New Cobra Fan

Mysticle31 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 10:45 AM

Hello All:

I am new to this forum, but the thing is I am interested in building a cobra. I have looked at several different companies but some have gone out of business - that's a bummer! I have a limited budget but have come across tow co's that interest me.
1. Factory Five and B&B. Does anyone have any suggestion on which build is easier for the novice builder. I am not totally new. I am just about finished in restoring a 1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Liter.
2. I am not interesting in racing, just cruisin and going on nice drives once in a while and going to little car shows.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

rustyBob · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 02:27 PM

Mysticle31........welcome to the world of Cobra's........FFr and B@b are both great companys BUT" dont stop" ...do your homework, dont let your dream become a nightmare,there plenty of other company's out there that have a really good product and will be willing to work with you. if you are looking to build your own car set a budget and stick to it,search for bargains ,look at good used parts if necessary,and talk to other owners and ask questions ,and keep it simple.Call Travis at Shell Valley and ask for their info on their Cobras i think you will like what you see.....Travis is the owner and tell him Bob Q from Columbus sent ya

DanEC · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 07:38 PM

Decide how much originality you are interested in. Some people only care that the basic shape is there while some want as near a duplicate of the original as possible. Part of the intrigue of owning a Cobra replica for me was their original appearance - particularly in the interior and dashboard. That is one area that many of the builders take some liberties with. If tbe original appearance of the interior is not that big a concern to you and you are interested in some updates, such as seats, radio, gages, etc, then your choices are greater. Some cars are more authenic in exterior appearance also - but I found the interior and engine compartment to vary more often. Another area is the suspension. If you want IRS in the rear, then your choices are narrowed. If you can live with a live axle then there are more choices in manufactuers. Chassis design is another area to look at. If you look at the frames of a number of manufacturers you begin to get an idea of which ones probably have more rigidity and torsional strength than others. It might not make a big difference for a mild engine cruiser, but if you autocross or plan on a big motor then it might be pretty important. And then price is always a factor unless your in Michael Jackson's will.

This are some of the things I pondered before I placed an order for my car.

Dan

mrmustang · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:35 AM

Since you already have experience working on cars, I think either one of these two kits will work for you. Personally I only have experience with the FFR (out of your two), but I have a few friends who have built B&B's and they enjoy them as well. Either way, welcome to the madness and enjoy your build.

Yours In Fords,

Bill S.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mysticle31

Hello All:

I am new to this forum, but the thing is I am interested in building a cobra. I have looked at several different companies but some have gone out of business - that's a bummer! I have a limited budget but have come across tow co's that interest me.
1. Factory Five and B&B. Does anyone have any suggestion on which build is easier for the novice builder. I am not totally new. I am just about finished in restoring a 1966 Ford Galaxie 7-Liter.
2. I am not interesting in racing, just cruisin and going on nice drives once in a while and going to little car shows.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 03:53 AM

Welcome to the club, and you will find a lot of help here. I have a Factory Five coupe with the Independent rear and I could get around the road course just about the same with the Classic Roadster that I had with a straight axle. For just cruising and enjoying the car, you don't need all of the expensive racing suspension and other stuff. If you don't want to race but just enjoy the car, don't get caught up in the horsepower race. Anything above 400 will give you plenty of power and speed and the tickets will cost the same if you have 400 or 800 horse.

Ron

Karen Wells · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 12:37 PM

HI
you need to do your homework on the manufacturers.
Go to www.cobracountry.com and visit with Curt Scott, he will help you alot with the builders. He will tell you who to call and who to stay away from.
Then you can go from there.
You are spending alot of money on your dream so you need to stay focus and ask the right questions and get the right answers.
The last I heard FF had some issues with their bodies. Stress cracks.
B&B Mfg. I know has issues with customer service after you get your kit or finished car, which ever you get.
I was in the office for B&B Mfg. for almost 12 years.
I'm not there anymore.
Ask questions and see peoples cobras.