Finally have the time to tinker ....

[krswen]

Hi ... my name is Ken. I've always been a sports car fan. Started with a TR3 back in 1964. Bought an E-type when I graduated college and got my first job. Sometime around the early 80's a friend of mine got a genuine 289 Cobra basket case and restored it. He gave me a ride and I loved it!
Back then there wasn't much in the way of kits so I drifted on with production cars ... another E-type, 3 Ferrari's, A Z06 Corvette and a 997 Porsche.
But now I'm retired and have the time, skill (retired automotive engineer) and tools to build a car. I'm just starting the research now. Absolute authenticity isn't important. I do want IRS though. I'm a bit on the fence about a kit that's based on production suspension pieces (FFR or BDR) vs one that is true purpose-built independent suspension, but might not be well designed.
I live in Eureka, CA (not exactly mecca for access to car building resources). Any forum members from this area of northern CA or Oregon?
Looking forward to soaking up the knowledge and experience on these forums.

[Dangerous Doug]

Heheh, well, I grew up in Ukiah, CA. But even for me, Eureka is way the hell up there. I live near Santa Cruz, now.

Welcome to the forum. Good advice, some wisecracks, and much Cobra fun awaits you.

I built an ERA 289 FIA and I'm loving it. I'm in the process of putting together a new 331 stroker for my Cobra, based on a Keith Craft short block and AFR 185 heads.

You've had some awesome cars there! There are some great replica manufacturers: I'm partial to ERA; Kirkham offers an aluminum body, which is pretty awesome; Superformance is very popular here in CA as well as Factory Five Racing, the difference being a rolling chassis vs. building the kit (my brother-in-law built a FFR and really enjoyed it).

Welcome,
DD

[Dwight]

take a long hard look at Unique

Unique Motorcars


Unique Motorcars--fine Cobra replicas since 1977

Dwight

[krswen]

Hmmm, Doug .... do the local Cobra owner's get together on any regular basis? We visit my brother-in-law in San Leandro periodically. Maybe I could work it so we can view some examples of the different manufacturers if you're having a club meeting or whatever.
Dwight .... when I worked for Harley-Davidson I used to stay in Anniston ... just down the road from Gadsden, when I went down for validation rides. Had no idea there was a kit maker there. Small world.

Ken