HOOD CHIPS

[BUSTEDKNUCKLE]

I bought my 94 about 6 months ago, it had around 7500 miles. The paint was near perfect with only a few flaws due to rock chips.It almost kills me to drive it anymore because every time I do I get another chip or two in the hood, rockers and wheel wells.I bought it to drive and enjoy but, I hate to see this happen to a near perfect car. Is this a common problem? and should I enjoy the car for what it is and drive it?

THANKS CURT

 

[eucharistos]

Is this a common problem?

both the chips and the reaction are common

painful too, like smile wrinkles & gray hairs but goes with

I bought it to drive and enjoy

enjoy

 

[01sapphirebob]

Same thing with my car. I had a pretty clean front end. I have got more than a few chips in my front end, hood, etc. now. I bought mine to drive it! It had 4200 miles on it the summer I got mine (july '05) and now I have over 15000 miles on it and its worth every little chip I have in it. Don't get me wrong I get frustrated everytime I find a new chip but I figure in ten years i'll just get the front end repainted and start over again.

 

[v10nut]

If your that worried about it, get a clear bra installed. 3M has a few different products for that. Then drive the hell out of her!

 

[Earl]

Enjoy your Viper. Chips can be repaired. The less I worry about things like that, the more I enjoy the overall experience of driving the world's best muscle car. IMHO.

 

[RTTTTed]

I use a Mopar front bra. Padded vinyl and it also keeps the caustic bug bodies off of my paint. I probably have a few rock chips, but they aren't obvious. I have 42,000miles on my Sapphire Viper. When/if I do collect rock chips I will repaint the nose as that's probably cheaper than a c;ear bra. One outfit in Texas makes Vinyl bras that are color matched to Viper paint codes.

Ted

 

[TAILWAG]

Just drive it and enjoy...a year later, if it is bad, simply repaint...drive some more and enjoy some more...

 

[RickViper]

I agree, just drive it, ENJOY IT... and fix it every year if you want.. but dont stop driving and feeling the power..

 

[AZTVR]

How big are the chips? I have used the Dr. ColorChip system with good results on small chips.

 

[BUSTEDKNUCKLE]

Thanks guys, It makes me feel better that everyone else has the same problem. I will just have to get used to it.

Curt

 

[texas_venom]

Why get used to it. Why not get a clear bra installed and stop worrying???

 

[TAILWAG]

Why get used to it. Why not get a clear bra installed and stop worrying???

He said he already has chips...can't get the bra over those...

I am not 100% sold on the bra personally...they look unglossy and on certain colors, simply not right...

 

[texas_venom]

He said he already has chips...can't get the bra over those...

I am not 100% sold on the bra personally...they look unglossy and on certain colors, simply not right...

Its all in the install and the film you use. A good quality film will have a glossy shine to it just like the paint and will not be noticable. And a good installer will hide the edges so that you cant see from 5 feet away its even on there.

I would touch up the chips and put the film on over it. It will at least keep you from getting any more.

 

[J&R3xV10]

my 08 already has some small chips the biggest problem seems to come from being behind other vipers... big tires throw many rocks. I look at it as a sign of enjoyment. anyone who has a viper with no chips w/o a bra must not have enjoyed their car so whats the point of haveing it???

 

[BUSTEDKNUCKLE]

I do have a bra for it, but I cant stand the way it looks. I will just have to live with it.

CURT

 

[dave6666]

I agree, just drive it, ENJOY IT... and fix it every year if you want.. but dont stop driving and feeling the power..

Yup. Drive it, paint it, drive it, paint it, drive it...

A vicious but rewarding cycle.

 

[Leslie]

Take your pick

Door #1- Perfect Diecast 1:1 Viper in your garage, maybe 2K miles on it to keep it that way

Door #2- Nice Viper that you actually DRIVE, feel the TORQUE, cruise around with your buddies
that STILL looks verrry nice

 

[dragon rider]

Trust me, I notice more chips after the first 2000 miles of driving the car. After putting another 11k on her in one year, it hasn't got much worst. Drive and enjoy. Chips = fun.