New guy on the block

new22003 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 09:30 PM

Hello,
Im new here and wanted to introduce myself. My names Jason ans I am looking into getting a Cobra kit as I have wanted one for years. I currently own a 69 Coronet/Super Bee clone, 2003 Mustang Cobra, and the wife drives a 2000 Mustang GT. I have built a few street rods before, 37 Plymouth and 58 chevy and of course my Coronet/Super Bee. I have a large selection of tools and a nice sized garage. (no garage is ever big enough though)

I am thinking about selling my Coronet and getting a Cobra kit for the wife and I to work on. I am not interested in a concourse car or anything period correct. I am not looking to make money on this car. We want to build it ourselves. In the end we just want to end up with a good looking, fun, functional, 427 style Cobra. Small block power with a 5 speed is fine although I wont rule out a big block.

I was wondering if there are companies/manufacturers to avoid? Things that you wish you had done to your cobra? Common mistakes first time builders make. Any good links for first time cobra builders? I cant seem to get the build-ups section here to work. Drawbacks to owning a Cobra if any? Would you do it again?

Thanks again and good to be here.

G.R. · #2 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 11:30 PM

Try FFR--Factory Five---good low end kit---no offense FFR owners
Shell Valley
Unique or ERA--for more premium---both 6mos to 1yr wait for delivery--quality takes time
Classic II roadsters
Lot of of other mfgs out there--the above have good reps, quality cars for the $$

svobud · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 01:18 AM

My opinion .. it really depends on how much you want to spend. If I had the $$, I would have bought a Kirkham. Just something about that alum body and originality look of it. Top shelf!

For simplistic sake and limited funds, I chose a FFR. Best bang for the buck. Pre-engineered for Mustang parts. How much easier can it get? They just shipped their 4000th kit .. there's not many ploblems you will encounter that someone out here can't help you solve.

Which ones to avoid? Start looking around. The ones you never see anyone talking about - are probably obscure for a reason.

REDSC400 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 05:36 AM

There are two really good books out there that you may want to get before you make a decision. The first is written by Curt Scott and is called ... "The Complete Guide to Cobra Replicas". His book is super in that it list the 5 major reasons you should consider each kit or company. A very nice book for all to have.

The second book will be invaluable to you and it is called "The Big Guide to Cobra Kits and Parts" and is published by Kit Car Builder Club. This book lists the entire catalog and price sheet of every kit manufacturer that is currently building Cobra kits here in the States. The new issue just came out and it is fairly up to date. It will be an invaluable tool for locating parts and sources of supply as you do your build.

Lastly.. just click on the WWW button at the bottom of this reply and you will go to my Cobra Bibliography. It is organized by books and magazines. Both of these books are listed there with quite a few others. It is a large web page so go get a coffee while it is downloading if you are on dial up or a slow internet link.

Welcome aboard. The Cobra is a Gas.

Yes you are right... no matter what size garage you have your Stuff will grow to fill up the avaliable space. That is some sort of law I think.

Good Luck.

Cheers,

new22003 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 08:46 AM

I would like to thank you guys for responding so quickly and I appreciate the advice.

I of course had seen the FACTORY FIVE kit before as it seems very popular. I wasnt sure if it was just because it was so affordable. If it makes a fun fairly problem free driver than it would be great for me. I just wasnt sure of the quality or the reputation it had. I have had extensive experience with fox body mustangs before so the parts used in the Factory Five kit would be good for me.

The KIRKHAM is a beautiful car but I am not looking for something so accurate to the original. It would be a fine car to have but I'm afraid I wouldnt have the funds to properly do a car like that. I can see investing quite a lot in a kirkham kit as it is a beautiful bit of metalwork that deserves the best. Fiberglass is fine with me for now as I am used to working with it.

I had not seen the UNIQUE MOTORCARS kit before and will be doing much more reading on this one.

REDSC400
Thanks for the heads up on the books they are now on my purchase list.

The car we are looking for will not be a trailer or garage queen or a national show winner. We want a car to take to local shows and cruises and to have fun with as often as possible.

WBofTN · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 09:43 AM

New22003:
What part of Mississippi are you in??
I'm in Memphis and there are several Cobras here.
We meet for breakfast a/b once or twice a month.
If your interested.
WB

REDSC400 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 09:48 AM

As you are probably aware, the world of replica Cobras is composed of various vendors each offering their product possibly in a stage of build.

for example: Some vendors just offer a kit composed of parts and partially configured assemblies. Some offer the kit of parts pre-assembled in into a rolling assembly. And others offer a full turn key car. Some vendors sell direct while others sell thru a dealer network.

Cheers.

new22003 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WBofTN

New22003:
What part of Mississippi are you in??
I'm in Memphis and there are several Cobras here.
We meet for breakfast a/b once or twice a month.
If your interested.
WB

Hello neighbor,
Yes I am in Olive Branch, 10 minutes south of you. I didnt realize there was such a group in Memphis. I havent seen too many around our area, its good to know there are a few. Would be great to network with other local Cobra owners when we get our kit. Is it a club or a bunch of guys getting together? How many cobras?

WBofTN · #9 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 12:46 PM

Its kinda a club - mostly we eat breakfest and sometimes we will
go on a cruise or to a cruise in. Most Guys in the club are not to big on car shows (me included). We have a/b 7 or 8 guys (4 SPFs
1 Unique 2 FFRs and 1 Stallion. There are several other cobras in the Memphis area, but they seldom show up. Send me you e-mail
and I will notify you next time we get together. Also, If you are Interested in Unique, your welcome to come over and see
mine (Cordova Area).
WB