unique 427 or backdraft - Page 2

xlr8or · #21 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 11:14 PM

I talked to the guys from Backdraft at Knott's and they said they should have a big block model ready to order by mid May. It will require the suspension upgrade.
I was very pleased with what I saw. They had a nice setup to show thier cars off.

RACERAL · #22 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 07:23 AM

I just have a factory five car.. but the 10 months that it took me to build it was some of the best times I' ve had in quite a while.. I would do it agin in a heart beat..... worked 2 jobs while I was building it also..Unique is one of the top 4 cars in my book

GeorgiaSnake · #23 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 08:03 AM

Racer, no need to appologize for "only a FFR" you got what you could pay for and fullfilled a dream many can't. I started off looking at the FFR and switched to Unique when the build numbers got close.

Randy

flanker · #24 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 01:19 PM

Curious to know how much does the Unique cost and then how much extra put in for building? I have Backdraft #8 and just love it to death. They are a great company and the service from Reg & Tony is outstanding!

When i started my research, building was the way I was going, but time and intimate mechanical knowledge were lacking. I just the turn key minus route and never looked back.

There is no comparing any cobra model i think because each one has their good & bad qualities. it is what you feel good with and can live with $$$ to realize your dream car.

Backdraft has only been around for a short while (I have car #8 that i took delivery on in May 2002) but are doing well and getting possitive feedback from whereever they show up.

Whatever your choice, don't second quess it and just enjoy the hell out of it.

Forever Bitten
Frank H

CSX 4039 · #25 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GeorgiaSnake

Hey Bolte - 1000 hours ????? I have done my own bodywork ( first time I've tried it) and will never come close to 1000 hours. It might take Stevie Wonder or Ray Charles 1000 hours but I doubt it.
Some folks have the desire and ability to try and build something others the ability to write checks. Until you done it you won't understand.
Buy the way your photo album is one of the best I've seen.

Randy

Randy- you're right, I will never know what is like to build one, I'm glad you could. I know my weaknesses, and time is one of them. I am not alone in this, however. We've got three guys in Waco area who have owned their kits for 2-3 YEARS (one guy is a professional mechanic!)(two ffr, one ERA) and only one, (Eddie Ashlemann) only finished just last month after, I believe, three years. It's a great car, however. (The car is in my photo album with the $850 snake painting under the hood). 1000 hours? Hell, I don't know, but longer than I've got to spend! We should run one of those polls for guys who did it them selves, "How long did you own your kit before your finished it? I am happy for you, though, building a good one is a real accomplishment.

I've heard everything from 6 weeks to 3 years to "when h&ll freezes over" on completion times, and I don't know what separates the "completers" from the "non-completers"

CSX 4039 · #26 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jerry Cowing

Cobragar,

G Snake is absolutely correct and Brett Boltes estimate of 1000 hours to build a Unique is way out in left field.

Not sure, but, doesn't Kirkham and SAI both claim to spend 400+ hours on the body alone?? (Metal, yes, but filling in and sanding all those little holes in glass ain't no easy job either....)

deadwood1584 · #27 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 03:25 PM

The quality of the Unique is AWESOME ! Everybody that sees mine is impressed. Eric

GeorgiaSnake · #28 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 05:35 PM

Hey Brett time is something we all see slip away. I really didn't consider time in the factor when I decided to build my own. I have a full time job, 50 - 60 hours a week, coach a youth baseball team, go to my sons baseball games and try to keep the wife happy. With that said I consider the build great therapy, I enjoy sitting on my work stool planning the next step. I have spent over an hour thinking about the best way to accomplish a fifteen minute task.

I decided to do the body work myself after sitting and wondering if I could actually do it. It seemed a no brainer, however it is hard work. I have kept a time sheet and will post it when I finish.

As far as the cost I could have bought a used one cheaper in this market, but it would have involved a compromise on what I wanted.

We are all very fortunate to have either the money to buy complete or the fortitude to build.

Randy

JimsGems · #29 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 11:55 PM

I also saw the Backdraft at Knotts and I liked it a lot and the general fit and finish was pretty good, It would be a tough call, but I think I'd have to go with the Unique. The Weavers have been doing it right for many years and back their product 100% in every way. That's just hard to beat.