AP2289 build log

[xb-60]

I've finally changed from being an 'FIA wannabe'
The build of my 289FIA replica is finally starting. AP (Absolute Pace) are the guys who will be building my car up to roller stage, and it will be AP's first 289FIA car.

Here are some of the basics for the build:
• Chassis__Absolute Pace
• Body____289FIA by Bruce Chervenak
• Engine__SBF
• Gearbox_WR Toploader
• Wheels__15" Trigo Cobra FIA

Inspiration cars are important, and the two for me have always been COB6008 and CSX2259 (Lynn Park's rebuild of the first FIA Cobra).
My car will have the FIA-typical cut-back doors with wide hips, but rather than having the more normal FIA front flares, it will have standard looking roadster front fenders, consistent with COB6008's and CSX2259's setup.
CSX2259, even though re-chassis'd and rebodied, appeals not only because of its colour (Viking Blue) and configuration, but also because it is raced and hence very appropriately 'patinated'.
My car will have the roadster drop-centre dash and RHD, same as COB6008. It will be painted Viking Blue as on CSX2259. COB6008 also was painted Viking blue for a significant part of its life.
My aim is to build a car that looks period correct in the body and interior, and is a competent performer.

The body has just now (last Friday) arrived from Bruce in Pittsburgh and it will be mated with a lightly modified AP 427 chassis. There will be some degree of development work in checking and adjusting the standard AP 427 semi-monocoque chassis so that the FIA body fits correctly and looks right.
The car will be a mix of 'old school' where you can see it, and modern where you can't. An SBF engine and Toploader gearbox, along with the Smiths-instrumented dash, the 15" Trigo FIAs and the colour, are the 'old school' essentials. OK, the gearbox isn't a T-10 as fitted to original 260/289 cars, but it's definitely a period gearbox. The modern part is that aluminium alloy TIG-welded semi-monocoque.

Here's part of what landed last Friday....

[Dimis]

Woo hoo!

Clearly you haven't given this much thought....


& I know you've got more pics than that!!!
So go on... share!

[xb-60]

Got to build the anticipation

[albanycobra]

Awesome combo...well done, why not have this thread in the Aussie section? I almost missed it. Looking forward to seeing progress.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by albanycobra

Awesome combo...

Thanks. I agree!

Originally Posted by albanycobra

....why not have this thread in the Aussie section? I almost missed it. Looking forward to seeing progress.

Isn't Cobra Build Logs where build log threads should be?
Cheers,
Glen

[tkb289]

Glen,

This is the beginning of a great build, a mix of old and new. Taking elements from COB6008 & CSX2257 and incorporating them into the structure of the AP chassis, will produce a Cobra that is very unique and one that will look very classic. I am an avid enthusiast of the 289 cars and will be following this build closely ...

- Tim

[xb-60]

Thanks Tim. If mine turns out looking half as good as that beautiful ERA FIA of yours, I'll be very happy.
Cheers,
Glen

[Fullchat289]

Subscribed. Congrats, Glen!

- Allen.

[xb-60]

Thanks Allen. Your ERA FIA is another FIA replica that oozes character. Long may you modify
Cheers,
Glen

[Azzy83]

Big congrats.... Oooo I like build pics !!!!

[xb-60]

Thanks Aaron. Craig told me he wanted to hit the ground running with this, the first, PACE 289FIA, so there should be early progress.
First though is to do some upgrades to the body to get it to AP quality. They will also enhance the strength on it with a full carbon layer.
Cheers,
Glen

[deano59]

very nice im sure it will be a ripper of a car i was wondering when the first pace 289 would be done. im sure Craig and the boys will mate up that body to the chassis to perfection . best of all it will live in Adelaide when it's done .
def watching this build with interest .
cheers dean

[xb-60]

Thanks Dean. Appreciated mate. It will be a 'ripper', and probably unique as an FIA replica in Australia.
Cheers,
Glen

[guye]

Sounds great Glen. Well done. Will be watching your build thread with keen interest.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by guye

Sounds great Glen. Well done. Will be watching your build thread with keen interest.

Thanks mate.
I'm keeping an eye on your build, and Dean's, and others, and trying to pickup any tips I can. The more pictures, the more information, the more thought and planning that goes into a build, the better the result
What do they say? The devil is in the detail?
Cheers,
Glen

[albanycobra]

Keep the details coming......I have a long wait for mine so love all the Pace updates. What's your plans with the motor? Stock AU falcon 5.0l for rego then webers?

[xb-60]

Engine is a Tickford 5.0
Has to be stock for registration. I'll get past that first, and then ....wouldn't Webers be great? A Ford small block with Weber IDAs under the bonnet of a 289FIA replica.....what could be better than that? Has to be legal though, so....
Cheers,
Glen

[jolsen42]

Sorry duplicate post.

John O

[jolsen42]

Glen, good luck with your build. I've purchased a street 289 body from "Mr.Bruce" and used a FFR chassis. I think you'll be very pleased with the quality of "Mr Bruce's" work. He's a very talented man. Here are some pics of his 289 body. Enjoy the journey.







John O

[xb-60]

Thanks John. I've seen pictures of your car before. Very nice. More than a few people have commented favourably on Bruce's quality. Great colour on yours too, and under the hood looks like it should.

Cheers,
Glen