Unique 427 Questions

LwCwb · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2004, 05:30 PM

I am currently deciding on going with Everett-Morrison or a Unique 427 Cobra. I will most likely be going with the unique, a four speed top loader, and a 427 S/O. Do any of you have a list of parts needed to complete Uniques Deluxe Pallet kit? Also, how close to the orginal is the Unique 427?

GeorgiaSnake · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2004, 05:42 PM

LwCwb http://uniquecobra.com/ is a good place to start. This is a site dedicated to Unique owners. I bought a Unique Delux Pallet and can answer questions if you send me an email.

Randy

excelguru · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2004, 08:52 PM

You can feel free to email me as well. Mine is identical to what you describe. Off the top of my head, I can remember the following:

Paint (sky is the limit)
Side-pipe coating (a few hundred $$$)
Various bolts for seats, seat-belts, ignition module, coil, etc. ($50+/- because I refuse to use anything less than Grade 8 when available )
Battery and hold-down tray ($150 - Optima type)
Radiator hoses and clamps (inexpensive - Advance or Auto Zone)
Driveshaft safety loop (HIGHLY recommended - $40 - Jegs)
Safety cutoff switch (very nice to have - $20 - Finish Line)
Extensive assortment of wiring connectors (spades, splicers, etc. - inexpensive at WalMart)
Fluids: oil, antifreeze, distilled water, brake fluid
Spray adhesive for the carpet ($19/can x 4 cans) All cans are NOT the same. I'll find the product number of the the "best one" and post it later.
Center and side mirrors (the center one is useful, I'll sell you my side one if you want it - check Finish Line for pricing)
Sun visors and wind wings (remarkably effective - check Finish Line again)
License plate bracket (not expensive - from Finish Line)
Emblems (not expensive - Finish Line again)
Almost forgot the cooling fan! SPAL brand. 16" high-flow model. (roughly $150 ??) Extremely effective and HIGHLY recommended with that engine (trust me, I know).

That's about it, I think. Did I miss anything, guys?

excelguru · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2004, 09:08 PM

and...

My pin-drive wheels (NOT cheap) and tires were purchased from Unique before acquiring the car. Call Alan.
Speedometer cable. Only slightly easier to find than an honest politician. Talk to your engine builder. ($19)
The correct speedo "driven gear" for YOUR transmission. Not necessarily the same gear that MY (or anyone else's) transmission uses. There are hundreds of combinations. You'll find four honest politicians before you find this gear. This tiny piece of injection-molded plastic, which has been out of production for years, cost me $45 when I finally found it (ouch).

I chose Unique and have never regretted it since.

clayfoushee · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2004, 09:19 PM

Keith did a nice job assuming you've already priced the 427SO and top loader. One thing about Unique that I haven't seen mentioned here is the amazing customer support. In addition, the Deluxe Pallet is pretty complete except for accessories.

Can't comment on E-M as I have no experience

rdorman · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 06:51 AM

One thing you might want to do is have the engine and tranny shipped to Unique. Seems to me they will put them in the car at no additional charge. Unique will also arrange to have the car painted(seems to me a pretty darn reasonable price) and you could even send them your wheels and tires. If you did all that you would be pretty darn close to finished car by the time you get it.
Rick

Unique580hp · #7 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 06:54 AM

Or you could find a really nice completed small block Unique (hint, hint) and either buy it and sell the engine and tranny and drop in your 427 or offer the seller a good price without the engine and tranny. This could save you a lot of time and money.

Here is a link to one such car (hint, hint)

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...6159post446159

Ps

Did you watch "Bitten by the Snake" in my basement

Cal Metal · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 09:25 AM

Having built a number of these, I would suggest, as required upgrades, the performance brake package and the quad Carrera shock package for the rear end.

Unique580:

The switch you advise is not without complications. The headers are different, as are the mounting points for the engine. A lot of work and, possibly, $$$.

Rick Bagley · #9 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 09:48 AM

LwCwb,

As far as being close to the original, check out my photo gallery. These cars are a great basic kit and can be made in to really great cars. I have tried to keep mine as close as possible to a 1966 427 S/C and I think that has been acheived. We won second place at SAAC 27 (a 289 FIA Unique took 1st place) without the interior being completed and then won Best of Class at the 2003 Muscle Car Nationals, and Top 10 Best of Show. So these cars have the potential of finishing up very nice, I wouldn't do it any other way.

BB427 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-23-2004, 10:27 AM

Rick is right , these kits are a great starting point. I have seen some incredible Unique cars. As with any kit it is the builder that makes the difference between a car that blends into a crowd and a car that steals the show ( as Rick's has already done) What makes a car great is when people that know alot about that specific car stand around it and ooh and aaahhhhh.

Good luck to you.

You can also look at my 427 Unique in my gallery.

Brent

LwCwb · #11 (**permalink**) 02-24-2004, 01:02 PM

How much did you spend on your paint job Keith? I love that Rangoon Red. Does anyone know how much does Unique charge to paint one of their Cobras with the LeMans stripes?

Rick Bagley · #12 (**permalink**) 02-24-2004, 02:27 PM

I beleive the price is 6,000.00 with out stripes and 6,500.00 with stripes. Check with Unique on the prices to be sure.

COBRAGAR · #13 (**permalink**) 02-24-2004, 03:03 PM

i believe unique uses jodeco in atlanta and they get 4,000 for no stripes and 4,500 for stripes and let me tell you i saw oldtimer 427 in unique's shop last year and it looked very nice . you can always go uniquecobra forum and get very good answers hope this helps.

Jerry Chabino · #14 (**permalink**) 02-24-2004, 03:29 PM

The Unique is a mighty fine car and extremely close to an original.
In addition the Weaver family is none other than the best to do business with.

excelguru · #15 (**permalink**) 02-24-2004, 06:43 PM

Mine was the first Unique that Bruce painted with the intention of marketing his talents to Unique and to the replica market in general. Because of this, he cut me a reduced price that I'm not at liberty to disclose

. You'll be happy with his work and the prices above should be expected.

I did indeed forget to include the engine/tranny in the above list (duh). I had Southern Automotive ship mine to the Weavers so that the powertrain would be installed before I acquired the car.

edit: Oh yeah, the paint code is E4 "Bright Red". Same color used on the Ford Lightning pickups.