jOHNEX

[ebustin]

Johnex has gone OUT of Bisssss!

[427sharpe]

Seems to be becoming a trend.....
I suppose that a lot of the mafg's were on pretty shaky financial ground, and the economic woes we are in now are pushing them over the edge. After all, the first things cut from austere budgets are the most expensive toys......
I hope somebody picks up the peices so that you owners are not left out in the cold. As least w/ EM, they had been around long enough and used generally available parts, so I hope Johnnex was as well.

[Mr.Fixit]

There are very few pieces on johnex except the body, that were not outsourced from other companies.

[got snake?]

Johnex is a great cobra...I WAS looking at them seriously. I hope someone picks up the molds and frame. And maybe drop the price! I'd get one in a heartbeat.

GS

[Mr.Fixit]

The frame should still be available, Johnex had it made by CSC, Johnex did not manufacture their frames.

[HIQ]

Nice cars, but from what I read on the consumer forum Johnex had questionable customer service.

As this market matures, great product will not be enough. ERA, Unique, Superformance, and other combine great product with the support we all expect.

I hope others can provide long term support to Johnex customers. They are great cars and have alot to offer.

[ssirlin]

I have a Johnex EQ, built by and purchased from House of Cobras in Anaheim, CA. Not only is it a great car, the guys at HOC provide outstanding customer support. To my knowledge, nothing that they have done to my car has had anything to do with Johnex - its all been provided by Dean and Dave at HOC. I heartily recommend any Johnex car that you can purchase through HOC, as it is the best handling Cobra I have ever driven.

[Frank]

Quess that explains the reason thier web site was mia, damm
another one gone? has thier closing been confirmed? just when I am kinda getting close to jumping in the fire, I am from southwest
Ontario , real hard to find a selection of mfgs up here,
the import regs are crazy for us along with the us to cdn $exchange rate, makes for a real expensive cobra, If I was in the us I would have a Spf or a Back draft in a heartbeat, I just cannot
justify to myself the $57,000 they want up here for a spf compared to the us $36.000 Hey I dont know about the majority
of you boys but $20,000 extra is an *ell of alot of extra dough!!

So I have thought about the kit route, still searching up here for mfgs, It would be feasible for me to mfg my own cobras I use to fiberglass and mfg dune buggy bodies and have watched a cobra being laid up, "no problem at all! as far a chassis go, get one and
jig it! preferably from the same source, a body and chassis is fairly
straight forward to mfg, I say this about the chassis as I use to race unlimited
latemodel stockcars about 15 yrs ago and the chassis we used and built are far more advanced than most of the cobra chassis being mfg today.

The problem that I have is "TIME" I just do not have the time to start up a shop to mfg cobras, If it did happen you would see a
decent product a decent kit price, just the way I am, I have not been in contact with the guys at CSC (Canadian stock car) since the 80"s well I quess you say they were making the chassis for johnex? does anyone know if johnex were making thier own bodies? I think they were along side a shop of Big boy"s toys in Brampton Ontario that were also mfg cobras and johnex absorbed them?

You could mfg cobras out of a very small size shop on a very small
scale to keep the overhead down, anyway I quess with a few other interested parties in my area "I might be interested" Hmmm! I realy got to stop thinking about this AHH!! yes it can be done but its so much easier just to buy a turnkey or is it? well not that easy up here!

Sorry for all the babbling guy"s just cannot control that Damm cobra Fever Whew!!!!

>>>Frank<<<

[ChrisKomorowski]

Johnex is unfortunately out of business but the product has been picked up and is now being sold by a new outfit - CanAm Motorsports. ( web site http://www.canammotorsports.com/). The bodies are manufactured in Ontario specifically for Johnex.

I just finished building my Johnex CanAm and I have had no issues with either the car or the support that I got from John during the build. It is unfortunate that he had to close his doors.

[Frank]

CanAM motorsports, yes i have checked out thier site this past week, In fact I thought it was a old name at first that John use to operate under, i have not checked but i sure was thinking john
operated as canam before he called it johnex? I may be confused as time passes by, need to have someone dig through some old kitcar mags.

I will have to check them out when i get some free time, Does
anyone have a backdraft ? I am very curious as to the chassis
and body specs, I recall someone stating the bodies were a little off proportion? Hey this gets real crazy sorting out mfg"s, some cars are stretched here and there, some have wider bodies,some seem to be channeled lower, roll bars are higher or lower, some rear end of the bodies seem to perk up, whats with that? that really looks goofy! man poor car is getting a kicking
right out of shape,

I will contiue to search for a mfg kit or turnkey minus or complete
car, or "If there is someone interested in my area" the possibility
could come up to mfg a few bodies and chassis, when i look at the bodies and chassis all i see is tubing purchased at industrial cost and some rolls of fiberglass/resin/gelcoat that need to be assemled/mfg preety cheap actualy, but we all must pay for the labour and overhead and markups of parts hey people need to make a living, anyone ever thought of a club were you own the mould and chassis jig? this really could be a great way to get a hands on in the mfg and start something great? costs get reduced the more there is! here i go again I really have to stop thinking about this, damm this cobra fever damm it i say,

>>>Frank<<<

[ChrisKomorowski]

Frank,

I'm not sure where in Ontario you live. I attend a number of the show and shines regularly and would be happy to let you look over the car and discuss any questions that you might have. There should be a number of us (different Cobras) at Mapleview shopping center in Burlington next Wednesday evening. Maybe we will see you there.

[Draco]

I too, have been looking at the Johnex chassis but with reservations considering the situation. I just got off the phone with Mike Pitcher of Canam ,who now owns the rights to the Johnex line, during our 40 min conversation he was very helpful and seemed more than willing to spend the time with the customer. I will be going for a visit in early September. The frame has not changed in the last year and is still being made for CanAm by CSC. Anyone who is interested just send me an email and I'll let you know how the visit goes.

Draco

[Mr.Fixit]

As I recall, John bought "Big boy's toys" the factory five style donor vehicle type car, renamed it "Can-am" Sold those along with the other 2 Johnex cars, the "DD" with a solid rear end, and the "EQ" with independant rear. The frames were different between the Johnex cars and the can-am cars. the bodies appeared very similar if not the same between all three. That's my recollection of their linup.

[Allan Skok]

Frank

$36,900 USD x 1.556 (today's exchange rate) = 57,416.40 CAD

Kindly explain your $20,000.00 extra comment?

Regards
Allan Skok - Macro Autosports Inc.

[Frank]

Hi Alan,

Yes by all means the $us to CDN $ is the factor of the extra
$20,000 by all means this is the point I was making, I truly beleive Spf has a fantastic product whitch I would like to purchase
and own a Spf, i have had a chance to inspect them at the Detroit
Autorama very nice, had me sold,

>>>but<<< the US $ price was $36,000 by the time I convert to CDN yes add another $20,000, $56/57,000 I just have a hard time justifing the extra exchange
rate for the same product, again the Spf product is a great deal in the us and maybe so to CDN"s, now of cource here in Canada we are going through the unfortunate US TO CDN dollar exchange rate and it affects alot of our decisions on product purchases ahh the power of the all mighty $, "same product" just different $$ values I will say offer me that Spf for our CDN $ rate I will be at your shop placing my order asap! along with alot more I would bet,
The fact is we up here are caught up in this conversion rate to product scenerio all to much, we need to kick our Goverment in the tail and get this bs economy straightened out !! this has been going on way way to long!!!

This has happened before in Canada with many specialty products that are mfg or offered in the us or at US $ dollars
people here in Canada purchase the product at the converted $ us to cdn $ rate
and then the rates change in a couple of years or so and now
you have a product that should hold its value to some extent that now will bring far less than it should example thus the purchaser loses $$: you could purchase the same product "new" or very close to that, for what a previous purchaser should exspect to get $ value for their used product now what does the consumer purchase for thier $ new of cource
but this is the known, to some, or unknown, market we must endure, make your own decissions, do your homework, and understand the economic circumstances!!

Hey Alan any used Spf"s

>>>Frank<<<

[gary_bowers]

Frank,
Understanding that math isn't your long suit let me put it this way. With our current rate of exchange, in real dollar terms we in Canada are paying just slightly less than our friends in the U.S. for the same car. Our wage scale compensates for the difference in the value of our "dollars" assuming a constant "standard of living" in the two countries (ours is actually slightly higher). I lived in the U.S. for several years in the '80s and when I moved down my salary was adjusted for the difference in the currency (bigger # in Canada, smaller # in the U.S.) when I moved back to Canada the same happened (smaller # in U.S., bigger # in Canada). I wasn't worth more, I just got a bigger #. Having said all this, there is no difference in the price of a SPF whether you buy it in Canada or the U.S..

Gary (money is one thing I do understand) Bowers

[Frank]

Gary thanks for the reply, I think ?not to sure on your statement
regarding my math skills????????? I quess you were not in canada when the crunch hit!!!!!!!! when alot of expenceive toys were bought and alot of people lost a lot of $ value because of the us to cdn $ change I had freinds lose 10/20+ thousand in a very short period of time on their toy"s!! math/money is one thing and I am glad you have a great understanding of it Im not doing so bad myself in life math/money wise! not the point!! it happened ,it may happen again!! I will admit! maybe "I " think and deal to much with the CDN TO US $ product. Gee is this why the magority of the world uses the US as the base $$$$$$ to compare and adjust run their markets on? If the rate changes us to cdn you are going to lose $$ on your previous purchase that is all I stated! your market product value/share starts to colapses! no if ands or buts about it .sheeeesss!!!

Thanks
>>>Frank<<<

[Allan Skok]

Frank. All points well taken.

Fact is – we purchase our rollers in US Dollars, and that is a reality of doing business in Canada. If we sold our Roller’s for $36,900.00 CAD, we would not only be losing money, but I’d expect a surge of US. Shoppers pretending to be Canadian J “When the U.S sneezes, Canada will always catch a cold.” But, as Gary points out, we do have a very high standard of living in Canada. Being ex-South African, I consider myself lucky to be a Canadian citizen. As for our government, I won’t go there.

I would encourage you to take the following list of parts and price them out in Canada (if you can source them locally????). When building a car it’s difficult to sacrifice on key parts/components once you’ve already spent a considerable amount of money – and therefore VERY difficult to keep the cost LOW. You’re also likely to be sourcing a ton of parts from the U.S because of availability. Don’t forget to add duty, transport, and taxes. Speak to those that have built cars in Canada.

·PPG Global® System show-quality
·Superformance-engineered race-proven Chassis
·Four-wheel independent suspension
·Bilstein® coilover progressive Shocks with H&R® Springs
·Four-Wheel Vented Disk Brakes (Wilwood 4-piston calipers)
·Power-assisted Brakes
·Hydraulic Clutch setup
·Tires: 255/60/15 front, 275/60/15 rear
·Aluminum Radiator, Shroud and Fans
·Black (German) leather Seats (drivers side adjustable)
·Black soft Top & Side Curtains
·Black Tonneau Cover
·Fully carpeted Floor, Console, sides & rear Firewall panel
·Heater/Defroster
·Smiths gauges
·Lucas switches
·Original-style oil cooler & braided lines
·Original-style aluminum Pin Drive Wheels (true knock-offs)
·Original-style Moto-Lita Wood Steering Wheel
·AC Pedals
·Original-style Catches & Fittings
·Original-style Hand Brake (polished Stainless Steel) & Shifter with Knob
·Original-style side pipes & headers (black)
·Original-style Windshield (chrome plated brass frame)
·Original-style Aluminum Firewall Panel
·Stainless Steel fuel tank (TIG welded & pressure tested)

Now keep in mind that 1 Canadian Dollar = 7 South African Rands (in our favor). In other words, a Superformance built in Canada or US. Would cost twice the going price.

You Said : “The problem that I have is "TIME" I just do not have the time to start up a shop to mfg cobras, If it did happen you would see a decent product a decent kit price.”

Frank – are you fully aware what’s involved when manufacturing a Cobra? Again, speak to those who have built only one. Most Cobra replica manufacturers take their process and development very seriously, and I don’t believe their intention is to rip off or get rich off their cars (there will always be the exception). You’re likely going to deal with true enthusiasts who simply love being involved in the industry.

As for used SPF’s, I wish I had more. I get at least 3 calls a week asking that very same question. One thing I guarantee though, A used Superformance aint gonna go cheap!

Feel free to give me a call anytime to talk Cobras

Allan Skok 1-800-29SNAKE

[Frank]

Hi Allan thank you for the reply of my thoughts well taken, "Its is much apreceiated" I know it would be nice to see a SPF at $36000 Cdn in Canada, Iam sure you would swamped with sales,

Allan I totaly agree with you on the highest quality/parts that the Spf utilises, again I have looked very closley at the spf underneath, and all creveces that I could get to, This is a 100% well thought out car, no dought an industry leader in my opinion! that other mfg"s will have to strive very hard to even try to come close to the Spf quality, They may have set a new standard to go buy,
And possibly you may see myself some day at your shop to order a Spf or talk cobra, I have never stated the spf is a bad deal at $57000cdn I was just stating that "I" have a problem justifing the cost, to myself!

Regarding the whats involved in mfg a cobra, yes I do not find it that much of a hard road to go if you will" If I really wanted to pursue it, I am sure I will not be pursuing a venture like this as I do not have the time in life and as i am "getting older" i truly apreceiate my time
to enjoy life, "most" cobra replicas chassis/bodies have been copied from one and another and then possibly improved upon
thus the many different chassis configurations we see from all the mfg"s out there.

I was saying in a post i think it was on this forum? I used to race/build unlimited latemodel stockcars back in the 80"s those days there were CSC ( Canadian stock car products) witch I understand is still kicking, Junior Hanley witch puts out a #1 race stockcar chassis latemodel, B&M racing(Bert MColl) retired butMike his son is at the healm and doing a great job of mfg chassis/cars for the stockcar guy"s now these chassis are much more advanced than the cobra configuration,

The cobra chassis is really a pretty basic configuration compared to some of these race chassis setups but both require your homework if you are looking to mfg for the speed/handling /saftey that a true high performance car must have,sure you will see some new suspenion leaps/changes from a few mfg"s I honestly question myself how many
of these cobra mfg"s truly understand completely all their chassis
geometry I will stick out my thoughts and say very very few of them! with the exception of the hard core race shops that are mfg
them, so yes i have a little background and oh yes i was taught and certified by Professer Duke Southerd,Professer of advanced automotive race car suspention/design systems,I think Duke may have passed on now, as someone was telling me, but he was a great teacher one of the best.

I do agree also there are alot of "shakey" mfg going on out there, that i have seen, that scares the *ell out of me!

So indeed I will just possibly someday by a kit or turnkey minus or
prebuilt or used cobra time will tell,

Thanks Allan you sound like a great helpfull guy

>>>Frank<<<

[289FIA]

Frank,

I understand your predicament. I too kept having to factor all my calculations by 1.55 (exchange) and then by 1.1556 (GST & PST)
. Boy, that Cobra really began to look out of reach so I had to revise my game plan. Hate to admit it, but I joined the “Brain Drain” gang. Moved from Montreal to Maryland.

As to the original point of this tread, Johnex did make a nice complete kit. Spent a few hours in the shop asking the usual “kid in a candy store” questions. Was truly impressed with the frame. The FIA and Slabside were my favorites though. I was leaning towards their FIA since the slabside was unable to accommodate an IRS. What a shame, hope someone decides to keep the product alive in some form or another. Best of luck in your Cobra hunt.

289FIA