Interested Noob

[coryb]

Hello,

I've recently been bitten by the I-need-to-own-a-Cobra bug after having been enamored of them for as long as I can remember.

Being almost empty-nesters, my wife and I have started investigating the idea of building a car. We built a replica MG-TD back in the early 80's and I've been wrenching on cars since the '70's so I think it's doable for us.

I'm now trying to get ideas on which kit to buy and just doing some general research.

I tend to lurk a lot more than post but I'll chime in from time-to-time.

Cory

[MFE III]

Cory, welcome. Your post is the first step many of us took as well. As you will soon find out, there are a large number of replica kit manufacturers out there with a wide range of offerings. They range the gamit from very accurate to the original Shelby's to cars that are loosley based on a Cobra (i.e., longer wheelbase, different body shape, etc.).
For starters, here's a thread you'll find interesting including an Excel spreadsheet Warren did comparing the various manufacturers.
which kit would you purchase
Your desire to build versus buy a turn-key or turn-key minus will reduce the number of choices. I'd be happy to discuss why I chose Hurricane Motorsports over the others available - just PM me your phone number.
Good luck
Matt

[1985 CCX]

My advice,

Get involved in local club and get to know the guys. Plus you will get familiar with different cars..........

Jeff

[Got the Bug]

Welcome Cory! Jeff is right, attending the local club events is a great way to learn about the cars, registration issues for your state, and meet other like minded Cobra nuts.

[WildBill3]

Hey Cory come on in and setaspell.Good luck with your hunt, lots of cool cars and builders here..WB3

[coryb]

Thanks for the welcome.

I was thinking about heading up this weekend for the Capital Area Cobra breakfast but I fear Hannah is going to make the weather nasty and keep the Cobras inside.

Hopefully I can get to the local car show this weekend and talk to some of the car owners there and get a few ideas from them.

Matt, I looked at that thread but the spreadsheet is apparently gone. Is it available anywhere else? The home.comcast.net link no longer works. Also, why are my choices limited because I want to build versus buy? And it that a bad thing?

[Excaliber]

I bought my first Cobra, an Excalibur, nice car but not quite 'period correct' enough for me as my education in Cobras began to grow. So I bought an ERA, but I didn't like how 'radical' the motor was, so I rebuilt it myself. I get enormous satisfaction out of driving the ERA knowing every little detail of the motor. It really made the car personal, I feel a strong connection to it, it's much more personal than the Excalibur ever could have been.

...and that was just building the motor. The personal satisfaction would be even more enhanced having built the CAR itself! I've had such a good time 'tinkering' with it, working on it over the years I'm considering building a Coupe. Depending on your mind set building it yourself is a very cool goal.

The ONE hesitation I would have is that used Cobras are available at a cost that may be competitive with the cost of a build. But you can't buy the experience of doing it yourself, that wonderful feeling of being 'one' with the car. Some things, money can't buy...

[MFE III]

Cory, try this link: http://allthingscobra.tripod.com/sit...ufacturers.pdf
It's from a UK site so it has manufacturers from outside the US as well. I'm not sure how current the list is as many come and go.

why are my choices limited because I want to build versus buy? And it that a bad thing?

Your choices are limited as some manufacturers, such as Superformance and Backdraft, only make rollers or turnkey-minus cobras. As far as kits, you should certainly check out ERA, Hurricane and FFR. Depending on your budget and tastes, there are pluses and minuses to each . . . and that's all part of the fun . . . choosing which is best for you!
Good luck
Matt