New Member and New Owner of an 'Old' Kit

SteveG23 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 06:30 AM

As a way of introducing myself to the group, I am an old car guy located in upstate NY. Although I have restored many cars earlier in my life, kids and work has kept me away for awhile. Since I always wanted to build a Cobra, I recently found a Classic Roadsters kit that was never built and had been in storage since the early/mid 1990's (long story here). I just picked it up yesterday and have begun to sort through everything to see what is there and what is missing (some boxes were opened and parts spilled out over time). Hopefully it won't turn out to be a mistake, but I got it at a good price (time will tell).

All I know now is the manual has an issue date of July 16, 1992; it is missing a windshield frame, and I have to look closer to determine if it is set up for a Ford or Chevy smallblock. As I said, I only got it yesterday so I still have to look through the 'pile of parts' more closely. Hopefully what is missing can be either bought somewhere or can be relatively easy to fabricate.

Looking forward to sharing my build diary and asking for some insight from this great knowledge base as I get started. Thanks!

750hp · #2 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 06:54 AM

Congratulations on the purchase Steve. Have fun with the build!

buddyg · #3 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 07:15 AM

Welcome and you are an adventurous guy! Good luck with the build!

1795 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 11:59 AM

Steve,

Congratulations and good luck, I think that I recall seeing that kit being offered for sale. I am in upstate NY as well, feel free to contact me, and if it is close enough I would like to stop by and see the progress that you make.

Jim

Mark IV · #5 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 12:47 PM

We can supply the frame and glass and are just outside Buffalo.

Dirkdaddy · #6 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 01:32 PM

Sounds like an adventure! at least you have the manual. Somewhere in it you may see reference to the engine configuration and transmission recommendation, etc. So I guess you didn't get the engine with it, which is just as well as if it sat that long who knows the shape it would be in.

SteveG23 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1795

Steve,

Congratulations and good luck, I think that I recall seeing that kit being offered for sale. I am in upstate NY as well, feel free to contact me, and if it is close enough I would like to stop by and see the progress that you make.

Jim

Jim,

I would like to keep in touch as things progress and eventually see your ride.

Thanks,

Steve

HPCOBRA · #8 (**permalink**) 05-28-2014, 08:21 PM

Hi,
I am located outside Albany. I have one almost all together. Would like to keep in touch and hear about your progress

SteveG23 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-29-2014, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPCOBRA

Hi,
I am located outside Albany. I have one almost all together. Would like to keep in touch and hear about your progress

I am in Albany on business a couple of times a month. Maybe sometime I can see your car.

Jcmrant · #10 (**permalink**) 05-29-2014, 05:44 AM

I'm about 20 mins south of Albany too.

Double Venom · #11 (**permalink**) 05-29-2014, 07:47 AM

SteveG,
Welcome. I'm surprised no one has mentioned it...MOS. Looks like a title It's called MOS Tell us you have one. (This little piece of paper is Critical for initial inspection and Titleing.)

Without it you have a very pretty flower box on wheels---Especially in New York.

DV

MOS = Manufacturers Origin Certificate

1795 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-29-2014, 05:27 PM

My bad, Ed is right. Before you invest any more money make sure that you have the Manufactures Certificate of Origin. The original owner should have received one when they purchased the kit. Also, I would suggest contacting the DMV and get the regulations for custom built cars. NY is rather specific about what the car needs to have and you want to make sure that you are on top of it before you bring the car in for inspection. It is easier to install the components during the build process, than to have to retrofit them afterwards.

I am near Rochester if you want to get together and talk.

SteveG23 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 04:47 AM

I had already checked with the DMV on the title and registration process for the build (a friend of the family is also a supervisor at the local DMV which helps). I knew going in that there was not a MOC and that is why my offer was way below the asking price for the kit - $1k - along with the age of the kit, potential missing parts, manufacturer out of business, etc.

I explained the lack of a MOC to the DMV and I was told it can still be approved as a homemade vehicle as long as I show all the major receipts for any items included as part of the build. A friend of mine did a Lambo last year without a MOC and got it titled/reg so at least I know someone that did it first hand. As with anything dealing with government, there is still a risk - as well as the usually frustrating 3 month process while the paperwork sits on someone's desk waiting for approval. Worst case, I move to another state that will register the car

- I am sick of NY taxes anyway. Fingers crossed.....

Mark IV · #14 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 05:15 AM

The people who handle the paperwork in Albany are good people and are just working the framework that they are given.

IMPORTANT: If you attempt to "fool" them or hide facts, it will NOT go well. If you are forthright and ask for guidance they will be helpful and even give you some leeway on certain items/documents.

As a manager at NHTSA once told me "no bureaucrat ever got in trouble for saying NO!"......don't give them the ammunition to say "no"....give them what they want or the best effort to do so and you will be pleased.

Double Venom · #15 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 06:26 AM

SteveG.

Just s little heads up: Classic Roadsters never released the MSO to the buyer until they were paid in full! Meaning; if your seller new about the MSO and lost it OR never got it, the kit could have some major parts missing.

(Interior, lights, phase III of the wiring, etc.)

DV

SteveG23 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Venom

SteveG.

Just s little heads up: Classic Roadsters never released the MSO to the buyer until they were paid in full! Meaning; if your seller new about the MSO and lost it OR never got it, the kit could have some major parts missing.

(Interior, lights, phase III of the wiring, etc.)

DV

DV,

Thanks for the info. I am still going through 'the pile' to see what is there (as far as I can tell). Since I do not have a listing of what parts came in each phase, I am not sure what should be there.

I know there is no wiring harness, gas tank (straps are there), gauges, or windshield frame/glass but as far as interior items there are seats, headrests, carpeting, insulation, steering wheel, etc. - so at least some of the interior is there (not sure if any of this would be in phase III you mentioned).

Besides the missing pieces, the main disappointment so far is that the engine mounts are for a Chevy, but this is not a huge deal since I have a small block Chevy here. But just something about seeing a Chevy in a Cobra.....

When I bought the kit, I said I would probably regret it multiple times (due to missing parts) as I proceed with the build, but I could not pass up the challenge (translated = I am not too bright).

If anyone has an inventory list of what 'should' be in the kit that they could send me, I would really appreciate it.

Also, I see several posts about not having an updated manual. Mine is from July 16, 1992 and there are only two pages in the addendum/template envelope in the back of the manual (besides the dash cutout template). They are the Electric Fan (2-14) and Convertible top (7-34). Not sure if there are any more updates.

It is already obvious there is a great deal of knowledge & experience in this forum. I just hope I don't wear out my welcome as I begin this process. Thanks again!

Double Venom · #17 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 09:59 AM

Call Finishline Immediately for your complete windshield! Everything they have is 50% off right now...

You've got the standard manual. All CR and CRII did was add a few addendum's.
If run into a problem

, there are plenty of guys here that will be more than glad to help you out.

Be careful of Cobra parts though, I.e., CR Cobras use a lot of propriety parts. FFR Shell Valley, etc., wont fit the CR!

If you have headrests.....Much sought after these days!

1795 · #18 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 03:53 PM

Steve,

Nobody here will ever complain that you ask too many questions, fire away. It helps to build our egos and provides an opportunity for us to appear intelligent

Fire away the questions as soon as they come to your head.

Jim

Double Venom · #19 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 05:37 PM

I like this 1795 guy

1795 · #20 (**permalink**) 05-30-2014, 06:45 PM

Ed,

Looking forward to meeting you in person when you deliver Steve Carey's car. Let me know when you are ready, looking forward to seeing it.

SteveG23,

Pay close attention to what DV says, unlike most of us, he actually knows what he is talking about. But don't let him know that, it may go to his head

The same goes for MarkIV, he has a wealth of knowledge, but keep the praise low or else he will never be able to get his head into that GT40