Need Some Maintenence Help with '95 1st GEN

OZ_Viper_Tag

Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 15, 2024
Posts
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Sydney Australia
Hey Guys, I have this '95 First gen viper, its pretty rough was found in japan and we had it imported over, seemed to have been abandoned or neglected for years and I have been restoring it slowly the car does have a subtle widebody which is really cool. I am located in Australia so its hard to get an understanding of this car down here as there is barely any in Oz, So thought i'd gain some insight here.

Q1. On the right headlight there is a huge gap between the light and the hood been searching for hours on the internet and forums to try find help but all the photos are not visible or their is just lack of info as this model is so old, so just curious on how to fix, any tips and pointers from fellow 1st Gen owners who have experienced this, i will include a photo below. (last photo it is really visible and its bugging me)

Q2. And i just need any pointers or tips on what to restore or focus on or keep an eye out on as i am in this project blind and so far has just been an electrical nightmare and now has a misfire which is in the process of getting fixed.

Thanks guys any help would be greatly appreciated
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 3.22.14 pm.png
    Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 3.22.14 pm.png
    1.1 MB · Views: 35
  • IMG_9932.jpg
    IMG_9932.jpg
    96 KB · Views: 36
  • 138DF66B-2325-4488-BB43-CDE9375DE9A4 2.JPG
    138DF66B-2325-4488-BB43-CDE9375DE9A4 2.JPG
    111 KB · Views: 33
  • Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 3.23.30 pm.png
    Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 3.23.30 pm.png
    1 MB · Views: 35
  • Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 3.34.01 pm.png
    Screenshot 2024-01-16 at 3.34.01 pm.png
    413.4 KB · Views: 35
Last edited:

maverickagm

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 9, 2023
Posts
81
Reaction score
38
Location
New Westminster
I'm not sure I quite understand your questions, but in terms of Q1, the gap on the right side of the hood is so you can slip your hand in and undo the hood latch. It's supposed to be there. But there is some sort of misalignment going on there. I can't tell if the driver's side of the hood is too high or if the bumper is sagging.
 

green_rt10

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 9, 2023
Posts
24
Reaction score
7
Location
On the computer
Glad to see this car being sorted! I'm new to Vipers, too, so I'm not much help. However, I did want to mention that panel gaps are generally tricky with these cars, and the headlights often show a gap between the lens and the corresponding cutout on the hood. These early cars were essentially hand built, which means they are prone to having some fit and finish issues.

Your car almost appears to have a cut-out on the lower edge of the hood (between the headlights, along the seam where the hood and fascia meet).

I've heard of folks having success re-adjusting the hood with shims, but this is said to be a tricky job. So, it might be worth getting the other stuff worked through. Get the car driving well and then tackle the cosmetic stuff.
 

redtanrt10

Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Posts
1,720
Reaction score
53
Location
Dana Point CA
Congratulations you new Viper.

I can see the hood sits higher on the drivers side, your pictures are dark and not close up so hard to really see the hood gaps. There is some good information on the viper owners website site in the Archive section.

Here's a link to a thread on hood adjustment. https://driveviperforums.com/forums/threads/13855-Hood-Gaps?highlight=hood

If you can connect with dave6666 from that site he has a wealth of knowledge hoods. Also, if you do more searching on that hood subject, '92-2002 all use the similar hods and adjust the same way

There are many things that you may need to be done, if you want restoration tips, ask for specific areas and you get a responses

Electronics are fairly simple and you need to purchase a set '92-'95 factory manuals, (see ebay or the various viper FB sites) that will provide you, or you mechanic great information on the electronics

Good luck!! Mike
 

GTSHolgi

Viper Owner
Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Posts
301
Reaction score
2
Location
Germany - Rheinland
Congrats on your Viper! Adjusting the gaps between the hood and the front fascia can be very tedious. Typically something you should plan some more time for, requires lots of patience, too (that's at least my experience). In my case, re-shimming did not lead to the result I was looking for. I actually had to modify some holes in a metal bracket to correct the position of fascia and get it level. This did the trick. Now I am happy with it and it is still in the right position after a few years.

One more thing you need to check are head gaskets. The early paper gaskets where prone to leak very quickly and need to be replaced by MLS gaskets. Also, if you don't know the history of the car (maintenance records) you should replace all fluids, plugs and plug cables.

Hope this helps and you enjoy the car!
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0372.JPG
    DSC_0372.JPG
    120.9 KB · Views: 5
  • DSC_0375.JPG
    DSC_0375.JPG
    130.1 KB · Views: 5

Badsnek

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 7, 2020
Posts
150
Reaction score
61
Location
Pennsylvania
If you still need information on how to adjust the bumper, hood, headlights, send me a message. I have some pictures with descriptions of what they do that a member on Facebook did for everyone. Nice ride!
 
Top