Newbie looking for some help

CCKW353 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 04:25 PM

Hi Guys,

I am located in the Bucks / Lehigh County line and was looking for anyone in the area that has a ERA 427 Cobra. I sat in one years ago and recall it being a little tight. Now that I am close to finally pulling the trigger in the next year or so, I was looking to sit in one etc... also, anyone willing to talk about their recent experience with ERA, let me know. I figured I would call them direct once I know a little more so I can have an educated call without wasting their time.

Thanks,
Rob

xb-60 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 04:47 PM

Hi Rob,

Welcome to the forum. I do have some experience with ERA, but I'm in Australia, so there will no doubt be many others closer geographically to you who will have much more relevant information.

A thread on this forum that will give you quite a lot of information about ERA's cars is....
Superformance VS. ERA

Best of luck with your quest. If you still have a year or so before purchase, best advice is to seek out as much information as you can; talk to as many owners and builders as you can find; sit in as many cars as you can find too.
Also, look into the differences between the 427SC, the 427 roadster (no stripes, no side pipes....[only] slightly more discreet), and the 289 variants - the 'slabside' and the 289FIA. Think a lot about colours too, as that is something that you need to get right if you are build one or have one built.
Oh, and ask questions. Don't forget that the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask. There is a huge knowledge bank available here on this forum.

Good to have you on board!

Cheers,
Glen

1795 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 05:19 PM

Welcome to the forum. I used to own an ERA427 cobra and have no complaints. It was a well built car and always garnered a lot of attention wherever I was. You will find the people at ERA easy to work with. As Glen says above, take your time and try some cars out to see how they fit. There are a few people on the site with ERA's and other cobras that are in PA.

There are several different styles of cobras, and you might want to explore them to see which one fits your preferences.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jim

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCKW353

Hi Guys,

I am located in the Bucks / Lehigh County line and was looking for anyone in the area that has a ERA 427 Cobra. I sat in one years ago and recall it being a little tight.

Rob, just how big are you? Below is a pic of an awfully good-looking fellow who happens to be 6' 4" 195 lbs, with size 12EEE feet, and he fits perfectly.

Having dealt with ERA for well over a decade, I can tell you the only two downsides to them are: 1) It takes about a year to get them to build you exactly what you want; and 2) They ain't cheap. That said, you will absolutely love their work and their customer support. An ERA car is absolutely second to none.

CCKW353 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 05:50 PM

Thanks for the quick responses. I am only 6 foot. The positive is I have a narrow foot ... haha. Sat in the GT40 in their shop when I visited in the 90s and that was cool.

I will check out the posts and have spent time doing ground up restoration on WW 2 US vehicles and a Harley so I have the tools and the brains to know when to know my limitations

I know I want to do a 427SC with a big block.. I have soooo much information I have accumulated over the past 30 yrs, I just need to dig it out and read more on the forum.

Rob

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCKW353

Hi Guys,

I am located in the Bucks / Lehigh County line and was looking for anyone in the area that has a ERA 427 Cobra. I sat in one years ago and recall it being a little tight.
Thanks,
Rob

I prefer to think of the interior as "intimate" and not tight.

If height is your issue there are ways to deal with that to some extent (reduce seat padding, delete seat tracks, tilt seat back). If girth or shoulder width is the issue there are some lesser ways of dealing with it (removable steering wheel, smaller wheel, delete seat tracks). But no Cobra or replica thereof will ever be thought of as roomy.

CCKW353 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 05:59 PM

I have been reading some builds about that on this site. I just figured best to touch the real thing before doing the plunge.

RockBit · #8 (**permalink**) 01-22-2018, 11:24 PM

My ERA 427C was delivered to me in December 2016. My experience with ERA was very good. I am also 6 feet tall, 210 lbs, with wide feet. My car has seat tracks, standard seats, and standard pedal positions. It does not feel cramped to me, and I look through the middle of the windshield. I have the seat a couple of clicks forward from the rear ward position so I can push the clutch in. Very comfortable.

You will need to decide on an engine builder also. My side oiler was built by Brent Lykins. He was great to work with. The toughest choice for me was paint colors.

Good luck.

CCKW353 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 03:12 PM

Hi Chris,

We are about the same size except for narrow feet. You answered my next question where you look out the windshield. In the old military vehicles I have done, sometimes I am the top or just over the top of the windshield. How long was your wait and did you get a turkey or roller chassis from them? I going to go with roller chassis with a few upgrades since my time for true wrenching is limited .

Thanks,
Rob

66gtk · #10 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 03:48 PM

I've had several ERAs and LOVE THEM. Great cars indeed. I have an ERA facebook page if you want to check it out (: If you want a new one, I suggest getting your deposit in quickly. It is taking 18 months or so now, and I'm not sure how many new orders they can support in the longer term.

CCKW353 · #11 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 04:18 PM

Thanks... I figured I should do my homework asap.....I had a heck of time picking up a friend's car at ERA many moons ago... I need to find those photos. We showed up in a sweet vintage Bronco.

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66gtk

It is taking 18 months or so now, and I'm not sure how many new orders they can support in the longer term.

I've often wondered whether the ERA order queue tracked with the economy. I kind of think it does. But, man, having to wait a year and a half for your car is a tough nut to chew.

mrmustang · #13 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCKW353

Hi Guys,

I am located in the Bucks / Lehigh County line and was looking for anyone in the area that has a ERA 427 Cobra. I sat in one years ago and recall it being a little tight. Now that I am close to finally pulling the trigger in the next year or so, I was looking to sit in one etc... also, anyone willing to talk about their recent experience with ERA, let me know. I figured I would call them direct once I know a little more so I can have an educated call without wasting their time.

Thanks,
Rob

Reach out to the Lehigh Valley SAAC group

RockBit · #14 (**permalink**) 01-23-2018, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCKW353

Hi Chris,

How long was your wait and did you get a turkey or roller chassis from them? I going to go with roller chassis with a few upgrades since my time for true wrenching is limited .

Thanks,
Rob

Hi Rob,

I placed my order/ deposit in May 2015 and the car was delivered in Dec 2016. The painter I used took 6 months, so Peter's original estimate of 12 months was spot on. Add paint time to Peter's number.

My car was a roller. It came with the suspension complete and brakes bled. If you want to know what you need to do on a roller, PM me with your email address and I'll drowned you with as much detail as you want.

CCKW353 · #15 (**permalink**) 01-24-2018, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the info. Pulling out all my research materials over the years to figure things out.

CCKW353 · #16 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 05:18 PM

I broke down and spoke with Peter today. I actually met him in 1994 when my friend got his 427 Cobra. Now time to ask the wife and barter away... hahaha.

patrickt · #17 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCKW353

I broke down and spoke with Peter today. I actually met him in 1994 when my friend got his 427 Cobra. Now time to ask the wife and barter away... hahaha.

Well, that's a small bit of progress.

Did Peter tell you how long the wait time is right now? You know, the sooner you write that five grand check the sooner your name is in the queue.

CCKW353 · #18 (**permalink**) 02-05-2018, 07:47 PM

That is what he said

. 12 months like noted by other guys on the form.

Dominik · #19 (**permalink**) 02-06-2018, 12:01 AM

I am 6.4 and realized that without seat I can fit in any Cobra. Which made me use kart seats (or a thinly padded R-Model seat). Most seat upholstery robs a lot of space. As does the seat runner.

However, I am also skinny. If your thighs have body builder dimensions, you may touch the dashboard (or if your tummy has... - there is a 14" steering wheel can be the answer)

Some kits (not ERA) have quite space robbing door hinges. Your knees may rub those.

Look for space next to the clutch pedal (if you are not racing). Stretching that leg helps on long trips. Stretching your right leg results in WOT - which will also shorten the trip ;-)

CCKW353 · #20 (**permalink**) 02-11-2018, 10:54 AM

Hi guys,

Well, I got the green light from the boss to jump into the game this morning! I decided it will be an ERA and I am going to get in line this week. I have the space and ability/connections so the plan is to get a roller setup and then drop in my drivetrain once I am ready. I plan on going with an 427 Side Oiler, Tremec 5 speed, pin drive 15 rims/tires.... I am sure a lot wil, change once time goes on.... should be an interesting and busy 2018! So a ton more questions will be coming... thanks again for the assistance.

Rob