Need advice on Cobra I.D.- Keep it or lose it after a total frame off rebuild?

67JET · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 03:35 PM

What's your opinion on changing the builder on a Cobra that was built by a not so reputable builder after you do a total frame off resto and change everthing that was questionable in the origional build? I have a car that was built in 1985 by a guy that brings hate and discontent when his name is mentioned around Cobra owners. When I get finished with this car I will have less in it than if i would have bought it new from this guy. So I'm OK with the cost and the car but if or when I decide to sell it (working my way up to a Kirkham) would it be dishonest to say it was a hand built no name car? Would it be worth more or more pleasing to the ear not to associate the car with the origional builder? When I bought the car (sight unseen and builder unknown) I didn't care who built it and I didn't know enough about the Cobra replica comunity and what a difference it makes. I had 24 hours to decide if I was going to buy it. O'well I was just thinking about it and thought I would ask the experts for some advice. Any coments?

Lex · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 03:55 PM

How would you feel about it inside? I couldn't do it myself, that is sell it to someone knowing what it is and lie about it. That would be like having a Chinese made copy intake manifold and grinding the name off it and selling it to someone telling them it was an Edelbrock with the name ground off.

*13* · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 04:04 PM

When it comes down to it, it's the quality of the build that matters. I was not a big FFR fan when I starting looking for a Cobra to build. I did not end up buying an FFR but after seeing a few that were really well done my opinion changed.
If it will keep potential buyers from contacting you then don't put the name of the MFG in the advertisement. Then you can explain the situation to them, when they start asking questions. I think people like knowing what they are buying. my 2 cents

rustyBob · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 04:54 PM

How would you feel if someone did that to you............be honest, chances are it wount matter anyhow.

patrickt · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67JET

...but if or when I decide to sell it (working my way up to a Kirkham) would it be dishonest to say it was a hand built no name car?

You already know the answer to that question.

I don't think it's going to be as a big a deal as you think though. And after all, weren't some of the better replicas built by prisoners over Texas/Nevada way?

C'mon, it doesn't get any better than that.

67JET · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:25 AM

EASY----- As i said guys. I'm not trying to be dishonest. While i got it apart it would be easy to erase the original builder's foot prints. But, you are right and if i didn't think it was a concern i wouldn't have asks for an opinion. Thanks for your thoughts. By the way the original builder called me this weekend and offered a new VIN/Manufacture ID tags for the car because he didn't supply them when this car was built. I got to say he was very helpful and full of suggestions and advice. He actually gave me a crash course on fiberglass repair on the phone and suggested some cost saving tips on front brake modifications that sounded good. All in all he has been very helpful and interesting to talk to. Thanks again for the input and the car will keep its heritage and its original builders name.

patrickt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67JET

... By the way the original builder called me this weekend and offered a new VIN/Manufacture ID tags for the car ... All in all he has been very helpful and interesting to talk to.

Well, in that case ask him if he can swing you a deal where Shelby American is the manufacturer and you get a CSX number starting with a "3."

67JET · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 02:28 PM

I ask him if he would take mine back for sentimental reasons (It is 001) and give me a new one. Yea- It was a no go. He said it is job and that although he loves building them he's not in love with anyone of them. For a small fee he would rebuild mine.