While FFR is a decent kit, and I've seen many great builds, I still can't get over what a crappy body they give you. You have to spend (or pay someone) at least 60 hours just prepping the body for painting.
There's a thread going on now over at FFR about a guy suing the painter. Everyone's suggests that in order to get it painted right you have to go to one of a handful of guys that 'know' the body. Y'know, ship the body 400 miles....yadda....yadda.....7,000.00 bucks later.........YIKES! "Make sure you leave the body out in the sun to cure" What are you freekin kidding me?????
I know the FFR Kool Aid guys will say "yeah, but look at that chassis" or "yeah, but look at this great forum" but for me I just would not want to deal with that crappy body.
While you are looking around at companies don't overlook A & C (Antiques & Collectibles out of Buffalo); a real sleeper in the industry. In my opinion they make the best body in the industry. It comes in a gelcoat that looks like paint and in any color of your choice.
I've had mine on the road 7 years now and I've still not painted it. I not only saved thousands on the cost of the build but got it on the road much quicker without having to deal with the bodywork and paint.
The A&C body is true to the original with no steatopygic butt. The body comes with the hood and trunk mounted with many of the necessary holes drilled or cutout. Also the doors, hood and trunk are double lined and all edges of the body are rolled. It is a very impressive piece of work.
Roscoe
Build site:
http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm