Shipping a 1996 GTS Open Carrier - Do's and Don'ts?

Tom and Vipers

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Yes, I know - Don't!

But....

I'm finding some rates from NV to PA that are under $900 which is good.

The main issue is that they say they need 4" of ground clearance for open carrier.

I'm thinking I can simply raise the suspension to do this.

Any other things I should worry about?

PS. The car is in the process of getting body work down so a scratch here or there won't matter. A stone chip on the windshield would not be good though.
 

AZTVR

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I have never had a Viper transported on anything open other than a simple flatbed. I haven't looked closely at one of those typical hydraulically operated multi-level open carriers. What you might consider is taking off the sidesills and wrapping them and putting them in the car. I'm don't know how they could mess those up; but, they would be a hassle to fix or replace, and are easily dented. Not sure if they would fit in the car leaving room for a driver to drive it on and off the trailer. Just a thought for discussion.
 
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Tom and Vipers

Tom and Vipers

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I got another spec from the haulers: 48" min space between the rear tires. I have a tire off but it looks like with 335/30r18's it is about 50"

I have the Hennessey front fascia which really sticks out and is fiberglass - so it will not move out of the way.

The OE spec for ground clearance is 5.0" which clearly does not apply to the air dam which I think is about 3.5 or 3.75" ground clearance.

I have to check but I think mine has modded front springs/shocks with adjustable threaded ride height rings. The rear suspension is simple springs but I don't think the 4" is a problem there.
 

viper k

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are you shipping from Pa to Nv are you selling or buying !
 

viper k

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Tom and Vipers i live about 25 miles from you in connellsville i have a 1996 viper gts like to meet up with you and your Viper and BS !!!
 
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Tom and Vipers

Tom and Vipers

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Cool Viper K!

I'm neither buying or selling. I bot the NV Viper back in 2001 but live in PA. I have a good friend I have left the car with in NV. Unfortunately, the car needs work and it really doesn't get taken care of the best when sitting in NV.

I thought about selling it in NV, but it needs so much stuff done to it including paint, that I would get a terrible price for it. It is 511 rwhp on engine and 685 on bottle so it is fun to drive.

For now I've decided to ship it back to NV. I thought about driving it, but I could never do that with a hood that is not properly painted - part of driving the car is looking out over that hood!
 

DrumrBoy

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Yikes, the steepness of the ramps on most two-level carriers is such that I don't think the fascia will clear (I have the John H fascia on mine and its a real PITA to get it in my enclosed trailer.....lots of wood block work to get it on as I winch it up. If you decide to go that route, make sure you're there when they try to onboard the thing; if the driver is one of those "they told me to pick this up and I did my best...sorry about the fascia" types, you can stop the process if its gonna damage the car. If you're in the same city as the car, perhaps a test-loading would give you confidence that it can be done.
 

Blainne

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I shipped mine open carrier from TX to AZ. No problems. No damage. It cleared the ramps without a scrape. **JUST BE VERY CAREFUL of WHICH CARRIER YOU USE** Took me hours of reviewing reviews online until I found a highly appraised carrier. I paid $500.00.

Remember: They ship the new ZR1's to the dealers via Open carrier. They clear.. Vipers can clear wo/damage to. Not sure about how they ship the new Vipers. Never seen a truck with them on it.
 
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Viper98912

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just pay a little more and hire a personal closed carrier or group with another set of cars
 
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Tom and Vipers

Tom and Vipers

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viper k,

The car is Wayne Skiles' car he ran at the Silver State. He had a ton of work done to it.

I fixed the carbon fiber hood fit and had the suspension/brakes completely rebuilt. Also new Center Force unobtanium clutch & aluminum flywheel.

I'm currently painting the hood and fascia.

The nitrous bottle mount needs completely redone - its out of the car right now.

Technically the car is for sale, however I have no idea how to value a modded Viper.

It has 511 whp on engine and 685 on a 150 shot.
 

Grisoman

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I would like to suggest you move to the Viper in Nevada. Having lived near you in Irwin/Harrison City for 8 years, it would be a good change (for the sunshine alone).
 

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