Another new guy

RussBD · #1 (**permalink**) 10-17-2020, 12:06 AM

Hi all, I have been reading these posts for a few years now and finally decided to introduce myself. I live in Mississauga Ontario, Canada. Just now stating to put the finishing touches on my second Cobra car. I had to stop for awhile due to health reasons. Now this car has been changed over from a T5 transmission to a C4 automatic. Also it is now left foot drive. I know this does not sound right and I did not really want to do it but health issues involved me having my right foot amputated just below the knee. I can drive my other cars fine. right foot gas and left foot brake but my Cobra has a very tight foot box and I just will not be able to shift fast enough or at all. So in order to drive this car this was something I had to do. My son just turning 16 thinks now that the Cobra is an automatic he feels that he can now drive it. I have informed him that I installed a coded ignition and the car will not start without the code. Ha Ha Ha .So I just wanted to say Hi Guys and introduce myself to this great forum.

Alfa02 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2020, 07:26 AM

Welcome RussBD, another success story, where there's a will there's a way

Glad you found a way to enjoy your 2nd Cobra, won't have to tell you to dance slow at first, as you have had one before. Not a thing wrong with a auto. my 289 street car has C-4, makes a great city & country car. (The girlfriend calls it the Picnic car) Much easier to tame then the 427S/O in the other car

Great idea about coded key, Sorry, no 16yo should be allowed to drive a Cobra by them self's

Hell I know some 60yo guy's that should not be driving their Cobras by them self's

Cheers TommyRot

twobjshelbys · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2020, 09:06 AM

Carroll's own car had an automatic...

Buzz · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2020, 05:03 PM

Welcome to the club and congratulations on finding a solution that allows you to keep enjoying your Cobra. You're obviously a fighter with a taste for enjoying life.

My father was Canadian and I lived/worked there for 17 years before returning to the Caribbean in 1993. I had the pleasure of enjoying one of very, very few Cobras in the islands and now, due to family health issues, I'm returning to Canada for at least a few years. I don't know for sure if I will get back into the Cobra hobby there, but I am looking into the possibilities that exist.
While I was there, I spoke at length to Wolf who owned Can Am Replicas in Vancouver and I was considering making a purchase as it seemed like a quality product with great attention to detail. Unfortunately they seem to no longer be in business, but I'm kinda/sorta looking around to see what else is available.
Keep in touch and post a few pics when you can!

RussBD · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2020, 07:42 PM

Thanks guys. Was working on it today. Since Covid happen I have been working from home and trying to finish up the car, it is starting to get colder up here so I am trying to get a few things finished. Safety Standards have changed since I finished my last one. Such as Daytime running lights. Third brake light, reverse lights , Side markers, Defrost, Windshield Wipers and Wash. Now the Standards state that these all have to be there as equipped from the manufacturer. I have conflicting communication concerning this response because I am the manufacturer and therefore not required. However I do not want any problems when I go for the Safety Standard certificate so I rather add them now which is a lot easier than later. Some I had added already for insurance reasons as well. One of my main concerns is getting in and out of this thing, getting in no real problem, getting out with hot Sidepipes and the car being so low could get interesting. I have also added a Tilt Steering column in order to make entering and exiting easier. I hope it works.

Take care and be safe.

Regards

BigGuy · #6 (**permalink**) 10-19-2020, 07:56 PM

Welcome to the crazy Cobra world!!!

trularin · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2020, 12:58 PM

Welcome home.

olddog · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2020, 10:45 PM

If you want to include him with the car, allow him to drive it in some autocross events. It's the most fun you can have dressed. This would be a good way to let him learn his limitations. Even if he masters driving the car, never let him drive it alone.

I have attended far too many teenage funerals. The ten feet tall, bullet proof, it won't happen to me, mind set of teenagers is no mix for driving a Cobra. They cannot resist temptation, especially when trying to impress a girl. Friends egging on a teenager, is difficult for them to resist. Keep him safe. Someday he will be ready.

RussBD · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2020, 12:37 PM

There was not much concern of him driving, I will call it Cobra A (I have two) because it is manual. However Cobra B is an automatic and before he was to short to reach the pedals. My seats do not adjust. Now that he is as tall as me and can reach the pedals hence the Coded Ignition. I do trust him but kids will be kids. My wife is too short to reach the pedals and believe she has stopped growing.