Cobra Body Identification

rakkasan83 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2023, 12:33 PM

Group I am looking at a cobra body my buddy offered me for sale. He stated he knows nothing about the body. It was supposedly removed to replace with an aluminum body. I am trying to identify so I can finish the car. These are the only photos currently available. I do not have any measurements yet. Thanks for any assistance.

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 08-11-2023, 12:55 PM

The outer shell doesn't tell us much. Any pictures of the inner doors/hood/trunk and the underneath of the main body?

eschaider · #3 (**permalink**) 08-11-2023, 01:00 PM

You are going to have to build everything else, so the actual make of the car is not important. Build the chassis to fit what you have.

What you are doing is like purchasing a windshield washer arm and then inquiring what car it came off of so you can rebuild a car to fit the arm. The task before you is a huge undertaking for a skilled and experienced replica builder. We have a special section on the site called the scratch builders forum for those so inclined. The job is daunting in the extreme!

If you are looking for a low-cost (whatever that is) way into Cobra ownership, the path you are taking is the wrong path. Sell that body, for starters. Goto bringatrailer.com, find something you like and can afford, and buy it!

If you can't afford anything, there is a subtle message there, waiting for you. Pay attention to it! If you think you can do a home-brewed version of the car cheaper than you can buy one, you are being delusional — get professional help.

twobjshelbys · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2023, 01:56 PM

What Ed said.

To identify the body you need to post more pictures of the interior, esp. foot box, engine compartment and trunk and frame at a minimum

But what Ed said is correct. Unless you are already a skilled fabricator, you severely underestimate the amount of work to create the underpinnings - frame, brakes, steering, etc. of a cobra to wrap up with this body. Unless you can identify the body and perhaps buy a body-minus setup from that original manufacturer the road you face is not going to be a cheap path to a Cobra. Oh and let's not forget all of the special tools you'll need to buy that you will only use once. Add another 25-30% overhead for that.

mptech · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2023, 11:05 PM

Looks like a Factory Five MK2 or MK3 / MK3.1), based on the trunk hinges and the brake duct mounting holes, hood opening edges, location of the hood handles, and molded hood scoop. (those are pretty unique features the the earlier FFR bodies).

Dominik · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2023, 11:48 PM

Check the wheelbase and find a chassis to match. You might find that the reading is either 90" or 92", perhaps 95". Any chassis will "fit" under it. With "fit" I mean, it won't.

But you can find a way to attach it to a chassis. Same as the former owner managed to fit an ally body to his chassis.

Don't you have pictures of the chassis where this came off?

mrmustang · #7 (**permalink**) 08-12-2023, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mptech

Looks like a Factory Five MK2 or MK3 / MK3.1), based on the trunk hinges and the brake duct mounting holes, hood opening edges, location of the hood handles, and molded hood scoop. (those are pretty unique features the the earlier FFR bodies).

Agreed, this is a factory five body shell.

Bill S.

mr bruce · #8 (**permalink**) 08-12-2023, 05:49 AM

guys in Sweden or some of the other northern European countrys were putting Cobra bodys on GM "G" body chassis/ drivetrain after shortening them, track width is pretty close with the rite wheel offsets and sizes. They did it this way because of EU regulation, must use real car frames over there. Doing it that way won't meet the critics here of being a cobra, but if you get the body cheep enough and have the time and energy, go for it. qwik look at craiglist/Facebook Market Place might get you a whole g body car with the drivetrain for under a grand. I had a contact for the proces, but that was years ago, Google is your freind.

mr bruce · #9 (**permalink**) 08-12-2023, 06:33 AM

found pdf files on this computer on how it's done, not alot but if you're a little mechanical you could figure them out, This project wouldn't be for a beginner, so if you can't weld or fabricate , forgettabouit. heck i might do it just to prove it can be done, now where's that craiglist ad I saw last week

MOTORHEAD · #10 (**permalink**) 08-12-2023, 07:36 AM

I agree with the FFR diagnosis, so buy a FFR chassis . easy peasy.

mrmustang · #11 (**permalink**) 08-12-2023, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOTORHEAD

I agree with the FFR diagnosis, so buy a FFR chassis . easy peasy.

I'm thinking, build a birdcage to support the body, then find an early bronco rolling frame (also 90" wheelbase friendly at 92" stock)..........

Bill S.

eschaider · #12 (**permalink**) 08-12-2023, 10:25 AM

I think it would be easier for you and probably less expensive to just buy an FFR car (if that's what you want) in some state of disrepair, with the expectation that the disrepair will only need a manageable level of TLC. The job would probably be quicker, easier, and less expensive.

If you were a fabricator, chances are you would not be asking the questions you are. That means your fabrication skills toolbox is essentially bereft of experience and skills. This is a very big warning flag. You might do well to pay attention to it.