Bennett Cobra shorter than others?

[427SSSS]

FUN FACT:

Bennet Cobra 28" from top, center of cowl to bottom of 2" frame.

FF5 Cobra 30-3/4" from top, center of cowl to bottom of 4" frame.

Hi-tec Cobra 30-1/2" from top, center of cowl to bottom of 4" frame.

Next chance I get I'll measure the Hi-tech.

I knew Bennet went from 4" to 2" tube for chassis, but I did not realize he also shortened the body almost 3".

He liked to build race Cobras, not street Cobras.....I wonder if he did it for aerodynamics? Been through all his notes...nothing.

Since there is not a Bennett section in the Manufactures area, I posted it here.

[Buzz]

You're using FFR as a baseline reference for correct dimensions/proportions? No knock on Factory Five, but accuracy to the original shape is not something they are noted for. Even with the revised and improved Mk4 body they had to make some compromises due to basic chassis design. Quite a few other replicas including Superformance were splashed off of the Contemporary body shape which was redesigned early in its production cycle with noticeably higher than original cowls and rear fenders.
The Hi-tech should be far closer to the original shape and dimensions.

[427SSSS]

Buzz, I agree 100% FF5 is not the best for comparison, but its what I have in my shop.

But I really doubt the FF5 is so far off in the height from top of cowl, to bottom of frame, that the almost 3" difference between it and the Bennett is at least showing that there is a significant difference in the height of the Bennett. Paul, switched to 2" main chassis tubes, from 4" tubes, again, I thought that that just meant he sat lower in cockpit, I now realize he shortened the height of his bodies also. I'm still flabbergasted that I did not notice the difference before, just never had the three cars parked next to/near each other, in such a way as to see the difference.

I had even taken a Bennett body and placed it on FF5 frame, just a rough fit, for the fun of it, I thought it fit reasonably well, although I did notice that FF5 frame was exposed below the Bennett body, in area between bottom of door and side pipes. one of mine is an early FF5, MK1, got a lousy paint job in Texas from painter that was recommended by "President" of south Texas Cobras. After paint job, I told them that I would be embarrassed to take that car/body/paint job to the Saturday breakfasts that I used to go to with BACC guys. So, I was considering placing Bennett body onto FF5 chassis, and use the FF5 body for another crazy project, things change, made a lot of mods to that car and it's ready to be sold.

You can see exposed FF5 chassis between bottom of body and sidepipe, again showing that the Bennett body is shorter.

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...ictureid=18550

[427SSSS]

cant seem to add two other photos to previous post, so I'll add them here, not great photos, but you can see how FF5 chassis is exposed between body and sidepipe, again showing that Bennett body is shorter in height. still cannot upload photos, they wont download, yet the first

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/pict...ureid=18550one did, I try again later.

[Buzz]

Thanks - it's always fun to see side by side comparisons, and the actual measurements can be interesting as well. I'd love to hear more about the Bennett. The little I have read about the brand over the years leaves me wanting to learn more about the chassis design, resulting performance and overall accuracy/aesthetic.

[427SSSS]

Buzz, I picked up Bennett "package" from person that Paul sold to when he retired. It took two car trailers to haul both 427 Body/chassis and 289 body/chassis, and a 41' enclosed trailer to haul molds for both 427 and 289 bodies, plus 20 or 30 boxes of assorted pieces and parts.Very interesting letter Paul wrote describing his experience/thinking when he designed and built his new chassis. The boxes contained: 5 sets of wind wings, 4 pulk tanks, roll bar and side pipe pieces and parts, hubs, gages up the kazoo, bunch of break fluid tanks, 3 gas caps, 3' x 4' dimensioned drawings, patterns for aluminum, radiators, fiberglass seats, and on and on.

Bennett "Flyer", brochure-interesting read

https://s20.photobucket.com/user/427...chassis?page=1

More photos in my folders here on CC.

[427SSSS]

Hi-tec, 30-1/2" top of cowl, bottom of 4" frame

[Buzz]

Really interesting reading - thanks for sharing! Interesting that the Hi-Tech measurement is closer to the FFR than the Bennett!

[snakeeyes]

Originally Posted by 427SSSS

Hi-tec, 30-1/2" top of cowl, bottom of 4" frame

Which Hi-tech is this, one of the ones built in Arizona in the 90s or one of the more recent South African ones?

[427SSSS]

Buzz

"Interesting that the Hi-Tech measurement is closer to the FFR than the Bennett!"
It's the Bennett that's the odd duck, my guess that the FFR and Hi-tech copied originals, It was Paul Bennett who decided to "think outside the box", design/build what he wanted to, that at first glance looks like any other Cobra, at least to me. The fact that I didn't notice the almost 3" difference in height, still eludes me. We just pulled the chassis jig(with a chassis on it) out of the back of my shop to front of new slab using ATV wench. Then we used engine hoist to get chassis off jig. My measurements were quick and dirty, although I doubt I'm off by more than 1/16" +/-.

Snakeyes
It's just body and frame, I picked up from Craig Combs. Don't know history/age. (besides, never ask a lady her age) I already have, built 427 engine ready for her, wheels/tires, seats, windshield, shinny parts, most of other assorted parts, except trans, brakes, and rear end.

Just need the time to put her all together...not right now, working on one off the wall cobra right now, should be done in couple of months, then it's onto the Hi-tech!

[Tjd]

I have two CSX 4000 cars in my shop right now measured both bottom of the chassis to the Cowl 30-3/8”also have a high tech Arizona 289 It measures 30 3/4 from the bottom of chassis
I remember when we were restoring CSX 3178 I took some measurements off that and they were basically the same as the 4000 give or take 1/8”
That car came out real nice I think they got 1.3M for it at auction don’t know whether it’s my restoration work or the guy that owned it
Tom

[427SSSS]

Wow! Funny no bennett owners posting here. I met a couple of bennett 2" tube chassis owners on the manufactures arntz/butler forum. I posted this over there as well, no response. We Bennett owners are few and far between. ...

[427SSSS]

I'll retake first 3 photos, see if I can make them more clear.

[spdbrake]

It would be interesting and helpful if some or all of the various manufacturers cars would be 3D scanned. Knowing the differences and similarities would be a invaluable.

Interchangeable (or least close to interchangable) windshields, doors, fenders, footbox, etc...

Using a camera from a vendor like: https://www.creaform3d.com/en/portab...r-handyscan-3d

[427SSSS]

spdbrake
interesting idea, but seems like a pipe dream, they are competing against each other, and some, I would think would not want to compare to the more accurate bodies.

[spdbrake]

You're absolutely correct on the manufacturer not wanting to scan or share information. Heck its already tough enough to get a Ignition switch, etc... part number pried out of them.

I just thought it would be cool if that info was available on all models especially defunct brands. Would be a blessing for someone needing a front clip or hood etc..

[427SSSS]

BTW, finally got the Bennett 289 out of hiding, she's also 28"

[427SSSS]

The FF5 is 3-1/2" to bottom of chassis.
the Bennetti is 7-1/2" off the ground, no drive train so it's sitting higher.

Easy to see the difference in height.