Introductions

[octanefueled]

Hello, everyone! I've never owned a Cobra (replica or authentic), but my father had always taken a liking to the styling of the car and passed that trait on down to me. Anyway, right now I'm doing a little research on the various kits that are out there, different types of assembly and parts and just knowledge in general. I've belonged to a lot of car forums and felt this was probably one of the best ways to gain information.

A list of cars I've owned (in order):

1985 Ford Escort L (not even the LX model!)
1993 Ford Mustang LX (2.3L)
1967 Ford Mustang Coupe (No motor, pulled a 351W out of a Bronco)
1992 Toyota MR2 (Spun a bearing at 175K miles)
1999 Dodge Dakota R/T (Current daily driver)
1968 Chevrolet Camaro (383 and current ongoing project)

I'm looking to save my money and add a nice Cobra kit to the current stable.

[COBRANIP]

Welcome! Lots of smart people here willing to share their knowledge, experience, humor and friendship. Oh.....and then there's Jamo....
Enjoy!

[Ron61]

Welcome to the club. There are a lot of very helpful people on here. If yo live near a Cobra Club, try going to one of their get togethers and talk to the people about what they like or dislike about their kit. Just remember that you are building the car for yourself and make sure that you get what you want. And what you plan to use it for will also play into the factor. Street cruiser, track car, or a combination that you can drive nicely on the street but still go to the track and have some fun.

Ron

[octanefueled]

Thanks for the info! I don't know of any Cobra clubs around here, but it is the Tampa Bay area in Florida (more specifically, I live in St. Petersburg). Although it looks like a similar format, this site is definately different than the Chevy sites I belong to; so I'm still trying to get used to navigating through it. For example, I wanted to see what kits out there were the most popular and most enjoyed. Of course every car has its quirks, but I was just wondering what the general consensus was.

I'm not really looking for an exact replica of the Cobra. I think most kits I've seen do an excellent job of getting the "look" down. Ideally, I'd like a street cruiser that has enough performance to pull track duty should the need or desire arise. I'm definately into the performance scene and love big blocks, nasty cams, loud exhaust and kidneys-in-the-trunk acceleration as much as the next guy. Hope to find some threads that will give me some good direction!

[acindrich]

Sell everything and get a Kirkham and feel good about helping the environment. Kirkham's are 99% recycled Coke cans. And nothing beats the smell of real aluminum!

[Seagull81]

Hopefully some of the Cobra folks near St Pete will email or PM you with info. on what they are doing so you can join in. I see lots of postings for events in and around Florida.
Watch out for our Cobra Club members, we love to spend your money!

[octanefueled]

I've seen a LOT of Cobras on the road lately. I don't know which kits were which, but I saw a really nice Factory Five Racing red and gold one the other day. I could only identify it because it had the script across the windshield. Anyway, it was a BEAUTIFUL car and sounded pretty nice! I was on busy US19 and didn't have the opportunity to talk to the owner, but it seemed like just the look I'm seeking.

I watched the episodes of KIT: An Autobody Experience that oulined Pacific Roadster's car and it seemed like a decent kit, but they mentioned that it was an original design that wasn't really to spec. I haven't researched it, but it seems like it's a "stretched" version designed to accommodate taller drivers. While I'm not looking to be 100% exact, I'd like to keep it pretty close. By the way, I don't think I'd have enough money for a Kirkham Motorsports Cobra even if I did sell everything. They look like really high quality cars, but I don't have that kind of budget.

I'm starting to figure things out on the site too. It took a while, but I think I'm getting the difference between slabsides and FIA cars. I knew there were differences between early and later Cobras, but I wasn't clear on what kits and styles were out there. Seems like I'm looking for an FIA car.

Thanks to everyone for the posts! This forum is awesome!

[nlafrance]

Hi All,
I'm new to the club, but joined a while ago. I'm nearing the completion of my Antique and Collectable 427 Cobra. I should have it registered in MA sometime soon! I live on the north shore, Are there any Cobra clubs in my area? I'd like to join one and start crusing!!
Neal L.

[rustyBob]

welcome,you will need to get a copy of the Cobra buyers guide it has a lot of info that will be very usefull ,you can order it through Kit Car Builder mag.that is available at most good book stores .I have two great suggestions #1 DO YOUR RESEARCH and #2 SET A BUDGET. you can get in over your head in a hurry and loose interest quickly if things go bad . But they are a blast when you get done and that Camaro wont stay long after you drive a Cobra.........WWWOOOOHHHHOOOOO

[terry lee]

Octanefueled,
You are in the heart of Fla's Cobra Community!
Go to the Club Forum Section here on CC and click on the Deep South Cobra Club link. It will take you to what is happening with the club. You have two guys (Larry Hess and Dan Wulf) in Cape Coral who will be more than willing to take you under their wing. I believe Jim and Lori Pomeroy are in St. Petersburg. All are great people! AND there are many more.
Good Luck!

TL

[terry lee]

Neal,
Look for a member named Nantucket 427 here on CC. You might guess where he is located.
Like I said to Octanefueled, look for a club in your area in the Club Section of CC.
Good Luck,
TL