Newby at Yellow Rose Classic

[Mike Varner]

I would like to thank James B., Matt T., John Russell and Ross, for taking time to talk to me today at the Yellow Rose Classic. I learned as much today looking at cars as I have in the few months I have been lurking here on clubcobra. I look forward to getting to know you guys better and learning more about the different kits available to help me get the best car my budget will allow. You are a great bunch of guys. I will be ecstatic if I can build a car that is half as nice as those I saw today. I am sure that everyone else there today is just as great, but having a couple of hungry toddlers with me prevented me from meeting everyone.

Thanks again,

Mike

[ediamond]

Welcome to the Club Cobra forum and hobby. The Cobra car phoenomina is very interesting. Seldom have I been involved with an activity that is as satisfying. Here is my humble opinion for whatever it is worth.

I have raced sailboats, played tournament tennis, golf and college hockey. Frankly, the satisfaction that comes from tinkering with these cars, following other peoples challenges and triumphs is fascinating. Add to that the willingness of others to help with each others challenges in keeping our cars in top condition and it is alot of fun. There are so many decisions to be made:

1. Make versus buy?
2. Whoose kit?
2a. What model (427, street cobra, FIA, Daytona?)
3. What engine, transmission
4. What colors?
5. What options?
6. Mimic stock or develop your own interpretation?

I would offer you a thought process that we went through when purchasing our car. We decided that I had very little free time due to my job and that realistically it made sense to buy a car and "Diamondize" the car rather than build one from scratch. With so little time available, acquiring the car was going to be a challenge, the people at House of Cobra's gave me an inventory of their cars and more importantly the assessment sheets on each car so that I could see what they had and what condition the cars were in.

We decided on a "liberally" interpreted car that they had on the floor that was built to show and thus had great fit and finish. This enabled us to enjoy driving the car and perform very modest enhancements to personalize the car. Additionally, I know that the person who built the car spent over $60KUS putting the car together and I bought the car at a considerable discount.

When you make your decision, consider the vast quantity of good resale cars that are out there. A lot of passion, time and financial resources were used to put these cars on the road and there are some exquisite cars available in every model, driveline configuration, and kit providor. This enables you to enjoy the car while modifying it to your needs and desires.

As an example, there is a gentleman up here in Canada who rebodied an Aurora with a JohnEx FIA body and has a great car that is really interesting, competes effectively in autocross (3rd at Run and Gun a few years ago) and was able to assemble the car over a winter. He also has about 1/3rd the investment in the car that a new kit would require thus ensuring that he did not break the bank putting the car together and it is beautiful.

If you have the time (check out how long it REALLY takes to put together a kit correctly) and the skills to build one of these than go for it. Just don't end up as a guy who is selling a partially assembled kit on this forum or Ebay and ends up with a miserable experience.

Hope that you enjoy the hobby as much as we have. Good luck and have fun!

[jrussell]

Mike,
Glad to have you here in the Club with us!! I had a BLAST at the Yellow Rose, & it was great to meet you & your family! We really do have a great group of people here in this club, & you can get "insider" information on almost every variation of these wonderful cars that you might possibly consider as the "one" for you. I perspnally consider this to be a family hobby, & I for one had an absolutely fabulous weekend with my friends, & I sure slept soundly Sunday night! I know that I am going to have to start MUCH earlier next year!!
John Russell

[James Baldwin]

Welcome Mike! Hope we didn't confuse you toooo much. I am sure you can get information overload when talking to us! Let us know if you have any other questions!

John,

I know exactly how you feel. Thursday night, 3 1/2 hours of sleep. Friday night, 1 1/2 hours of sleep. I was a zombie walking the show on Saturday and Sunday.