How many dealers have refused to perform the recall??

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Two 5 Star Dealers have refused to perform the 998 frame / steering rack recall, now or ever. One wouldn't even inspect the car for cracks. Both claim insufficient hours allowed. Curious to see how many others have experienced the same problem.</FONT f>

 

[Qualitywires.com]

man! That *****! I would call customer service on that. My dealer in AL (parkway Dodge) they are awesome! They are going to do mine next week and they offered to let me watch. Not the welding part on that. (I will have to get out the tanning lotion for that).

 

[SneakyPete]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ron:
<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Two 5 Star Dealers have refused to perform the 998 frame / steering rack recall, now or ever. One wouldn't even inspect the car for cracks. Both claim insufficient hours allowed. Curious to see how many others have experienced the same problem.</FONT f>

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have heard the same thing about doing the repair, but not to inspect the car?? that is just bad business.

I would suggest a call to 800.992.1997 and complain, with that complaint the dealer will get cares, which is negative points towards dealer five star rating and other monetary stuff. After the complaint, even if they agree to do it, I would take it somewhere that has atleast done one recall repair, if not more.

If they are a 5 star (which mean nothing) they should be on board to do the warantee work.

 

[HSSSTOY]

Ron
Check with your Regional/VCA re recall 998/999! steering rack and rear suspension welding and riveting,as it is labor intensive (19 hrs.),and only trusted dealers should do the work. In Canada D.C. has designated 4 Dealers only,to do the repairs. the WA/VCA has posted some pics.,showing what is involved,if you missed it here is the link, hope it works,
http://www.wavca.org/Galleries/Gallery8.html

http://www.wavca.org/Galleries/Gallery8.html

 

[Viper Wizard]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ron:
<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Two 5 Star Dealers have refused to perform the 998 frame / steering rack recall, now or ever. One wouldn't even inspect the car for cracks. Both claim insufficient hours allowed. Curious to see how many others have experienced the same problem.</FONT f>
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hi Ron,
I have had four so-called 5-Star Dealers call me and ask if I would handle the Recall for what few Viper Customers they have. [They will be my Customers NOW!] YES what DC pays the Dealers for this Recall S*CKS!!

I lose money on every Recall I do!! I do them because I have "Snake Juice" in my veins!

SLITHRN "Multiple people have already died from this defect"??
Where did you hear that?? Get your facts straight!!

HSSSTOY Read that entire Post! That Recall WAS NOT DUN PROPERLY!!

http://vca1.viperclub.org/ubb/Forum14?HTML/013012.html

 

[jcaspar1]

How long is it taking for the dealership to complete the upgrades? My local Swift Dodge is very interested in performing the upgrade but quoted me 3 days. It seems to me that if no cracks are found (most Vipers) that the upgrade is listed at 5.3 hours.

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Chuck;

I knew you were performing the recall and more importantly, performing it properly. Unfortunately, there aren't many like you.

Not to take advantage of your dedication to the Viper community, but it looks like it might come to me making an 800 mile road trip.... if you'd be willing.....

</FONT f>

 

[dblankenbaker]

Ron, if you're in Indy, you're only about 200 miles from Roanoke (IL).

 

[GTS Dean]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SLITHRN:

Multiple people have already died from this defect.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Really? I've not heard of any. Let's not start with the fear-mongering, OK?

 

[Matt M PA]

Wizard..sounds like I need to make a road trip to get the 999 recall done on my 2000. Is this a one day job? I can trailer the car to you...but would rather not make the trip twice.

 

[Viper Wizard]

It is certainly obvious that there are very few of us/Dealers that can do this Recall!
Ron, Roanoke can do the Recall, but you are more the welcome to come visit me and I'll even let you help me do the Recall on your car![Hand me tools.

]

Jeff, it may take one day or it may take three days. Each Viper I've dun so far has been different.

KFMSLM & Matt, call me for an apointment.

I'd be gald to do them all! Now if we can get DC to give me more leeway on the times do it?[that's like pulling teeth out of a worm!] I'd be real happy.

 

[viperdrummer]

With a 2000, my recall doesen't seem very complicated, but my dealer says he won't do it w/o a certified welder which he does not have. No body shops he has called want to touch it--FRUSTRATING

 

[Hot Rod]

I've got to have the 999 recall to my '99. Had it in for an oil change at my usal dealer here in Connecticut a few weeks ago, discussed the recall but he can't take it on because the Viper Tech isn't a certificed welder. Didn't offer to check it for cracks either, which I assumed would be SOP.

So, I contacted the largest dealer in the state (Holly Dodge), where I know the Service Manager anyway, and even he would have to sub the welding out if it was required. So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do at this stage. If any other CT Viper owners have had the recall, would sure appreciate a reference. Other option is to seek out a dealer in NY, NJ or MA.

Needless to say, I'm a little ticked off as I don't know if I can take my time with this and delay till Fall.

 

[fast?]

what years are affected by the 998/999 recall. hope my 2001 is not affected.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Knock Knock Hot Rod
It's your neighbor. I'm not that far from you. Your usal Dealer may be one of the Dealers that has called me to do their Recalls!
When you get a chance give me a call and we'll set up a time to inspected your Viper and then talk about the Recall.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

I, personally, would only do the repair myself. So I guess I can forget about getting the kit from D-C - although a set of plans would be nice!

As far as letting some monkey welder loose on a critical system in a $75k car, I would look into certified aviation welders. A guy who is "allowed" to weld on an airframe. Perhaps the Dodge dealership would farm the job out to one of these shops.

Of course, any of the big Viper dealerships probably has this down cold provided you are not one of the 1st dozen or so recipients.

This is the highest certification I know. Perhaps there are ones for nuclear power plant hot systems, but these guys are probably too hard to find.

The biggest problem is that mechanics, today, do not weld - nor do body guys. Everything is remove and replace.

In fact, automotive businesses are not the place to get any kind of welding done - unless, of course, the welder has acquired welding skills from other endeavors.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

Actually, since I am a structural engineer specializing in vibration and HCF life, I should take a look at the mounts and react the loads the way I see fit....

 

[SmokinV10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jcaspar1:
How long is it taking for the dealership to complete the upgrades? My local Swift Dodge is very interested in performing the upgrade but quoted me 3 days. It seems to me that if no cracks are found (most Vipers) that the upgrade is listed at 5.3 hours.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jeff,
Chris @ Autowest in roseville did recall 999 on my GTS. The worked turned out great. Ted May inspected the recall and said it was done very well. It took him 2 days to do the recall, but the workmanship was very very CLEAN. I highly recommend this tech. He is always conscienscious, takes his time, and personifies what a viper tech is all about.

 

[PBJ]

Hey guys,
I just finished a 97 gts on Friday, the car was wrecked on top of having the recall to do. I had over 100 hours in the repair, but it turned out very nice. I have 3 more lined up to do in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully I will come closer to making the time that chrysler offers. If the entire recall is needed, it pays near 27 hours. The only way to weld the left side plate,brace, and z bracket on is to remove the fuel tank. That is what takes so long...I cut out the panel and added well plugs with 1/4x20 bolts instead of rivets, so the panel coud be removed a little easier. I did the same on the pump access panel...it just looks a little nicer. If you prime and paint everything the way you are supposed to, it takes a lot time. But if it was my car, I would want it done right , so that is how I do my jobs. If there is anyone near St.Louis that needs this recall done, feel free to give me or my service manager a call at King Dodge (314)832-7200.
Thanks,
Joe Donovan

Service Manager
Lou Espey

 

[jcaspar1]

Thanks Smokin,
I may give Chris a call. I work up in Roseville one day a week so that may work out well.

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">It's great to know that there are people out there like Chuck, Dan & Joe. Unfortunately, greater Indianapolis is not as blessed. I can understand the issue regarding warranty times from the Tech's perspective and would be willing to supplement to some degree (though we shouldn't have to) but you need a dedicated tech like these guys to justify it.

Market opportunity gentlemen......</FONT f>

 

[Rich Detert]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PBJ:
Hey guys,
I just finished a 97 gts on Friday, the car was wrecked on top of having the recall to do. I had over 100 hours in the repair, but it turned out very nice. I have 3 more lined up to do in the next couple of weeks, so hopefully I will come closer to making the time that chrysler offers. If the entire recall is needed, it pays near 27 hours. The only way to weld the left side plate,brace, and z bracket on is to remove the fuel tank. That is what takes so long...I cut out the panel and added well plugs with 1/4x20 bolts instead of rivets, so the panel coud be removed a little easier. I did the same on the pump access panel...it just looks a little nicer. If you prime and paint everything the way you are supposed to, it takes a lot time. But if it was my car, I would want it done right , so that is how I do my jobs. If there is anyone near St.Louis that needs this recall done, feel free to give me or my service manager a call at King Dodge (314)832-7200.
Thanks,
Joe Donovan

Service Manager
Lou Espey


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

King Dodge is the dealership that does the service work on my cars. Joe just finished replacing the intake gaskets and A/C Evaporator on my 97 (along with other things). It'll go in for the recall some time this fall (I'll probably have them paint the Silver Stripes at that point too).

I got to see the work in progress on the Viper Joe did the recall on, yes it's a pain, but I can see how it should tighten the car up.

It does help to have a "car guy" doing the work on your Viper.
A Viper is just another car to some people.

 

[Mike H]

Barbera Dodge in Roxborough Pa, has now completed the recalls, both font and back on both my Vipers, including the race Viper. Joe Kallas, at Barbera is a great Viper tech, as well as my crew chief and is an avid road racer. Anyone in Jersey or Pa. go see Joe and the rest of the Barbera team also.

 

[Jerry Dobson]

Same problem here in Kansas City. Most of the dealers can not weld. Part of the problem is they do not want to accept the liability. Weld on a car, it breaks, you crash, you sue.

If cracks are present, it is a big deal. Ever drive a car with bump steer? That is when the steering rack is no longer at the correct height. We'll if the front cracks are present, you have to cut the existing rack and weld in a new one. Hope that you get it perfect by simply using a ruler for the height.

If cracks are present in the rear, gas tank must come out. If you have a custom stereo, this can make things difficult.

If any of you guys want to see the 109 pages, I can email them to you. But it will be about 10 megs. PDF format.

 

[Kevin]

I Purchased a 2000 RT10 which was on display in 1999 at the auto show. So I assume the manufacture date was 1999 The dealer has consistently denied a recall exists. How could I get verification and details of the recall? Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MHQC]

Kevin, I just got a hold of DC headquaters (I think they are in MTL). You can get the number from any local dealer. Have your VIN handy when you call. Contrary to the folks stateside, I got a fantastic response from the dealer concerning the recall. He is sending a flatbed truck to come and get it and then send it back. In anycase, they referred me to a dealer who is authorized to do it. He is in Montreal. If your car is a 2000 then yes, it will need to be done. Where are you located in Ontario?

 

[Steve-Indy]

UPDATE to an old thread:

Palmer Dodge NORTH in Indy has done a considerable number of recall repairs for 998 and 999. They have an experienced Tech (Phil) and the PROPER welding equipment. We have had 3 of our Vipers undergo these recalls at Palmer NORTH, and are quite satisfied. Would note that Ron had his recall 998 done there as well.

 

[GTS Dean]

It is hard to believe that there are still people that haven't had this recall performed. It's been nearly a year since my 2 cars were done. However, it is far more preferable to wait and get it done right than to hurry and find out later that it was done wrong.

 

[Gerald Levin]

Palmer Dodge North in Indy just did mine a few weeks back. Steve and Ron in Indy are both VERY knowledgeable owners and if they are happy with Palmer Dodge North, that says a lot. So if you are close to Indy and you want the job done right, they may be worth the drive.

 

[Both Stacks Blowin']

Folks,

Whoa,whoa, stand back and take a deep breath.

Don't we think that it is great that dealers refuse to do the recall work.

Forget about the money involved (we all know that Dodge/Chrysler are in deep financial Poooooo), we should be thankful that the dealers admit they cannot do the work and are willing to leave it to people like the Viper Wizard, Dan and other competent Techs.

Here in the UK a certain dealer attempted to do the work on a 998 recall and after having the car for SEVEN WEEKS this is the result. Front Plates welded on the wrong way (therefore CANNOT remove the oil filter), many broken rear suspension bolts (owner was made to pay for them). The dealer assured the owner that suspension parts needed to be dis-assembled to carry out the 998 recall. Sad that Chrysler have dealers who CANNOT even READ their comprehensive recall instructions. This dealer assured the owner that this was how the recall was to be performed!!!!!!!! After seven weeks without a car, the owner is still not sure that the rear plate is correctly installed.

So fellow Viper owners, be thankful, that in the US at least you have dealers who admit their capabilities and let you go to someone who can do the work properly.

The issue of the 998 / 999 recall is currently with DaimlerChrysler UK and I will let you all know the progress in resolving this SAFETY RECALL ISSUE in the UK .