Has your Cobra ever left you stranded?

Argess · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 11:20 AM

There's probably already a thread on this, but I couldn't find one, so thought I'd start one.

Happened to me only once. I was returning from a little "outing" and about 3/4 of a mile from home, I decided to give it a last "acceleration" shot. Just as I was about to shift to 3rd, sudden silence. Drive pin in distributor drive gear sheared. I managed to coast it onto a side-road, walk home, return with tools, pull the dist, walk back home, repair the dist, walk back to the car, re-install the dist, and drive home.

There were other "worriesome" moments where the starter would spin, but not engage, so no cranking. Intermittent enough I always got it started though. Turned out to be a bad ground in the starter for the throw-out coil.

One concern I have, is getting a flat tire. I don't carry a spare. A space-saver could work on the front, but it wouldn't do the limited slip much good as a rear replacement. Besides, not sure they even make a pin drive rim for a space-saver tire.

So.....if you have any stories or concerns about break-downs and being stranded, I'd like to hear them.

Thank-you.

RedBarchetta · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 11:28 AM

Been flatbed towed home twice in ~6 years. One was a simple electrical short on my MSD box and the other was a failed fuel pump eccentric. And luck would have it both within 5-6 miles from home. Never fun but I've learned a few things:

1. AAA has 100 mile radius tow coverage for a fraction of the cost of the general membership. Worth every dime.

2. Unless the tow operator has a "split bed" rig (designed for really low cars like Lambos, etc), it's a PITA to get a Cobra up the incline without worrying about the tow jockey cracking fiberglass, etc. I have found the best way to flatbed tow is to grab my car from the REAR and pull it up that way (using 4x4s and other pieces of wood to ease the transition).

3. Even though the tow jockeys are paid on the # of grabs they get in a day, don't let these guys rush the job. The last fool nearly dented my gas tank because he was trying to "grab and go" using his chains and he didn't have a tow strap with him (see #4 below). Once I got into his face a little he backed down and took his time and did it right (we used towels around the chain and changed the angles to make it work better). I would have tipped him but he bit**** about it the whole way back to my place. So don't forget to tip the good guys (the first one got $40 - I was so happy to get the car back home unscathed).

4. I keep about 20lbs in tools and spare do-dads in a bag in my trunk. Fuses, extra spark plug and wire, Fix-A-Flat can, tow strap, tapes and enough wrenches to pretty much fix a bad water pump or alternator. Also mechanics gloves for working on a hot motor. And a couple of take down (flat) billet jack stands with a small bottle jack. Be prepared for the "easy" stuff.

-Dean

Tommy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 11:52 AM

When I was regularly taking my car to the track, I always took it on a trailer because I expected it to break down. I've experienced oil pump failure, broken pistons, clutch failure and fuel line vacuum lock due to an overheated fuel pump. As I fixed each problem at the source, it became more reliable and has not broken down in several years. The only break down not on the track was when some debris got into the shifter and locked it up between gears.

Atlantacobra · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 12:58 PM

My wife and I just took a trip from Atlanta to Watercolor Florida for a long weekend. I really wanted to take the Cobra, but couldn't get the image out of my head of being stranded half way down the road. It's about a 7 hour trip, so it would have been a mess if I broke down for some reason. I've never been stranded, but I don't want to ever say I've been either.
I wimped out and took the daily driver. It would have been a blast to have it down there since the weather was perfect.
My insurance company provides free towing, so I would have been covered, but it would have really messed up the weekend.
What would you have done with this scenario?

CHANMADD · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 01:22 PM

The last time was when I dropped a rod at 5k rpm and exploded my motor.
That was about 2 yrs and 2500 miles ago. it all seems to be reliable now but I too used to race often and with the track time had raceified most things and went 10 yrs trouble free. Hopefully I should have no problems now as I used all the bestest and latest parts this time,like H beam rods and full roller components wherever possible.
John

Dwight · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 01:59 PM

First time (2002) I was 3 miles from the house and blew oil across my windshield from my remote oil filter. Tow truck to the house.

2003 had her towed nine miles to my shop, clogged fuel filter (RTV).

A couple of years ago, 50 miles from Columbus, Ohio, alternater died, limped into a gas station, unloaded Lainhart's Cobra and loaded mine. Swaped the alternater in the Hampton parking lot that night.

I have driven her to the London Cobra Show seven times and have over 26,600 miles on the Cobra.

I carry a can of flat fix but never had a flat tire.

Coach Mike has over 30,000 miles on 3 Cobras, one flat and twice towed home.

After you get 2,000 miles on one you should have all the bugs worked out and it's trouble free driving.

Dwight

JBCOBRA · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 02:37 PM

Mine only left me stranded twice in 12,000 miles. Both times when it was new. First time it crapped out right in front of a police station (my local guys) was not even legal yet, but they didn't care, 'cause I help get them deals on vehicles. Sheared the distributor gear pin. Drilled it and put in a Chevy pin. They just broke my balls a bunch LOL.

Second time, I was delivering presents at Christmas (FREEZING) and the battery cable popped off. Never had that happen before. The bolt was tight, but the clamp wasn't tightening, weird. The electric eye in the distributor fried. Hitchhiked to a local speed shop, got a ride back and fixed it in someones driveway. LOL

Thats it for being totally stranded..................so far

Tommy · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantacobra

My wife and I just took a trip from Atlanta to Watercolor Florida for a long weekend. I really wanted to take the Cobra, but couldn't get the image out of my head of being stranded half way down the road. It's about a 7 hour trip, so it would have been a mess if I broke down for some reason. I've never been stranded, but I don't want to ever say I've been either.
I wimped out and took the daily driver. It would have been a blast to have it down there since the weather was perfect.
My insurance company provides free towing, so I would have been covered, but it would have really messed up the weekend.
What would you have done with this scenario?

I used to live near Destin and I've driven the beach roads between Pensacola and Panama City, including C30A, many times. It makes for a nice cruise when the weather's good, but the traffic can be so bad you can't really stretch your legs much. My biggest concern in driving from Atlanta to South Walton and back would be the weather. I don't trust weather men to forecast accurately for much longer than it takes me to walk to the window and back, and I would not want to drive my car on wet roads.

rms427 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 03:43 PM

Twice in 70,000 miles I wasn't able to drive the car to my destination. The first time was after rebuilding the engine the thermostat failed shut. Was towed home with a tow strap. Second time the fuel pump quit on the way to Reno Cobra Bash. Several folks helped me get the car to the hotel and then change the fuel pump in the hotel parking lot.

Have had several other close calls. Broke a rear heim joint on Hollywood Blvd during rush hour. Was able to screw what was left of the heim joint back in and drive the car home. Two flat tires on the same day. Found that the screw jack that came with the car won't fit under the frame with a flat. Used a bumper jack from a 64 Chevy under the bumper. Second tire went flat as I drove into the garage. Ran out of gas in the middle of a single lane construction zone. That's when I found out that the fuel gage never gets completely to empty. As I remember there was a gas station nearby.

Argess · #10 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 03:48 PM

Now there's an advantage to an original car (I take it's an original you are talking about). I doubt the fuel pump in my car can be changed without lifting the engine off its mounts.

Good stories. I know I now borrow a cellphone to take with me when I go for a cruise. Would rather wait for someone to come to me than abandon the car for a lengthy period of time.

Mooch · #11 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

I would have tipped him but he bit**** about it the whole way back to my place. So don't forget to tip the good guys (the first one got $40 - I was so happy to get the car back home unscathed).

When getting towed, tip half on the front end and ask for some extra care. The tow guy will usually treat your car much better knowing he can expect a little more at the drop off if he does a good job.

HYM810ANCE · #12 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 04:39 PM

My Cobra had been in a guys shop for over three years getting upholstry, a paint job and a tune up

...(Long, horrible story short), the day I finally got to drive it home it ran hot (230 degrees) 6 blocks from the shop and by the time I got within a mile of the house (about a 20 minute drive) the brakes caught on fire

. Luckily, I limped home and parked it without major damage. After another year and a very good auto shop I finally got it back...again. I drove it to our local clubs "Friday Night Eat Out" and it did fine until we got ready to leave...then it wouldn't crank!

The guys were super and stayed to help me jump it off. Bad battery and loose wires were the cause. Thanks to Dwight, Coach and the guys maybe we have it straightened out now....I sure hope so anyway.

Ibr8k4vetts · #13 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 04:57 PM

Had to be towed home after a lock nut on a rocker arm came off at 7000 RPM

fix in 15 minutes at home.

86Sebring · #14 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 06:23 PM

First time it happened ½ a mile from the place where I bougt it from. It just shut off, I called the guy, he asked if I had turned on the fuel pump? AAA, those darned switches on the dashboard without labels...
Twice I got stranded with a sheared dizzy-pin, fixed it right, I put about 6000 miles on it, hasn't let me down since.

Got the Bug · #15 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooch

When getting towed, tip half on the front end and ask for some extra care. The tow guy will usually treat your car much better knowing he can expect a little more at the drop off if he does a good job.

My car has been towed a couple of times. First time, I blew an exhaust gasket but it sounded more like a broken rocker arm. Second time, I limped home about 2 miles after the telltale "white cloud of smoke" appeared. I put the car on a flatbed and had it towed to a shop about 35 miles away. Luckily, it was just a blown intake manifold gasket and it was covered under warranty by Roush.

One of the local guys told me, that if you need a tow, tell the dispatcher that it's a 65 Lamborghini..."very low and very expensive/rare...send your most experienced tow truck driver."

When they show up and ask where the Lamborghini is, just shrug and say that you don't know what they're talking about...I got my 65 Cobra replica over here.

Got the Bug · #16 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argess

I now borrow a cellphone to take with me when I go for a cruise. Would rather wait for someone to come to me than abandon the car for a lengthy period of time.

Did I read that right...borrow a cell phone? My dad is 77, owns an iPhone and keeps telling me about the hottest app...and keeps asking me why I don't own an iPhone.

Maybe you should buy a prepaid phone and just leave it in the car.

Michael C Henry · #17 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 08:19 PM

I always have my eye and ear open for the not so normal. I had a 56 Bristle that broke an axle near to work in 77. That was the end of that car for me, no resources and a young family. A Toyota pickup was a better fit.
When I first bought this replica car I was allways leaving the master switch on , the hot water would collect in the top of the radiator and turn on the electric fans. Draining the small battery and leaving me at the mercy of a hill, incline, a jump, or hand push.
This car stopped at an traffic light about a mile from home. Seemed to be the fuse block had lost contact on ignition circuit fuse.
Head light switch burnt out when leaving my nephews house at 2:30 am. I had to drive the back roads home using the blinking four way lights to see the curb.
I drove the replica up to my wifes work and took her Excursion to a shop. Later she got the replica a few blocks from her work and it died. She didn't turn on the electric fuel pump, I now have indicator lights on fuel pumps, ignition, and fans.
Distribuetor drive gear pin ( spring pin) sheared while in the back yard.
Had a go around with a new Mallory HyFire VI box . It would start crapping out about a mile from home. I thought the engine was about to die when trying to move the car but would idle just fine. Luckily I was able to limp the car home each time I thought I had it fixed and I haddn't. The spark plugs were always fouled. The Mallory HyFire VI box was within the Summits warranty period and I returned that box. Next box was trouble free.
Then there is the clutch twice. One time the through out bearing failed and chewed up the presure plate fingers. Second time turned out to be the clutch slave cylinder was not returning to it's absolute bottom giving the impression that the clutch was wearing and I was loosing my freeplay clearence.
Engine oil foamed on a weekend trip with my wife up around the Olimpic penniuila. I had to add about eight quarts of Mobile 1 and causishly drive the car home. That turned out to be the intake gasket, FelPro Print O Seal gaskets shreded, now Victor intake gaskets.
A cell phone is a great comfort to have in hand.

gt500bill · #18 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 08:33 PM

Lately the car has left me stranded twice this year. Both times it was the MSD 6al that crapped out. This last time I sent it back, they returned it said it was ok, nothing wrong with it . Put it back on and it lasted 15 minutes. While idling in the driveway, dies with no restart. Talked to them today and they promised to replace it this time

Scufty · #19 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argess

There's probably already a thread on this, but I couldn't find one, so thought I'd start one.

Happened to me only once. I was returning from a little "outing" and about 3/4 of a mile from home, I decided to give it a last "acceleration" shot. Just as I was about to shift to 3rd, sudden silence. Drive pin in distributor drive gear sheared. I managed to coast it onto a side-road, walk home, return with tools, pull the dist, walk back home, repair the dist, walk back to the car, re-install the dist, and drive home.

There were other "worriesome" moments where the starter would spin, but not engage, so no cranking. Intermittent enough I always got it started though. Turned out to be a bad ground in the starter for the throw-out coil.

One concern I have, is getting a flat tire. I don't carry a spare. A space-saver could work on the front, but it wouldn't do the limited slip much good as a rear replacement. Besides, not sure they even make a pin drive rim for a space-saver tire.

So.....if you have any stories or concerns about break-downs and being stranded, I'd like to hear them.

Thank-you.

Funniest thing is that's exactly what left me stranded ..I look at my gear all the time now

Live and learn

Argess · #20 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 09:08 PM

I'm amazed at the number of distributor drive gear roll-pins shearing.

As a note, I posted a "fix" for the dist gear pin shearing here:

Mallory Distributor Tip

How many of you removed the oil pan to get the bits of the shear pin out?......chuckle