Which kit to buy... the $1m question!!

UK Bloke · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2004, 02:48 PM

I live in South Africa and would like to take advantage of the exchange rate and buy a stateside cobra, but I don't want to make a mistake!!
Any views on which kit is best, I have shortlisted the Factory Five Racing, the Hurricane Motorsports and the B&B Manufacturing.
To me the FFR chassis looks like it should out handle the other 2, any first-hand experience from anyone would be great. B&B do a donor kit so alot of time/effort would be saved which FFR don't.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Craig

Big-Foot · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2004, 07:02 PM

I've built a lot of cars over the years - many were purpose built racecars I fabricated from a pile of steel and aluminum.
I have also assembled a number of FFR's and find that their kits are very well thought out and exceptionally strong. I even built one for myself that is a race-only car that performs as strong or stronger than cars that cost easily 3 times the amount.
You don't need a donor to build an FFR. Literally all the donor parts can be either purchased new or from other builders that managed to scarf up extra parts while scouting through the wrecking yards.
The Bodies of the FFR's, while not 100% accurate to the original 427 SC, are very well built and are easier than ever to prepare for paint.

As far as body strength is concerned, I had a customer recently round a corner out in the country to suddenly be faced with a small herd of deer. He clipped one and slightly cracked the right side turn signal. A doe was not so lucky - he figured he was still running a good 40mph when he center-punched her. Up and over the hood, sliding off just as she brushed the chrome-brass framed windshield.
Damage report - the mildest of "crazing" in the paint, not damage to the fiberglass, one scratch from a hoof on the top of the hood. the Doe layed there with her tongue out and legs broken.

The only real issue I have with FFR, at this point, is what I see in parts back-orders and slow response by their customer service desk.

ToyCollector · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2004, 08:43 PM

UKBloke,

Use the exchange rate to your favor and buy the BEST true to original your money can buy, with an expedient delivery time. Do your homework. I recommend something REALLY true to the original with an aluminum body. No one has been compaining of their delivery times lately.

streetbeagle · #4 (**permalink**) 01-30-2005, 10:19 AM

since you live in south africa, why not buy one of the kits build there such as Backdraft, Venom 427, or superformance. There quality seems to be as a good quality as others.

I would think you could get a good price there.

just a thought