Teething problems

CheeseSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 03:52 PM

I also have a CR, built in 92' by a guy in Michigan. He did a pretty good job and I'vae had the car for about 4 years now. 351C,Tremec 5-sp,8.8" w/3.50:1. I am ready to disassemble it now to take care of some of the items I never really liked;

1) Steering is Chevette tilt column, crappy shaft/u-joints. Don, how do I get more info on your collapsible unit, pricing? It has a M2 manual rack in the car now. Does your unit come with the shaft and joints or do I have to get those from Borgeson?

2) Clutch cable has a clevis on the pedal end that binds. Just annoying, doesn't affect driveability. Need suggestion for what type of cable should be on this car and how it mounts at firewall.

3) Side pipes have a nasty rattle in them at 1500-2200 rpm. They are JH coated but I think the mufflers are loose inside. Can this be fixed or do I have to replace them? Any suggestions on a good supplier?

4) Does somebody make tubular A-arm kits for this car?

5) What do I need to convert the drum brakes in the rear to disc?

Thanks,

Jim

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 05:31 PM

Jim,
As far as I know of, we are the only ones making the columns for the CR's. They ARE based off the Chevette column so they re-fit exactly. We are dealers for Flaming River racks, joints and shafts.

We can also send you a column without the GM key, and of course for a small additional cost send you the proper Ford key,tumbler, bezel, and ignition switch that takes minutes to install in the dash.

Lot of Tubular stuff for the fronts. I think Don can give you a better deal right now

than we can!

Rear brakes, again see Don, he uses a pretty sweet kit back their!

We also modify your pipes giving you at least 14 or more direct rwhp! Ask around the boards about some of the pipes we have done. Yup, if we do it they will need recoated, but they will never rattle again!

Your Clutch cable is correct. The problem we have found is, if guys installing them do not get them perfectly in line with the "throw" of the pedal... they will stick and most will simply break after a few years.
Stick your head under the left rear of the front fender. Using a flashlight you will see the cable coming through the firewall. Once the eye of the cable is removed from the clutch petal the cable will simply pull out/

DV...you must be planing on updating your Cobra after the Fling !

dscott · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 07:18 PM

Jim, DV's right on the column. His works great and it's quite a bit less than an Ididit or flaming river. Go with the key on the dash. I can supply anything else you may need for arms and brakes. You can give me a call if you like. 1-888-722-6272. DV's number is 1-740-852-5280. He's to cheap to spring for a toll free number.
Don

Double Venom · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 07:51 PM

Ahemmm, I mean...cheep, cheep, cheep!
I had an 800 # so long ago that, that I can't remember when it was. 1-800-595-5055 Wow! I remembered.

Now, as soon as someone I know (

) ......
Actually we DO have an new toll free number ready to go on line-soon

DV

petek · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 08:11 PM

Jim,

Listen to these fellows, really!

The only used part on my recently completed Cobra was the Chevette column, something I bought before I knew of DV and Don.

Guess what has been the only part to fail in my Cobra! Yup, got a new column on order from DV now. (Oh and toss out the steering linkage from CR and get either the stuff from DV or Borgenson.)

Toss out the rear springs and shocks and pick up a set from Don. The rear of my Cobra used to bottom out, completely fixed and greatly improved with Don's rear coil over set. It'll take you 15 minutes to install!

Side pipes... search the threads and you'll find two things about the CR side pipes: very restrictive (can you say 1 1/4" pipes?) and the internal baffles will loosen up with time. (Some folks have been able to effect a temporary fix by the critical placement of a sheet metal screw, again, search the forums.)

When it comes to CR Cobras, if Don or DV said painting the cars pink would make 'em run better, I'd be tempted to believe them!

nolimits · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2003, 08:29 PM

Classics by Elite toll free number is:
1-888-65Cobra (652-6272).

Website...cobras.com has been under construction...for too long now...a lot going on and our webmaster's Dad passed on recently. Just got off another working phone call with him and we are close. I'll post when it's up.

Petek...pink steering columns perform best so I hope you like your pink column we sent you!
Jay

Double Venom · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 06:28 AM

DAMN!!! I thought I was bad about keeping secrets!
Oh-well you know how those partners are!

DV...Petek, the Pink column really looks good! It really does!

dscott · #8 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 07:05 AM

Guys, I just picked up 65hp by changing my gauges to the new pink Smiths, WOW! They are on sale for the low price of $1282. By the way DV it DOES NOT help to wear pick underwear, I still have traction problems!
Don

petek · #9 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 08:34 AM

Jim, see what I mean? These guys are nuts!

(Jay, sorry I forgot to include you on the original post ... you're nuts too!)

Jay, DV... I'll be looking for my new pink steering column on Monday. Can't wait!

Don... darn, darn, darn. Last weekend I washed my white jockey shorts with a bright red towel. Who would have known that I would have ended up with pink jockeys ... and now I learn that they WON'T help my Cobra go faster! Darn!

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 09:14 AM

Traction problems are usually evident based on the skid marks....

Ernie

CheeseSnake · #11 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 12:26 PM

All of you, thanks for the help. I'll call Don on the column and steering rack, and Dave for the coilovers, A-arms and brakes.

dscott · #12 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 01:45 PM

Skid Marks! I don't see no steenkin skid marks! My wife can probably find some though, she does the laundry. As far as those pink drawers Pete, put em on E-bay, I'm sure someone will buy them. Tell them they're original Liberace, wait.... they probably won't believe that because the hole would be on the other side.

Don

petek · #13 (**permalink**) 05-02-2003, 09:57 PM

(groan) now that was something I really didn't need to visualize!

Art Burtt · #14 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003, 06:26 PM

Don,
Side pipes are sorta bent inwards at the rear (about 2 inches)
How do you get them to line up with mounting holes?
Art
Man she sure sounds sweet though yehah!!!

starwolf56 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-04-2003, 06:28 AM

Art, I was looking at the pictures of your build and was wondering how you 'piped' the dash vents. The heater unit supplied does not have the extra controls for this. I only want to use the side dash vents.
It looks like you got your engine from the Engine Factory. I found that the painted numbers etc. come off with a finger nail.
Glad you got your pipes! Nice build pics.

Charlie

dscott · #16 (**permalink**) 05-04-2003, 09:50 AM

Art, Are both sides in 2", or is one side in and one side out ? If they are both in then your heads must be taper cut to allow the pipes to fit properly. This can be done with a palm sander and some 80 grit paper.

Just kidding!!!!!

If one or both are in from the mount I usually put enough pressure on them to get a bolt in to hold them in place. After a few heat cycles they will start to conform.
Don

Art Burtt · #17 (**permalink**) 05-05-2003, 07:07 AM

Oh thank God my fingers are so sore from sanding the body I could never sand the heads down that much, Maybe a torch would work?? You know get the aluminum hot enough and then just smear it a round until they fit hee hee!!!