Les Quam
Enthusiast
I am able to look at my Vipers going back to 1992 and through every generation the handbuilt charcter of the car is evident. I have a few still in the wrapper with no miles and the window sticker still displayed and errrr the panel fit issue's didn't start or get worse in 06 or 08 from my perspective? My other pre owned Vipers were bought with strong owner histories so I suspect they are factory original. I could go around with a camera on each one and find a panel fit or paint issue. Yikes you should see my 97 RT 10.
On my 08 the hood gaps are even on both sides so it can't be aligned. The passenger side fender could be moved but that would cause the gaps to be uneven. The gaps are even and I guess could be moved closer but not by much. It's a handbuilt 85K 600 HP car with 500 cubic inches and 10 cylinders of romping stomping American HP. Years from now at shows the judges will be DEDUCTING points when they are over restored and everything fits perfectly and there is no orange peel in the paint. I know some of you are laughing but it's true. Current muscle cars must be restored to the condition that they rolled off the assembly line for national competition. That includes the correct amount of overspray, orange peel and drips and runs on the undercarriage.
Historically handbuilt classics like the CSX 2000 and 3000 series Shelby AC Cobra's were really, really crappy when they left the factory and were very expensive for their day. Today the small blocks are around 600K and big blocks 850K or higher. When they are restored the imperfections must be duplicated to compete at the National level meets. Boss 429s were built similiar to our Vipers and all the factory imperfections must be duplicated in today's restorations.
That being said if your unhappy you should address it so you can enjpy the car. I don't think your being unreasonable at all. It really is unacceptable. You can't accept lousy panel fit by today by saying it will be OK twenty years from now. I do see the comical nature of it. I just hate to see it detract from you enjpying the car.
I simply have become used to it and don't worry about it. However in my humble car collector opinion you should leave the factory original body panels on the car and see what adjustments and repairs can be made without aggravating yourself too much over what tends to be the personality of the Viper given my experience of presently owning a Vper from each generation this kind of thing comes with the territory. BTW not long ago I looked at two new Ferrari's just for research/fun purposes and there were several fit and finsih problems on both. Good luck.
On my 08 the hood gaps are even on both sides so it can't be aligned. The passenger side fender could be moved but that would cause the gaps to be uneven. The gaps are even and I guess could be moved closer but not by much. It's a handbuilt 85K 600 HP car with 500 cubic inches and 10 cylinders of romping stomping American HP. Years from now at shows the judges will be DEDUCTING points when they are over restored and everything fits perfectly and there is no orange peel in the paint. I know some of you are laughing but it's true. Current muscle cars must be restored to the condition that they rolled off the assembly line for national competition. That includes the correct amount of overspray, orange peel and drips and runs on the undercarriage.
Historically handbuilt classics like the CSX 2000 and 3000 series Shelby AC Cobra's were really, really crappy when they left the factory and were very expensive for their day. Today the small blocks are around 600K and big blocks 850K or higher. When they are restored the imperfections must be duplicated to compete at the National level meets. Boss 429s were built similiar to our Vipers and all the factory imperfections must be duplicated in today's restorations.
That being said if your unhappy you should address it so you can enjpy the car. I don't think your being unreasonable at all. It really is unacceptable. You can't accept lousy panel fit by today by saying it will be OK twenty years from now. I do see the comical nature of it. I just hate to see it detract from you enjpying the car.
I simply have become used to it and don't worry about it. However in my humble car collector opinion you should leave the factory original body panels on the car and see what adjustments and repairs can be made without aggravating yourself too much over what tends to be the personality of the Viper given my experience of presently owning a Vper from each generation this kind of thing comes with the territory. BTW not long ago I looked at two new Ferrari's just for research/fun purposes and there were several fit and finsih problems on both. Good luck.
Again Bad Quality Control..Also the plastic side vent is pushed into the slot/hole when it should be riding over the top..Going to make some calls today
.Kevin
