no problem with the after market guys needing things to make - heck I think I have helped to support many of them and appreciate what they do for us!
I don't think what I am asking is too much ? I just want one little Viper ( a GTS-R coupe I would take almost any color!)
I don't mean to Rant and Rave, but...........................
Build them DC and we will buy them!
2Charmed
TacDoc
Enthusiast
Build Joes car (keep the wing). That is one design I would gladly sacrifice both my snakes for.
Greg
96 RT
00 GTS
Greg
96 RT
00 GTS
SEASNAKE
Enthusiast
Not that I will ever be able to afford one, but all this talk of aftermarket hardtops for the 03 irritates me. If its like the Gen 1's (or 2's for that matter) they will not be that great. I have a lot of aftermarket stuff for my Viper and the only one of the great things lauded on this site that worked without mods was the MGW shift knob - sorry I even had to retap it. I have no belief that an aftermarket hardtop will work worth a **** . It will be so unhandy that the hardtop will never come off once installed. And who's going to pony up their knew Viper to have someone cut holes in it searching for a good place to mount the top? What will the owners say to the holes in their car when top doesn't fit right because the car is hand built? How many times have we heard this excuse?
I hope Dodge is a least leaving cutouts for 5 (or 6)points and maybe they will arrange the body to leave a good place to put in a hardtop. Probably not, because if it worked to well no one would want the coupe. I love the convertible, but am really disappointed that it will not easier to race it safely.
I guess if you figure the number of people racing vs the number of people owning Vipers it makes more sense. I doubt there's many more than 100 owners who routinely track their cars. That's not many when compare to 10000+ out there.
I hope Dodge is a least leaving cutouts for 5 (or 6)points and maybe they will arrange the body to leave a good place to put in a hardtop. Probably not, because if it worked to well no one would want the coupe. I love the convertible, but am really disappointed that it will not easier to race it safely.
I guess if you figure the number of people racing vs the number of people owning Vipers it makes more sense. I doubt there's many more than 100 owners who routinely track their cars. That's not many when compare to 10000+ out there.
Clayton Kresge
Enthusiast
I think this might be a more accurate representation of what the hardtop could look like. This is a composite of the '03 RT/10 with the Comp Coupe roof, correctly proportioned and with the same view angle. They both share the same windshield.
You must be registered for see images
Steve Ferguson
Enthusiast
For some reason in that picture the Viper curves seem to get a boost? Any designers out there that can explain? Does anyone remember if the RT10 show car had roof mounting holes in the rear deck lid?
slaughterj
Enthusiast
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Janni:
JOE HOUSS - Oh My God!
Now who DOESN'T want a 2003?????
Was planning on keeping ONE 96 coupe, but geez, may have to rethink that strategy now.....
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hadn't seen his mockup before, huh?
It's pretty nice. Comparing it to the other one in this thread, I like the wing! I think current RT/10s are fine without the wing, but it definitely enhances the 2k3 model. What are you guys plans?! Were you going to get rid of one car?
JOE HOUSS - Oh My God!
Now who DOESN'T want a 2003?????
Was planning on keeping ONE 96 coupe, but geez, may have to rethink that strategy now.....
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hadn't seen his mockup before, huh?
It's pretty nice. Comparing it to the other one in this thread, I like the wing! I think current RT/10s are fine without the wing, but it definitely enhances the 2k3 model. What are you guys plans?! Were you going to get rid of one car?Similar threads
