New to Cobras

[mthrockmorton]

I am new to the forum...and to Cobras. I found a long abandoned, abused, neglected Cobra body and home built frame. I am not sure what skills, experience or knowledge the previous owner(s) had...but it was not automotive in nature. At this point I am nearly complete with cutting things off and apart to get back to a solid beginning...I am in Sun Lakes and I would like to get a closer look at other Cobras...I have a number of decisions to make as I get started....(My first time a forum / chat room, so, sorry in advance for any missteps).

[Danr55]

You're doing fine. Right now you have two choices. 1. You can scrap the entire project and save yourself innumerable headaches and dollars, and give up on hours of pure driving excitement.....or 2 you can press ahead and become like the rest of us. In any event, welcome.

[RB60]

I spent nearly 2 years doing research before I "pulled the trigger" buying my Cobra.
I did notice there were a number of unfinished Cobras out there, probably for a variety of reasons. Reading the posts here assisted my decision to buy a completed car with enough miles to have the "bugs" worked out. I spent hours on this site gaining knowledge I'd never find anywhere else before (and after) joining, and to all of you who have helped me make my decision, I thank you. I have an awesome Unique Motorcars replica that I am proud of and have had an absolute blast driving the last 2 years, collecting car show trophies and enumerable complements.

That said, welcome mthrockmorton! There are so many knowledgeable individuals on this forum you should get a wealth of information to complete your Cobra. Good luck!!

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

I admire your choice. You must have a lot of time, money, tools, garage space, spous patience, knowledge, and persistence to attack such a project. I could not do what you are doing. Good luck and we'll be looking forward to your success.

AZ Bob

[PHMCobra]

Welcome to the world of the Cobra. Sounds like you have a major project ahead. I have a beauty queen Backdraft Cobra that is 5 years old with 2200 miles on it. It is truly like new and mostly gets driven to/from the Sun Lakes Oakwood Tennis Club. If you would like to see and inspect my Cobra, let me know. Phil

[mthrockmorton]

Thank you for the welcome. I have built a few cars already, so finding a project needing more work than money (well, at least that was my thinking...) was the goal...it will be a clear home built with the goal being more of a cruiser that a racer.... I will look forward to the input, wisdom and experience from the group...

Thanks again,

Mike

[Karl Bebout]

Will the REAL Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve please stand up?

[BigGuy]

Welcome

Cobras are like a disease..... a very contagious disease.... lol

I took many years researching all the options, this place is good for info.
There are many very experts on site with a wealth of knowledge, It can save you a lot of time and money looking-up solutions to your challenges here.

Again welcome aboard!

[eschaider]

Originally Posted by mthrockmorton

Thank you for the welcome. I have built a few cars already, so finding a project needing more work than money (well, at least that was my thinking...) was the goal...it will be a clear home built with the goal being more of a cruiser that a racer.... I will look forward to the input, wisdom and experience from the group...

Thanks again,

Mike

Mike,

If what twirls your twinkie is the fabrication and building, then God bless by all means go for it. Very few of the membership on the site actually race their Cobra's. Sure we have the occasional track day but by and large we derive our satisfaction from driving the vehicles and enjoying the unique experience that these cars are capable of providing.

A number of the very gifted fabricators and builders on the site do stunning work recreating these extraordinary vehicles that Shelby conceived over a half century ago. Many of them reproduce extraordinarily accurate replicas of what the originals were and looked like.

If you are like the vast majority of us you will derive you greatest satisfaction from just driving a well assembled replica vehicle. If that is you also, I would suggest pursuing a challenging build from a not so original starting place is going to be a significant expense and not sooth the itch for what most of us ended up really wanting — which was the driving experience.

Before you get too far down the potentially wrong path (just because you can do the work) back off for a moment and ask that pregnant question, what do I want from this effort? Once you have an answer you feel good about, stand back clear the decks and go for it!


Ed


p.s. A nicely finished example of these cars will approximate $50K at the bottom of the scale and nearly $150K at the top of the scale by the time you are done. Chances are you will be in the middle somewhere.

[Danr55]

Ed, you forgot the first K I hope. $50k ??

[eschaider]

You're right Dan! Just went back and did a little corrective surgery

Ed

[RAMRobAZ]

I’m in Chandler with a Factory Five go cart. The body is at paint, so you can see all the chassis work. DM me if you want to take a look.