Building from scratch

buildit · #1 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 05:12 AM

I want to build a Daytona Coupe from scratch. To be realistic I really can't afford a kit. The challange of a project like this is somthing I am looking forward to. It should keep me buisy for some time.

I have been looking for blue prints or any thing I could get my hands on to help get my project off the ground. I have seen a lot of other guys looking for prints as well and fear they are cumming up with nothing like I have.

A senior club member kindly pointed me towards a few leads one of them was some what helpfull. So far none of my emails have been answered. Looks like I am going to be on my own on this one.

http://members.aol.com/COUPECHUCK/index.htm This web site was good reading and gave me a lot of ideas. In his case he had a coupe at his disposal to copy. That car will be an awsome reproduction. Chuck did refer to some books that were a big help to him and I am shure as I wander off in to the darkness they will be a guiding light for me.

computerworks · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 05:32 AM

Buildit...

...an ambitious project, to say the least. Good luck.

A few thoughts for you. First, realize that the original coupe car was not a production item. A handful were made for the specific goal of winning the World Mfg Title... they were never production cars. Each original coupe is a little different.

The car was based on the 289 leaf spring chassis and additional tubing was added for a superstructure. Thus, the 'plans' you were looking for would have to be a 289 car.

Cobra Restorers in Ga. has blueprints for sale, but I believe they are for the 427 coil-car. Have you contacted them?

Next. Mr. Bruce on this forum builds coupes from the ground up... he would be a good contact and maybe he can bootstrap you on the frame.

buildit · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 07:23 AM

I emailed Cobra Restores and have not herd anything back for at least a week so far will have to pick up the phone.

Mr Bruce would be a real treat to here from him I will have to try and get in touch with him.

mr bruce · #4 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 07:24 AM

Buildit, welcome.Where do we start? Me, being a poor sharecropper, did not posess the bankroll to go just buy a car. so, having been blessed by the man upstairs with a good eye and hands that could do what the eye sees, built my own.If you want to build a Coupe, from scratch, the first thing you must have is THE book, The Cobra Daytona Coupes. They are going for around $400 + on E-bay. Next get one of the good, diecast 1/18th models, and a set of dividers, a calculator. Measure everything you can off the model, multiply by 18, to convert to full size. You will have a tough time with the frame, no mfg is going to let you see their blueprints of their frame to copy, and the models out there are not dimentially close enough to use.Thats a start for you. It will take time, and there are faster ways to build it, but you will need bucket loads of $ca$h$ to do it with today's technology. Or ,in a shameless plug for me. I'll sell you a body and frame for $5000.How may I help you?

buildit · #5 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 07:31 AM

Sounds like we have a lot in common. I have allready ordered a 1:18 scale model. The book will be a little harder to swallow it will have to wait for a while. I would love to take you up on the chassis and body but I am planning on building that too.

RACER X #99 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-28-2004, 08:56 AM

$5,000 for the McBruce coupe is a great deal. I know guys that took a peak and then opted for the other brand that looks more like a 240Z replica. WTF were they thinking?
Hang in there Bruce one of these days somebody is gonna recognize a good deal.

Let me see if I can overcharge enough on my next project to steal away your coupe.

Cranky

Dominik · #7 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 12:02 AM

USD 5.000?
I would take that offer.
I am currently building a 427 chassis from Cobra Restorers plans, which includes digitising of various bracket for laser cutting and must defenitely advise to buy from mr.bruce instead.

especially for a one off.

I go the whole nine yards because it is quite cheap over here.

dom, cape town

buildit · #8 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 01:32 AM

Seems Mr Bruce has a lot of support and as a new member I really have to appreciate and respect the advise all of you senior members are offering me but I don't have that kind of cash. This is why I have decided to take the long road. I don't expect it to be an easy one.

mr bruce · #9 (**permalink**) 02-29-2004, 05:31 AM

Buidit, I know where you're coming from. Just thought I could help you out some. You are REALLY having to want one to build from scratch, believe me, been there ,done it. Again ,if I can be of any help, just ask.Cranky, look at the deal I got for you over at CrankClub(you too Dominik)