#209 Ready to Hit The Road

[viper209]

My son and I are taking our 1992 Viper #209 cross country. It has 5000 miles, all original and has been hidden and forgot about in garage last 15 years. We are replacing all belts, hoses, fluids, and tires. We are original owners. Please share with us any concerns we should be aware of in this venture.. #209 has never been out of city and never driven more than about 1-2 hours at a run. Never been over 70MPH. We plan on going across lower states to southern California then up to Washington across to Maine then back to Hilton Head SC.
Thanks Rick and Richard

 

[got one]

head gaskets...and then head gaskets

 

[viper209]

Thanks for reply. I should have head gaskets replaced or be prepared to???

 

[Steve-Indy]

I would not take that trip until head gaskets replaced by an experienced Viper Tech, accompanied by his full inspection, your planned fluid-belt-hose change (add 2 wiper blades)...AND a couple of hundred local driving miles to shake out any other problems.

Sounds like a great trip!!!

If you have trouble, post here and consider contacting local VCA President if help needed!!!

 

[MTGTS]

Get a clearbra on the front of that thing to protect it if your gonna go across the country.

 

[v10enomous]

Drive the car locally for a few weeks first...

 

[George Farris]

You will have a great trip - I went coast-to-coast twice in my 1993.

If you are coming through Amarillo on I-40, give me a warning.

We'll meet up at the BIG TEXAN - a must stop!

 

[sdaddy]

A long road trip in a 92 without A/C through very hot climates will be miserable. It would be a much more enjoyable early spring or late fall than mid summer trip.

 

[my viper]

5000 miles in 18 yrs and now plans for ~5000 miles in a matter of weeks - NICE.

Good luck. I've been planning one for ages but just hasn't worked out - yet.

 

[mad0953]

Sounds like fun!!!! On your trip between California and Washington there is a state by the name of Oregon ...if you go up Highway 97 let me know....I'll buy ya lunch.

 

[Olddudesrule]

Good luck, and follow the advice you've been given so far for as problem free trip as you can hope for. If you come through I-10 in the Phoenix/Tucson area, drop us a line. Love to meet up for a meal and see how your trip has gone.

 

[viper209]

Thanks to all for replies and advice.

 

[PAvenomRT/10]

All the above advice seems very good to me. My question is how does a 92 Viper get hidden in a garage for all these years? How could one forget about it? In any case, I am sure you will have a very enjoyable trip (although as mentioned above the heat may be a problem). On your way south through NJ/PA if you take I-95 I would be happy to provide some local hospitality.
Good luck.
PAvenomRT/10

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Why the #209, are you going by your vin number? Just wondering ,as I was not aware that the number built was much more than in the 120s for 92?

I could be wrong, it would not be the first time, ha.

 

[Warren S]

Here's a place to stop by when you come to So Cal, Saturday mornings, Cars & Coffee in Irvine. Get in early, lot starts filling up by 7am.

Cars and Coffee™ Irvine

 

[Gus Strakes]

Why the #209, are you going by your vin number? Just wondering ,as I was not aware that the number built was much more than in the 120s for 92?

I could be wrong, it would not be the first time, ha.

285 built in '92, and, I believe, the only year that the Vipers were built in VIN sequence (maybe with the exception of the '98 GT2's).

 

[Venomiss]

Two things that might come in handy for you.
The first is for your local area.
Carolinas Viper Club - The Official Viper Club Website for North and South Carolina VCA Members.

The second is Viper Owners Invitational in Salt Lake City in the fall.

Early bird registration goes to June 1st.
Viper Owners Invitational 11 - Salt Lake City

The wonderful hotel rooms are here with many options for you and pictures too.
VOI 11 Hotel Booking is OPEN!

 

[Roy]

sounds great, I own #223! I would love to hear more from your story, about why the car hasn't been driven and such, and obviously PICS!! Strange no one asked until now!

 

[v10enomous]

Exciting stuff!! You will need the top and curtains so have you figured out what else you can take ? Are you going to try to set up a rack ?

You must be registered for see images

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Thanks Gus , appreciate the correction ---- I thought they were Vin specific , but was under the impression there were fewer built .

Good info for all !

 

[revived_gearhead]

TIRES!!! Hopefully they have been replaced! Don't make that trip without fresh sneakers! Can't wait for your write up when the trip is complete. Enjoy the ride.

 

[slaughterj]

Sounds like a great trip! You may want to get in touch with Tom Sessions, a Viper Tech in NC, to be sure you get everything covered that should be fixed before taking the trip. Also, considering joining the Carolinas Viper Club!

 

[eucharistos]

pls plan on doing a write-up or even posting progress along the way

sounds like a great trip

 

[sdaddy]

Yeah, the luggage can be a definite problem since the top and windows take up 90% of the trunk.

Second on the tires. The tread may be great, but 18 year old tires are very hardened and dangerous. Get new PS2's all around before you head out.

 

[2snakes4us]

We are replacing all belts, hoses, fluids, and tires.

some of you need to read his post a little better...he said tires.
+1 on the head gaskets. and carry a can of fix a flat and a road flare incase of emergencies. If you let us know of your route many members may be able to help you out along the way if you need any stops or help.
If your plans are to come thru Missouri you are welcome to make a stop here in the springfield area. I have a lift and plenty of tools if your in need of work to be done or any fresh fluid changes. there are a few vipers in our area. If you are not in any need of help....stop by and lets have lunch or dinner as you pass thru.

 

[Shandon]

TIRES TIRES TIRES TIRES!!!! DID I SAY TIRES!!!! Dear Lord 15year old non-driven tires. Thats like rubbing Crisco on rolling skates! Ohh one more thing Tires

"I AM NOW EDITING MY OWN POST FOR LACK OF READING YOURS IN DETAIL"..... NEVER MIND TIRES you said that but just in case........... TIRES

Have a fun time! Thats going to be a heck of a road trip!

 

[BolsOut]

My son and I are taking our 1992 Viper #209 cross country. It has 5000 miles, all original and has been hidden and forgot about in garage last 15 years. We are replacing all belts, hoses, fluids, and tires. We are original owners. Please share with us any concerns we should be aware of in this venture.. #209 has never been out of city and never driven more than about 1-2 hours at a run. Never been over 70MPH. We plan on going across lower states to southern California then up to Washington across to Maine then back to Hilton Head SC.
Thanks Rick and Richard

Good for you. I'm sure both you and your son will have many lasting memories from this trip. Go to the AAA web site. They have a page dedicated to preparing for road trips that will give lotsa good info/ideas on how to prepare & what to pack.

 

[bluesrt]

would not stretch that cars legs due to its capable of the engine comeing apart,for some reason when they sit for years,they come apart if you run them to hard.i dont know why but have seen it a handfull of times.

 

[2snakes4us]

I was thinking if you take lots of photos and log everthing you see and do it would make a great story for Viper Mag. Im sure it would make one of the best stories they ever printed.

 

[plumcrazy]

I was thinking if you take lots of photos and log everthing you see and do it would make a great story for Viper Mag. Im sure it would make one of the best stories they ever printed.

i agree, it would be neat to see.