Taking a Beating - 2015 Dodge Viper GT Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.comEdmunds.com Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,316
edited January 2016 in Dodge
imageTaking a Beating - 2015 Dodge Viper GT Long-Term Road Test

The paint on the front end of our 2015 Dodge Viper is taking a beating. Hopefully the damage is just limited to the clearcoat.

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Comments

  • longtimelurkerlongtimelurker Member Posts: 455
    Why would it show up as white if it's only down through the clear?

    Car has white primer - it's down to the primer, or if this is FRP, it's all the way down to that.
  • subatomicsubatomic Member Posts: 140
    If the buffing and detailing don't work, the front end might need a re-spray and perhaps some clear plastic film to protect the paint. This type of wear can be a source of heartache. If your car is not protected by a nose mask or protective film, then it is at risk for being assaulted by road debris unfortunately.
  • dgcamerodgcamero Member Posts: 148
    If the (I'm assuming) dual action buffer compounding, polishing, and waxing doesn't do the trick, then you guys should pick up a Dr. Colorchip kit. It isn't as good as a respray, but it is a good 90% improvement...and the chips are going to reoccur if the car isn't clear filmed.
  • cjasiscjasis Member Posts: 274
    And every PPF film installer in S. California just let out a collective cheer! Sadly, paint aint what it used to be and PPF (aka clear bra) is your best bet. Just a shame you have to spend several thousand $ to keep your investment looking good with the condition of our roads and the quality of the paint being used.
  • longtimelurkerlongtimelurker Member Posts: 455
    cjasis said:

    And every PPF film installer in S. California just let out a collective cheer! Sadly, paint aint what it used to be and PPF (aka clear bra) is your best bet. Just a shame you have to spend several thousand $ to keep your investment looking good with the condition of our roads and the quality of the paint being used.

    You can get the whole front clip done for a thousand bucks. This car is what, $120k? And when you sell or trade it, it'll be worth at least 3 grand more because you have the PPF on it.

    I don't see the issue.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited January 2016
    cjasis said:

    Sadly, paint aint what it used to be

    I agree - paint's a whole lot better than it used to be.
  • cjasiscjasis Member Posts: 274
    longtimelurker said:

    cjasis said:

    And every PPF film installer in S. California just let out a collective cheer! Sadly, paint aint what it used to be and PPF (aka clear bra) is your best bet. Just a shame you have to spend several thousand $ to keep your investment looking good with the condition of our roads and the quality of the paint being used.

    You can get the whole front clip done for a thousand bucks. This car is what, $120k? And when you sell or trade it, it'll be worth at least 3 grand more because you have the PPF on it.

    I don't see the issue.
    Not in Southern California where a proer, seamless PPF treatment on the bumper, hood and fenders is substantially and I mean substantially more than that. And the point is, you just spent $120,000... now you need to spend more. But I guess being blasé about that is easy when it's not your money.
  • allthingshondaallthingshonda Member Posts: 878
    edited January 2016
    I guess Chrysler doesn't do the same testing for paint chips as Ford
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYL8Zy5-Lv8
  • mypathy2001mypathy2001 Member Posts: 18
    edited January 2016
    cjasis said:


    Not in Southern California where a proer, seamless PPF treatment on the bumper, hood and fenders is substantially and I mean substantially more than that. And the point is, you just spent $120,000... now you need to spend more. But I guess being blasé about that is easy when it's not your money.

    This. While I don't live in Southern California, recently made a new car purchase late last year (Pilot, see my other posts in the LT blog) and thought about a clear bra. Anywhere from $900-$2,000 for the front of the car and top portion of the hood.

    I'm sure throwing down a grand is nothing to the internet, but for me I was surprised at the cost of it all. I may eventually have it done or might even try some of it myself, but the mark up is huge. I understand it's a complete pain in the rear, but the cost of a clear bra installation is certainly not insignificant. Within my first two weeks of ownership had a rock chip in the large first chrome bar of the grill. Fun times.

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