Took The Plunge ... - Page 2

patrickt · #21 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Oh hey Tim, that ERA journey also includes the SB100 process.

Get in line baby! 2011?

Ahh, he can just wash the paperwork through "Titles Unlimited."

I hear that guy is up for parole this year.

RodKnock · #22 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 10:44 AM

Like Jim said, and I agree with him, the journey or build can be the most fun. That's why I'm already thinking of what to do next.

patrickt · #23 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Like Jim said, and I agree with him, the journey or build can be the most fun. That's why I'm already thinking of what to do next.

The "journey" is a means to an end. I enjoy having the car way more than I enjoyed the journey it took to get it.

Although I have to say my build was just about 100% uneventful and, in hindsight, I wouldn't make a single change. Hint: Here's the secret to dealing with ERA: Just tell them what outcome you want, don't tell them how to do it, and don't ask them how much it will cost. If you follow those simple rules, everything will work out, regardless of how much, or little, of the build you do yourself.

Afterthought -- Maybe having an "eventful build" makes it more enjoyable? Let's check in with 767Jockey and get his thoughts on that....

tkb289 · #24 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

TKB:

I've always found the "wait" and the "build" the most exciting time; planning, scrounging for parts, agonizing over the color and then putting it all together. When it's all done, I go through withdrawal... until I start planning the next one.

So, remember, this can be a wonderful exciting journey. Destinations are important, but the journey is, for me anyway, what it's all about.

Welcome to the world of ERA!

Jim

Jim,

I agree about the journey ... this will be my first car that I have had built, but I have bought and sold quite a few 'old' cars over the years. When I am looking for a car, I like to call it, the thrill of the hunt.

For the Cobra, I have been wanting one for long time. So about a year and a half ago I decided that a replica was the way for me to go. I bought Curt Scott's Cobra buyers guide and read it cover to cover. Then I joined the local Club Cobra chapter and talked to a lot of great guys about their cars and it's really been fun.

I really like the 427 cars, also like the early cars too, so after a lot of looking, decided that ERA has what I am looking for.

Looks like you have just about everything they make ... and your new slab side should complete the fleet. Can't wait to see the pictures!

Regards,

- Tim

tkb289 · #25 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Oh hey Tim, that ERA journey also includes the SB100 process.

Get in line baby! 2011?

Rod,

I hear that you had quite a time with SB-100 ... we'll see how goes. I probably won't have the car done by the end of the year ... but if the paperwork is far enough along, maybe I can try for January 2010, that wold be nice!

... I pass on 'Titles Unlimited' thank you very much! ...

tkb289 · #26 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

The "journey" is a means to an end. I enjoy having the car way more than I enjoyed the journey it took to get it.

Although I have to say my build was just about 100% uneventful and, in hindsight, I wouldn't make a single change. Hint: Here's the secret to dealing with ERA: Just tell them what outcome you want, don't tell them how to do it, and don't ask them how much it will cost. If you follow those simple rules, everything will work out, regardless of how much, or little, of the build you do yourself.

Afterthought -- Maybe having an "eventful build" makes it more enjoyable? Let's check in with 767Jockey and get his thoughts on that....

Patrick,

Thanks for the advice ... I sent Peter a (2) page wish list of what I am considering, after going through all of the literature and all the pages on the ERA web site. My plan is to actually visit ERA and go over the list and rely on their experience and expertise. I definitely won't try to 're-engineer' the car, those guys have been doing this for a long time!

- Tim

tkb289 · #27 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Like Jim said, and I agree with him, the journey or build can be the most fun. That's why I'm already thinking of what to do next.

Rod ... maybe you need a small block car to go with your Big Block KMP!

Rickd · #28 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 01:14 PM

Tim, way to go - the ERA is an incredibly well engineered and built car. I've put a little over 4000 miles on mine the past 15 months or so - (been out of the country on business 40% of the time). You certainly can't go wrong with Keith Craft on your motor. Ask Bob Putnam about the Torque Thrust bolt ons, combined with the outboard brake package. They 'normally' combine large brakes with the outboard package and I believe the Torque Thrust D's won't fit. I believe you can keep smaller brakes and then still be able to use the Torque Thrust D's. They were my first choice as well, but in the end I opted for the larger brakes and went with the Vintage 427 style wheels (which look great). Enjoy the next 6 months a lot!!!! Rick

patrickt · #29 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 01:55 PM

Tim, are you for sure going with the 289? Even the FIA guys acknowledge that the big block FE cars are the ultimate in coolness....

jagxjr5012 · #30 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 02:21 PM

Conratulations Tim.....you will love your car !!

RodKnock · #31 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb289

Rod ... maybe you need a small block car to go with your Big Block KMP!

By the way, I have a picture of a CSX2000 Cobra from the shop where my car was for many months. The CSX2000 had 1960's real magnesium Torq Thrust's. The pic is in my gallery. Looks great.

I don't know what I want to do next. I've thought about a GT40, 289 street or even a 427 street. Another Kirkham or maybe an ERA. The only thing about ERA is the timing. A car might not get done until after the 1st of the year and the SB100 numbers might be all gone, but then maybe not because of the economy.

I love driving the car, but the journey is a ton of fun too. It fills in the time when you can't drive the Cobra.

Patrick's advice seems sound to me.

patrickt · #32 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Patrick's advice seems sound to me.

You can generally take it straight to the bank.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #33 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 09:31 PM

Congrats on your choice. The ERA people are great to work with. As you get along, you'll discover you may want different options. Make sure you visit New Britain and you'll get to see and photograph your build. One thing I'll suggest is to let Peter take care of the painting of your car before delivery, as all the options you choose will be installed. If you wait you'll have to disassemble and reassemble the car. ERA has several painters they work with. Good luck and enjoy the journey, as it makes driving your Cobra even better.

767Jockey · #34 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

The "journey" is a means to an end. I enjoy having the car way more than I enjoyed the journey it took to get it.

Although I have to say my build was just about 100% uneventful and, in hindsight, I wouldn't make a single change. Hint: Here's the secret to dealing with ERA: Just tell them what outcome you want, don't tell them how to do it, and don't ask them how much it will cost. If you follow those simple rules, everything will work out, regardless of how much, or little, of the build you do yourself.

Afterthought -- Maybe having an "eventful build" makes it more enjoyable? Let's check in with 767Jockey and get his thoughts on that....

Nah, eventful builds cause too much stress - it sucks! Of course, the damned cancer thing doesn't help with the stress level, either - although, it sure does free up the time to get the build done.

I just keep telling myself....I'm having fun, I'm having fun....most days, it's even true!

Got the Bug · #35 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

By the way, I have a picture of a CSX2000 Cobra from the shop where my car was for many months. The CSX2000 had 1960's real magnesium Torq Thrust's. The pic is in my gallery. Looks great.

I don't know what I want to do next. I've thought about a GT40, 289 street or even a 427 street. Another Kirkham or maybe an ERA. The only thing about ERA is the timing. A car might not get done until after the 1st of the year and the SB100 numbers might be all gone, but then maybe not because of the economy.

I love driving the car, but the journey is a ton of fun too. It fills in the time when you can't drive the Cobra.

Patrick's advice seems sound to me.

You better start working on the garage addition and notify your wife that there's going to be a new addition to the family.

tkb289 · #36 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickd

Tim, way to go - the ERA is an incredibly well engineered and built car. I've put a little over 4000 miles on mine the past 15 months or so - (been out of the country on business 40% of the time). You certainly can't go wrong with Keith Craft on your motor. Ask Bob Putnam about the Torque Thrust bolt ons, combined with the outboard brake package. They 'normally' combine large brakes with the outboard package and I believe the Torque Thrust D's won't fit. I believe you can keep smaller brakes and then still be able to use the Torque Thrust D's. They were my first choice as well, but in the end I opted for the larger brakes and went with the Vintage 427 style wheels (which look great). Enjoy the next 6 months a lot!!!! Rick

Rick,

Thanks. I followed your build, great car. I believe that with the standard outboard brakes, the Torque Thrust wheels will fit, but Bob can let me know for sure. If not, I'll probably go with the 427 wheels, they look good.

- Tim

tkb289 · #37 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

By the way, I have a picture of a CSX2000 Cobra from the shop where my car was for many months. The CSX2000 had 1960's real magnesium Torq Thrust's. The pic is in my gallery. Looks great.

I don't know what I want to do next. I've thought about a GT40, 289 street or even a 427 street. Another Kirkham or maybe an ERA. The only thing about ERA is the timing. A car might not get done until after the 1st of the year and the SB100 numbers might be all gone, but then maybe not because of the economy.

I love driving the car, but the journey is a ton of fun too. It fills in the time when you can't drive the Cobra.

Patrick's advice seems sound to me.

Rod,

Found the photos in your gallery, love those wheels! Part of the fun for your next project will be figuring out what to do ... lots of great choices. I am looking forward to both parts ... the build, then the drive !

- Tim

tkb289 · #38 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Tim, are you for sure going with the 289? Even the FIA guys acknowledge that the big block FE cars are the ultimate in coolness....

Partickt ... I am sure on the 289/302 .... The big blocks are cool, but I really like the sound of a well tuned small block especially between 3,000 to 6,000 RPM. That's the kind of 'stereo' system I want for the car!

- Tim