Dump it or restore it (96 RT/10 Special Edition)

[Dporrini88]

Good evening everyone!

I own a ‘96 Viper RT/10, black with silver stripes, but the viper is in poor condition. I am thinking about restoring it but it needs a lot of work. Engine still runs well and only has 36,000 miles but the electrical needs to be reworked (alarm, kill switch, radar detector, etc. do not work), the interior dash is scratched and or cracked, one speaker works, no air conditioning, and the entire vehicle needs to be repainted. I wanted to get some input if anyone thinks it is worth repairing or if it should be sold to piece out the parts. Let me know your thoughts.

 

[lane_viper]

I say fix it and enjoy it, but I kind of enjoy working on stuff.

If you plan on letting a shop tackle all the issues, it might not be worth it minus the paint.

 

[WHY U TRY]

I plan on someday refreshing everything on my ACR and I would spend the money and make it 100% to enjoy the remainder of my life before selling it. Guess it depends on how bad you wanted a Viper and your passion for it.

 

[AviP]

I have been slowly refreshing all the suspension parts that wear out like bushings and ball joints. Getting my 97 ready for the next 20 years. Also plan on gaskets and seals as I go along. It's a journey.

 

[David McSeveny]

I agree its a journey but one worth the effort.
I have just completely rebuilt a 93 RT/10 from top to bottom and front to back
Not cheap but its now like a brand new car

 

[MoparMap]

I think a lot of it has to do with what you want out of the car. If you are wanting to sell it, then fixing it up all at once might make some sense, though earlier years still aren't pulling the best values. Parting out a "functioning" car is a tough one for me though. It might be worth more overall, but if you have a fully running vehicle that is just bad looking that still feels wrong to cut it up. Just my opinion though.

If you are interested in keeping it for yourself and enjoying it then I think you can just fix it as you go. There's no reason you can't just fix it pieces at a time and keep enjoying it. Most of the issues sound cosmetic, so it's not like it would keep the car off the road. That also helps spread the financial hit over time. Rough paint is sort of a blessing in disguise too as you are less worried about it getting scratched up or chipped to a degree. My front bumper looks like a LeMans car at this point with all the rock chips I have, but I know that someday down the road I'll just repaint it and it will look fresh again.

 

[steve e]

I say build it, put Good heads on it since it needs new head gaskets anyway, roller rockers, throttle bodies, headers, exhaust system,dump the cats, and fix up anything else you have to do to make it a safe driver,forget about a garage queen, I did that to a 95 RT10 and had the time of my life,that car was so fun to drive, and with the stock 3:08s in the rear I could melt tires for blocks and thats what life is about for me

 

[Dporrini88]

I appreciate everyone’s feedback. I’ve been pondering what to do with the car and maybe you all are right, handle the cosmetics and then do some performance upgrades further down the line. I like driving the car it’s just cosmetically, it looks like crap. Guess I’ll give it some TLC and see if I can locate some parts

 

[razviper]

IMO if there is no sentimental value, I would sell it and buy another one, The repairs and finding all the right pieces will be challenging and expensive. Prices are still low to buy in, so if it were my $$ that's the direction I would go.

 

[DJ'sviper]

It depends on if you are into restoring, which sounds like a good car, or just want a new one. Do you have the time? But I would think seriously about parting out a running good car. That doesn't make sense. After restore you have a great car. You have a great car before the restoration. Have fun driving and when you get the racing out of your blood restore it or find a buyer that is looking for a car and is willing to give you a good price so he can restore it because he can't afford a car like yours in good condition. 96's keep their price and are a car people like.

 

[Vabutkus]

Restore.

 

[Viperbug]

Hi new to club but but always love the viper since it came out when I was in high school so if you are ever interested in "dumping it" I have been actually looking for a project viper to start with as my first one so maybe it could be a good fit.Thanks

 

[wkooiman]

Blower, 3:55 gears, headers, and you wouldn't even be asking the question.

My first Viper was a stock 01 ACR Sapphire blue that I loved. I sold it because I bought a 427 Cobra replica, and couldn't really afford 3 fun cars. It's one of the few cars I regret selling. So, now I have a 98 GTS. The Roe Racing blower and 3:55 gears transformed the car. It is a blast, and I don't think I've even opened it up over 1/4 throttle - really. Completely different car.

So do a blower or a turbo, and don't look back.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

Drive it. Who cares what she looks like if she's "good in bed!"

A truly ratty Viper is cool! - they look like they just did an endurance race! Brake dust is beautiful!

If you are obsessed with paint, wrap it (I have no idea what that costs.) Either go clear matte or something else. Matte really makes the colors "pop" - especially stripes. Pics of my black w/red stripes hood in base was stunning. When cleared, it became a mirror which totally obscured the beautiful colors and stripes.

Mods? Buy someone else's. Nothing like getting $40k of mods for free.

 

[02rt10]

restore and enjoy...

 

[Titan1969]

IMO if there is no sentimental value, I would sell it and buy another one, The repairs and finding all the right pieces will be challenging and expensive. Prices are still low to buy in, so if it were my $$ that's the direction I would go.

yep agreed

 

[JnM_SRT]

Turn it into a Viper Ratrod! Considering the condition, a Viper Ratrod would be a fun project.

 

[ViperRed]

A Dodge Viper is never worth dumping.
But hey, I'm just biased.