[REDSC400]

I do agree that the definition of junk is hard to pin down, and probably too harsh a word. There are probably some body shells that historically have not aged well. Fatigue, stress near mount points and delamination being issues. Likewise, a rusted or poorly welded frame and such. I have not seen any with cronic issues, but then, they are probably not out on the road one would imagine.

The running gear, Engine, Trannie, Suspension and Differential are usually all owner supplied so aside from the body frame, hydraulics, electrical wiring and such, most everything else is kit or off the shelf items from the Cobra genre.

On the other hand, I have seen some super owner built cars up close. Bill Cave's Factory Five 427, dark racing green here in CT is a case in point. This car is perfect in every detail as far as I could see, and even sports aluminized front under-hood paint. Just a wonderful car. So, the builder(s) or assembler(s) have alot to do with the final result, be that good or not so good. Time is the best judge I suppose.

There is a saying that goes like this....

"The second hot rod you build is always better than your first".

Our dear Cobras are no different IMHO.

I also remember a fine finish carpenter telling me that " The only difference between a craftsman and a novice woodworker is that the craftsman just knows how to make his mistakes invisible". Some truth there.