Cobra Dreaming

[dbbrian]

Hi all

I thought I would introuce myself after spending many hours on this site.

I have been dreaming of building and driving a Cobra since learning about a year ago that it is actually possible with the help of sites like this one.

Once in while I think maybe the dream will fade but it doesn't, and I find myself spending hours going over this site (and a few others).

You guys have so much knowledge and talent that it fuels me on. Thanks for all you give. I have learned a lot, and see there is so much more to learn.

I know there will be one in my garage one day, and I hope to one day be a contributor to this site.

So, my name is Brian and man, I got it baaaaad


Brian

[Ralphy]

Welcome, and we understand Brian!
OK, so spend your first $15.00 here!

http://www.onlineauction.com/index.p...ction_id=92082

[SunDude]

Hi Brian, welcome to the forum. I too understand exactly how you're feeling. I've never been the same since first being "snake bitten" by the Cobra back in the mid-1970s. I finally bought my Cobra this past summer and not a moment goes by that I'm not thinking of it.

I couldn't help noticing that you're a fellow Canuck. If you don't already know, it's a minefield up here when it comes to importing and insuring "kit cars" and so on. Lots of misinformation out there too. I'd be pleased to help you figure out what's what, and avoid problems. Why don't you tell us more about your Cobra plans?

[dbbrian]

Thanks for the reply & welcome guys!

Ralpy - that looks like the right T-shirt for me - thanks.

Sundude - your new SPF looks very nice, love the black pipes too. Nice how that worked out for you.
I have read about the limitations for us in the great white north, including the very recent thread, and until then I thought either FFR or the DD Cobra product was the way to go, but I didn't understand the comment about not crossing provincial borders, since there are some DD's in ontario. Don's kit looks like good value. The main thing for me to sort out is if I can manage a DD without the kind of support from that comes from forums with numerous builders like the FFR.

I tried to put some photos of things I like in a build, but I haven't figured that out yet.

Here is what I would want:

The l(latest) look that I would like to achieve was done by Stefano Greco, shown on a thread title containing "most intimidating". But that could change.
A 427BB is a beautiful thing, but I think 350HP SBF is going to be enough for me in both power and cost. I would want to top it with dual carbs or stack injection - yeah!
IRS, tranny with a useful 1st gear, love the wildwood brakes, but whatever it has to fit inside the 15" deep dish wheels with the goodyear tires.
S/C dash, orginal syle seats preferably in leather because I like the wrinkled leather on the originals (anybody have old leather seats?)
I prefer the hidden trunk hinges, maybe square tail lights, not too much chrome, you know - old school.

It must have been hard to park that SPF for the winter!

Brian

[SunDude]

Thanks for the compliments on my SPF and, yes, it's awful tough to go without it for another loooooong Ottawa winter. Often I just open up the garage door, look at 'er and tell 'er how beautiful she is.

I agree with you that Stefano's car looks awesome! Silver with black looks fantastic, my second choice after blue and white, but not second rate by any means.

There are many things people look for in their Cobra quests, but it sounds to me like you want the experience of building the car yourself. If that's the case then Superformance probably isn't for you, as it doesn't offer much in the way of a build experience. That said I know of a gorgeous SPF for sale right now in the Toronto area...

I compiled a list of Cobra kit manufacturers in Canada, but I think you're right in narrowing things your choices to FFR and D&D. The FFR rep for Canada has figured out how to legally import them and there's a large group of hobby builders out there to support you (see the FFR forum which has a Canadian section). There are a few guys in Ontario who are building D&D Cobras and many are on this forum and the FFR forum. I could dig up some names for you, but you should phone Don (his English is a little rough, but he`s a nice guy).

The question about interprovincial boundaries is this: Transport Canada requires that all new vehicle manufacturers meet current safety standards. This also applies to kit cars, whether or not they are fully assembled. Cobra replicas -- which are ALL considered kit cars -- clearly do not meet these standards. Transport Canada's jurisdiction covers both international and interprovincial trade. So strictly speaking a Quebec-based manufacturer cannot sell an Ontario resident a kit that is complete enough to be considered a "vehicle." That said, it has happened and there must be ways.

One last thing to consider in Ontario is insurance. Look into this before you decide/buy. In most cases home-built Cobra replicas (kits) are not covered, except through Facility Association. Professionally built cars, like SPFs, are eligible for great collector insurance through Zehr, but that`s about it. Lant & Co. won`t touch Cobras unless they`re at least 15 yrs old. I could send you more info if you`d like, as I just researched this stuff last spring before buying my car.

Anyways, take your time, think about what you want, and have fun.

[dbbrian]

Yeah, what was I thinking - at least YOU can look at one in your garage

Thanks for the links - I've checked them all out - and yes I'm looking for the build experience and still it seems FFR or DD are my choices.

Sounds like the TC makes the process the same for interprovincial as from the US, I'll hav to ask the DD builders outside of QC.

And the insurance, yikes it seems it chnages all the time. I've read quite a few threads on the subject and everyone struggles with it.

Thanks for all your info and advice - I won't forget.

Brian

[CBattaglia]

[quote=SunDude;1016560]Thanks for the compliments on my SPF and, yes, it's awful tough to go without it for another loooooong Ottawa winter. Often I just open up the garage door, look at 'er and tell 'er how beautiful she is.

THANK YOU!! I was just reading through the threads and realized after reading your post that I opened my garage earlier today to stare at my hibernating beast and forgot to close the door. Its been about 15 degrees here in NY for the past 2 weeks.

I just need a 40ish degree day and Im taking her out!!

dbbrian - keep doing your research, it is actually part of the whole experience that you will look back on one day after you get your car. A good year of poking around I would guess is the average for most guys. Anyway, good luck and definately go for it if you get the chance. Being a cobra owner is a way of life and buyers remorse lasts until you turn the key for the first time

[dbbrian]

CB your car(s) look great - lucky kid too!

[SunDude]

Originally Posted by CBattaglia

THANK YOU!! I was just reading through the threads and realized after reading your post that I opened my garage earlier today to stare at my hibernating beast and forgot to close the door.

Glad I could help.

Man, I hate that feeling. I was up at the ski hill this Saturday and had that nagging feeling that I'd left the garage door open, too (it wasn't). Sometimes get that feeling with the stove, or the lights, or the gas fireplace or...well you get the idea.


dbbrian - I sent you a PM with some insurance info.

[PFSlim]

I am currently in the build process with my cobra. I hope to finish in the next month or so. I think I have the color combination you are looking for. Here are a few of my specifics:

Premier Motorsports Cobra
390FE engine - 428CJ heads, bored .40 over, aluminum intake, Holley 750 DP
David Key Toploader 4 speed transmission
2002 Ford Explorer IRS - re-geared to 3.28 gears
17 inch Team III wheels.

Find more pictures on the club members gallery under PFSlim.

Paul