427 Cobra manual wanted

[DougD]

I'd like to buy either a reprint or a photocopy of the original CSX3000 cobra owners/maintenance manual. I know these have been reprinted, but I can't seem to find one for sale now. Anyone have a spare for sale or willing to photocopy one for me? Thx.
DougD

[mickmate]

Hey Doug good talking with you. Finishlineaccessories used to have them. They only show the 289 one on their site now, give them a holler on it. Keep an eye on E-bay for them also. Don't get sucked in with that original manual BS either they are a $20 copy.

[DougD]

Enzo confirmed that they're discontinued.

So I'm back to begging someone to photocopy one for me.......

[strictlypersonl]

I have all the pages scanned (except p. 34 is missing...), but I'll have to check whether I'm violating any copyrights if I sell the reprint.

[DougD]

We have a huge bicycle ride in my state. Every year 10,000+ bicyclists spend a week riding across the state. Vendors set up along the way, enticing riders with fresh baked pies, corn on the cob, etc. I few years ago, one vendor couldn't get a license to sell beer by the road, so he instead gave away the beer, and charged for the plastic cup.

So in that spirit, you can give me the reprint for free. I'll just have to pay for the copying....

[CobraV8]

A couple years ago I bought the original Chassis Instruction book that came with CSX3259. It looks really antique, with handwritten notes and greasy mechanics fingerprints all over it. In other words like a true piece of history

I wouldn't mind spending the better part of a saturday to scan all 64 pages in hi resolution if people were willing to pay a moderate amount (like 5 bucks or so) for a copy in pdf format.

However I doubt there is a way to sell it without violating copyright laws. Although no copyrights are noted within the book I'm sure it is some form of property of Shelby American or A.C. Cars.

On the other hand if anyone knows a legal way to get around beeing sued by Shelby while still selling copies of the manual just let me know...

Simon

[Racer_X]

Simon, I'd be interested in buying a copy if you, we can do so legally.
Put me on the list for one. Racer_X (Curtis D.)

Originally Posted by CobraV8

A couple years ago I bought the original Chassis Instruction book that came with CSX3259 from a german guy who owned the car during the 1990s. It looks really antique, with handwritten notes and greasy mechanics fingerprints all over it. In other words like a true piece of history

I wouldn't mind spending the better part of a saturday to scan all 64 pages in hi resolution if people were willing to pay a moderate amount (like 5 bucks or so) for a copy in pdf format.

However I doubt there is a way to sell it without violating copyright laws. Although no copyrights are noted within the book I'm sure it is some form of property of Shelby American or A.C. Cars.

On the other hand if anyone knows a legal way to get around beeing sued by Shelby while still selling copies of the manual just let me know...

Simon

[mickmate]

I'd be very interested in a high res scan also. I have one of the photocpies that isn't very clear esp on pictures.

[strictlypersonl]

Maybe I can give the Handbook free with the purchase of an ERA kit?

[CobraV8]

Maybe a knowledgeable person can shed some light on the copyright situation. I think I wont get rich selling copies for $5 a piece, so considering the possible benefit I absolutely don't want to take any risk of getting into trouble.

If it's legally o.k. to distribute copies of the manual I will digitize it and let you guys know.

[FatBoy]

I'm pretty certain the chassis manual is an AC Cars manual, mine certainly is and therefore, nothing to do with Shelby. As AC Cars no longer exists in the form it did in the 60's, I doubt that any copyright is still in effect.
Even so, AC don't/didn't have a history of litigation for such things (that's an American export ) so I think you are safe from any likely legal action.

Paul

[twobjshelbys]

I wouldn't take any legal advice offered here unless they can show they work for a bona fide patent and IP firm and are willing to say so (meaning you'll probably have to pay for it as their firm would be on the line, E&O coverage kicks in, etc). That will likely cost you. Not saying the original publisher will care but they might. I can tell you from the area I work in that this can be a very sticky piece of fly paper.

That said, I'd like a copy of a PDF scan. Might learn something.

[Learjockey1]

Me four. I sorta like books and manuals. A good scan would be a very intresting read.

How large is the scan??

[strictlypersonl]

My total is about 30Mb, missing two pages (34 and 58). If I make a PDF, I think I can reduce the file size to about 20Mb. If someone can email the missing pages, I'll try and put something together. My format is on standard 8.5" x 11" paper, done by inserting the 300dpi scan into a Word doc.

[DougD]

Since I started this thread, I'd obviously like a copy of the scan. $5 is very reasonable in my opinion.

[CobraV8]

It seems like all work for hire printed in the UK after 1956 is copyright protected for 120 years after creation or 95 years after publication, whichever is shorter. As the company "AC Cars by Gullwing GmbH" from Germany now has the rights for all AC trademarks the manual is most likely their property as well.

As the manual has no copyright notes inside it wasn't protected had it been printed by Shelby. In the US a copyright note was required until 1989, but not in the UK. So I think it is not possible to sell copies legally...

[Learjockey1]

Buy the paper and get the manual for free, or, accept donations. If it can be emailed then it is up to the recipient as to use. Just an idea, however, I am sure another point of view. Just trying to get out of the box.

[A-Snake]

Originally Posted by CobraV8

It seems like all work for hire printed in the UK after 1956 is copyright protected for 120 years after creation or 95 years after publication, whichever is shorter. As the company "AC Cars by Gullwing GmbH" from Germany now has the rights for all AC trademarks the manual is most likely their property as well.

As the manual has no copyright notes inside it wasn't protected had it been printed by Shelby. In the US a copyright note was required until 1989, but not in the UK. So I think it is not possible to sell copies legally...

I believe Acedes Holdings LLC is the registered holder of certain AC trademarks.

[DougD]

OK. I can see where this is headed. It's really a shame we have to spend time worrying about litigation on a $20 item, especially with no one with a dog in the hunt.

Anyone with a copy:
Please contact me offline. I just want a manual for my CSX4000. I'd gladly buy a copy from a vendor, but they're no longer reproduced. PLEASE contact me and we can handle this in private.

Thanks.

Doug

[mickmate]

Hey Doug I agree it's a shame people are so bunched up about this stuff. I can't understand why the 289 Chassis Handbook is still available and not the 427.