Hello Gentleman,
I just finished my SVM Cobra about two months ago. I too had some minor problems, nothing to get excited about. I just chalked it up to the experience. As a side note, I visit many "build-up" sites and you'll be surprised how many builders have problems creep up. Check out this guys site,
Cobralads , he's got a JBL Motors Kit (nice kit). He had me rolling reading about his escapades (read "screw-ups")
I read somewhere that SVM was going downhill until Rich Anderson purchased the Company. Since then, Rich has been weeding out some of the old stuff produced by the prior owner. That may account for the "sagging" bodies. I don't know for sure. My experience with SVM was pleasant. They were cooperative, always willing to help and give advice.
Anyway, I did have a similar problem wit the bumper supports not lining up. The fronts were right on, the rears were about 3/8" too high so I had to "oval out" the hole in the steel support. I did it with a sharp rat-tail file, it took a while but worked just fine. I chose to go that route rather than enlarging the holes in the body which would be hard to cover up.
Ray, how did your steering column turn out? With the dimensions given, my column comes about 3/16" away from the front brake master cylinder reservoir. (A little close for my taste). Another note, make sure your body is sufficiently rearward so that your wheels will make it through a complete arc and not rub the wheel-wells. I'm using the recommended size tires.