West Coast Cobra

Kodiak1a · #1 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 09:58 AM

Hello
I am a new member and this is my first post!
I have had a number of muscle cars over the yrs and have always wanted a Cobra but I am 6'2 tall and that has always been a draw back because as we all know big guys just don't fit.
I have been doing lots of research on the West Coast Cobra and with it being a larger size Cobra it might be the one for me.
Does anybody have any info on this subject?
I am thinking about jumping on a plane and going to look at one for sale but it would be nice to have some info before I go look.
The WCC I am going to go look @ is a 1990 and has 3500 miles on it with a 429 cj and a C6 transmission.
Any info would be much appreciated
Thanks

BAsque1 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 11:09 AM

Hello Kodiak:
I am the proud owner of a WCC and you are welcome to see the postings we have and the pictures of our cars. The reality is that these cars are only popular with only a few, they do not have the popularity of the ERA, FF, etc. That said they have their own merits; being one of them the size 6" longer and 4" wider makes a huge difference. PM me and we can talk more at length. I highly recommend this car to anyone.
Sincerely
Lou

FWB · #3 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 12:24 PM

I'm with Lou on this one......i enjoy the larger car.....

full size ford rear suspension and brakes in the back......mustang II in the front..parts easy to get,...... can be serviced by almost anyone.

roomy in the cockpit. it is a heavy car. with the 429 it will be in the 3000lb department......the frame is something you'd find in a Ford F150,............. Lou can certainly attest to how the car fits a larger guy.

you can get in one at a lower cost then most other makes because of the lower popularity.....but the fun factor is just as good

BAsque1 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 12:30 PM

Thanks Bro, just got back from a nice HOT ride, the wifey got bit by the snake on her ankle, OUCH

FWB · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 12:42 PM

well, she needed a good branding.....now when she runs away you can prove she's yours....

kodiak...take some pics if you go look at it....we can critique them when you return

Kodiak1a · #6 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 01:00 PM

Thnx for the reply guys appreciate it!
After my research I agree they are not as popular but I guess that is the trade off being a bigger guy.
The WCC I am looking at is a 1990 I believe the first yr of production of WCC.
What are your thoughts of the first yr.
The car has a 429 cj and a C6 transmission is this a good combination for this car?
The car has 3500 miles on it since the build and after viewing the pics on the ad a 100 times it shows like new and he is asking $36000 I am not a grinder so would you think this is a fair deal?
I have notified the seller by email and he is on Holidays until the end of the month and he said he will get in touch with me when he gets home from holidays to come and view.
That WCC you have Lou is super cool!
Thnx again
Doug

Three Peaks · #7 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 01:45 PM

Don't rule out other makes of Cobras just yet. At 6'2" you would fit in a lot of Cobras with some minor adjustments. Lots of guys your size and bigger are in Factory Five cars and they fit fine with some adjustments to the seats. Some Cobras are made with adjustable pedals, seats, and other modifications to suit larger drivers.

Best bet is to go to a gathering of Cobras and sit in as many as you can to see what fits and what you like.

Bob

BDR1222 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 01:49 PM

I think Lonestar Classics also makes a longer chassis that adds additional leg room.

BAsque1 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodiak1a

Hello
I am a new member and this is my first post!
I have had a number of muscle cars over the yrs and have always wanted a Cobra but I am 6'2 tall and that has always been a draw back because as we all know big guys just don't fit.
I have been doing lots of research on the West Coast Cobra and with it being a larger size Cobra it might be the one for me.
Does anybody have any info on this subject?
I am thinking about jumping on a plane and going to look at one for sale but it would be nice to have some info before I go look.
The WCC I am going to go look @ is a 1990 and has 3500 miles on it with a 429 cj and a C6 transmission.
Any info would be much appreciated
Thanks

kodiak:
Is it advertised on the web, if so send us the link, beware of the automatics, you might be better off using CARCHECK a service that they send an inspector and gives you a report within 48 hrs including pictures and a tewst drive. I used it for mine and it is $$ well spent.
Lou

FWB · #10 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 04:09 PM

why beware of automatics? i have one....i hate to shift....

some of the other cars do offer more legroom, but , it never is quite as much as the WC offers. they are not only longer, but it is wider and the doors are longer too. the steering wheel is not as close to the door panel...keeping your left arm in the car. its more of a cushy ride too...much like a mid size Ford of the late 70's early 80's

BAsque1 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodiak1a

Thnx for the reply guys appreciate it!
After my research I agree they are not as popular but I guess that is the trade off being a bigger guy.
The WCC I am looking at is a 1990 I believe the first yr of production of WCC.
What are your thoughts of the first yr.
The car has a 429 cj and a C6 transmission is this a good combination for this car?
The car has 3500 miles on it since the build and after viewing the pics on the ad a 100 times it shows like new and he is asking $36000 I am not a grinder so would you think this is a fair deal?
I have notified the seller by email and he is on Holidays until the end of the month and he said he will get in touch with me when he gets home from holidays to come and view.
That WCC you have Lou is super cool!
Thnx again
Doug

Doug:
Where did you see this car? there is an automatic in Cobra Country but it has a 351 Cleveland and also a 460 with a 5 sp but a bit pricey. Send me a link so I can take a look at it and give you my opinion.
Speak to you soon
Lou

Kodiak1a · #12 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 08:04 PM

Hey Lou
Go to kijijikelowna.ca and go to classic cars and search cobra and you will see it.
Don't know how to send a link on this site still learning sorry.
I live on Vancouver Island B.C and the car is in Kelowna BC about a 5 hr drive from me and a 2 hr ferry ride.If you have a problem finding it let me know.
Let me know what you think.
Thnx bud
Doug

Kodiak1a · #13 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 08:34 PM

Sorry Lou wrong website!
The website is kelownakijiji.ca and go to classic cars and search cobra.
Thnx
Doug

FWB · #14 (**permalink**) 07-21-2013, 10:47 PM

here's the link..
Ford 427 Cobra Kit Car - Kelowna Collector Cars For Sale - Kijiji Kelowna Canada.

looks nice ....only things i see that stand out is, all the screws around the cockpit trim is weird.
he mounted the exterior door handles on the interior for some reason.

the engine still has the factory iron heads on it and the external voltage regulator charging system.

advise is to verify the cooling system is adequate by letting it idle a while in the heat and see if the temp soars. may need a fan shroud most don't come with one.

need to drive it....make sure the trans downshifts when you romp on it.
not any room for the factory kickdown rod.....you have to retro fit a lokar cable for that

BAsque1 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWB

why beware of automatics? i have one....i hate to shift....

some of the other cars do offer more legroom, but , it never is quite as much as the WC offers. they are not only longer, but it is wider and the doors are longer too. the steering wheel is not as close to the door panel...keeping your left arm in the car. its more of a cushy ride too...much like a mid size Ford of the late 70's early 80's

MY only concern with an automatic transmission is that it is in good working order, they are less forgiving than the std. But as long as it is strong and well matched to engine I agree it is ok to have in auto.
Lou

BAsque1 · #16 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWB

here's the link..
Ford 427 Cobra Kit Car - Kelowna Collector Cars For Sale - Kijiji Kelowna Canada.

looks nice ....only things i see that stand out is, all the screws around the cockpit trim is weird.
he mounted the exterior door handles on the interior for some reason.

the engine still has the factory iron heads on it and the external voltage regulator charging system.

advise is to verify the cooling system is adequate by letting it idle a while in the heat and see if the temp soars. may need a fan shroud most don't come with one.

need to drive it....make sure the trans downshifts when you romp on it.
not any room for the factory kickdown rod.....you have to retro fit a lokar cable for that

That is weird why would he install the door handles inside the cockpit? and the trim around also is strange looking. Otherwise, it looks very nice. I still would send an inspector from CARCHECK look at it you don't feel like getting up there.
A few years ago I found a 1967 Volvo GT for a friend in North Carolina in Canada and he had a hard time with the Customs paperwork, you might want to look at this before you buy.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Lou

FWB · #17 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAsque1

That is weird why would he install the door handles inside the cockpit? and the trim around also is strange looking. Otherwise, it looks very nice. I still would send an inspector from CARCHECK look at it you don't feel like getting up there.
A few years ago I found a 1967 Volvo GT for a friend in North Carolina in Canada and he had a hard time with the Customs paperwork, you might want to look at this before you buy.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Lou

the motor having iron heads and the factory iron manifold raises a few flags on the components inside the motor. I would say the motor may be still a 70'ish factory motor....and would not put the car in the 36k category.

why when building a motor would you put 1000 to 1500 dollars into heads, iron ones, doing guides, hardened seats, new springs...when you can buy aluminum heads with all of that for a couple hundred more...
why put a restrictive iron intake too when for 300 or less you can upgrade to a better intake......answer is it was running when he got the motor and gaskets seals and paint is cheaper...

the more i think about it the more i am suspect of a plain jane factory motor with unknown mileage, probably alot, in the car....

ask for receipts or some proof of a rebuilt motor...to rule out a 40 year old motor with 100k miles

Kodiak1a · #18 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 09:10 AM

Thnx for your info guys!
I thought the screws around the cockpit looked weird also but maybe that was the way WCC did it in the earlier days or the builders idea.The whole interior package is not as nice as the newer WCC cars and it doesn't look like a stereo system has been installed.
I could live with it if the car checked out okay and I do like the look better the other way.
I will check out the tranny well and the car is from Kelowna it can get super hot there in the summer so maybe he has no overheating problems but I will check that out also.
If it all checks out do you guys feel that the car is priced correctly?
Can't wait until the end of the month so I can go view it!
Thnx
Doug

BAsque1 · #19 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FWB

here's the link..
Ford 427 Cobra Kit Car - Kelowna Collector Cars For Sale - Kijiji Kelowna Canada.

looks nice ....only things i see that stand out is, all the screws around the cockpit trim is weird.
he mounted the exterior door handles on the interior for some reason.

the engine still has the factory iron heads on it and the external voltage regulator charging system.

advise is to verify the cooling system is adequate by letting it idle a while in the heat and see if the temp soars. may need a fan shroud most don't come with one.

need to drive it....make sure the trans downshifts when you romp on it.
not any room for the factory kickdown rod.....you have to retro fit a lokar cable for that

I agree wholeheartedly with FWB by the way good eye for the voltage regulator. The 429 CJ engines had about 370 HP with the big 700 cfm carb. I am a believer of the cast iron vs aluminum engines and heads so that does not bother me much that it still has them. The question is how old is the engine and what was done to it prior to putting this car together. That said, I don't anticipate that this car was assembled by Vern, he likes the 460's .
The cooling system is very important, particularly in these cars if you go over 180 degrees in idle you will feel it in your legs very quickly.
Lou

FWB · #20 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAsque1

I agree wholeheartedly with FWB by the way good eye for the voltage regulator. The 429 CJ engines had about 370 HP with the big 700 cfm carb. I am a believer of the cast iron vs aluminum engines and heads so that does not bother me much that it still has them. The question is how old is the engine and what was done to it prior to putting this car together. That said, I don't anticipate that this car was assembled by Vern, he likes the 460's .
The cooling system is very important, particularly in these cars if you go over 180 degrees in idle you will feel it in your legs very quickly.
Lou

iron heads don't bother me either...the problem is they have valve seats for leaded gas.....non-hardened, and cast iron guides that after 40 years will be worn. replacing guides will require seats to be cut and a complete valve job.

if they have already been redone it's a non issue