ERA's in St. Louis or Atlanta

cbrdsm · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2007, 05:21 PM

Hello,
My father and I are preparing to build a Cobra together. We're currently trying to wrap up the research phase of the build and have narrowed our search down to Unique and ERA. We just returned from the London show which was a great show. It got us down to the 2 manufacturers we're at now. There were plenty of Unique Cobras at the show, but we didn't see any ERA's. We want to take a look at a few before we make a decision. Are any of you ERA owners within an hour or 2 of St Louis, if so could we twist your arm into letting us look at your car and pick your brain. If not in the St. Louis area, my father will be down in the Atlanta area on the 7th and 8th of July, and would love the opportunity to look at any ERA kits in the area. Thanks in advance.
Tom

Rickd · #2 (**permalink**) 06-28-2007, 06:03 PM

I sent you a PM. Rick

RICK LAKE · #3 (**permalink**) 06-28-2007, 06:15 PM

cbrdsm Come to Run&Gun in Oct You will see cobras in autocross, roadracing and drag racing over a 3 day event. There may be 2 classes on seting up a car and possible engine tuning and motor builds. It's a great 3 day show. Many different companys are there with there cobras. I live in NJ and travel 1k miles for this event. It's the best, ask questions take pictures, get info, you might even get a ride. Been going since 99. Rick Lake Great bunch of people to talk to.

cbrdsm · #4 (**permalink**) 06-28-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

cbrdsm Come to Run&Gun in Oct You will see cobras in autocross, roadracing and drag racing over a 3 day event. There may be 2 classes on seting up a car and possible engine tuning and motor builds. It's a great 3 day show. Many different companys are there with there cobras. I live in NJ and travel 1k miles for this event. It's the best, ask questions take pictures, get info, you might even get a ride. Been going since 99. Rick Lake Great bunch of people to talk to.

Rick,
We were actually at the Run&Gun last year and got our first taste of an ERA there. We're going to try and make it again this year, but I've got a baby coming at about the same time, so we'll see how it works out.
Thanks,
Tom

RICK LAKE · #5 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 04:37 AM

cbrdsm Tom I had the broken rocker shaft in the white car and was running all over trying to repair it. Lil cobra was there with Pepe and ran good for 4 days. Kristen is a great ambasador for ERA. Anyway bring the baby and ear plugs, it's never to early to get the interested.

Just remember there is NO CURE for snakebite. Rick L.

cbrdsm · #6 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 07:00 AM

The poor kid doesn't stand a chance, half his wardrobe has pictures of Cobras on it, my father bought him one of those little electric cars that you see kids drive, and the plan is to remove the body and fiberglass our own Cobra body. Unfortunately my wife drew the line at naming the little guy "Cobra". I've definetly been bitten and am quickly realizing there is no cure. Hopefully we'll see you this year at the Run & Gun, If you see a guy pushing a stroller with side pipes and a 427 emblem on the side, that's me

hey,littlecobra · #7 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 07:32 AM

now that redesprit has added an ERA registry, you can look at the website and see if there are any ERA's registered in your area.

http://www.eraregistry.com/
here is a link.

You can link on that site by regions.

I'll again be at run n gun in October, but I'm sure you'd like to take a look at some ERA's sooner than that.

Rick Lake is quite the gentleman, and the ultimate at 'good sportmanship' as he helps EVERYONE with little problems that might come up during a track event. His knowledge and expertise is second to none. I know nothing about Cobras (

) but sure love mine and enjoy driving the heck out of it!!

hope to see you in St. Louis in October, and the stroller with sidepipes are a good idea.
Did you introduce yourself last year?? I'm sure I'd recognize you, but not sure I remember meeting you.

good luck on your quest in finding ERA's to look at. You can't go wrong with Unique or ERA.
Kristen

cbrdsm · #8 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 08:32 AM

Kristen,
Thanks for the link, I checked out the registry and found a couple that are close enough for a weekend trip.

I believe it was your car that we saw last year that got us interested in ERA. Unfortunately we didn't make it down to the Run & Gun until the last day and we were only down there for an hour or so. We weren't able to talk to a lot of people, everyone was busy preparing for the track. If we can make it down this year, we'll make it a point to speak to everyone.

Everyone has been a great help, it is much appreciated. This site has a wealth of information and is filled with knowledgeable friendly people. I look forward to spending a lot of time here.

Thanks again,
Tom

WarrenG · #9 (**permalink**) 06-29-2007, 05:57 PM

Best way to see a bunch of ERA's is to take a trip to the "Skunk Works" in New Britain! That's what hooked me in 2005. You'll be able to see 427's and 289FIA's in all stages of fabrication. It's the best way to see what you'll be getting in their car.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #10 (**permalink**) 06-30-2007, 02:59 PM

Or take a trip to Lime Rock Park (CT) on Labor Day for the Fall Vintage Festival. There are many ERA's (and the people who make them), as well as others. Also check out the ERA website. Good luck.

Bill Wells · #11 (**permalink**) 06-30-2007, 03:10 PM

cbrdsm;

a friend of mine had his ERA chassis #5 at the London Show, built in 1980/81 . all red/ no stripes, exhaust pipes on the side unmuffled ... .

Shelby 427 alum engine bored and stroked with tunnel port / dual quads and auto trans with electric overdrive . Nasty and loud !

car was at QSL, and one of the first at the saturday truck stop , london show and parked outside at the best value inn 3 days / 2 nights .

Too bad you didn't see that one , cuz it looks as good today as it did 27 yrs ago when new !! says alot about the product longevity and fiberglass detail that made them a standard to be proud of then- and today . Bill.

cbrdsm · #12 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 06:54 AM

My father will be heading up to New Britain sometime in the next month or so to visit ERA, I'm sure he'll see plenty of examples of ERA cars there.

Bill,
I really wish we had seen your friends car at London. I'm sure I have his car on video. I shot about 4 hours worth of tape that weekend. I'm going to review the tapes tonight in search of an all red ERA. Is your friend the original owner of the car? That would say a lot as well since we're looking to keep the car for a long time and don't want to wish we had gone a different route somewhere down the road. If your friend's still happy after 27 years, chances are, we will be too.
Thanks,
Tom

Bill Wells · #13 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 12:46 PM

Current owner is the second owner , but he knew very well the first owner back when it was bought as a kit and also knew very well another fella who helped put it together with the first owner back in early 80s . They were all good friends. Original owner died several years ago and present owner bought it from the estate . B

M164285 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 08:32 PM

I am looking forward to this project with my son and grandson. We met some nice people at the London show and hope to be a participant there within the next two years.

Tom's Dad.

M164285 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 08:01 PM

Rick/Kristen,

Looking forward to meeting you at the Run & Gun. I will be visiting the ERA factory next month but am anxious for my son to see an ERA up close. When do you plan to arrive in St. Louis?

Thanks,
M164285

RICK LAKE · #16 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 06:22 AM

M164285 Rick will be there Tuesday about 1:00 pm cst. If everything goes OK.Car is apart waiting for a couple of parts.

Should be in this week.

Rick L. If you come will M164285 and M164285 JR be on your shirts?

Some first names would be nice.

Looking forward to see you at R&G. Have a safe trip Rick L. Where's Kristen???? She may be sick, she got snake bit.

M164285 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-26-2007, 07:28 AM

Rick,

I hope the parts arrive so you are able to bring your car to the R&G. My name is Clyde, my son's name is Tom (cbrdsm) and his son's name is Lucas. Lucas was born last Wednesday, 22 August. Tom and I will definately be at the R&G but we will have to wait and see about Lucas. I am going to visit the ERA factory on the 28th of September and see how I fit in the car. Tom will not be able to join me so I hope someone at the R&G will let him sit in their car to see how he fits. Tom is 6'4" tall.

Have a good trip.

hey,littlecobra · #18 (**permalink**) 08-26-2007, 08:07 AM

well I hope you all are able to get together in St. Louis. (run n gun). Life with kids has interfered (

) and I am not able to attend this year.

maybe another time.
ya'll have fun.
rick.... i've gotten your vm, have been busy and WILL call back.

promise!

clyde.... congrats on the new grandbaby! I hope you have an informative and productive visit at ERA, and also at r n g.
kristen