ERA Assembly Milestones

[Jim Holden]

Frank:

Do as I do, keep a deposit ahead... this, so I can badger him about the current car and the next one as well.

Jim

[Rickd]

Jim, you FIA is amost the identical color of mine. How many ERA's do you [b][i]currently[i][b]have garaged? I just turned 1500 miles on the odometer this past weekend. I would have more, but I have been traveling a lot since receiving the car in January. Rick

[Jim Holden]

Rickd:

In the shed at the moment is FIA 2045 and GT2077... It's nice to have choices.

Jim

[Snakebit]

Mailed my paperwork to NJ DMV on June 24th, and I received a call today for my safty inspection in Winslow, July 29th at 9am

[428street]

RAO-3:

Best advice is be patient, read alot, stay on this site, etc. It is worth the wait. I think making a timeline might be frustrating. If you insist on making one then add 3-6 months on your expected date. I have spent some considerable time down there over the last 3-6 months talking with Peter, Doug, John, etc. and these guys are ACES. They get sidetracked all the time which makes the "schedule" go out the window.

I think the worst thing you can do is hold them over the coals. It's not that kind of place that this tactic would work (not saying you suggested this or you would).

Remember these cars are hand build from scratch. Good work like good food takes time!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 428street

I think the worst thing you can do is hold them over the coals. It's not that kind of place that this tactic would work (not saying you suggested this or you would).

That is absolutely correct. RAO-3, if you are smart, and I'm sure you are, you will realize that the ERA staff are not an assembly line, but rather, they are craftsmen. You have to go with their pace; you can not rush them. A lot of us here have "Type-A" personalities and are better than your average bear when it comes to business and "moving people along" in the direction you'd like them to go (and chances are those characteristics have contributed to your ability to afford an ERA). But you need to put those traits aside for now and, instead, take your cues from Peter, Bob & Doug. For instance, when I was up there visiting I told Doug that if he saw anything that I had spec'd out that wasn't right, or that I had missed, he should call me up and tell me because I was going to take his recommendation every time. In fact, at the end of the day my comfort level had moved up to the point that I followed that up with "Doug, if you think it needs to be done, just go ahead and do it." In the end, that simple philosophy worked out very well. I would never use that tactic in other ventures, but I can tell you that it will work at ERA. And I also know that it may be contrary to most of our natures!

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

RAO:
The time will fly. Before you know it, Peter will want more money because your car will be ready to deliver. My car took five months to deliver (in kit form w/bonded body) from my first deposit.
This past Friday I spent the entire day at DMV in CT. I had to trailer my car and the inspector told me where and when to unload, and proceeded to give my car a thorough inspection (just like my doctor gives me yearly, and almost as costly). It went up on the lift, on the scales, on the brake track, on the alignment rack, and after about an hour, the chief inspector gave me his blessing and a new VIN number. After trailering it home and getting a good nights sleep, I drove my Cobra on Saturday and Sunday evening and just got home about an hour ago. I'm totally psyc'd . I don't know how Jersey does it, but before you know it, you'll be on the road. Just keep in touch with Peter and show up there on a Friday afternoon now and then with check book in hand. You will be treated well and they will build you a quality car before you know it. Ask Doug any question and he will tell you just what you need to know, as he's absolutely the best. Good luck and keep us posted.

[428street]

ZOERA:

Do you have your own trailer or did you rent one?

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

428:
I got one from U-Haul...cost me 65 bucks for the day. Was well worth it, as I didn't have to ask anyone for a favor. Call the 800 number in the yellow pages and reserve it two or three days before you need it. Good luck.

[nsurence man]

Zoera, I'd like to read-up on the rear break system on your car. Here on CC should I just search ERA rear brakes, or is there a name unique to them?

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

My car uses the ERA/Jag rear. The center carrier and brakes are Jaguar XJ6-XJS w/powerlock. The halfshafts and lower a-frames are shortened by ERA. The rest is covered in any good Jaguar manual.
ERA also has the newer outboard brake rear end w/aluminum subframe, a real work of art. Check the ERA website for details.

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

In reading cscobra's posting, he stated that he just received his chassis number, although from his explanation, it sounds like his build was well along.

I guess I was under the impression that the chassis number was assigned early in the build.

So when is the chassis number assigned?

One thing I was trying to do was to put together a sort of 'major milestone" listing of the events of bringing an ERA cobra to life. I'd appreciate your comments. Where does the chassis number fit into this milestone listing?

Since I'm doing a turnkey, lets assume start to complete car. Peter estimated 12 months for mine.

First deposit - day one

Into ERA database - day 90

start production - day 120

not related to ERA but start build of engine, day ?

(How long should it take a builder to build an engine, on average, assuming normal workload in his shop?)(When does the engine need to be at ERA?)

Body and frame bonded - day ?

shipped to painter - day 210

painter takes from 45 to 90 days, assume worst case 90 days

return to ERA - day 300

ERA starts final assembly - day ?

Car complete - day 365.

retrieve car - day 380

inspection and registration in NJ - day 410

on road - day 411

I tried to assemble this timetable based on reading numerous threads here, and thought a discussion on this would not only help me, but others as well that are in the process or will be joining the "ERA List".

Ray

Ray,

It does take ERA some time to build a car but I think that the wait is well worth it. I did quite a bit of research before I started my cobra with ERA and I concluded the following:

1) ERA builds one of the most accurate replicas to be had
2) The quality of their cars is excellent
3) If you want a big block car, they are the way to go as they probably do as many big block cars as any manufacturer

The following is a thread on my car which is nearing delivery from ERA.

ERA 753 - Final Assembly in Progress

I've been at it for about 18 months now (some of this time was my fault because I changed the game plan on ERA part way through the project and I also did alot of custom one-off stuff that slowed them down). I am very happy with my ERA and would gladly wait the time again for the quality of the car I am getting. I hope this helps.

- Fred

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by patrickt

That is absolutely correct. RAO-3, if you are smart, and I'm sure you are, you will realize that the ERA staff are not an assembly line, but rather, they are craftsmen. You have to go with their pace; you can not rush them. A lot of us here have "Type-A" personalities and are better than your average bear when it comes to business and "moving people along" in the direction you'd like them to go (and chances are those characteristics have contributed to your ability to afford an ERA). But you need to put those traits aside for now and, instead, take your cues from Peter, Bob & Doug. For instance, when I was up there visiting I told Doug that if he saw anything that I had spec'd out that wasn't right, or that I had missed, he should call me up and tell me because I was going to take his recommendation every time. In fact, at the end of the day my comfort level had moved up to the point that I followed that up with "Doug, if you think it needs to be done, just go ahead and do it." In the end, that simple philosophy worked out very well. I would never use that tactic in other ventures, but I can tell you that it will work at ERA. And I also know that it may be contrary to most of our natures!

Hi Patrick,

Funny you should say this, as when I met with Peter for the first time, I spent a while explaining to him the 'kind' of car I was looking for, as opposed to the specifics, and told him that I was looking to him for his recommendations. You're also right, as there are times that I'm "chomping on the bit", but then refrain from taking any action - something I would never do otherwise. I could tell the quality product they produce and that they want each and every customer to to happy with their car.

Ray

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

RAO:
The time will fly. Before you know it, Peter will want more money because your car will be ready to deliver. My car took five months to deliver (in kit form w/bonded body) from my first deposit.
This past Friday I spent the entire day at DMV in CT. I had to trailer my car and the inspector told me where and when to unload, and proceeded to give my car a thorough inspection (just like my doctor gives me yearly, and almost as costly). It went up on the lift, on the scales, on the brake track, on the alignment rack, and after about an hour, the chief inspector gave me his blessing and a new VIN number. After trailering it home and getting a good nights sleep, I drove my Cobra on Saturday and Sunday evening and just got home about an hour ago. I'm totally psyc'd . I don't know how Jersey does it, but before you know it, you'll be on the road. Just keep in touch with Peter and show up there on a Friday afternoon now and then with check book in hand. You will be treated well and they will build you a quality car before you know it. Ask Doug any question and he will tell you just what you need to know, as he's absolutely the best. Good luck and keep us posted.

Congratulations on getting it on the road!

Ray

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by fkemmerer

Ray,

It does take ERA some time to build a car but I think that the wait is well worth it. I did quite a bit of research before I started my cobra with ERA and I concluded the following:

1) ERA builds one of the most accurate replicas to be had
2) The quality of their cars is excellent
3) If you want a big block car, they are the way to go as they probably do as many big block cars as any manufacturer

The following is a thread on my car which is nearing delivery from ERA.

ERA 753 - Final Assembly in Progress

I've been at it for about 18 months now (some of this time was my fault because I changed the game plan on ERA part way through the project and I also did alot of custom one-off stuff that slowed them down). I am very happy with my ERA and would gladly wait the time again for the quality of the car I am getting. I hope this helps.

- Fred

Fred, I've been reading all your posts with great interest, no doubt in part to seeing your car at ERA first hand. It's a great looking car, and I can't wait to see the details on how you finish it up.

It's also great that everyone here shares so much of their experiences; I've learned so much from everyone here, and it's great that everyone is so willing to provide guidance.

I really do feel that I've made the right decision to go with ERA, even with the wait...

Ray

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Fred, I've been reading all your posts with great interest, no doubt in part to seeing your car at ERA first hand. It's a great looking car, and I can't wait to see the details on how you finish it up.

It's also great that everyone here shares so much of their experiences; I've learned so much from everyone here, and it's great that everyone is so willing to provide guidance.

I really do feel that I've made the right decision to go with ERA, even with the wait...

Ray

Ray,

Thanks for the kind words. How will you build your ERA? Have you decided upon the engine/trans combo and options yet?

- Fred

[Jim Holden]

Fred:

After 25 years of dealing with the good folks at ERA, I think your comments are (as the Brits are wont to say) "spot on." Peter and the boys try to be responsive to each customer and customers constantly change their minds; what was to be a "roller" now becomes a "turn key" and that effects the time line for everyone waiting in line. ...and then there are those customers who are not content with just a standard turnkey, but want all sorts of additional "one-off" stuff engineered into their car. etc.

...and if the truth be told, I'm doing exactly the same thing to Teddy up at the R&D shed with my ERAGT.

Jim

[RAO-3]

Originally Posted by fkemmerer

Ray,

Thanks for the kind words. How will you build your ERA? Have you decided upon the engine/trans combo and options yet?

- Fred

Hi Fred,

I'm getting a turnkey; would love to build one, but realistically wouldn't be able to get it done for several years, and would much rather put in the time driving it.

Haven't fully settled on the painter yet, but have talked to all three. My thought is to talk to them all again once ERA starts to build my car, and make a decision then.

Decided to go with the engine I had first talked about, a 428 with dual carbs and stroker crank. Won't be over the top as I want a street car, no racing planned. As Rick knows, I've already started to look for a suitable 427SO for a possible swap in the future. That's still up in the air though.

Options, options, options... Seems that every time I look, I find something else and end up adding it! There doesn't seem to be any one consistent list of actual options, but I guess that's part of the challenge. I did go with the bigger brakes up front and the outboard brakes in the rear. From what I've read here, it seems that everyone kind of finalizes their options at the start of the build?

Thanks for asking, and keep your suggestions coming, as they are really appreciated.

Ray

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by RAO-3

Hi Fred,

I'm getting a turnkey; would love to build one, but realistically wouldn't be able to get it done for several years, and would much rather put in the time driving it.

Haven't fully settled on the painter yet, but have talked to all three. My thought is to talk to them all again once ERA starts to build my car, and make a decision then.

Decided to go with the engine I had first talked about, a 428 with dual carbs and stroker crank. Won't be over the top as I want a street car, no racing planned. As Rick knows, I've already started to look for a suitable 427SO for a possible swap in the future. That's still up in the air though.

Options, options, options... Seems that every time I look, I find something else and end up adding it! There doesn't seem to be any one consistent list of actual options, but I guess that's part of the challenge. I did go with the bigger brakes up front and the outboard brakes in the rear. From what I've read here, it seems that everyone kind of finalizes their options at the start of the build?

Thanks for asking, and keep your suggestions coming, as they are really appreciated.

Ray

Hi Ray,

I thin kthe 428 with dual carbs is a smart choice for the street. It will have better low-end torque most likely than the 427 would. You mention that you're thinking about a stroker crank. What is the final displacement that you are shooting for?

- Fred