Best Australian Cobra kit

[nicksmithv1.0]

Hi
I am looking to build a project car with my son who has just started his mechanical apprenticeship but has been working on his own AU Falcon race car for the last few years.
I predominantly want to use it for cruising but also want to be able to take it to the track and give it a squirt whilst ensuring it is safe and has good performance.
I'm keen to get your views on who makes the best kit for this type of cobra.
I'm in Adelaide so closer is better in general but if the service is good and support systems are good distance is not the end of the world now we can travel again.
Looking forward to your response
Thanks
Nick

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by nicksmithv1.0

Hi
I am looking to build a project car with my son who has just started his mechanical apprenticeship but has been working on his own AU Falcon race car for the last few years.
I predominantly want to use it for cruising but also want to be able to take it to the track and give it a squirt whilst ensuring it is safe and has good performance.
I'm keen to get your views on who makes the best kit for this type of cobra.
I'm in Adelaide so closer is better in general but if the service is good and support systems are good distance is not the end of the world now we can travel again.
Looking forward to your response
Thanks
Nick

Adelaide? Excellent, Nick - it so happens that I'm in Adelaide too.
Check the links below my signature for my 2 build threads. My car is a 289FIA replica, not a 427 replica (it was the 289 cars that won the races ....and they are better looking too ;-) )

Welcome to the forum as well. This is the place to find information. If you can't find it by searching ("Search" tab) then just ask.

Cheers!
Glen

[twobjshelbys]

Seriously, if this is your first "some assembly required", your frustration level will be orders of magnitude lower and your future success probability higher if your first "kit" is something other than a Cobra. Then after a successful assembly, and during the interval, acquiring all the tools that you'll never use again unless you do it again, tackle the Cobra, which is probably the most difficult difficult to put together. The difficulty comes from the fact that the cobra has not a single straight line.

[Harpoon PV2]

(it was the 289 cars that won the races ....and they are better looking too ;-) ) You got that right!

[ssv ute]

Hi Nick,

Where in Adelaide are you?
Lots to consider with your question. What is your realistic budget? Do you want to buy components all at once or in stages as you can then spread costs out over time. Do you want to source your own parts or purchase a complete kit from a supplier? How much can you do yourself ie fabrication, electrical, mechanical, brakes etc or will you need to contract out sections of your build?

It is a fantastic journey, alot of 2 steps forward 1 step backward but very rewarding when you drive something you have built.

Richard

[nicksmithv1.0]

Thanks Glen - will have a look soon.

[nicksmithv1.0]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Seriously, if this is your first "some assembly required", your frustration level will be orders of magnitude lower and your future success probability higher if your first "kit" is something other than a Cobra. Then after a successful assembly, and during the interval, acquiring all the tools that you'll never use again unless you do it again, tackle the Cobra, which is probably the most difficult difficult to put together. The difficulty comes from the fact that the cobra has not a single straight line.

Thanks Tony, fortunately I have a pretty handy Uncle who has also built and refurbished a lot of vehicles over the years who is keen to be involved.

[nicksmithv1.0]

Originally Posted by ssv ute

Hi Nick,

Where in Adelaide are you?
Lots to consider with your question. What is your realistic budget? Do you want to buy components all at once or in stages as you can then spread costs out over time. Do you want to source your own parts or purchase a complete kit from a supplier? How much can you do yourself ie fabrication, electrical, mechanical, brakes etc or will you need to contract out sections of your build?

It is a fantastic journey, alot of 2 steps forward 1 step backward but very rewarding when you drive something you have built.

Richard

Richard
In reality I am more time poor than anything, so looking to purchase something that will really just be put together by us and very little fabrication work.
The mechanical work I'm pretty comfortable with and I know my limits, so may need to contract out some more specialised work if need be.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by nicksmithv1.0

Richard
In reality I am more time poor than anything, so looking to purchase something that will really just be put together by us and very little fabrication work.
The mechanical work I'm pretty comfortable with and I know my limits, so may need to contract out some more specialised work if need be.

Nick,
If you're time poor, I'm not aware of a Cobra kit that you can "just...put together".

Cheers,
Glen

[nicksmithv1.0]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Adelaide? Excellent, Nick - it so happens that I'm in Adelaide too.
Check the links below my signature for my 2 build threads. My car is a 289FIA replica, not a 427 replica (it was the 289 cars that won the races ....and they are better looking too ;-) )

Welcome to the forum as well. This is the place to find information. If you can't find it by searching ("Search" tab) then just ask.

Cheers!
Glen

Thanks Glen, looking forward to the journey with him. I'm just starting to do the research now on the options for kit cars. I might end up handing that over to him as that's basically all he does is research different cars and mechanical options.
Nick

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by nicksmithv1.0

Thanks Tony, fortunately I have a pretty handy Uncle who has also built and refurbished a lot of vehicles over the years who is keen to be involved.

Good. Too many people go into this thinking that building a Cobra is like building a plastic model on the kitchen table! Having access to a strong back and fabrication tools will make your task much easier. At some point, if you don't have or have access to one, you're going to want a lift.

[ssv ute]

Nick,
Your best option might be Factory Five, they have an agent in the Eastern States. I believe you can buy a complete kit from them minus engine and trans. They have a huge customer base in USA. Maybe have a look on YouTube for some examples. The kit i built (ICCAR'S) took a bit over 3 years start to registration with pretty well a couple of hours a night and most weekends. Happy with end result but alot of fabricating and modifying. Good luck and always people on here willing to help.

Richard

[Auswallaby]

I would recommend Absolute Pace in Qld. Awesome chassis, body and options. Gives you almost everything you need, closest thing to a mechanno kit and you can customise whatever you want (isn't that what ICVs are all about?). Can cater for all modern engine and gearbox choices. Take a look at their website, they have brochures with prices on there. absolutepace.com.au

[Harpoon PV2]

Most of my fellow Yanks wont know what a Meccano Set was! Tough our version had the better name, well, at least once you got old enough to get all the X rated double entendre!

[deano59]

hi i am in adelaide
and have a absolute pace about 80% done ..wiring is done dash done, seats and door panels done car starts and runs. has a l98 6.0 litre and a six speed auto could be changed out to manual if needed .
medical issues have arisen and cant see it getting done unless i pay someone to do it .pretty much all the rest of the parts are there to finish it car has a few factory extras like twin roll bars .front and rear sway bars reinforced rear shock mounts have side pipes for it stainless steel.. body is off atm but has been fitted and gapped under floor exhaust with hi flow cats . prob lots of other stuff as well , if this sounds like your thing and dont want to wait the 12 months or so for a kit from the factory this could save someone plenty of time ..
cheers dean.......may consider a swap with some sort of hot rod ..not in a rush to sell it can sit here till i fig out how to get it completed one way or another cheers dean

[Duchess]

Originally Posted by deano59

hi i am in adelaide
and have a absolute pace about 80% done ..wiring is done dash done, seats and door panels done car starts and runs. has a l98 6.0 litre and a six speed auto could be changed out to manual if needed .
medical issues have arisen and cant see it getting done unless i pay someone to do it .pretty much all the rest of the parts are there to finish it car has a few factory extras like twin roll bars .front and rear sway bars reinforced rear shock mounts have side pipes for it stainless steel.. body is off atm but has been fitted and gapped under floor exhaust with hi flow cats . prob lots of other stuff as well , if this sounds like your thing and dont want to wait the 12 months or so for a kit from the factory this could save someone plenty of time ..
cheers dean.......may consider a swap with some sort of hot rod ..not in a rush to sell it can sit here till i fig out how to get it completed one way or another cheers dean

Hey mate, you end up selling this?
I sent you a message, but not sure if you got it.

I'm looking to pull the trigger on an AP before Christmas, and would be keen to hear more about yours if you are still selling.

[CobraAddict]

Originally Posted by nicksmithv1.0

Richard
In reality I am more time poor than anything, so looking to purchase something that will really just be put together by us and very little fabrication work.
The mechanical work I'm pretty comfortable with and I know my limits, so may need to contract out some more specialised work if need be.

If that's the case and your looking for a high quality replica then I suggest 'Superformance' where you get the complete factory built rolling chassis and you only need to arrange the engine and transmission. Their quality is unquestionable and are one of the premier brands globally.

The distributor in based in Melbourne and you should be able to find Johns contact detail on this forum