Fitz...

[mikiec]

Hey Fitz...

I think you need to have Gordon build you a trailer to tow your stuff. Thak trunk is full of amps and speakers.

Mike

[Fitz]

So you saw the "almost done toy" I just got back from skiing up at Telluride and went by today. Boy, long ways to go. I never thought it would take this long. I really didn't think they were going to make it for Labor Day but New Years Day run I was counting on. I left depressed! Little things are happening with it each time I go by. But I think they have a problem with the headers and pipes because of the room etc or lack of and some design problems having to do with hoses etc and where to mount them.
I really didn't think it would take this long. That superformance in looking back may have been the way to go. I like the sounds of what the engine may be according to St Matt and St Gordon.

Some items still can not get done until the body is put on, like the top for starters. Getting really frustrated.

The first thing Jo Ellen said was "Is that all the room there is in the trunk"? I told her that was only the rear glove box. The rest of the storage was under the seat. Of course they are bolted to the floor and won't move.

I think they have to just decide they want to finish the car and it will get done. Hopefully soon. I know Gordon wants to show the car off when it is done but I want to drive it.......They are getting stressed to see me every other day asking the same questions.

Hey Gordon, "Is it done yet"?

[mrpink]

Fitz, stopped by Gordon's shop today and saw your car. Incredible! That is the most custom FFR I have ever seen. There isn't one thing on that car that hasn't been changed. The engine shoehorned in there, custom headers, AC, stereo. etc. Worth waiting for.

[mikiec]

Yes, worth waiting for and ..waiting..waiting..waiting..

Mike

[Fitz]

I know, I know, I know, I know. I was over there today. Travis working on the headers. Good think the weather sucks. Good luck on the Y hill and watch the mud slides. Wifey said she thought the road was closed due to mud slides?? Maybe cleared out by then....Later

[moneymanager]

Hi Fitz, this is "Doc" with the 65 Shelby that was in Gordon's shop yesterday (and still there today). You may recall I also have the Silver and Black BDR Backdraft as well.

Let me start by saying that I love what you are doing with your Cobra, you'll end up with one hell of a machine.

Having built MANY cars I can tell you that it's not as easy as it may seem to get things completed quickly. It always takes longer than you imagine it will to do custom stuff.

It took me 2 years to build my 65 Shelby (to it's present state)and I STARTED with a complete running car. And it's still not done!

That's one of the main reasons I chose to simply purchase a completed running Backdraft rather than build one. Driving them is a lot more fun than building them.

Wanting a 600 horse, Prozac on wheels, do it everything Cobra: with A/C, a major getto blaster and GPS, that's a show stopper, race car and highway cruiser is not the easiest thing to build quickly.

I believe you chose the right shop to do it and Travis is a talented young man but it takes time to stuff all that into a small box. Be patient my friend and your going to get what you want. It's a most impressive car and I'm sure it will be well worth the wait.

I just hope that when it's done that you won't be affraid of really using and driving it. That would be a shame.

Hang in there my friend, you'll be on the road soon.

"Doc" the moneymanager

[Fitz]

My dark side suggests Gordon told you to send a small "Have Patience" note. Yes, of course I remember you. We discused the covers over the side exhaust. You had a nice car.

I have this pathologist directed disease that causes me to pick my noise, sit in the garage and pretend I am starting up the neighborhood annoyance. The bank keeps calling me and asking why I am withdrawing all my savings. I think they feel I am buying drugs or something. Then I can drive this hexahedron headed beast and do the old man thing just after updating my will. I keep watching "Thema and Louise" and bet, with just enough speed and noise, I could make that jump over the canyon crack! Of course turning up the sounds always helps too.......

"What dear, cut back on the coffee this morning", it is only my 10th cup....and fill the next toy cobra up with coffee as it sounds good sucking the coffee out of the car seat'.....hee heeh hee he

Later.....check out the pipes Travis is making in the gallery section.

[mikiec]

Fitz..

There is the run to Vegas on Feb 18th... Could be it's maiden voyage.

Mike

[Fitz]

It may be, you never know! Scared to death to make it go that far for the first time.

I remember the last car the first week when I had it out on 87 going slightly above the speed limit and the front wheels came off and I had to drive up into that trailer that was in front of me. Lucky for me it was a car hauler so I just parked it there for 100 miles. then there was the time I hit the brakes but hit the gas pedal too and I hit the trash can on the side walk that flew up into the parked police car.......

[BPWilliams]

Hey Fitz,
Don't worry I can't drive mine right now either, my engine is down So look on the bright side..............
At least I know when I am getting my parts back
Hey do you think you will be able to make it to this years x-mass party.................?

(good things take time, and time, and time...........)

HEHE!

Brian

[Fitz]

Actually I was there yesterday looking at the customer headers made for the car. They are about ready to get them jet hot coated. The car is looking good. You ought to go over and take a look at it. The entire car could be called a FFR.... but it is really a custom Levy Racing Machine. There is nothing ordinary about this car as you will see. I am going to have so much fun driving this thing with the 460 (over 600 at the crank); Air, Custom suspension all around; major music; SAT Radio and GPS; Hardtop; 18 inch wheels.....Blast waiting to happen. I am going to try and get to Bondurant or Levy will take it there to set it up right. I am looking forward to our next visit on that road to Sedona when you barely took me (I chickened out; wife was screaming at me to slow down) on that nice strait away. That was the little 347. Can not wait to meet again.

[Gordon Levy]

Truly there is nothing in this car that isn't custom made. I am glad that those that have seen it are impressed and that Fitz is happy about the quality of the work being done. Admittedly it is taking longer than I anticipated. This is mostly due to calling suppliers asking for specific parts and getting the "you want a what?" over the phone and having to make things from scratch.
Fitz did give us very narrow parameters to work with. Being that is it a Roadster means there is limited space, in other words, 25 lbs of s&^* in a 5lb bag. Here is a short list.
600/600 BB- verified on dyno- Must run on pump gas and fit under the hood- every day drivability
A/C-Heat- must clear firewall with no dash mods
Stereo- High end audio, 600 watts and sounds fabulious
GPS- recently added to the list
Street car that will handle at open tracks and be reliable
Able to hook up the power
Biiiig brakes
Chassis has to be safe and has to handle the power comfortably.
Hard Top

I know we have accomplished everything set forth. It has taken a lot of work and we are now on the down side of finishing. The custom headers and sidepipes will be finished this week and the final assy work won't take very long. It is a real beast, I look forward to driving it.

[mikiec]

Brian,

You gonna make that 460 into a real nice SB?

Fitz, we will get you on the road to Sedona. Gordon did install the passenger seat, elbow restraint system with extra muffling device?

I've seen it.. It is a work of art and engineering.

Mike

Gordon, get off the computer and finish it. ... If you ever need to PM me do it here as I no longer go to the other site.

[mrpink]

Fitz, I guess you're not going on any more over nighters with us. If you do, Jo will have the suitcase on her lap. At least you can listen to your music around town. Are you getting a roof rack?

[Fitz]

Trunk rack with one of those customized trailers behind like the prowlers had. There is also a customized closet behind the radiator along with the pool table.