I was going to post something on this also.
I met Dan Burch during a Colorado Viper club event in western Colorado during this past Memorial Day weekend. Dan is the Viper tech at Grand Junction Chrysler Dodge and had been invited to attend the event. It was reassuring to have a Viper tech travel with the group, I soon discovered Dan was very enthusiastic when it comes to Vipers. At roadside rest stops, groups would break off into conversation and Dan always seemed to have a group around him as he offered advice and patiently answered questions. I decided then that I would trust Dan to work on my Viper.
I had set up an appointment last week to have several small maintenance items taken care of and to have the recall work performed. I didn't know what to expect on the recall work (I didn't know Dan had done recall work on other Vipers). But based on what I've seen posted on the board here, was more comfortable sending my Viper to Dan than a tech in Colorado Springs or Denver who I didn't know. There are several Viper techs in Colorado Springs and Denver (not to say there aren't good ones), but since I don't have experience with one here felt it worth my peace of mind to drive the 300 miles to Grand Junction.
I had dropped my Viper off late Wednesday, to give him Thursday, and Friday if he needed it to finish everything. The dealership has an open shop policy and even encourages owners to observe work and ask questions. I stopped by Thursday morning about 11:00 and saw that the rear differential was out and the rear plates were already welded in. Dan was just finishing welding the front plates. The welding job was excellent. He pointed out for me where the weaknesses were, and explained the flex in the front steering gear without the additional bracing. I had asked him to look things over in general, I hate surprises and side-of-the-road repairs. Dan explained the recall work and his impressions and recommendations for my Viper. This all took about 20 minutes, maybe all Viper techs are different, but I've seldom had this happen at any other repair shop.
The recall and all other maintenance was done before 5:00. Which makes me wonder (from some of the other postings) about dealers fussing over needing 3 days to perform the recall.
Every person I dealt with at the dealership from the service writer to the person I paid the bill was pleasant and helpful. But biggest kudos are to Dan who did a super job in performing the work.
Overall impressions after the recall is the car feels much tighter now. That's a good thing, as the body flex in my '91 ZR-1 used to drive me up the wall.
Jack Janney
Colorado Springs, CO
'97 blue/white RT/10
