[PNJSNAK]

Joe: I also built an A & C Cobra. Check my gallery. Call Sonny or Joe first to see if they will have a cobra out of the mold when you plan to visit. Otherwise you might be disappointed, South Buffalo area, shop isn't the cleanest (does not mean they don't produce great quality). manual does leave alot to be desired like Roscoe said. There are plenty of A & C owners on this site to come to for help. They have a new mold since Roscoe and I bought ours. The have a new hood for big blocks as well now. Their body and frame will fit just about any size of motor.
There is a shop in Fredonia, NY just west of Buffalo that puts a kit together using A & C's bodies and he supplys the rest. It is Fast Times Rods. Call them at 716-679-9875, tell him Jim from Cleveland sent you.
Go with the gelcoat and save a paint job for a while. After a couple of years I am going to clearcoat it and maybe strip it first.
Good luck in your quest.
Jim