Building a JBL 427 Competition Roadster?

[Scrivy]

I am seriously considering the building of a JBL 427 Competition Roadster. I am looking for advice and comments from anyone whom has built one.

Please share any information relevant to my success or failure in this endeavor.

I would like to build this car from the ground up with a very complete set of parts.

How easy or hard would this car be for a total novice? How many hours? I work in a machine shop and can assemble mechanical parts but have no body work or engine/transmission experience. Any suggestions?

Can I purchase all the parts shown in the Stage 2 package unassembled? I would like to have the experience assembling the car without having to spend time hunting for the parts. I know that searching for exactly the right part is probably half the fun for some people but I would rather spend the time in construction. I spend much time hunting for parts in my regular job.

Thanks in advance for all your advice.

Scrivy

[jmarsey]

Hi Scrivy,

That is a tall order but noble one in my book. If you are serious about building one of these things from ground up, I would highly recommend you come and see mine first. I have done a considerable amount of r&d on the car over a 5 year build period. From my point of view, there is a lot to talk about if you’re interested in building and having a first rate car when you are done (which the car deserves due to JBL's unique chassis development and performance).

I’ll probably get slammed for this but it won’t be the first time: the JBL is not an easy car to build.

Let’s talk offline if you’re interested. I’ll pm my phone #.

John

[decooney]

Scrivy,
I second that motion. After watching John through his build, changes, and mods here and there over the years, a trip to see his car would be worth a lot (time/money/energy savings to you) if you are truly serious about building a JBL.

[Richard Hudgins]

John,

I will agree that the JBL is not easy to build.

But if one builds the car to the original design it is not any harder then any other race car I have ever built.

You are a special case as you know. You changed just a few things that were not part of the original design. IE:engine type. etc...

But you built a damn fine piece in the end....

Scrivy,

The comp chassis is currently not available and will not be unless there are orders for 5 units in hand. (Very doubtful in this current economic scenario.)

As JBL has to make all the parts in lots of 10 and they are very pricey parts indeed, it does not make any sense to produce them without that many orders.

(Note: this is due to setup time costs on the CNC machines used to make the parts and machine time costs. If we made just one set of parts it would cost more than the total cost of a finished car for that set.)

With the above in mind, I would look to another chassis choice If I were you.

Or find 4 other folks who wish one as well.

[jmarsey]

Ok Richard, I “just changed a few things from the original design”? If that’s what makes you feel good, you can believe that. But you are mistaken regarding engine type. The cylinder heads caused a little fitment issue but it’s still just a 302. And yes, I know I am a special case.

Agreed, on the original concept of being easy to build as a race car but as you know a race car and street car are worlds apart. Most of these cars are built for street use and the marriage of body and chassis, in well finished form, is the hardest part of the build. You and I can do it but difficult for the novice, just ask the butcher.

Sorry to hear sales are down enough to temporarily stop production of parts. The continual innovation and develop of the chassis and bits has been exceptional over the years. My car is now an old outdated piece by current specs but still, and without a doubt, the lowest and loudest cobra in the country.

Hope all is well and have a great holiday,

John

[David-JBL]

Scrivy,

I have been building a stage 2 chassis for over a year. It may be approaching two years. I have kinda lost track of time. Seems like JMarsey may of sent me an email about two years ago asking me why on earth I would want to build a JBL. I think he was trying to tell me something but I did not listen to him. Oh well. I am near the finish line now and I think that I have a really trick chassis and a nice car.

I did not have the knowledge base to build this car by myself and had to rely on a friend who builds race car for a living.

In my opinion, for a novice, any Cobra is hard to build. So I think that the JBL was over the top for me. My friend, who has the car in his shop would probably suggest to you that the JBL is not an easy build. But he is a perfectionist and we had to do modifications here and there to make it the special Cobra that I wanted.

If you do go with JBL you will have a really good support team between Richard and Dave. You might want to call Dave, since he is the builder and talk to him. He is an incredibly nice guy to talk to. Who know, maybe he will suprise you and build you a chassis.

David

[john chesnut]

For an extremely high performance Cobra replica with a sophisticated chassis and all aluminum independent suspension I would suggest that you check out my kit. It is a straight forward build with out any fabrication or fiberglass work to do. In fact, I can send it to you as a roller with out an extra charge. You can learn more at www.chesnutmotorsports.com.
Have fun with what ever kit you choose to build. It is an exciting and rewarding project. John

[vector1]

that's too bad about not being able to have access to a comp model. you might consider the touring unit from goins.

i think with doing it yourself you end up with something you did and you are responsible for anything that didn't come out correctly or fit perfectly and no surprises from previous owners.

i was impressed with the engineering and fitment of the quality parts. definitely race car quality.

[maurice19]

John`s car is loud, and beautiful

Maurice

[jmarsey]

Maurice's car is loud, beautiful, and very nasty. As it should be big brother.

John