New Guy On The Block

fatdaddypreache · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2014, 06:14 PM

Hello guys and gals. I just joined this site and need to start off with a question. To be honest, I haven't felt my way around yet, but plan on visiting some threads...especially the build threads. I suppose my question is strange, but is there room here for something quite different and quirky? I plan on building a cobra replica from scratch and wondering if this is the place to post the thread plus receive some pointers. I'm not computer friendly, but do belong to another forum for guitar building that i navigate on a bit, so I think I'm okay in that respect, but here's the rub...

All I have to start with is a 1/16th scale model kit and some wood. Would this be the place to post a thread for building a wooden bodied cobra, or this that a bit much. I have to warn you I've been told by family and friends I ain't wrapped too tight, so be careful what you ask for. I'm 63 years old, build custom furniture for a living, electric guitars for a hobby, and have always wanted a cobra, but can't afford one, so i thought i'd try to build one. how bout it? you guys game?

thanks

xb-60 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-13-2014, 06:29 PM

Hi fatdaddypreache. Welcome to the forum. Are you talking about something like a Morgan, something with a basic steel chassis and a wooden frame supporting the body? I don't recall that being done before for a Cobra build, but I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be done. Would you buy a fibreglass body rather than make your own?
Cheers,
Glen

fatdaddypreache · #3 (**permalink**) 09-13-2014, 07:22 PM

hello, xb. actually the frame of the body would in fact be like morgans. several years ago i had the opportunity to work on a 47 rolls royce. although the body sheet metal is aluminum, it also has a wooden frame that was wrapped in aluminum. all of the lower ends of the 'cage' was rotted, so i had to build all new support structure. It only served to fuel this insane idea i've had for years. the body however, is going to be wood also. It is the most common way to build a wooden kayak. i believe they refer to it as strip building, where strips of wood 1/4" x 1" are used over formers, then contoured and sanded. after final sanding, the inside and out get a coat of 6 oz fiberglass. That's sort of what i had in mind. as to your question of why not get a body.....I already told you I ain't wrapped too tight. I love a challenge. It's why I started building guitars. I can't play, but i love some of the models and couldn't justify spending money on something I couldnt play, so I built one. It's actually more about the challenge really. the cobra is nothing short of iconic. it quite arguably is the finest looking car ever built and i'd love to have one. I'm working on the hood form now and hope to be laying the first of the strips in a month or so.

fatdaddypreache · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2014, 08:19 PM

considering i'm reverse engineering this from a model, and no one in this area that i know of has a cobra, i'd be curious to know what the arch is to the center of the hood. i made some templates from the model from various spots and came up with a rough form, but would like to know if i need to tune it up. any way of getting that info? i'm not putting a scoop.

thanks.