Considering A SSR

[ssrman42]

I'm really interested in purchasing a SSR to replace my Vette that I just sold.

The one concern I have are replacement parts unique to the SSR going forward. A friend on mine told me that manufacturers generally only supply parts for 10 yrs after the model year.

Would like to know your thoughts on his comment and also indicate whether there are after market suppliers that can fill this possible void going forward.

Many thanks!

[SSRDen]

Look....let me tell you something, buddy (as I point my finger)! Go get the SSR now! I had two great Vettes and loved them, but there's something about this SSR thing. You won't regret it for a second. I worried about the parts thing and since purchasing my SSR, it hasn't crossed my mind once. That "many thanks" thing you wrote will turn into "God bless you for helping me make the decision in getting my new SSR, I love you all for helping me do this, you just made my life even more perfect, geez.. everything is great now!"

PS...I'm having a little fun here, but trust me. I've had some great cars, but my SSR beats them all for fun and excitement. The support here is the best you'll find anywhere.
The people here are there for you with any problem.

[CJ]

Like SSRDen said, lots of knowledge here and alot of help on anything and even a SSR Parts Exchange thread that works great

Cant go wrong w an SSR and it is now my daily driver

[SSX]

I had the same concerns before I bought mine and still do to some extent, espcially concerning the top. Until a reapir is needed, I'm not going to worry about it. I've enjoyed it now for 3 months and absolutely love it.

BTE, I don't miss my Vettes at all (had 24 of them over the years).

[twooldfarmers]

I agree with everyone here.

I have had a laundry list of 'special' cars over the last 40 years and the SSR is first and foremost very unique. I have never been chased or hounded by people in the way I have since purchasing the R.

Vettes and Camaros and the likes are truly a dime a dozen no matter where you go on this continent.

The R is also rather versatile in that it is a truck after all. It will pull and it will haul.

It can be made to seriously haul arse also if that is of some importance to you. I would suggest a 6.0 litre model unless you intend on stepping on the motor once you purchase it as the 5.3 needs massaging to move 4800 pounds with any sort of authority. There is no milage penalty with the larger motor as the 5.3 is kept rather busy moving the heft built into the stout frame and body structure of the R.

The SSR family you have found here will get you through the purchase, maintainence and any difficulties that may beset you.

By and large they are pretty reliable and the few weak spots that they have are well documentated here and can be headed off by addressing them as you would a regular maintanence schedule. None of them are expensive repairs or parts and can be largely performed in your driveway.

No worries mate.

[Quest]

It will consume your life! You will spend hours on this forum. You will be obsessed with finding the ultimate polish/wax. You will research replacement tires until you see tread paterns in your dreams. You will wait in ambush until someone asks you why you didn't buy "the convertible" version, so you can demonstrate the "transformer top". You will sneak to the garage to sneak a peek just to assure yourself that it does indeed, belong to you. A trip to the Mike's Simple Engineering web site will result in instant paranoia, thinking "I can't hit the road without all of these great upgrades". If you tour, meeting all of the great SSR owners will skew your version of humanity leaving you thinking that ALL people are as great as these people. You will not picture yourself buckling yourself into a truck, but rather the cockpit of an airplane. Finally if you manage to cope with all of the above, you will be proud to own a "driveable" unique vehicle and the phrase "I've never seen one of those before" will be music to your ears. On a minor note, once you get into your 70's you will still be able to get in and out of the seat.

[twooldfarmers]

these are the 'dangers' in owning an R, be prepared ....

Originally Posted by Quest

It will consume your life! You will spend hours on this forum. You will be obsessed with finding the ultimate polish/wax. You will research replacement tires until you see tread paterns in your dreams. You will wait in ambush until someone asks you why you didn't buy "the convertible" version, so you can demonstrate the "transformer top". You will sneak to the garage to sneak a peek just to assure yourself that it does indeed, belong to you. A trip to the Mike's Simple Engineering web site will result in instant paranoia, thinking "I can't hit the road without all of these great upgrades". If you tour, meeting all of the great SSR owners will skew your version of humanity leaving you thinking that ALL people are as great as these people. You will not picture yourself buckling yourself into a truck, but rather the cockpit of an airplane. Finally if you manage to cope with all of the above, you will be proud to own a "driveable" unique vehicle and the phrase "I've never seen one of those before" will be music to your ears. On a minor note, once you get into your 70's you will still be able to get in and out of the seat.

[DOOPHUS]

WELCOME, SSRMan . . . fron Southern Arizona.

My SSR, aka: The DOOPHUS, turns 7 in a few months and I wouldn't consider trading it for anything . . . parts or no parts.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

! ! ! ! ! !

[mike in orlando]

Originally Posted by Quest

It will consume your life! You will spend hours on this forum. You will be obsessed with finding the ultimate polish/wax. You will research replacement tires until you see tread paterns in your dreams. You will wait in ambush until someone asks you why you didn't buy "the convertible" version, so you can demonstrate the "transformer top". You will sneak to the garage to sneak a peek just to assure yourself that it does indeed, belong to you. A trip to the Mike's Simple Engineering web site will result in instant paranoia, thinking "I can't hit the road without all of these great upgrades". If you tour, meeting all of the great SSR owners will skew your version of humanity leaving you thinking that ALL people are as great as these people. You will not picture yourself buckling yourself into a truck, but rather the cockpit of an airplane. Finally if you manage to cope with all of the above, you will be proud to own a "driveable" unique vehicle and the phrase "I've never seen one of those before" will be music to your ears. On a minor note, once you get into your 70's you will still be able to get in and out of the seat.

Don't do it - You might buy two or more of them But it sure is FUN

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Quest

It will consume your life! You will spend hours on this forum. You will be obsessed with finding the ultimate polish/wax. You will research replacement tires until you see tread paterns in your dreams. You will wait in ambush until someone asks you why you didn't buy "the convertible" version, so you can demonstrate the "transformer top". You will sneak to the garage to sneak a peek just to assure yourself that it does indeed, belong to you. A trip to the Mike's Simple Engineering web site will result in instant paranoia, thinking "I can't hit the road without all of these great upgrades". If you tour, meeting all of the great SSR owners will skew your version of humanity leaving you thinking that ALL people are as great as these people. You will not picture yourself buckling yourself into a truck, but rather the cockpit of an airplane. Finally if you manage to cope with all of the above, you will be proud to own a "driveable" unique vehicle and the phrase "I've never seen one of those before" will be music to your ears. On a minor note, once you get into your 70's you will still be able to get in and out of the seat.

All so Very Very True. You will Love it

[ibjeff]

Originally Posted by mike in orlando

Don't do it - You might buy two or more of them But it sure is FUN
Attachment 113914

Attachment 113915

Just do it I am a 64 Vette owner and a ZR1 Vette owner.....I am on my 3rd SSR Its just a great feeling vehicle...you will get what we call your "PERMAGRIN"...you will not regret!!!!!!

[ppfttr]

Do not hesitate. My SSR is a blast to drive.


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[ssrman42]

Thanks for all the encouragement!

When purchasing besides the normal check point/issues to look for (such as oil leaks, tires, paint, damage,etc) what are the unique items one should check. And, what are the must haves as far as options are concerned?

[SSRNoir]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim G's e-book "The SSR Experience"

I bought my Black after reading Jim's book. Worth every penny to make sure you know your SSR. Mine is a daily driver and I truly love it...and the Fanatics you will meet are amazing!

[ttarob]

speaking as a car collector, I have 6 collector type vehicle including the SSR Trans Am's Corvette, the R is the best one for cruising around and long distance trips, fun to drive, lots of storage place, fun to drive, killer looks, fun to drive, handles great, fun to drive .... did I mention they are fun to drive ??? The people you will meet... I can't say enough great things !!! plus if you are worried about the PARTS thing ... DON'T ..... the people on this forum will find a needle in a hay stack !!! there is only one down side ... well for me ... not being able to get to all the SSR events !!

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by ttarob

speaking as a car collector, I have 6 collector type vehicle including the SSR Trans Am's Corvette, the R is the best one for cruising around and long distance trips, fun to drive, lots of storage place, fun to drive, killer looks, fun to drive, handles great, fun to drive .... did I mention they are fun to drive ??? The people you will meet... I can't say enough great things !!! plus if you are worried about the PARTS thing ... DON'T ..... the people on this forum will find a needle in a hay stack !!! there is only one down side ... well for me ... not being able to get to all the SSR events !!

And don't forget.... It is FUN TO DRIVE

and Blue is the fastest

[James Dean]

Of all the cars I've had the SSR is the most fun on four wheels I have ever owned , someone will come up with parts so far no problem

[Cash]

Originally Posted by ssrman42

Thanks for all the encouragement!

When purchasing besides the normal check point/issues to look for (such as oil leaks, tires, paint, damage,etc) what are the unique items one should check. And, what are the must haves as far as options are concerned?

Options: Depends on what year you are looking at, the earlier the less you have to consider. With exception, all model years had the following options which I would call dealer add ons and if they aren't with the vehicle you can readily find them, price ranging from about $100-$300 each:
CTD - Cargo net
C44 - Cockpit windbreak
E80 - Soft Saddle bags
RAE - Hard Cargo Bags
VR4 - Hitch Insert

MY2003 through MY2005 had 1SA (basic finish) and 1SB (deluxe finish) which added heated seats, 6 CD Bose stereo, Homelink mirror, engine cover insert.

2003 - Options basically were boards and carpeted cargo. Console gauges and chrome wheels did not come available until mid 2004.

2004 - Chrome wheels, boards, console gauges and carpeted cargo were the main options.
Chrome wheels and gauges were available mid year (built after about 4/2004)

2005 - First year of the 6L LS2 motor and the 6sp manual was offered as an option, then the usual options, chrome wheels, boards, gauges, carpeted cargo. Body colour boards and gauges were introduced as an option, although satin were still available as well through MY2006.

2006 - Introduced the 1SS, 2SS & 3SS models. The Chrome Package became available part way into the year, giving chrome in all areas previously sporting satin trim finish.

I think that covers most things in general.

[turnheadz]

Originally Posted by DOOPHUS

WELCOME, SSRMan . . . fron Southern Arizona.

My SSR, aka: The DOOPHUS, turns 7 in a few months and I wouldn't consider trading it for anything . . . parts or no parts.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

! ! ! ! ! !

This June will be 7 years since we bought ours (new) and I wouldn't sell it for a million trillion dollars , and that includes trading it for one with the big engine.
Don't worry about parts

[ssrman42]

Couple of additional questions. As I was researching reviews that were conducted by certain auto mags...read that the noise levels are quite high with top up...please comment. And if levels are high is there any corrective action that can be taken?

Read that each SSR came with a top tool (in glove box) and air compressor (where is this located)...are there any additional items that should be with the SSR so when I'm looking I can validate that they are indeed there??

Many thanks!

[BlueStreak]

Top tool should be in the glove box or console and the compressor should be behind the driver's seat in an enclosure. Open it (two wing nuts) to make sure it is there.

[mike s]

Just go buy one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did.. If you are missing something, you can find it on ebay or on the ssrfanatic site.

Mike

[SSRDen]

[QUOTE=ssrman42;1048396]Couple of additional questions. As I was researching reviews that were conducted by certain auto mags...read that the noise levels are quite high with top up...please comment. And if levels are high is there any corrective action that can be take?


In my Tahoe.....the noise level is so darn quiet. If my SSR was that quiet I wouldn't like it a bit. I'M LIVING THE LIFE OF A HOT ROD DORK AND I NEED MORE COWBELL! Not once have I mentioned a concern about the noise level of the SSR with the top secured to windshield. Never crossed my mind, so I guess it hasn't been an issue.

[DOOPHUS]

Originally Posted by ssrman42

Couple of additional questions. As I was researching reviews that were conducted by certain auto mags...read that the noise levels are quite high with top up...please comment. And if levels are high is there any corrective action that can be taken?

Many thanks!

Top up, SSRMan? . . . why would you drive an SSR with the top up?

Also, if it is too noisy . . . crank up the volume on the radio.

Noise problem solved.

! ! ! ! ! !

[Rte66SSR]

Last year I was crunched in the right rear quarter panel by a car going about 30 mph. Drove me into a curb on the left side of the truck.

Rear end replaced, right rear quarter panel replaced. Dealer's body shop did all the work. Took about a month.

No problem.

[hdflstf]

[quote=SSRDen;1048493]

Originally Posted by ssrman42

Couple of additional questions. As I was researching reviews that were conducted by certain auto mags...read that the noise levels are quite high with top up...please comment. And if levels are high is there any corrective action that can be take?


In my Tahoe.....the noise level is so darn quiet. If my SSR was that quiet I wouldn't like it a bit. I'M LIVING THE LIFE OF A HOT ROD DORK AND I NEED MORE COWBELL! Not once have I mentioned a concern about the noise level of the SSR with the top secured to windshield. Never crossed my mind, so I guess it hasn't been an issue.

SSR is so smooth and quiet. Of course that's compared to me '72 K2500 daily driver.

[ZoomAddict]

Originally Posted by ssrman42

...read that the noise levels are quite high with top up...please comment. And if levels are high is there any corrective action that can be taken?

Have you ridden in an SSR? It isn't that loud, especially when compared to other convertibles.

I took the direct approach already mentioned: Installed a sound system one would be hard pressed to hear -any- ambient noise over. Not because of the noise though. Was not happy with the sound the OEM Bose setup, especially with the top down.

But, if this really is a concern, the SSR actually can be made quieter when the top is up ssrman. There are threads here (search on "road noise") about insulating the top compartment (which does help), the top panels, the doors (which helps the sound of the OEM stereo, don't know if it lowers the road noise much), insulate the floorboards, etc.

You can also eliminate most of the road noise by keeping an insulator in the right place when the top is up (but whatever is used must be removed before lowering the top). I remember reading something about a custom made pillows made for this purpose, don't know if they are being sold by a Fanatic but it would be easy enough to make them or find them at Walmart/etc.