New CCX Owner

[kbutler971]

Greetings:

Just a quick note to say after 20+ years wanting a Cobra I finally purchased one this week. It's an older well sorted Contemporary with a built 428/4-speed and street trim/dash, XKE running gear, etc.

Saw a very, very nice Superformance last month in Bend, OR which sparked my interest once again. This one just came along and I can't wait to take delivery (a week or so away). I have nice cars and motorcycles but nothing like this.

I'd also like to say Ive read so many very good posts on this site and have learned alot. Great site. I'd also like to hear more about CCX cars, Registry, etc.

If anyone's in or near MI please give me a shout.

Kirk

[cobrajeff]

Kirk -

Congratulations on your purchase of a Contemporary Cobra, and welcome to clubcobra. Contemporary definately made a really nice car - one of the best.

The Great lakes Cobra Club is based in Southeast MI - you might want to come out to some of our events. We usually have a club dinner meeting once a month, and rotate between the west and east sides of the Detroit area.

http://www.greatlakescobra.com/

The local SAAC club (SAAC- Motor City Region) is very active, too, with car shows, cruises, and open track events.

http://www.saac-mcr.com/main/

Look forward to meeting you and seeing your car at an event soon.

regards,

Jeff

[kbutler971]

Hi Jeff:

Many thanks for the welcome and links, and I'm definitely looking forward to getting involved with other Cobra owners.

Kirk

[mickmate]

Congrats on buying a great car and welcome aboard. You'll see we have a Contemporary forum here http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/contemporary-classic-forums/ and if you get in touch with Jeff Gagnon he'll get you on the CCX registry where the owners share useful information and tech tips, parts finding etc. He's here on CC as 1985 CCX.

[kbutler971]

Hi:

Thanks for the intro and for the CCX forum. I've already visited and there's alot of good information (and very, very nice cars). I'd also like to get involved with the CCX Registry if nothing more than to research in more detail my individual car.

I still can't believe I'm actually going through with this, and especially with a CCX car built well. I did alot of research back in the day and Contemporary (among several others) stood out as a pioneer in creating a true replica of the 427 Shelbys. For me, that's part of the value I see in my purchase. An older kit in pretty good shape, nothing fancy but darn close to the real deal, warts and all.

Thanks again.

Kirk

[1985 CCX]

Kirk

I like your style, warts and all!
I agree with you CCX cars are very well done and truely a reflection of the real deal. I have had the luxury of driving a real one and can tell you it drives exactly like my CCX. Except for the fact that my steering wheel is a bit newer and less prone to splinters.

Drop me an email and I will get you a list of email addresses of CCXX owners. Aslo I can forward build manuals via pdf file, CCX sales lit, and other CCX stuff.

Welcome aboard................Jeff
jdgagnon1@juno.com

[Fastz06]

Kirk,

I also own a CCX. I'm in Shelby Twp, just north of Detroit. Ive been through most parts of my car, so if you have any questions shoot me a PM.

Ray

[bmwdb10]

Kirk,

Welcome to the world of CCX ownership! They truly are great cars and with a few mods can be made to look down right vintage! Right Jeff!

Awesome cars and a good bunch of guys in the group that are available most any time and will pipe in promptly if you pose any type of question.

Mickmate responded here as well. Should you ever decide to make some adds to make your car even more authentic, he is the guy to call. Incredible talent and has already developed a lot of real cool parts for the CCX cars.

Welcome to the group!

[kbutler971]

Hi Jeff:

Thanks for the note, and I was speaking in metaphors when referring to the warts :-). Great feedback on the similarities of the CCX and CSX cars. I'm sill pinching myself on this one

And thanks for the offer on car info. I'm expecting it in about 10 days or so with delivery and all, and alot of original build info is coming with it. Still, there's no harm in overdocumentation.

Kirk

[kbutler971]

Hi Ray:

Thanks for the note. I'm familiar with where you are but not a MI native. I'm looking to get out and drive this thing and meet other like minded individuals.

Kirk

[kbutler971]

Hi Dave:

Thanks for the note, and for the assistance offer. Like I mentioned earlier, it hasn't sunk in yet that I actually closed the deal on this today.

After the car arrives I'm sure I'll have lots of questions. There's an amazing amount of info on this website, I've sure got some reading to do.

Kirk

[48 IDA]

Hi Kirk,
Congratulations on your purchase. These are very good cars. I am sure you will enjoy yours. Post some pictures as soon as you can. We would all like to see your new ride.

Don














c

[ekrupa2]

welcome Kirk!

Ray - i am in shelby too...wondered why we havent crossed paths yet!

[kbutler971]

Hi Don:
Thanks for the note, and I'll get some fotos up as soon as it arrives (need to drive it first).
It might pale in comaprison to some of the cars I've seen on this site but I wanted a driver. Besides, there's lots of potential starting out with a CCX to begin with.
Kirk

[kbutler971]

Hi:
Just had the new (used) CCX3057 dropped off at the house last evening. In the rain with a dead battery (potential effect of electrical gremlins and not cause), which made for some short term frustrations. New battery got everything fired up OK, but the rain delayed any runs until this afternoon after work.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the CCX product. Very solid. From what I can tell, this particular example has most all of the big stuff in great shape with lots of small details needing attention. Great exterior too, but lots of opportunities for some TLC, especially wiring, electrical fit and finish, etc.

I've posted a couple of photos in the Gallery of the beast. Thanks again for everyone's welcome. So far so good.

Kirk

[mickmate]

Hey Kirk looking good in arrest me red! Nice ride, I see what they were talking about with the plate on the rear bumper of the CCX's so they didn't have to fit it between handle and light.

[bmwdb10]

Nice looking car Kirk! Congrats!

Is that the fuel pump or filter hanging from the rear?

Looks like it needs one of Nick's roll bars! Not one of Contemporary's best moves, that shorty!

Sure you will enjoy!

[1985 CCX]

Nice!

[kbutler971]

Hi Guys:

Many thanks for the nice words. I did get the car out on the road last evening after more battery troubles (dead 24hs after replacing....obvious short.....and certainly not advertised with the car). It's dawning on me I purchased a fixer-upper. I didn't expect perfeection but not to this extent right out of the chute.

Well, I'm impressed, although it will take some getting used to after 2+ years with a tricked out '02 Audi TT ALMS. Overall, pretty solid, but I think the brakes are the most immediate challenge, sure need alot of pressure to stop. Next is the electrical short. Quick troubleshooting points to the hot lead from the starter solenoid on the firewall into the interior of the car underdash. From here it's lifting leads to find the problem. We'll see more tonite, but at least the battery is disconnected for new to avoid more trouble.

Third are the tires. They sure seemed oversize, and had a pretty good rub on the left front upon turning. Will sure look to get these bask to somewhere around stock real soon. The wheels are (I'm told by the previous owner with diminishing credibility) Compomotive 15" bolt on which appear copies of the 289 Daytona Coupe design. Real neat look.

Once I get these drivability issues sorted out it should be alot of fun (maybe the fun is in the challenge :-)). I'll post some more photos here soon.

Again, many thanks to all for the notes. I'm sure I'll have alot of questions but that comes later.

Kirk

[kbutler971]

Hi Dave:

Sorry for omitting your answer. I was told this was an electric fuel pump since disconnected. Don't know if it works or not (sure looks trick :-)), but the previous owner said it wasn't necessary. Haven't traced out the line yet but it appears bypassed. Another investigation waiting to happen :-).

Kirk