Questions on buying in California

HowardV · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 06:55 PM

First, I envy all you Cobra owners out there and want to join the group. I'm looking for my first used replica. I've been reading and studying, but have some questions:

1. Some Cobras are advertised as being registered as a 67 Cobra, while others are registered for example as a 2000 Cobra. I think this will make a big difference in smog regulations (at least here in California). What constitutes the "year" as it appears on registration?

2. Someone told me that side exhausts may be illegal in California. Is this true? I love those side exhausts!!!

3. Is it best to buy from someone in California since it has already been registered here? Does it make it much more difficult to purchase one from out of state?

4. Any hints or advice on things to look out for in the state of California (laws, legislation, DMV exceptions, etc.)?

5. How do most insurance companies classify these kit cars?

6. Anyone ever get into trouble if the exhause it too loud?

Thanks for any info,

Howard

Mark Husar · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 08:06 PM

Howard...

First off I would recommend that you purchase here in Ca. The Cobra I bought was registered in Texas and I went thru hell fo 13 months to get the registration done. Had it not been for sb1578, I would have sold the car and started over!!As it is everything worked out fine and I get my jollies as often as I can.Insurance has not been a problem for me. I insure at a 50,000 stated value, 2,500 miles per year at app. 425.00 per year thru Classic.

My decision was to purchase a car built by a company from Texas. I did not want to purchase what is referred to as a donor kit car.When I think of the speed that this car is capable of, I just don't trust the work of a handyman who put this together in his garage.

Buying the car was the best thing I ever did for myself. I just cannot get over the rush and the thrill every time I pull out into traffic and grip it.
Happy hunting!!

trctrdrvr · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 08:56 PM

Quote:

I just don't trust the work of a handyman who put this together in his garage.

There are guys on this site that are very capable of building cars, if you are unsure off their talents have a mechanic that you trust check their work, not a bad ideal to do that anyway, I for one have built many racecars before starting my build on the Shell Valley that I bought. Check every thing 3 times then check it again, keep a list of what you have done and check it off, safety first. I'm enjoying the build but can't wait to drive.

pgermond · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 09:08 PM

First thing you can do is perform a search on this site on "SB100". Secondly, here are a couple of links that you may find helpful.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/

http://www.cobratrader.com/registrationCA.html

I'm in the process of building and am planning (hoping and praying) to have it registered next year.

Good luck.... if you live in CA you will need it

Mark Husar · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 10:18 PM

The input from trctrdrvr is correct. There are many builders/drivers out there who use quality material, parts and great craftsmanship. You could buy an excellant product from them.
The choice for me was different. Not better or worse. I still had to check out my purchase carefully before signing the check. But I was more comfortable buying a car built by a reputable outfit with some history behind them.

trctrdrvr · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2003, 10:40 PM

Thanks Mark
I'm glad that we agree, somtimes when I get to a difficult situation I start to think [dangerous] this would have been easier if I had bought a completed car but then I figure out the answer and it is my way

cobra fever · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 02:38 AM

Howard what are you looking for, and how much do you want to spend? Maybe i can sell you mine?

HowardV · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 12:07 PM

Thank you all for your responses. Unfortunately, I have forgotten 90% of what I learned in auto shop back in high school 20 years ago :-) I don't have the technical abilities or have the proper garage to assemble my own from kit. Nor the time!

I think I'll take the advice of getting a used one built by a reputable manufacturer that has already been registered in CA. I'm sure there are many competent individuals out there who have built their own, but my problem is recognizing which ones are put together well. And off hand, I don't know of any mechanics who know about these cars to help me rate them.

I don't want to spend over $30K. I'm not sure if this is enough for a used Cobra built by a reputable manufacturer. Horsepower isn't an issue for me, anything with 350+ horses is enough. This will not be used on tracks, just weekend cruises for fun. I really would like to have at least power brakes - power assisted steering is a major plus. And it has to be a manual tranny.

And if anyone is interested, I'm selling my 2000 Mustang GT convertible for this Cobra. My Mustang is black/black with all options in the book - mint condition - no scratches or door dents. So if anyone wants to consider partial trade + cash (my cash of course), I'm up for it. The Mustang is a great daily driver. I have pics if anyone is interested (but I doubt any Cobra lover will settle for a Mustang!).

Thanks for all the advice.

Howard

Modie · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 07:53 PM

In Orange County near John Wayne Airport is a shop called Hillbank Motors. www.MKIIIroller.com They sell the Superformance Rolling Chassis. www.Superformance.com Everyone I have spoken with who has one is completely satisfied with the product. They look really sharp and well put together. They can provide many details about registering etc. Since the car is limited production it's obviously different than registering a mass produced car. Lot's of things you can do the the engine that can't be done with your typical assemnly line car. I believe Hillbank takes care of the DMV stuff.
Good Luck