Lotsa newbie Viper Q's

[Seifer]

Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

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Hey everyone. I'm currently looking for my first viper, I definately want a 93-96 rt10 (price restrictions), and I definately want red.


I found a Viper as in the picture above on a lot that is 3 miles from my house (small city, Hickory NC, Vipers are rare here). its:


1996 rt10
soft top (no hard top incl)
17k miles
$39,900


Sounds like a sweet deal, and I got really excited yesterday when I heard how much it was. The only problem is I dont like the yellow wheels!

How much would it cost, and/or is it even recommended to get the wheels chromed? (id rather have the orig. 3 spoke! but will settle b/c this Viper is so close and a good deal) What about the yellow emblem on the side, any way to get that changed easily?


Also, if I decide to go ahead and get this one (70% sure I will), what do I need to look for as far as problem areas on these model Vipers? Like the tops leaking? Motor burning oil? what?


Thanks for your help!

-Seif

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

Used original three spokes are relatively affordable compared to the later years five spokes. It's nice to have two sets of wheels anyway.

Those ugly yellow wheels shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Expect leaky tops and be happy if it's only a little.

 

[ndvipergtsr]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

Man , i think their beautiful. Really blue/white and red/yellow are my top favorite combo,s and i own a 01 red and silver stipes GTS. Maybe you should try it then if you don,t like it change the wheels. Just a thought. Jerry

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

Do what Chuck says, pick up a set of 3 spokes. Try Jon B. ar Parts Rack, he advertises on this site and is very well regarded. I would defintely hang on to the yellow wheels, and I would ask Jon B. if the yellow side decal is replaceable. They did'nt make too many of these "catsup and mustard" models, and you may want to return it to original someday. Obviously the same thing counts with the red steering wheel and shift boot. I think some of the more serious racers here may also tell you that chroming weakens the wheels. I personally would replace the wheels but keep the yellow decal, looks very Ferrari.

 

[Qualitywires.com]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

you could get them sand blasted and then polish them.

 

[joe117]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

I think there is a set of stock wheels in the classifieds. I think the ask is $800

 

[Stiffler]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lee00blacksilverGTS:
Do what Chuck says, pick up a set of 3 spokes. Try Jon B. ar Parts Rack, he advertises on this site and is very well regarded. I would defintely hang on to the yellow wheels, and I would ask Jon B. if the yellow side decal is replaceable. They did'nt make too many of these "catsup and mustard" models, and you may want to return it to original someday. Obviously the same thing counts with the red steering wheel and shift boot. I think some of the more serious racers here may also tell you that chroming weakens the wheels. I personally would replace the wheels but keep the yellow decal, looks very Ferrari.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Lee, wouldn't it be "Ketchup and Mustard"???

J/K

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stiffler:
Lee, wouldn't it be "Ketchup and Mustard"???

J/K

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Depends on if he's a "Hunt's" man or a "DelMonte" man.

 

[slaughterj]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

Good luck on getting it, and come out and meet (and join) the NC VCA!

 

[Steve-Indy]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

STRONGLY recommend that you ask your N.C. VCA leaders about the car BEFORE you take the plunge...might consider keeping the OEM wheels, and buy another set for the Viper to use day-to-day. If you do look for some used Viper wheels, recommend that you skip those from 1996 Vipers...welds have been known to crack.

 

[Seifer]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

Alrighty.


Went and drove her yesterday, go approved for financing, and now a few more questions pop into mind!


1. How do you travel in a Viper? Like me and the wife goin on short trips, do you find the trunk has enough room for a night or two's luggage?


2. Security? I'd be scared to park it anywhere but my house. How does everyone get over this?

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

I would definitely keep the original wheels - there were no more than 166 red '96's made, and probably a LOT fewer in that color combination. Assuming you may sell the car someday, you will want the original stuff to go with it. Heck, I still have my original oil filter, airfilters, exhaust, etc. in the event I ever sell my GTS.

As to traveling, I can't comment much on the room in an RT/10. The GTS has enough room for a few overnight/duffel bags which is plenty. Security: If you stay at hotel/motels, see if you can park under the canopy by the front desk. Most hotels will allow it if you ask first. Don't park it obnoxiously: If you get the canopy spot, keep it out of the way - especially from the airport shuttle van if they have one. If the canopy is not an option or not desired, park it away from other cars in a well-lit area. I generally park my car under a light at the far end of the parking lot, usually diagonally across two spots. If you do this, make SURE that it is not a highly-desired part of the parking lot (i.e., empty). Take up two spots by the front door and you are inviting a key scratch from people that think you parked like a ****. Park it away from the main entrance and the street. If it is obvious to passer-bys it will invite people to come and take a closer look or possibly mess with it. Try to park it where you can see it during the night. WARNING: The first few times you do this you will find yourself getting up a lot to check on the car. You will learn that it survives just fine without you in it...

Enjoy!

Chris

 

[CAP]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

Interesting thing about the red/yellow combination. When I first got mine, about 80% of the people "got it"; 20% didn't. (Not a commissioned survey; just a guesstimate.)

Six years later, about 20% got it and 80% didn't. But the 20% who like it REALLY like it.

I still think the color combo definitely sets the red '96s apart (in a good way).

 

[Janni]

Re: Lotsa newbie Viper Q\'s

RT/10 room - fellow NC club member who shall remain nameless travelled to St Louis for the last Owner's Invitational, with his lovely wife, a full complement of clothing for 5 days, helmet, etc. Oh and did I mention that his trunk contained a little ole bottle of nitrous? Even more creative packing allowed VOI purchases to come home with him inthe car, too - all without leaving lovely wife in St. Louis....

The car you are looking at does have the potential to be fairly collectible due to the rare color combo. Not a personal favorite, but it is rare. Also, I DO like the extra Sneaky Pete logo above the side hood badge.

1996 is a GREAT RT/10 year - extra HP from a very unique exhaust - rear exit, no side sill mufflers, only a rear resonator (or vice versa...)

Wheels - keep the stock ones. Buy a set of OE 18"ers from JonB - get the wheel size upgrade while you're at it for futire big brake mods...

Contact me if he car was owned by a NC VCA club member - don't ever remember seeing it, but who knows... Also, if you need service history. REMEMBER - BE CAREFUL - LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO GET A CRAPPY VIPER. Don't let the excitement of getting a car get inthe way of making a logical decision. Perhaps we can check it out in person... Driving to Nashville Friday....