LOUD has left the building

[Loud]

After 14 years of ownership and beautiful memories, my 96 GTS LOUD is no more. I met so many dear friends through this car, track events, autocrosses, coast to coast drives, the list is long.

The last event was the PCH bucket list event. Day 3 of our 7 day road trip, an older couple turned into oncoming traffic and there was no way for me to avoid them.

Started the trip bright an early on 19th Sept.

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6 vipers drove from Phoenix to CA.

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Was glad to find a ceramic pro shop very close to our hotel, to take care of the bugs and get the car ready for the PCH.

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The first leg was to San Simeon, CA, through some back roads.

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I collected some bunny dust on the way. I bet it tasted good ��. No damage, only dust on the clear bra.

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[Loud]

Morning of the 21st looked to be a good day, and we set off to have breakfast somewhere outside the hotel we were staying at.

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Unfortunately, that was the last good pic I took of the car. At 8:50 am PT, just 3 miles from the hotel, an older couple tried to avoid a car waiting to turn left on a single lane and turned into oncoming traffic. The best I could do was to avoid a head on collision.

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Where things went from starting a beautiful day to a nightmare.

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It was painful. Both me and my wife are still dealing with pain in the neck and going to physical therapy. She was hurt worse, as I had stiffened up seeing what was happening, but she was unaware until I started screaming the F word.

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The ever reliable Eddie helped me tow it back to Phoenix and dropped it off at Mike’s to start analyzing the damage and required repair.

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But with the frame damage revealed, we knew it was going to be tough to get insurance to fix it.

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And that is what happened. Insurance would not fix the car and considered it a total. We even sourced a hood for a good price, which was the big ticket item, but things added up and was a no-go to bring it back to life.

Good bye, old friend. You will never be forgotten.

The toughest part of the process was just starting, with them giving me a low ball offer for the street value. I gave them all the paperwork and receipts of work done to the car, which was over $30k. Mercury Insurance was the other guys insurance and they would not go over the initial low ball offer. Surprisingly, they also said they would not take care of me like they would their own customer and to go with my own insurance so I can get a better settlement and they will pay my insurance whatever that value is since the necessary analysis on the agreed upon street value would be submitted to Mercury.

I went with my insurance and settled on Nov 19.

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But wait, there is more….

While the negotiations were on-going, I started looking at a replacement. Thoughts of R8 V10s, Astons, 911 Turbos came to mind, but none of those would fill the gap. My heart is with the Viper and the one Viper I always wanted to add to my GTS was the OTA with H/C package. I started looking online and in the 5 weeks it took to arrive at a settlement with the insurance, I saw 3 stock OTA’s come up for sale and sell instantly. I was bummed, it wasn’t meant to be.

During this time I saw this thread by outnumbered, Ron, about his 900 mile TA at Vengeance racing and how excited he was about getting it back soon. I thought to myself, “This is it. The OTA with H/C package and other goodies, exactly what I want”. I wondered if I could make him a good offer to sell the car.

There was some final adjustments needed to the settlement discussion, and I figured it would take 2 weeks to wrap it up. Just then, I saw Ron post that he found his dream car, the carbon TA and this OTA may go up for sale. I pinged him instantly, told him about my situation and requested him to hold the car for 2 weeks. And he did, without us even agreeing on a price. Right about here, things started looking good.

Nov 19: Settled with Insurance, spoke to Ron and instantly connected with his passion and enthusiasm, stand up guy.
Nov 20: Got finances figured out
Nov 21: Wire transferred the $, no PPI, no Carfax, no one checked the car, but I knew it had to be perfect
Nov 22: Very long day
Nov 23: 2am flight to Charlotte

[Loud]

The PPF on the hood was yet to be applied, and Ron worked with his installer to speed track it for me. Everything was moving so fast, and I just could not stop the itch of picking up the car. Ron picked me up at the airport and we drove straight to the shop.

The car was pristine. Took my breath away. Only 1170 miles on the car.

How do you make a FGT disappear, park an OTA next to it ��

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Just look at it;

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The bad part of this was weather; it was pouring like crazy. We drove to Ron’s house to swap out his custom [looked fantastic] wheels with the SW II’s, gathered the car cover, title, framed window sticker, and headed out on my way.

I was going to drive the car 2200 miles to Phoenix, literally tripling the mileage. That is how I preferred to do it, learn the car along the way. And folks who know me, know that I drive my cars a lot and this would be no exception. And at some point, it would surely see rain, just wasn’t expecting it on the day I picked it up :/.

Drove in constant downpour to Atlanta. Stayed with a friend and started early to head to Dallas.

In Love:

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Veterans museum, somewhere in Alabama.

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A good drive to Dallas, first impressions were how comfortable the car was. Big leap from the Gen II for sure and as expected. The power is amazing. It is a beast and pulls like a freight train. The rumble is addicting. It is loud, but so different from my Gen II. This shakes the entire house with the rumble, while the Gen II was just obnoxiously loud. I will surely miss the ear popping deceleration noises the Gen II made.

1080 miles coming up and another dark but early start out of Dallas. Caught the sunrise in the middle of nowhere in Texas.

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Made some good time from Dallas to Phoenix and home before dinner. Glad to have had the full front wrapped and made it back without any issues. Well, small issue with PPF peeling, due to driving in rain right after install, but the paint is safe.

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Bath right away.

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And back to being clean.

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I can’t thank Ron enough for all the help during this entire process and even after. I am happy to say I made a good friend.

Few immediate things planned are;
- Remove existing PPF
- Full paint correction
- Full body PPF [for how much I drive, and crazy AZ chips, this is a must]
- Ceramic coating
- Tires [only 3500 miles on these, but they are 6 years old]. I may go with the Corsa’s that are coming back in stock this week. I have my Gen II BBS wheels, which if they fit, I will get R888R’s for track use
- Remember to open fuel door before walking out to pump. I’ve filled fuel probably 2 dozen times and never once remembered I have to now open the door from inside, lol

Some not too far away plans;
- New tune from Torrie [Ron gave me this contact]
- Catless, perhaps

So, that is it my friends. I am a very happy camper now. The car has surpassed all my expectations, and Ron was fantastic to deal with.

2014 Orange TA, 3500 miles, Vengeance Racing H/C package, ARH goodies, and more, and still smelling new.

[98intrigue]

Great read! Sorry to see what happened to your Gen 2, but glad to read the happy ending. I couldn’t believe how quickly everything worked out for Ron (finding a buyer for the OTA and seller for the AC). Happy to see the car go to another great enthusiast! What better way to break in the car than to drive it across the country. I’m biased since I drove my old OTA 2500 miles across the county as well - nothing like it!

[Scott_in_fl]

Sorry and Congrats!!! Beautiful car. Probably no better color on Gen V's. Stryker purple maybe a very close tie???

[GreenVenom]

Nice that it all worked out!! I’ve seen your car and plate somewhere over the last 11 years, maybe a VOI or NVE? Tail of the Dragon? :cool:

[BlknBlu]

What a great story, minus the injuries to you and your wife and the unfortunate demise of another GEN II Coupe. You have the next iconic Viper now.

Bruce

[Arizona Vipers]

Man that sucks dude!!!! Welcome to the Gen 5 forum, and congrats on the badass car you just bought!

[RacerJRP]

Shame to see the Gen2 end up like that. Excellent choice on the new Viper; great looking car!

[stradman]

Congrats on that lovely TA. Looks gorgeous!

[outnumbered]

Anil, that might have been the fastest deal ever for both of us! If we could have only started talking a couple of weeks sooner, I could have had the car tuned for the 91 octane that you have out west. However, I look forward to seeing what Torrie can do, along with a different dyno. The Vengeance dyno is known to have lower readings than most. So I can't wait to hear what it pulls on a different dyno. I told you it was strong:).

I have to say, the car could not have gone to a more passionate buyer. This was a great transaction, which resulted with a new friendship.

[Loud]

Nice that it all worked out!! I’ve seen your car and plate somewhere over the last 11 years, maybe a VOI or NVE? Tail of the Dragon? :cool:

TOTD. I’ve done that trip 5 years in a row, when I lived in Chicago. Chicago - DC - Blue ridge parkway - TOTD, Cherahola, etc; - Chicago. ~3500 smiles

[Loud]

Anil, that might have been the fastest deal ever for both of us! If we could have only started talking a couple of weeks sooner, I could have had the car tuned for the 91 octane that you have out west. However, I look forward to seeing what Torrie can do, along with a different dyno. The Vengeance dyno is known to have lower readings than most. So I can't wait to hear what it pulls on a different dyno. I told you it was strong:).

I have to say, the car could not have gone to a more passionate buyer. This was a great transaction, which resulted with a new friendship.

Thank you brother, it indeed was. Thank you also for trusting me and holding it for me. Couldn’t be happier.

I’ll certainly keep you posted on new power gains.

[Fatboy 18]

Really sorry to see the GTS Bite the dust :(

Good luck with the Orange Satsuma

[Mark1107]

I hope you and your wife’s bodies and souls heal.

Having said that, congratulations on the OTA!

If I ever can afford a 3rd Viper it will be an OTA.

Cheers and happy thanksgiving!

Mark

[Loud]

I hope you and your wife’s bodies and souls heal.

Having said that, congratulations on the OTA!

If I ever can afford a 3rd Viper it will be an OTA.

Cheers and happy thanksgiving!

Mark

Thanks Mark, happy thanksgiving to you and your family too.

A

[Martyb]

I got to see this beautiful machine yesterday, it looks better than new. I could start it and listen to the idle all day long! Oh, and it pulls like a freight train! I know you will miss the 96, but the new one will make the transition much easier :)

Well done brother, congrats again!

[Bruce H.]

Sad story...but with a great ending! Wishing you guys a speedy recovery and many new happy memories with the TA!

Bruce

[LifeIsGood]

Congrats Anil...see you soon!

[mikesax]

Hoping you and your wife get better quickly! Your new TA is gorgeous-good luck and enjoy!

[swexlin]

Sorry to read there is one less Gen2 in the world. But I guess it is a happy ending - welcome to Gen 5 ownership. At only 1200 miles that car begs to be driven. I'm one to talk - mine hasn't been out of the garage in 6 weeks, and I'm not sure when it will be, as winter is here now.

Congrats!

[ViperNC]

Loud - What an amazing turn of events. Sorry to hear about the Gen2 loss, but you clearly landed on your feet with a great story to tell. You want to hear how small our world is? I was literally at Atlantic Custom Wraps this Wednesday AM where your Viper had the hood wrapped. Their shop is about 10 minutes from my house. Michael was telling me about an Orange TA which came in and the guy was planning on driving back to AZ. That custom ordered Ford GT was still in the shop and man that car was awesome. The Orange TA definitely made the Porsche GT3RS disappear, but I might have to disagree on the Ford GT:
40860
40863
Congrats on the purchase of your new Viper TA and enjoy the extra HP!

[ACR-ISH]

Congrats! What an amazing car! It's amazing to see cars disappear from one member and reappear as another member begins their story. There are almost ZERO sad endings here because they almost always seem to end up in an amazing story of a new snake in the garage. LOVE IT!

[Fatboy 18]

Loud - What an amazing turn of events. Sorry to hear about the Gen2 loss, but you clearly landed on your feet with a great story to tell. You want to hear how small our world is? I was literally at Atlantic Custom Wraps this Wednesday AM where your Viper had the hood wrapped. Their shop is about 10 minutes from my house. Michael was telling me about an Orange TA which came in and the guy was planning on driving back to AZ. That custom ordered Ford GT was still in the shop and man that car was awesome. The Orange TA definitely made the Porsche GT3RS disappear, but I might have to disagree on the Ford GT:
40860
40863
Congrats on the purchase of your new Viper TA and enjoy the extra HP!

That Ford Needs some TA Orange.....I mean, Gulf Racing Stripes ;)

[outnumbered]

Loud - What an amazing turn of events. Sorry to hear about the Gen2 loss, but you clearly landed on your feet with a great story to tell. You want to hear how small our world is? I was literally at Atlantic Custom Wraps this Wednesday AM where your Viper had the hood wrapped. Their shop is about 10 minutes from my house. Michael was telling me about an Orange TA which came in and the guy was planning on driving back to AZ. That custom ordered Ford GT was still in the shop and man that car was awesome. The Orange TA definitely made the Porsche GT3RS disappear, but I might have to disagree on the Ford GT:
40860
40863
Congrats on the purchase of your new Viper TA and enjoy the extra HP!

You're right Blake, that GT was stunning. That is the first one I have seen in person, and I was just awestruck.

[Vipes]

Great post, enjoyed reading it. Sorry to hear about the gen II but I don't think you're looking back now with the new OTA, very nice and congrats!!

[white out]

Glad that you two are okay after that crash. Congrats on going from the best color GEN2 to the best GEN5.

[GTS-E]

Thank you for sharing your story, both the ups and the downs. We will be in town next weekend and hope we get to see the new one! It looks amazing! Very excited for you.

[Loud]

Loud - What an amazing turn of events. Sorry to hear about the Gen2 loss, but you clearly landed on your feet with a great story to tell. You want to hear how small our world is? I was literally at Atlantic Custom Wraps this Wednesday AM where your Viper had the hood wrapped. Their shop is about 10 minutes from my house. Michael was telling me about an Orange TA which came in and the guy was planning on driving back to AZ. That custom ordered Ford GT was still in the shop and man that car was awesome. The Orange TA definitely made the Porsche GT3RS disappear, but I might have to disagree on the Ford GT:
40860
40863
Congrats on the purchase of your new Viper TA and enjoy the extra HP!

Small world indeed, Blake, that is a stunning car. The two tone black and white interior was awesome. The owner apparently wanted the entire bottom of car PPFd

[Loud]

I got to see this beautiful machine yesterday, it looks better than new. I could start it and listen to the idle all day long! Oh, and it pulls like a freight train! I know you will miss the 96, but the new one will make the transition much easier :)

Well done brother, congrats again!

Marty, a Gen V in your near future too hopefully. The B/W in Gilbert is calling for you.



Thank you for sharing your story, both the ups and the downs. We will be in town next weekend and hope we get to see the new one! It looks amazing! Very excited for you.

See you next week, Mike! Looking forward to the party, though we can’t stay too late.

[1ststrike]

Hi Anil,
Sorry to hear about your car but glad to hear you are ok!!!. Looks like you made a great choice. You will love that Gen V. Really miss you at our events. Glad to hear you are still enjoying a Viper.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Mark Schumann

[SRT BILL]

Great story with an awesome ending. Enjoy that OTA and hope your wife has a speedy recovery.

[Drummerviper]

Agree great story and excellent ending. I always wanted a silver/blue Viper but never had one. I ordered the GT in that combo.

[Loud]

Glad that you two are okay after that crash. Congrats on going from the best color GEN2 to the best GEN5.

Thanks, Nick. How are you bud?


Hi Anil,
Sorry to hear about your car but glad to hear you are ok!!!. Looks like you made a great choice. You will love that Gen V. Really miss you at our events. Glad to hear you are still enjoying a Viper.

Happy Thanksgiving!!
Mark Schumann

Thanks Mark, miss you guys too. I will plan to stop by the monthly meets one of these months. Hope you guys have a new place figured out. Happy thanksgiving!

A

[Loud]

Agree great story and excellent ending. I


Great pair, drummer. Your message however is truncated. Appears to be an issue with using an apostrophe.

[ViperNC]

That Ford Needs some TA Orange.....I mean, Gulf Racing Stripes ;)

Felix Sabates owns one of the limited edition Gulf cars displayed in his dealership, but I think this custom ordered car is prettier.


You're right Blake, that GT was stunning. That is the first one I have seen in person, and I was just awestruck.

I told Michael that I rarely have to take a photo of someone else's car, but no exceptions could be made on this one.


Small world indeed, Blake, that is a stunning car. The two tone black and white interior was awesome. The owner apparently wanted the entire bottom of car PPFd

The PPF underneath the doors makes sense as you can see it when you open the door. I don't know if he did other areas under the car. Maybe the carbon front splitter and rear diffuser?


Agree great story and excellent ending. I always wanted a silver/blue Viper but never had one. I ordered the GT in that combo.

I'm happy to be your new friend to help you drive either one of your GT's! :drive:

[theviper]

Anil,
Sorry to hear about LOUD. I remember it fondly in Chicago. Glad to hear you and you wife are "okay". Whiplash injuries are tough. We see patients with chronic whiplash years after the MVA. Make sure to stay aggressive on treatment. OTA looks great!

Interesting side note, the FGT and Gen V are both painted by Prefix. So they are kind of like brothers...or cousins!

[Loud]

Anil,
Sorry to hear about LOUD. I remember it fondly in Chicago. Glad to hear you and you wife are "okay". Whiplash injuries are tough. We see patients with chronic whiplash years after the MVA. Make sure to stay aggressive on treatment. OTA looks great!

Interesting side note, the FGT and Gen V are both painted by Prefix. So they are kind of like brothers...or cousins!

Thanks brother. Didn't realize whiplash could last that long. Yikes!

[TrackAire]

Agree great story and excellent ending. I always wanted a silver/blue Viper but never had one. I ordered the GT in that combo.

Drummerviper,
That is by far my favorite color combo that I've seen on a NFGT. Congrats!!