Where to start. Looking for advice

jasonm · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 05:19 AM

Hello all,
It's been a few years since I last visited CC but I have come back. My father and I have decided to build a cobra together. He is a machinist and I, well, do a little of everything. We both have very high customization experience and are setting off looking for an outfit to supply a frame and body. Now we don't want the frame already welded up and powder coated. In a perfect world it would show up in pieces and we will weld it up. Do you guys know of anyone supply this? Also, and I don't want to start any problems but our intent is to use a late 90's vette for the engine, tranny, f/r suspension. We both love the lines of the cobra and feel that with "today's" technology can really build something nice. Neither of us care about selling the care since that's not why we are building it. Can you lend any help on where to start?

Thanks all
Jason

trularin · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 05:54 AM

You might want to call LoneStar and see what they will provide.

Three Peaks · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 08:18 AM

If you're interested in really going the scratch build route, why not just buy the Cobra Restorer's drawings and build the chassis from scratch. There are several places you can source a body that will fit these chassis.

jasonm · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 10:31 AM

Thanks for the idea Three Peaks. If we had a bender of any kind we might go that route but I like the idea of buying a modern frame has been "updated" and going from there. I have been poking around all the user galleries today and I must say "I'm jealous" You guys have some top notch vehicles here!

rustyBob · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 08:18 PM

Jasonm........try John Chestnut he builds Cobras with the Vette parts and uses bodys from Shell Valley over his chassis............i dont know if he will sell an unassembled frame but he might hook you up with drawings...........

rustyBob · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 08:23 PM

sorry its spelled ........Chesnut.

elmariachi · #7 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonm

Can you lend any help on where to start?Thanks all
Jason

Plenty of guys can chime in about where to buy what. If I were to offer any advice as a new guy in this sport it would be to do lots of reading and researching before writing any checks. Where I started a year ago and what I thought I wanted is a long, long way from where I ended up with my car. In other words, I thought I knew what I wanted, but I was wrong. Time, research and interfacing with guys here will likely have an impact on your plans.

Good luck.

jasonm · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 03:46 AM

thanks for all the advice guys. one thing i am doing is research and lots of it. it's not a big deal if we can't buy an unweled frame and we probably won't after talking with a few people.

from the experience you all have what route would you take? keep in mind our end result does need to be something fuel injected with an irs setup. would it be from a corvette or something else? we are not looking for the cheapest solution either.

thanks again.

elmariachi · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 08:09 AM

I would think it would be tough to buy an unwelded frame, you'd have to have a jig to be able to get it framed square and then weld it all in place. That would surely be a "Kelly Johnson/Lockheed build-the-tool-so-you-can-then-build-the-plane" PITA. I hear rumors that Hurricane may start back up under new ownership. If that happens, their kit has IRS and they will have the ability to sell you a frame sans motor mounts so you can mount a Chevro..........Can't say it.