Closed Hood, Paint Cracked...***!!!

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

It happens;
Personally, I would replace the hood. It's even possible you may have closed it pushing in the improper area, hence, it stressed the composite and caused the damage. You must close the hood in the proper area. I'm (assuming) you may have closed it too far forward to the edge of the hood.

Just make sure you keep track of the old hood. Your vin #'s are embedded in the left side of the recessed louver support.

Good Luck,
Doug

 

[BlackACR]

On my 99GTS the same thing happened, the hood started to crack right above the brackets that holds the hood. Dodge refinished the hood, terrible job, overspray every where, crap in the paint. So finaly they get everything looking good, then it starts cracking again about a week later. Finally they put a new hood on . Seems to have fixed it, but I had a # of other problems with the car. So,I lost my A-- and sold it. Maybe I had a bad car or something, but it stayed in the shop more that I drove it.

 

[Ulysses]

Get the thing replaced. Repair is not worth the headaches if not done right. Next time you hook up with a fellow Viper owner, check out how he or she closes the hood and re-confirm that you are doing it right.

Get a battery tender!!!! These things will drain the battery within a week or two down to a pretty low level.

 

[BlackACR]

Its amazing how Dodge and you guys blame it on how the hood is shut. When I asked the same question on here a few months ago I was told I was shuting the hood wrong. It is very easy to shut the hood the right way, behind the intake opening. Also,if you look at the video Dodge supplys when you buy the car, it show the incorrect way there from the factory. So, I guess Dodge doesnt know how to shut the hood either. We all know Dodge doesnt have the best quality control, even on the Viper.

 

[C O D Y]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Intemperate Disposition:
All I know is I closed it the right way, I didn't even slam it.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There is a right way and a wrong way to close the hood. If you push (soft or hard) down below the NACA duct, you're asking for the paint to crack. You need to have your hands above the NACA duct (to the out side if it) by the hood vents. It explains how in the owners manaul and the video.

If you want to know the exact spot, look under the hood and find where the hinges attach to the hood. You hands should be right on top of the hinges. This way you don't stress the hood and get stress cracks.

 

[VIPERESS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Intemperate Disposition:
All I know is I closed it the right way, I'm not a rich man, and I cant afford a problematic expensive car, I got a problematic woman instead. Thanks for your advice.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ok, Take a deep breath. This is what I suggest you do. I'm sure you closed the hood right, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to do it correctly, and it sounds like you did it correct to me. I have had 3 Vipers, currently own 2, and looking into trying to purchase the Competition Coupe. I wouldn't want any other car. Any problem I have ever had (mostly minor ones) have been taken care of to my complete satisfaction. DC will make it right for you, just be patient. Don't get rid of the car, instead, just get rid of the problematic woman, she can be replaced, the car can't. IMO, there is nothing that can compare to it!! You will love the car. Smile!!
Laura

 

[Qualitywires.com]

I would go with the new hood too. Have to be careful like Doug said about where you close the hood. I've seen some vipers with the stress marks or stress lines from closing the hood to close to the lip. Good luck.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Not to be a cynic but if your uncle <u>owns</u> a Dodge dealership why would you:
Pay $80 k for a Viper?
Take the Viper to another dealer for service?
Complain rather than just resolve the issue?

BTW what dealership does your uncle own? and what dealership did you take it to for service.

 

[unclgreggy]

CHAAAAAANGE THE HOOD. NO QUESTION.

 

[SapphireGTS]

I usually go up front and push it shut from the center. The dealer warned me, if I shut it from one side it may crack.

At least they were honest.

 

[BlackACR]

I would sell the car, if you are having that many problems. I sold mine it was very much a lemon. We all can't have the good luck Anthony has with his car. I feel you have a legitimate b@%th about the car this time around. Been there done that.

 

[Matt M PA]

By the picture in your avatar, I would guess that this car was purchased as a used vehicle? The hood could have been mis-handled by it's previous owner. You need to close the hood by pressing it closed BEHIND the scoop with your hands spread out where the stripes would be. This is the area that is reinforced and can handle this stress. I know that the video (and others) say the hood should be closed at the front edge. This is incorrect. Finally, Viper owners should check the edges of the hood where it meets the headlights. I have seen many Vipers where the hood contacts the headlight. The headlight is easily adjusted a bit to allow clearance. (It can be done without removing the fascia) I would think that this too could cause cracks. I adjusted mine the first day I had the car.

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

You mean you guys don't climb onto the roof of the car and jump off with both feet landing on the front of the hood to close it? I knew there had to be a better way...

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Matt M, PA:
The headlight is easily adjusted a bit to allow clearance. (It can be done without removing the fascia)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

On a more serious note, how do you do this?

 

[99 R/T 10]

Hey Matt,
I would also like to know how to adjust the headlight. Heck I'm not sure I could change the bulbs yet.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Sorry to hear your uncle doesn't get you a deal. Regarding the roads in Detroit I second your opinion tenfold. This year has been ridiculous. In order to avoid construction you had to choose roads that were potholed at least 10 years ago. I-94 has to be the worst major highway period and the state still allows those monster 30 or so wheeled monsters to rip it up further.

I don't have any experience with Pointe Dodge to know how well their Viper tech is. I hear more people on the east side talking about Sterling Heights Dodge on Van ****.

Ron

 

[jimandela]

trust me when i say if your not married and only 30 replace the woman and fix the hood .. if you feel you have a "lemon" viper (read too many minor problems for 80k) call bill pemberton trade in this one for hell of a deal on another 2001 and i think on the woodhouse site he has a yellow R/T!! Or order a 2002!!

just my 2 cents but after 7 years of marriage and 13 years with the same woman and 2 children later consider this advice from someone who "feels your pain"

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

CHAAAAAANGE THE WOMAN. NO QUESTION.

 

[Matt M PA]

Moving the headlight is not a two minute job..but can be done without alot of aggravation. There are three (if memory serves me) studs on the bottom of the light pods. Threaded onto them are the nuts that retain the pods to the frame. You need to loossen these nuts...reposition the headlight...and retighten. This can be done without removing the fascia and here's how I did it. (My '96 needed a headlamp module exchanged, and my 2000 needed one adjusted.) First, remove the foglamp access plug in the fenderwell, and remove the foglamp itself. You will also need to remove the foglamp cover in earlier cars. With these out, you can reach in with a stubby ratchet and deep sockets to loosen the nuts mentioned above. You may also need a open end wrench. It depends on what tools you have as to exactly what you can use. I found a small inspection mirror to be a real help too. It can be done...good luck. E-me if anyone has questions.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Alan M 98 GTS NY

Honestly get rid of the car. You won't be ever happy worrying about it. What is this about the fifth post or so of you complaining about something!

Originally posted by Intemperate Disposition:

Hey Alan eat S#!$, I'll bet your like half the people on this forum that say you have a Viper when you don't or you did, you monkey.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll take that bet! Here's a pic of Alan prepping his Viper (read that: doing his own maintenance) at VIR. BTW He won his class. He's fast as S#!$

You must be registered for see images

 

[SRT10]

Hey "Intemperate Disposition", what year is your car? The last year for fog light covers was 1999.

 

[SRT10]

Well, than he bought a 98.(See his avatar picture) Not a new Viper like he says. Or he doesn't even own a Viper but likes to
write fiction.