Shell Valley advise

cal.cheesehead · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 02:24 PM

I'm in the planning stages of my project. Initially narrowed my potential vendor list to 6, now it's 3. It looks as though most of what is posted about sv is positive. One of the common big dislikes of other vendors thats posted is body mount. The nessecity to glass bond the body to the frame. I would greatly appeciate any and all comments, positive ot oterwise. Thanks.

blueovalfanatic · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 02:42 PM

Hello, and welcome to the frenzy. I am not too familiar with many other kits, or glassing a body to the frame. I did however look at several different brands before deciding on a Shell Valley. They all have their pro's and con's, but I couldn't really think of any "con's" in going with SVC. Only you can make up your mind, but heres a few things that I like about the Shell Valley...

First off, you can buy a "turnkey minus", a complete kit, or basically piece by piece as it is needed. This is a plus for me, as I did not have ample room for a chassis and body while just working on the chassis. Even at 6'1" or 6'2", I still wanted the original 90" wheelbase, as you can tell a difference. Also, it seems to be a pretty straight-forward build. There are times however that you will need to call the manufacturer about something- a question about a part, an opinion or suggestion on the construction of the car, etc.. Dana, Bob, and everyone else I have spoke with has always been MORE than willing to take time out of their busy schedule to field my phone calls and help me out.

Good luck in your decision and build, but you cant go wrong with Shell Valley. Also, for a few more pointers or ideas, I have posted a link to a page on my website which might help you out as well.

Greg

http://www.gregsgarage.20megsfree.com/custom4.html

cal.cheesehead · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 03:23 PM

Thanks Greg, like yourself this is something I've wanted to do for 25 years. Cudos on the guest page. When your havin that frost cold one Make it a bud or bud light! Pays the bills! Thanks again.

Terry Stapley · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 05:00 PM

I have had my SV on the road for 3+ years and I just passed the 10K mile mark!! An awesome, fun car to drive.
Shell Valley makes a great product and the build is just as much fun as the drive. I chose SV because I liked the way their body style looked and the way the inner fender panels, cockpit and trunk are all considered a piece of the body!!
SV was very comparably priced with other manufacturers that I researched so in the end it all came down to what I wanted.
Also I cannot say enough great things about the customer service from SV!!
They were always more than willing to help me with my build questions!!

cal.cheesehead · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 08:25 PM

terry, thanks for your info. At this point every bit I get is very valuable. Thanks again, Tom

blueovalfanatic · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 10:09 PM

Tom- BTW, the silver Cobra in the middle pic on the linked page would be Terry's gorgeous SVC. Absolutely beautiful car.

Greg

Michael4yah · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 01:00 AM

Blykins is selling his almost finished SV. You might talk to him. Sounds like a pretty good deal.

Sminor · #8 (**permalink**) 07-07-2007, 12:01 AM

It was a good deal. Hi, my name is Steve and I bought Brent's car. As far as I can tell, he did very good work on the car and the engine is a BEAST ! I've never taken on a project like this before (with the exception of motorcycles) so please excuse the stupid questions I will probably post from time to time. I've dreamed of owning a Cobra for as long as I can remember, and I believe I've found a good one. BTW, I met Dana and alot of other good people at the London show, including some who may post here. My seven year-old son had a blast riding in "FARM USE."

Michael4yah · #9 (**permalink**) 07-07-2007, 01:52 AM

Good Luck Sminor, theres a lot of good people in here that will help. We're all on a educational curve as far as that goes. Some come in with different experiences than others. Whatever you do dont be bashful, Use your freedom of speech while you still have it.
Michael

Sminor · #10 (**permalink**) 07-07-2007, 09:06 AM

Thanks Michael.

FUNFER2 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-07-2007, 02:16 PM

You can't go wrong with Shell Valley. I have a Lone Star but, when I build another, it will be a SV. Rich, his employee's, the shops and their cars are top notch. Like LSC's cobra, the only change I recommended was, up dating the front "A" arms. They use the old method of using washers to align the front end. I do not like this method. One of these day's I will replace them with the modern "adjustable tube or billet A arms", for example, "Turn Ten Racing'" arms. Expensive but, well worth it. I recently took a friend that is wanting to build a Cobra to "Hurricane" in KS, then to SV here in Ne. The different stage shop's at SV were great. You also have a choice of a round tube or 2x4 boxed frame and either a hand laid glass body or the lower cost chopper gun.
Very nice people, shop and cars. I would recommend visiting SV for a tour, you'll be impressed.

Kev