TSB 22-001-01, FEB 01, Wheels-Chrome

[Viper Wizard]

Wiegehts Markus,

TSB #22-001-01 REV.A September 28 2001
SUBJECT: Chrome Wheel Care
MODELS: All

DISCUSSION:
Chrome wheels should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water to maintian their luster and pervent corrosion. Wash them with same soap solution as the body of the vehicle.

To clean extremely dirty wheels, care must be taken in the selection of tire and wheel cleaning chemicals and equipment to prevent damage to wheels. ONLY "Mopar Wheel Treatment" P/N#05066247AB - 12 OZ. or 05066248AB - 5 gal., is recommened to remove brake dust, dirt, grease and grime. Any of the "DO NOT USE" items listed below can damage or stain wheels and wheel trim.

DO NOT USE:
~Any abrasive type cleaner.
~Any abrasive cleaning pad [such as steel wool] or abrasive brush.
~Any cleaner that contains an acid [this will IMMEDIATELY react with and discolor the Chromium surface].
~Any oven cleaner.
~Any abrasive metal cleaner.
~Chrome polish unless it is buffed off immediately after application.
~A car wash that has carbibe tipped wheel-cleaning brushes!

CAUTION: MANY COMMERCIAL WHEEL CLEANERS CONTIAN ACIDS THAT MAY HARM THE WHEEL SURFACE.

Hope this has helped?

Auf Wiederhoeren
VIPER WIZARD

 

[ViperGTS]

TSB 22-001-01 FEB 01
Wheels - Chrome Plated Aluminum Care
please, who has more info... Thanks!

 

[ViperGTS]

Thanks Viper Wizard!
Have you been to Germany? ("Wie gehts")
I do have a lot of corrosion on my wheels (used car, 99 GTS).
Up to now DC will not replace the wheels under warranty.
I am searching for more info related to the clear coat of the wheels...
Thanks again for your help!

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Dodge REPLACED the wheels on my 2000 RT/10.
They started to get blemishes and peel. I was told by the dealer this was a problem on "some" 2000 models only. Something to do with one of American Mag's plants. To tell you the truth I was surprised how easily they said OK to $5,000 worth of new wheels.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Wie gehts Markus,
Yes I have been to Germany, last time in 1995. My Mom is from Hildesheim. I have relatives and friends from Stutgart to Hamburg. I miss it-The Country,The people,The food,The BEER!

About your Wheels, they should be replaced under Warranty!!
Why dont you call the US Customer Relations #800-992-1997 with your VIN# and tell them that you where visiting your friend [ME

] Tator's Dodge and that I recommened you to call them about your wheels and if they wanted to talk to me about your car, they can! I'll explain Life to them! Maybe it will help? It would be my pleasure!

Auf Wiederhoeren,
CHUCK

PS: I printed out the pictures from your Webb site -- Sehr Gut!!

 

[Matt M PA]

I have real first-hand knowledge of the wheel situation for a newer Viper.

First, the wheels are made by "Prime", not American. I had the boxes to prove it.

Also, let me say that both Jarrett Dodge (local to me) and Woodhouse Dodge (my selling dealer) were most helpful. This in no way reflects on these professionals. They went to bat for me, and I truly appreciate it.

I found orange and black marks under the clearcoat on the wheels for my 2000 GTS. After seeing my local dealer, it was decided that they should to be replaced. I met with my local Zone Rep, twice, and he agreed to replace them.

New wheels came in, and while they are indeed much, much better, they are still lacking in quality in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful to have better wheels, but think that the quality is not up to what Fikse, Forgeline, etc, would provide for the same cost. Back to the story.

After seeing the "new" wheels. the Zone was contacted again by my local dealer, as the Service and Parts Managers agreed that these wheels were not what they should be. (A total of six were brought in, due to shipping damage.) I even asked if I was being "too critical"....they both said "no".

After waiting a couple months, I contacted Bob Woodhouse who got the word from DCX that there was nothing more that would be done, as the quality is "acceptable".

Neither my local dealer, or myself, was contacted as to DCX’s position. Even though they said we were. This started nearly 7 months ago.

The final outcome? DCX will allow any type of discoloration, or "defects", as long as they are not on the face of the wheel. Defects to the inside, or the lug holes ARE acceptable. Even if visible from the front. DCX rates the wheels in grades, and only the face of the wheel is Grade 1. The lug holes are Grade 2, the area behind the spokes, Grade 3. Sad part is, with the open design of Viper wheels, defects to the inside of the rim, or lug holes ARE most visible. With all due respect, is this the finish quality expected of a wheel for a car that costs $80,000?

Now, Prime makes wheels for the aftermarket too. If you go to a mag shop and look at $150 Prime wheels for a Honda, Hyundai, etc, it is finished front to back. Yet, a $1100 Viper wheel isn’t. Good luck Markus.

 

[ViperGTS]

Thank you ViperWizard!!!
When you visit Germany next time, don't miss to call me and we will have some fun with German beer....hicks!...etc
Thanks a lot for your help with DC - I will call US Customer Relations in USA and we will see...I called the German headquarter of DC in Berlin already and they were very very friendly, but the "zone technician" seems to be the problem.
Best regards,
Markus

 

[ViperGTS]

Hi Matt:
Thank you for your help! I will "fight" with DC for a replacement of the wheels under warranty...
Markus

 

[Viper Wizard]

Hi Markus,
I had a call from the DC's International Liaison to Europe[Ericka] very nice person! She said you called her and she was calling me to find out more about your Viper! We talked for a while and we both agree that they should be replaced! So she has sent a report/file the the DC office in Bruessel's. Then it will go to your Zone Office and then to the DM and then to your local Dealer! Hopefully this will help! Kept me posted!

Ein Prosit, Bier

Ja Ja Ja!!

Auf Wiederhoeren
VIPER WIZARD

 

[ViperGTS]

Chuck:
I called yesterday evening (Europe time) DC in USA (customer service) - it took me 5 minutes to talk to a person and not to a computer system (!) - but in the end a very nice "voice" wrote down my problems....Thanks to you!
DC Berlin just called me and told me that they received a file from the USA and Brussels (headquarter for Viper related things) and that the zone technician (South Bavaria) has to decide on the wheels replacement ...
I will keep you informed!
Markus