proprietary parts

[Faro]

Hi i'm new to the forum and no typest or speller, just another Cobra enthusiast.
Im trying to educate my self befor I jump in and buy a kit or a running car. What I wondering is are some bodys the same size or is every manafacture slightley different. Would a body from one dealer fit on some one elses chassis? I read where some windshields break and need to be replaced with lexan. That got me to thinking. If you have a midstates cobra would a windshield frame from Hunter fit on the car? Do side pipes need to be replaced from the original kit car manafacture. If you're front suspensiion is set up for mustang control arms as most dealers clame they are, then will tubeular control arms from any dealer fit? Would appreciate any comments about these questions as i hope to have a daily driver in the future.
Yes a real daily driver I have been driving my 57Chevy since 1973 and I think its about time to get more modern say about early 60,s.

[Mr.Fixit]

Most components will NOT interchange between brands. Even the little trim pieces are often different enough to not bolt right up to the existing holes for mounting. As for mustang 2 components on the front end, if they use actual mustang 2 parts then things should interchange, if it is just "mustang 2 inspired" than who knows. Bodies are slightly different in all dimensions from one maker to the next, let alone stretched versions. Windshieds will not swap easily either, but do not need to be made of lexan, the breakage problems described by others I have not seen. But there is a problem that they're not addressing which is causing glass to break, just ignore that and put lexan in there is some people's cure. So the seats from brand X won't fit, the windwing's mounting holes don't line up, the bumper hoop has the holes in the wrong places, these headlight trim rings are the wrong size, all this will happen if you try to hodgepodge a cobra together with mismatched manufacture parts.

[Faro]

thanks Mr fix-it for your reply. I"ll keep your input in mind as I try to educate myself on these cars.

[Jack21]

Unfortunately, it is a long steep curve. The correct answer, if there is such a thing with these cars, is sometimes, and maybe, but not always.

Your best bet is to get the full documentation and assembly package from the car you select, and ask here first before you spend a dime on parts.

Windshields. Most, but not all Cobras use windshields that are made to the OEM Cobra dimensions. If your car uses an OEM spec windshield, than any OEM spec windshield will fit. That being said, the lack of standardization in alleged OEM parts will drive you up a wall. The replacement glass is a smidgen off, the bolt holes for the wind wings have to be redrilled, etc.

Mustang II (MII) front suspensions components made to REPLACE MII OEM stamped steel components from aftermarket suppliers of tubular steel components will interchange sometimes if you know exactly what you're looking for. You can even mix and match to add specific features. You may even have to mix and match for your specific car. Just ask here first. Most vendors can't tell you if their upper arm will work with a brand X lower. But most builders here can advise you on what works for your car, and have a dumpster full of parts that didn't fit to prove it.

[Campy]

I agree with all of the above. I too have done considerable homework before my purchase. Over the last two years I have come to see several different manufacturer cars up close: Shell Valley (My car), Everett Morrison, ERA, Factory 5, Unique, SPF. As stated above there are many variances between these few kit maker’s parts. Safe to say that you would be opening the proverbial can of worms if you opted for a mixed bag kit. You'll be forever looking for parts, and modifying others.
Your best bet is to settle on a kit that fits your budget, has the options, fit and finish you can afford and stick with that manufacturer.
Short of your engine and transmission there are a few components that can be interchanged.
Check out www.cobraaccessories.com for an idea of some “swappable” parts.