[redmt]

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

redmt John Some of the best companies are on the east coast. The best thing you can do is make a list of what you want to do. This is first then follow the list
What type and style of cobra??? SC, FIA, Are you a large person? Leg room?
What do you want to spend on it for money?? What ever number you come up with add 20-25% more for total cost. Taxes, insurance,State registration.
Motor cost are the biggest thing. Small block, big block, DOHC,SOHC, or SOHC CAMMER.
Body type Aluminum, Carbon fiber, or fiberglass?
Light weight car like a spec racer from FFR or Backdraft. Or heavier car Like ERA, Uniques,Contempory, and others.
IMO the most important thing is the engineering of the car. Fit and finish is nice but strength and safety come first.
Donor drivetrain needed for the car.
How much of the car are you going to do? mechanical background??
There are some nice used cars for sale that will save you alot of time and waiting to build. The down side is not knowing what condition the internals of the drivetrain are in.
John CC members are here to help. You are looking or asking for alot of info. The best bet would be to go to the west coast kit car show (Knottsberry) and see all the different companies and take alot of pictures and compare notes on each.
I will tell you the adventure is a hell of a trip. This is one of the ONLY things I know where no matter how unset you are, 10 minutes in a cobra and the problem don't matter and you end up with a silly smile you can't get off your face for hours. The wife will never under stand..
Last note, remember you get what you pay for. Cutting corners show up when the project is done. Rick L.
If you are buying a car for a investment, you are lucky to beat even at best.

I think part of my problem is going to be that I don't know what's out there and what's available. I know what I want, maybe. I want a reliable daily driver type. I don't need monster HP. I want a relatively simple build , nothing exotic. I saw one BEAUTIFUL machine where over 1000 hours was put into the electrical alone. Fantastic hidden job. I'm basically an electrical idiot. I'm a very good mechanic on the old school stuff. I can make anything "go". Strong knowledge of Ford engines(old school) manual gear boxes and running gear. Strong background in common sense mechanics.
I think I would like the newer style 4.6 DOHC strictly from an appearance angle. They look cool but it's back to the electrical/computer thing. What's greater looking though than a 302 with Webers? I don't have the knowledge base in these cars to make an informed decision. I'm right at 6' and 225, so while not real tall, I'm no midget either. I'm going to be 59 next time around so a little comfort like heat and air and probably a soft top will be in order also. I sort of know what I want , just not how to get it all together. Too bad the next Knotts Berry show isn't until next year. I'd like to be well into my build by then.
I really would like some recommendations for manufacturers, and why. I've been warned off one of the big ones by several dis-satisfied customers, all gripes were centered around missing parts and little to no customer service after the sale. I don't want to deal with that sort of problem from 4000 miles away.

John