Joe,
I've had mine on the road going on three years. I have no complaints. Matter of fact, the gelcoated body is so good that people think it's painted. I have no plans to paint it yet.
Build site:
http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm
You get out of building a Cobra what you put into it, no matter whose you build. I've got about 38-40 into it but could have done it for a lot less had I chosen to go with less expensive parts or eliminate some features. Customer support is good but I really never needed it. I did have a guy (now a friend) locally that built one so I used him more than A&C. Their manual sucks but most manuals out there are lacking.
This pic was taken just last week. Check the body finish.
Roscoe