New owner questions

[wolf k]

Hello all,
I have ordered 289 FIA 2139 and it is now ready for pickup or delivery. My question is, do you guys have any tips/recommendations on delivery companies?, or is it worthwhile to rent a trailer and pickup myself (I live in St. Louis). The car is a non roller. Is an enclosed trailer necessary?

[Kramer]

does non roller mean kit, or competed turnkey?

[rustyBob]

Go get it yourself....thats half the fun.....i hauled mine 1500 miles on an open trailer and got all kinds of thumbs up as i drove it home and lots of conversations at the gas station when i stopped to fill up.....

[marcalan]

I too picked it up myself. The guys at ERA will help load and make sure its on the trailer right. We had numerous thumbs up on the way home. At one rest stop, I had two folks pull over as I was fueling up to start and ask questions.

If you can't get it yourself, I ask the folks at ERA, they may have a suggestion

[lnfletcher]

Ditto to the above answers. That was one of my best days! Got all kinds of questions when gassing up on the way back.
Weather looks good? Go open.

[strictlypersonl]

If the kit is unpainted, taking the trailer path will work fine. (Bring at least four 2" or larger ratchet straps)
If it's painted, use a professional like Intercity Lines, Horseless Carriage or Roadshow.

[FIA-ERA]

Welcome to the family! I've got FIA 2008, it's a great car and you will love it. I would go pick that sucker up in person. I would get the dollies that they build them on and either buy them or sweet talk Peter P. for the rental plan. I made me a set and I used them until the day I took them off and went to get the car aligned! They are the best investment you can make while building your car. When I took it to get painted, it was on the dollies, put the motor in, on dollies, first time cranking up, on dollies, etc. The other reason is to visit the ERA facilities, got to go to the ERA "skunk works" (just leave your check book at home here!), go out to lunch with Peter P.( bench race with the best!), show some love to Doug (you'll need his advice later, trust me!), and FOREMOST see Mr. Putnam. He will always be your best friend, the inside connection, the best Tech advice, parts guru and make it happen guy at ERA!!! Good luck and you have any questions feel free to ask, been there done it! It's a great trip! Matt

[cscobra]

I wasn't able to arrange the time necessary to pick up #766. Intercity Lines did a great job delivering my kit to me. I would hire them again.

[289FIA]

I'd go Intercity in a heartbeat. They delivered 2121 in a timely fashion, provided all the updates I wanted and were, in my opinion, very reasonably priced for the quality of service. I didn’t have the time, or the enthusiasm, for a 700 mile drive. Actually, I’m still struggling with time to work on 2121 but that’s another issue…

Enjoy your ERA!

[cobrajeff]

I used Intercity to deliver mine - they worked out very well. I wanted to go get it myself, but when I asked my insurance company what kind of coverage I would have if something happened to it on the trailer ride home, they said that it would NOT be covered. That, coupled with it being December in the frigid Northeast, led me to hire the pros to do it. As it was, even THEY were held up a day by inclement Winter weather.

Jeff

[Don]

I have used Intercity Lines 3 times, excellent:

http://www.intercitylines.com/

[wolf k]

Thanks for the replies. The car is a un-painted kit on dollies. I have decided to go with Intercity.

[Clois Harlan]

Hey Wolf,

When you get going on your kit, you have several people in the St. Louis area that will be more than glad to help you when you get to area's of the build that you may need some advise from an experienced person that has been there before. I highly recommend joining the Mid America Cobra Club whose president is Mark Earls (I think). They have some very knowledgeable members that will be glad to help you. Dean Lampe is a good friend of mine has helped many new cobra owners build their dream.

Good luck and keep us posted with updates and your build.


Clois Harlan

[wolf k]

Thanks Clois, will do