kit car ratings

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

When I posted the chart, I said "I need more detail to finish...but you get the idea." Feel free to send me your ratings. I don't want to slant, I would have loved it if all the people who know these cars had at some point prior to my purchase had put this type of chart together, compiling all the data into one easy to read format making my research a bit easier.

I could really care less if you think I am biased...I am...I want a Kirkham...not an ERA. But I drive a BDR and like it for now. Is it 110% original? No...but what is unless it is an original 1960's car? Your car may approximate the original in various aspects, but it will never be original, no matter how hard you try.

Actually my car is not very original looking at all. It has a forward braced roll bar and bolt on wheels. I put louvered vents in the hood - not so much for engine cooling now that it's properly tuned, but the engine compartment is way cooler after a long drive now - good for the longevity of underhood components. So this is really not about defending my chosen brand.

Back to the chart, though - what we could try is to simply list all of the factual info about each brand and let the reader rank and score them himself to suit his particular needs and preferences.
For example, list features like frame type, suspension (IRS/solid), dimensions, base/package price, etc.
As we can see, the subjective stuff is well...subjective and impossible to rank or quantify. A frank, objective comment section detailing any special/unique features could accompany the data.

Once drafted, it could be posted for input and corrections then placed in a sticky for potential buyers to peruse. Your format is good - do you think its doable? I'm willing to help with what I can but most of the good data will come from the owners and manufacturers of each brand.

Yes/no?

EDIT: Jolsen42, that is one really nice car!

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Actually my car is not very original looking at all. It has a forward braced roll bar and bolt on wheels. I put louvered vents in the hood - not so much for engine cooling now that it's properly tuned, but the engine compartment is way cooler after a long drive now - good for the longevity of underhood components. So this is really not about defending my chosen brand.

Back to the chart, though - what we could try is to simply list all of the factual info about each brand and let the reader rank and score them himself to suit his particular needs and preferences.
For example, list features like frame type, suspension (IRS/solid), dimensions, base/package price, etc. As we can see, the subjective stuff is well...subjective and impossible to rank or quantify. A frank, objective comment section detailing any special features could accompany the data.

Once drafted, it could be posted for input and corrections then placed in a sticky for potential buyers to peruse. Your format is good - do you think its doable? I'm willing to help with what I can but most of the good data will come from the owners and manufacturers of each brand.

Yes/no?

Let's put up a Wiki and then let everyone edit it.

I don't live in a dream world, but these threads are useless and kind of negative. Maybe entertaining banter for one person but not very productive.

This also is about a million miles away from the conversations that our local Cobra group has when we meet for breakfast to shoot the shix. And yes, every manufacturer is represented. Run what ya brung.

[pcoghlan]

Buzz, I applaud your intentions but I think that even putting aside the subjective items, which are most of the items listed, the rest will be nearly as difficult due to bias. It is difficult to look at even an objective item and be TOTALLY unbiased. I know I have a soft spot for my GD and would rate it highly in most areas. I suspect most owners would equally rate their brand highly in most areas.

In short I think this is a non-starter. I would love to be proven wrong but someone's suggestion earlier that new users simply use the in-site search to pull relevant threads might be the way to go.

Apropos the erm...well...prickly posts lets remember we are all here to share our enthusiasm for the Cobra. We are more united than divided.

So, stop it or I will bring up the UK v US thing!

Paul

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by pcoghlan

So, stop it or I will bring up the UK v US thing!

Paul

If you haven't heard, we, the US, won.

[pcoghlan]

Not the debate I was talking about but now you mention it...

[TButtrick]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

This also is about a million miles away from the conversations that our local Cobra group has when we meet for breakfast to shoot the shix. And yes, every manufacturer is represented. Run what ya brung.

Well said. When we all get together for a ride, the mutual respect that we have for each others ride is always the top of discussion. I LOVE getting the chance to look at other rides and for the most part, I'm humbled... except for the dual roll bar thing.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by TButtrick

I LOVE getting the chance to look at other rides and for the most part, I'm humbled... except for the dual roll bar thing.

Well dang, you just might get that poetry after all.

[Dinobyte]

Buzz et al, I am game. I will provide the chart, update the columns as requested, what ever...I look at this as an oportunity to help newbies...and de-mystify the process a degree or two.

With regards to the Curt Scott book, it is good, I own it. But a comparison is not done on a single chart.

[ENTDOC]

that green car is very nice

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Dinobyte

Buzz et al, I am game. I will provide the chart, update the columns as requested, what ever...I look at this as an oportunity to help newbies...and de-mystify the process a degree or two.

With regards to the Curt Scott book, it is good, I own it. But a comparison is not done on a single chart.

Great. Let's do it. Should we continue to throw out a few ideas here or start a new thread and ask for suggestions re: features we need to list?

[Richard Hudgins]

Folks,

Here is the very worst example indeed.

The creators of this should be tarred and feathered and run out of town to shrivel and die in the hinterlands.



The total effrontery boggles the mind.

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by jolsen42

Here's another FFR.
John O

Boing!

[jmimac351]

Originally Posted by pcoghlan

Not the debate I was talking about but now you mention it...

Don't worry, pretty soon you'll think you never left.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by Richard Hudgins

Folks,

Here is the very worst example indeed.

The creators of this should be tarred and feathered and run out of town to shrivel and die in the hinterlands.



The total effrontery boggles the mind.

Lol! Not at all Richard! The JBL is a no-pretences, butt kickin' machine that subscribes in its own way to the same form-follows-function beauty of the Cobra without trying to be a Cobra. Awesome pic!

[ng8264723]

The cars lines are pretty nice. The orange headlights have to go. It has a beautiful paintjob

[mr bruce]

Me likes the orange headlites, but the radiator was put in crooked. Hope that's not one of them replicas with the weak square tube frames

[pcoghlan]

Worst example of a replica maybe, subjective. Seems to me to be a nice car though..

The 'inspired by' theme is similar to the GD I drive. Not a replica in any sense of the word.

Paul

Originally Posted by Richard Hudgins

Folks,

Here is the very worst example indeed.

The creators of this should be tarred and feathered and run out of town to shrivel and die in the hinterlands.



The total effrontery boggles the mind.

[pcoghlan]

We never did!!

Originally Posted by jmimac351

Don't worry, pretty soon you'll think you never left.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by pcoghlan

Worst example of a replica maybe...l

Naah, when I speak of "poor FFR builds," I have something like this in mind. Clearly this is at the low end of the FFR build spectrum.

[pcoghlan]

OK, so nothing subjective here. That is just dog ugly!

A new spin on the Cobra Mustang