brand new guy

sspano01 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2011, 06:21 PM

you cannot go wrong with the gel-coat. for about $800, you get a 'finished' body. that shaves at least $5k off the initial build price. in the future, you can get it painted if you like.

for me, i had it wet sanded, put stripes, and clear coat on it. polish/buff - looks really nice now. i dont see why i would get it 'painted'

daverascal · #2 (**permalink**) 04-10-2012, 04:55 PM

Ok update time. I'm in the process of hanging the doors. Pass. door went right on, the drivers side not so good. the brackets weren't welded straight had to heat up and tweak to fit. Then had to move the holes a bit to line up. No fun at all!! So what's left, mount gas tank, wire and interior. Doesn't sound like much but seems like it's taking forever to get anything complete. Got the dash back from Hydrocoating, WOW does it look sick!!! The die hard cobra people won't like it, but it looks fantastic....
Dave & Rascal

daverascal · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2012, 07:25 PM

Started the wiring today. I didn't glue plywood to the body. I made a bracket and mounted it to the cowl bar.I mounted the fuse block with rubber bushings for the vibration. So far the wiring seems straight forward... We'll see
Dave

daverascal · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2012, 10:36 PM

Most of wiring is done. Takes a long time trying to hide as much as I can. Had problems with the MSD system but finally got it figured out. Started the motor, WOW does it sound good very healthy!! Hope to have it ready for a local cruise in on June 9th we'll see bunch to do.
Dave & Rascal

daverascal · #5 (**permalink**) 05-22-2012, 04:44 AM

Had a bunch of problems with the 6al msd box. Sometimes it would start other times not. Changed out box checked all wiring and grounds, problem still there. So I pulled out the entire system and put in a Mallory Unilite works great. So next I tried out the trans set up. I adjusted the clutch until there was no slack left. Not enough I could not get trans into gear. The throw out bearing arm hits the bell housing, plus the throwout bearing has not slack between the bearing and pressure plate. So I think I'll change out and go to a hyd. throwout bearing. Seems I figure out one problem another surfaces.
Dave

Roscoe · #6 (**permalink**) 05-22-2012, 04:32 PM

I haven't posted here in awhile but always willing to help an A & C owner. I've run a Tilton hydraulic bearing since 2000. I've never had a problem and the car still runs great. Take your time setting it up. Their tech is top notch.

By the way, my gelcoat still looks like a paint job. Buff it yearly with stuff from a boat store. Had a bit of a blemish recently. Managed a little crush at the air intake; about 1"wide and 1/4" deep. Bought the gelcoat repair kit from West Marine (3m Product) worked great. I'm at the point of finishing sanding (600 grit then 1200) and polishing out with 3M compound.

Although my build site has not been updated for years (I'm driving the car) it may help you in your build.
Http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm
Roscoe

daverascal · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2012, 07:15 PM

Thanks Roscoe I ordered a hyd. throw bearing today. I read a lot of articles on setting them up. Seems if you spend the time setting it up properly you should be problem free. I had hoped this build would be enjoyable, it has not, I would not do it again. I talk to a couple of buddies they do frame off restore jobs, stuff you see at Barrett Jackson. They both think it's going pretty smooth. I guess I expected it to go together without cutting and be square not 5/8" off UGH!!! But it's starting to look good.