Newbie: Bad at searching, so asking again (?)

[SonicBlue_03]

Hi All,

Originally I was looking at starting a kit next September (05) - since I've decided I probably would benefit from a house with a garage and not a condo with a carport, the obvious has to take priority there.....I was also going to spend other money in playing with my current "Cobra" (Mustang.) However, I just saw a Shell Valley kit in the parking lot and chatted with the owner. Very nice looking little rig.

Up to this point, I had been looking at the FFR kits. What I was hoping y'all could help me out with is some personal feedback:

Are these kits roughly the same in quality?
If not, what are the other kits you'd recommend?
From a quality perspective, and then a cost perspective, how would you list your top 5 kits?

I know it's going to be a labor of love - I just like to try and think ahead. Any thoughts, feedback, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Jon

[Lowell W]

Jon,

Start by going here and buying the book.

http://www.cobracountry.com/cobrabk.html

Then decide what's important to YOU: ie. degree of authenticity, IRS vs. solid axle, donor vs. non-donor, etc. etc., etc.. At that point, you'll be ready to contact some of the manufacturers for their info packets.

If you hang around here awhile you'll see some patterns. Also, if you "search CC" for key words like manufacturers names and "quality", "recommend", "cost", "problem(s)", you'll find there's a wealth of info if you're willing to dig a little.

Good luck,

Lowell

[SonicBlue_03]

Thanks for the link, Lowell! I'll definitely have to pick up a copy.

[Rich]

Jon,

Come meet us at the SOVREN Historics car corral on July 3rd at Pacific Raceways. Should be 6 or 7 different Cobra manufacturers represented.

[SonicBlue_03]

Really? Nice. I'm in town that weekend (no plans) so I'll have to try and make that. The g/f is going to be undertaking this project with me, so getting her to go won't be a problem

[wire nut]

Sonic,
One thing i've noticed with these guys it doesn't matter what brand you have or even if you don't own yet. Just that you have an interest and a passion for the car. Some places and people will tell you one brand is better then others, but when you get here you will find guys that love their cars no matter what brand.

[clayfoushee]

Sonic,

Good advice above. It all depends what's important to you, differences in body-style, suspension, etc.

There are three points to remember, however; 1) the quality of the final car is entirely dependent on the knowledge and skill level of the builder; 2) it all depends upon how much money you want to put into it, and any kit can be turned into a "show car" with enough money invested, and 3) you see a lot of price variation in the cost of the kits/rolling chassis offered by different companies, and that means something.

The objective group here is very reluctant to recommend one or the other because there are so many variables, and it's all dependent upon what is important to a particular individual.

Happy hunting.........

[SonicBlue_03]

Understandable, and thanks - talked to the g/f and we're going to go to the show down in Auburn on the 3rd. Just to get some ideas.

Since it's going to be a while before we do this (a year, roughly), I want to take this time to collect as much information as I can to make that informed decision based on what we really want out of it. For me, durability and sturdiness will be a large factor as the car will most likely see some form of racing, whether it be autocross or even the occasional drag. Mostly, however, the car will be a once-in-a-while sunny-day car for us to go out and enjoy on Sunday drives.

Thanks again, all! Please continue any feedback you might have.

Cheers,
Jon

[rdorman]

Would you like the ultimate buyer guide??

Buy a plane ticket to Columbus Ohio for June 25-27. Come to the Fling. Look at 300 different Cobras in every manufacturer, color, engine and tranny combination imaginable (including a number for sale). Fly home, place order or wait for your new car to be shipped!

Doesn't get any easier and what a great way to welcome you to the world of Cobras!

Rick

[SonicBlue_03]

While that would be fun, I'm sorta stuck here the entire month of June. Legal depositions and such. Fun.

[DonC]

Sonic:
Stop down to the Portland Historic Races the beginning of July. Should be about 20 or so there to look at.
DonC

[Michael C Henry]

A garage is a must especially if your working on it.I have a small garage and just repairing it is a mess. Storage is a great thing also.There is a lot of things to shelve and keep track of.It will take a lot of extra cash for small stuff.I'm at a oint in my life that lets me spend twenty to fifty bucks at a time .

[SonicBlue_03]

Michael - Yep, that's what I'm thinking (as far as the garage and storage goes.) I was balancing a few projects: Fix up the condo and sell, buy a house with plenty of garage space, the replica project, and looking at a twin turbo upgrade to my current car.

In thinking about it, the condo/house thing is a must, but I don't really know if doing the turbo thing w/ my current is as high on my priority list as it was. It would've pushed *this* project out a lot further, but now, if I put that on the back burner, this can become more of a priority next year.

Rich - what time does the event start at Pacific Raceways? We will definitely be there. Thanks again!


Anyone - what, on average, are the frames these kits are equipped with set up to handle in terms of torque? Has anyone ever had to weld on additional support?

[Michael C Henry]

I've been at this project for two years and it was running.I thought I was near tring to start when I discovered that the mech tach drive cable is all kinked just behind the dash against the vacum storage tankThe tank needs to be moved or modified .No place to mive will modifiy.Oh the oil pressure hose is hard against the steering colum support need a 45° elbow 1/8" npt to a small size of A&N.The dash is hanging off the steering colum again.I will do little on the car until this is resolved and the dash and steering is back in place.The windshield is leaned back more than usual.I bought one of those tensioners to keep the top bow from being pulled off the glass by the top( I don't have a top installed yet)Had to remove the windsheild to install that with the center bracket to dash.It all takes time and resources to get it all together.It is like building a ship in a bottle.The vacum storage tank I have is a polished aluminum cylinder sold by Summit.I've deceided to cut the side off and turn the peice around making it concave it that area, and have it rewelded.It will probably take most of the week to resolve.If I only knew what I know now I'd bought a TIG machine when I started.I'd buy a finished car again. I cant finish a running car a bunch of boxesand all the descissions would swamp me.

[ALLEN ENGLISH]

If you are after a really nice cobra and have about 50k I bet the new Kirkham Cobra would be the ticket for you. I have looked into several cars over the years, but now is the best time to get the best car for the buck "Kirkham" All of the way!

[Go Hard or Go Home]

Jon,

Look at as many cars as you can, decide what YOU like and build/buy what YOU want.

If you want to see how a FFR goes together, there are a few builg built around town, also plenty of finished FFR's and all other makes around. Don't be afraid to ask to look at one.

[SonicBlue_03]

I'm looking forward to it, that's for certain!

[dcetina]

I have to agree with Allen English. The new Kirkham glass car looks like a heck of a deal. I've thought about buying one just to be able to put one together from scratch.
As I am building a new home, that will have to wait.
Again it all depends on what your particular application is. I'm just a weekend warrior with no time, this is why I chose the SPF. Love my SPF for fit and finish, but damn she's just a beast, no subsitute for brute force. Next time around though I might go for a little more finesse than the 530hp.
Perhaps a Kirkham aluminum 289 with 450hp, or if SPF gets into the GT 40 market equipped with that same 450hp 289, that would be more finesse wouldn't it? Yea right!
At any rate it took me a year and a half of research to decide. And this web site is probably the best place to get your information.
I have also heard rumors of a group in Woodinville that is putting together Uniques, you might look into that. Good luck!!!!

[SonicBlue_03]

Excellent - DCETINA, do you have yours out often? I live on 148th and about 45th and spend a fair amount of time in Redmond. I'm wondering if, on sunny days you have a proclivity for taking your car out and about downtown (such as it is)

[dcetina]

Sure, they'res another Cobra, ( yea you Tracy), enthusiast that is doing his research and wants to meet up. The problem we have been having is the crappy weather and coordinating schedules. Email me and maybe we can link up. There is also a guy a few homes from me, Union Hill, that has a F5 and he would be glad to talk to you guys, again schedule permitting.