The Next Generation of SSRs

[Frank Henson]

I like the idea of the Rocker Panels or Running Boards being an intragul part of the Fenders but I hope they have considered upgrading to an independant rear suspension. As we all know when you are driving over uneven travel surfaces the Cab of the Truck gets Tweeked. This is due to the Cab and Body being all one body. Therefore Tweeking with the Frame movement. Installing the independent rear suspension and upgrading to a little stiffer frame would be a Great improvement in handeling and a smoother Ride. Not to mention the metal fatigue that would be elemenated.

Just my thoughts on the subject. Frank

[Mr Yat]

Hum, I have a whole bunch of dual tips if anyone is interested in modifying their rear valence. 304 S/S and Chrome Plated. 2.25" inlet which can be expanded and 3" outlets. Any takers???

[Jgrden]

Those tips are nice looking.

[JAustin]

I'd seen most of these images about a year ago; someone (maybe Marc NY?) had posted them individually; i.e., not as slides from a powerpoint deck.

I'm a Fanatic for keeping my SSR's stock (well, except for the iPod interfaces in the glove box and Mike in AZ's air dams), but I would almost kill to replace my running boards with the '07 rockers! I'm too tall to need the boards getting into the vehicles, and too short to land my foot on the ground when getting out, without rubbing my leg or pants against the board.

I agree that the new wheel design is blah, and don't care much about the other mods, one way or the other. And I would've hated to see the SSR lose its "grin."

[fretdoc]

GM just a nnounced a new Pontiac Firebird model which is a born again El Camino. GTO front and pickup back. It will be V8 powered and made in Australia. It will not be called ElCamino but name has not been locked in.

It is interesting that the SSR is not even mentioned in the press release that I saw or the article in todays LA Times.

If the SSR was such a disaster, I wonder why GM is going the car/pickup route again. Maybe they learned to market a vehicle like this from the
SSR mistakes.

Ford when contacted, says they have no plans for such a vehicle

[Marc NY]

Originally Posted by fretdoc

GM just a nnounced a new Pontiac Firebird model which is a born again El Camino. GTO front and pickup back. It will be V8 powered and made in Australia. It will not be called ElCamino but name has not been locked in.

It is interesting that the SSR is not even mentioned in the press release that I saw or the article in todays LA Times.

If the SSR was such a disaster, I wonder why GM is going the car/pickup route again. Maybe they learned to market a vehicle like this from the SSR mistakes.

Ford when contacted, says they have no plans for such a vehicle

The SSR was built for a different market segment (high end sport/ Hot Rod performance truck) than the above Pontiac or even GMC's version will be targeted for. (I happen to like GMC's version a little bit more. GMC 4 Door Concept

If that vehicle goes into production the Pontiac version will not use ElCamino name. FYI: There is an official PONTIAC contest on right now to name that vehicle. Pontiac Contest

IMO: I believe the SSR was an experiment in design and functionality which GM surely succeeded in! It proved GM could show that they could think outside the box and come up with a very unique and cool sport-retro-convertible. It proved that they could come up with a challenging design and execute and build such a awesome vehicle. Unfortunately pricing played a huge factor as well as all those dealerships who were greedy and were charging way over sticker for many of them which in turn... turned off many customers.

*Count me in as one of the lucky few that can say they own one of worlds most unique and greatest automotive vehicles ever produced!

[ssrtruck]

Originally Posted by Marc NY

The SSR was built for a different market segment (high end sport/ Hot Rod performance truck) than the above Pontiac or even GMC's version will be targeted for. (I happen to like GMC's version a little bit more. GMC 4 Door Concet

If that vehicle goes into production the Pontiac version will not use ElCamino name. FYI: There is an official PONTIAC contest on right now to name that vehicle. Pontiac Contest

IMO: I believe the SSR was an experiment in design and functionality which GM surely succeeded in! It proved GM could show that they could think outside the box and come up with a very unique and cool sport-retro-convertible. It proved that they could come up with a challenging design and execute and build such a awesome vehicle. Unfortunately pricing played a huge factor as well as all those dealerships who were greedy and were charging way over sticker for many of them which in turn... turned off many customers.

*Count me in as one of the lucky few that can say they own one of worlds most unique and greatest automotive vehicles ever produced!

Take it from a guy who had such an interest in the SSR that I paid $10K OVER each for the first two I purchased. Dealer greed has shunned many of prospective buyers I have talked to over the years. I was not FORCED to pay over, but if I REALLY WANTED ONE, that was the price. I wish Manufacturers
could rein in their representitives of their products, but that's Capitalism.
If anyone is looking for a new Camaro or{foregive me: a Challenger} expect to pay at least $10K TO $15K OVER for the first run. I don't know how to stop "gougeing", BUT I do know it really leaves out the WORKING JOE family man/woman. If any Manufacturer wants successful sales over the long haul, they should not alienate the little guy.
P.S. I do not regret buying any SSR, I just wish more middle class could have purchased them new.

[Marc NY]

Originally Posted by ssrtruck

... I wish Manufacturers
could rein in their representitives of their products, but that's Capitalism.

Until the manufacturers can put some kind of internal pressure on some of their dealerships ... price gouging will never stop. When the dealers have a "HOT" new item in limited supply it is their way to make up for some bad times and make some fast dollars.

One local dealer here in WNY had wanted $20 Grand over sticker for their very first SSR and then later dropped it to a mere $10 Grand over and sold it. It certainly leaves a very bad taste in most of the customers eyes. I have heard GM reps state that there is very little they can do to stop dealers from price gouging. MSRP is what most manufacturers recommend to their dealers who get their new Hottest selling products. But all the dealer knows is when there is a very tight market for their new products they will find willing customers to buy them.

[Highrider]

Do believe for one minute that GM or any other manufacturer would rein in any dealer. It is all about the money and more money, Usually the dealers who sell lots of expensive cars and trucks get better allotment in the future as their gross margin improves their size and status,
IMHO the SSR was a flash in the pan with GM thinking a little prematurely that the customer will lay his cash dowm for this hotrod or a new vette or XLR and you know what? They do and they will,
Harley davidson did it for years until the market dried up and whether they will come back soon is all up to the " Marketers"
GM no doubt is slow and not very fast against the competition, but like Harley they do have a loyal following , but that may not be enough in this ever changing world.

[Danko]

Those add-ons do nothing to improve the simple, clean beauty of the original SSR. I remain sorry I never got an SSR. I got an SRT-10 and then got an even better deal on a 2nd and there went my chance at an SSR for a while, anyway............ Thnx, Marc.

[Maui Mike]

Originally Posted by JAustin

but I would almost kill to replace my running boards with the '07 rockers! I'm too tall to need the boards getting into the vehicles, and too short to land my foot on the ground when getting out, without rubbing my leg or pants against the board.

Contact Eric @ MPD, his running boards are very close to that design.

[Redracr]

Marc,

I agree this is one great ride!

[SoonerRed]

Originally Posted by JAustin

I'm a Fanatic for keeping my SSR's stock (well, except for the iPod interfaces in the glove box and Mike in AZ's air dams), but I would almost kill to replace my running boards with the '07 rockers! I'm too tall to need the boards getting into the vehicles, and too short to land my foot on the ground when getting out, without rubbing my leg or pants against the board.

I was in the same position, legwise, as you JAustin, so I opted have Lonnie modify my brackets to lower and tuck them in so I didn't hit them anymore. Might be a solution until you get the integrated ones.....

Here's some pics: Modified Running Board brackets

[oemparts]

If you need any SSR OEM parts, please look no further than
Buy-OEM-Parts.com we have the best prices for the true GM parts you are looking for. We also carry many accessories for GM vehicles
Thanks

also feel free to call 908-561-2900 ext 1147

[6.0TOGO]

Lonnie Is Completing This Mod For Me - To Pick Up Sat Pm...i Took It A Step Further And Removed The Step Pad-the Ribs Are Under It And They Look Great Painted All Smokin Asphalt...with The Lowered And In Look There Is No Real Danger Of Touching Them Getting In And Out....getting My New Frenched Tailights At The Same Time--can Hardly Wait....chuckstr

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by 6.0TOGO

Lonnie Is Completing This Mod For Me - To Pick Up Sat Pm...i Took It A Step Further And Removed The Step Pad-the Ribs Are Under It And They Look Great Painted All Smokin Asphalt...with The Lowered And In Look There Is No Real Danger Of Touching Them Getting In And Out....getting My New Frenched Tailights At The Same Time--can Hardly Wait....chuckstr

Be sure to post picture.

[PapaWalker]

Do you still have a set of tips? If so @ what price? Also how does it change the sound?