Year of the Cobra...

badpenny · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 12:53 PM

Back in 1991 I was arriving back home after an 8 yr hiatus with the USAF, to find dad receiving shipments of his cobra. We got the frame rolling, gas tank mounted, all the donor parts, and then life took over... fast forward 15 years.
During the "Break" time, dad decided to bag the 302 from the MustangII donor and drove up with a batterd 1971 Torino GT with a 351 (2V). My wife wouldnt let him yank the motor and dump the car. So, he gave her the car. We then ripped a 429 setup out of a 71 T-Bird. I loved that 351 engine,,, hope the 429 can live up to it.
Dad has declared this the "Year of the Cobra" and she's gonna get done. I have since gotten the dash cut outs completed. But the fabric runs shy on the passenger side down by the trans tunnel. (full dash opt) Don, was wondering if I should "exchange" it, or try to "fix" it? This is my minor question.
My major question is that DV stated back in the "Putting Body On" thread to "pull the motor". Our 429 motor is going to be gone thru. And I have told dad that we can push all the way thru and get the body on, cut outs, fitting up and shimming, prep the body and send the whole thing off to the painters. Then while she's gone we'll address the engine. (I only have a one car garage) I measured the hood opening and I believe the engine will drop thru there. I am NOT painting myself into a corner am I. Don't want to have to pull the body to get the engine in.
Any input would be great. Hope to be posting frequently thruout the year as that will indicate PROGRESS!! (God I hope he can still find the MCO!!!)

Regards, BadPenny

dscott · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 02:49 PM

badpenny, you can drop the motor in after the body is on with no problem. You may want to set the motor in and then put the trans on after. We do have new dash covers for the custom dash that you have. You can order one from Pete @ 1-888-722-6272. I don't know of any easy way to modify what you have unless you cut both sides and then have an upholstery shop add the right length with seamed stitching.
Don

badpenny · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 04:17 PM

Thank you very much Don for the information. That is simuliar to the "fix" I was settling towards for the fabric. Anticipating several directive request during the year from you. From what I have seen on this site as well as CRII's site, over the past couple of years checking in, you support your builders VERY well with guidance.