Gaps

[Need1]

Why is it that so many Vipers have gaps between the hood and the headlights? I've noticed more Vipers with that gap, than without...

 

[viprvenm]

I have only owned my Viper a little over a month. My gap is not bad at all, but if I understand it correctly I think the gap exists because the hoods are hand made? If this is correct it means that they all fit just a bit different unlike other hoods that are made on a production line. I may be wrong. Sounds decent though.

 

[carguy07]

I don't think the hoods are hand made, but the cars sure as heck are hand assembled. Look at all of the shims on these cars.

 

[NHL2133]

That's a good question, and one I've always wanted an answer to as well. My guess has always been that the gaps come from slight twisting in the hinges when the hood is not closed perfectly. Just a guess, anyone with first hand experience will give a much better answer I'm sure...

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

We all know Vipers arent the most perfect made vehicle b/c of the handmade factor. So, I was also leaning towards the hood gaps coming from the handmade characteristic of the Viper. Ofcourse, I'm sure some are from front end collision repairs that bodyshops could never get aligned.

 

[PDCjonny]

Do a search with the words "hood gap" in it, this has been discussed many times. The cars vary Viper to Viper, some are tight and some are over 1/2" or more. I had a 1/2" gap that always bugged me as it just looked wrong, but after fiddeling with the hood latches and rubber bumper I got it down to about 3/8" which is good by Viper standards. Some cars come out of the factory with an uneven gap when looking straight on.