How'd you do it?

Dsprint2000 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 09:59 AM

OK, new guy on the block here (looking forward to meeting all, by the way) wondering how you all did your Cobras? Did you buy used? Did you build yours? Turnkeys?

Also, if you had to do it over again, how would you do it? Would you buy used, build or have built?

I appreciate the input you all give! The reason I ask is I was intending to build a kit, but now I'm thinking of buying either a completed kit or a work in progress (see the B&B for sale), but haven't ruled out starting from "scratch".

David

Back in Black · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 10:08 AM

I could have done the work, but there would have been many unexpected (or expected?) problems/delays in the build up, and it would have been really tough to see another summer slip away while I was under a kit, working on it. I bet there are a lot of frustrated moments (days?) in the build. Many if not most guys build their own to save bucks, but I decided this time money would not figure in it, I wanted the most awesome cobra, with many extras, and on time. Besides, the manufacturer knows WAY more about the car and the extra goodies than almost any of us lowly *civilians*, so it should come out more polished and tight

Which is not to say that some day I would not build a 289FIA, but then I may just buy it as a turnkey too

:

jwoodard · #3 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 10:24 AM

David,

I built mine. Not so much to save money as to have the experience and the satisfaction of doing it. I learned a lot in the process as well since I had never built one previously. Would I do it again? You bet.

That being said, building your own is not for everyone. Patience is a big factor as well as a firm commitment to the time necessary to do it right.
This is really a personal decision you must make, but give a lot of honest self talk before plunging in. I'm not trying to discourage you from building your own, just suggesting you give the decision due consideration.

Jim

hound dog · #4 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 10:32 AM

I'm getting too old too fast and I want to ride this summer, so I'm buying the deluxe pallet kit from Unique. Kit should be here by the end of April and 100 hrs. later I should be riding, right? Right? Hey, what happened?

h dog

CobraEd · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 11:07 AM

I bought mine used with 4,600 miles on it professionaly built by Gold Coast Racing. If you do something like this, you are ready to start driving (and smiling) right away. No delays, no work, no aggrevation. Just driving and smiling. Then at your leisure, you can soup up the engine and do all the fun things you want, but not at the expense of driving. You are an American aren't you?? Then you need and deserve INSTANT GRATIFICATION!! If you went to the local Cadillac dealer to by a car for your wife and the salesman said "Well, we have one here that you can drive out today for $40,000, and we have one with no engine or transmission for $36,000, and we have one completely dissasembled that you must put together yourself for $31,000", . . . . . Which one would you take?

Ed

Homewrecker · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 11:12 AM

My experience: I started looking at FFR because of price. Moved on to B&B due to no real donor car disassembly & no real body work. Moved on to used car because of cost/time to build. Moved on to Unique deluxe pallet kit because I could have higher end car with little cost increase + a little work. I couldn't afford ERA or SPF or Kirkam or SAI. I found a used Unique deluxe pallet kit with no engine or tranny, no paint, with a lot of the extras that I wanted for less money. The less money will allow me to get the motor & tranny that I really want by waiting a year to save up more money & I still have a Cobra in the garage that I can play around with in the mean time.

What I am saying is that the best car & build/no build depends on you, your situation, factory support, what you want to do with the car etc. My "best car" changed many times & might again if I was rich. I love the Unique & have no complaints about it, but that's me. It took me 3 years of research to get to this point. Now I'm happy! Even if I were to choose a different manufacturer, I would still go for a deluxe pallet kit because of my lack of build time, it's cost effective, & I still get to personalize it.

bran3b · #7 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 11:13 AM

I built mine (am building). I think that next time I will follow Ed's lead. I WANT IT NOW!!! I would buy used or have a car built next time. That bieng said, I love my car, and value the experience of building it.

Ed, so are you saying that Cadillac has a kit out now?

Bran

CobraEd · #8 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 11:17 AM

Bran, . . No, but it was a fun analogy wasn't it?

Ed

wicked fast · #9 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 11:22 AM

I went with Mid-States because I can do a little at a time.
Great frame, outstanding body.
I have changed many things to make it look more like an original Cobra circa 1966.
Check out the photo gallery.
Good luck!!

Rich · #10 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 12:04 PM

David, I went for instant gratification. The only thing I would do different is buy a 289FIA.

Rich

Walt Tomsic · #11 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 04:17 PM

David, buy a used one, three-four years old (a decent owner will have discovered and fixed the inevitable glitches). There are tons out there and as noted above, you can start enjoying it immediately. I went with a slabside turn-key and it still took over a year. One other bit of advice (you did ask), don't fall into the trap of getting an over-loud, over-powered car. I've seen three deaths over the last year due to cars with too much power for the wheelbase/lat. "g's" of this vehicle. If you get one that sounds like a race car you'll incur two things, pissing off the neighbors and making sure you won't have the pleasure of female company.

Good luck and I look forward to meeting you!

Walt

wilf leek · #12 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 04:38 PM

Hmmm - no "correct" answer here. I built mine, not sure I would do it again. Turnkey (assuming I could afford it) would be my next car.
If you build it yourself, you find yourself "fussing" and worrying about things you never would in your daily driver (did I torque those driveshaft bolts right, did I check those wheel bearings right, is the differential holding it's oil etc).
Few of us "builders" are automotive experts in all the many areas needed to get a car "right" - so we worry (well I do, especially at over 150mph).
These are things I would never even think about if I had bought a "production"" car capable of the same peformance (not that I could afford it etc.)
just my 2c's

crillyiv · #13 (**permalink**) 02-15-2002, 06:15 PM

Before making a decision, go to some events, cruises, whatever, and actually look at the different cars and talk to the owners. The internet is fine, as in this forum, but there is no substitute for being there as they say. Small differences will become obvious the more you see.

Buy the best you can reasonably afford. Decide if you are a builder or a driver. Sometimes economics dictates that drivers must build first, but you never know. Do not be in a rush. Take at least several months of really active research and going to look at cars before making a decision.

I got lucky and found my dream car on the internet for a really great price. I have to put in a plug for Superformance. Virtually everyone I know thinks these are well built cars and that they are better than 99% of us could build on our own.

I would focus on the best chassis, suspension, and body you can afford. It is easier to upgrade or change an engine or trans than the car itself. Best of luck and enjoy.

Bob Parmenter · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-2002, 11:19 PM

David,

Crilly's advice is solid. Keep an eye on the "1st meeting 2002" thread. Looks like we're scheduled for March 16 now. There are a variety of brands represented up here, as well as the two most popular body styles + variants. Some have built their cars, others bought, so you can get a flavor for both points of view. In preparation it would be good if you can determine if you're likely to be more satisfied with the building experience, or just the owning part. If you've never built a car before, don't let the romance of the notion fool you. Building a quality car takes experience and effort, no matter how easy the vendor may try to make it sound. If we get lucky on weather you will be able to see the differences. Otherwise any number of us will be more than willing to dazzle you with our opinions, and believe me, we got plenty of those!

Wade Chamberlain · #15 (**permalink**) 02-17-2002, 06:48 AM

Take a long hard look at why you want a Cobra. If it's because you want to own and drive one, then you're probably better off buying a complete car. It's easy to get frustrated and cut corners if your singular focus is on getting the car finished so you can tear up the track.

For me personally, it was because I wanted to build a car! At least half of my enjoyment of the car has come from the build. It was an incredible experience for me and I don't regret one minute of the 300-400 hours it took me. Of course owning and driving a Cobra replica is a nice fringe benefit too!

I've put over 11k miles on mine since last May and enjoyed every minute of that too. I drive it every chance I get, but I still dream about building another one!

Dsprint2000 · #16 (**permalink**) 02-19-2002, 09:47 AM

Hey Guys,

I sure do thank you for your thoughts on the way to get ne of these "toys". Fortunately, I have a couple of years to make the final decision, but hoping to narrow it down so I can focus my energies that way.

As for you Northwest Cobra members, I hope to be there on the 16th to start meeting you and getting your "personal" opinion as well as view some of the fine examples of NW Cobra's.

David