I just launched into a '98 GTS rebuild project and wanted to take some time to share the experience with any of you that might be interested. Hopefully through this series of posts, which will stretch over a month or two, I'll be able to accomplish the following things:
- Show the rebuild process I went through
- Talk about part sourcing (and cost)
- Get tips when I run into trouble
- Make myself available for anyone wondering about total cost through PM
At the end of the project I'm hoping this forums ends up with another good series of posts (search others, they're here) that might be helpful to the group in one way or another.
BACKGROUND:
I grew up in my father's bodyshop, so while this is my first time with a Viper it's far from the first rebuild. That said, I'm subcontracting the labor to one of his employees that has better skills than I do (know your weaknesses), especially in the area of fiberglass. The end goal of this project is a high quality rebuild for me to keep for years to come.
PROJECT OVERALL:
I picked up this '98 GTS at an insurance auction where I normally source project cars. When I got it home I was relieved to see that this 22k mile car was in fantastic condition. I truly couldn't be any happier with the cleanliness of the car throughout.
DAMAGE DETAILS:
As you'll see from the pictures, this car took a light (relative term) hit to the center of the front. In fact it was so centrally located that it didn't fold either frame rail, thus not setting of the airbags. In addition to the front hit there was also light impact to the rocker panel on the driver's side. Being that the body of these cars are primarily fiberglass, impact in one region of the car results in chipping of fiberglass in other areas. For instance, when the front takes a hit the door corners by the hood also get chipped. It's not a big deal but something to keep in mind when considering the overall work load and amount of paint prep you'll have to do at the end.
PARTS LIST:
Left rocker, left headlight, radiator, radiator support, condenser, bumper reinforcement, bumper cover, oil cooler, air box, hood duct, front end plastic, and some new tires for the front because they have flat spots from the skid (no ABS). This list is likely to expand a little as the project gets underway.
STARTING PICS:
- Show the rebuild process I went through
- Talk about part sourcing (and cost)
- Get tips when I run into trouble
- Make myself available for anyone wondering about total cost through PM
At the end of the project I'm hoping this forums ends up with another good series of posts (search others, they're here) that might be helpful to the group in one way or another.
BACKGROUND:
I grew up in my father's bodyshop, so while this is my first time with a Viper it's far from the first rebuild. That said, I'm subcontracting the labor to one of his employees that has better skills than I do (know your weaknesses), especially in the area of fiberglass. The end goal of this project is a high quality rebuild for me to keep for years to come.
PROJECT OVERALL:
I picked up this '98 GTS at an insurance auction where I normally source project cars. When I got it home I was relieved to see that this 22k mile car was in fantastic condition. I truly couldn't be any happier with the cleanliness of the car throughout.
DAMAGE DETAILS:
As you'll see from the pictures, this car took a light (relative term) hit to the center of the front. In fact it was so centrally located that it didn't fold either frame rail, thus not setting of the airbags. In addition to the front hit there was also light impact to the rocker panel on the driver's side. Being that the body of these cars are primarily fiberglass, impact in one region of the car results in chipping of fiberglass in other areas. For instance, when the front takes a hit the door corners by the hood also get chipped. It's not a big deal but something to keep in mind when considering the overall work load and amount of paint prep you'll have to do at the end.
PARTS LIST:
Left rocker, left headlight, radiator, radiator support, condenser, bumper reinforcement, bumper cover, oil cooler, air box, hood duct, front end plastic, and some new tires for the front because they have flat spots from the skid (no ABS). This list is likely to expand a little as the project gets underway.
STARTING PICS:
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