The creature comes to life

RockSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 09:05 AM

Tuesday, 17 December 2003, My three-year project became "legal". With plate and inspection sticker, I hit the road.

The 70-degree temperature was great, but the 30mph+ crosswinds took all of the fun out of the overpasses. It is interesting how many things look great 'on paper', but don't quite work in reality. I have a number of things to fine-tune on the car.

I am more convinced than ever that a big-block is not needed, or even practical...for the street. After I turned this car sideways, with just the power of a warmed-over 302, I began treating the car with more respect.

Also, I now understand some of the bitterness I have viewed in this forum. There really are a large number of people who are completely ignorant about these cars...and somewhat rude about it.

Ed Csoltko · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 09:56 AM

Congrats on being legal. Having a 302, I know what you mean. Drive safe and take some time adjusting to that LoneStar.

Tongue Pirate · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 10:05 AM

Congrats! It's always a good feeling when the project hits the pavement.

We want to hear the comments!!

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 10:05 AM

Heck yeah, a small block can certainly get you in trouble! I want more power in my next Cobra, but was VERY glad I didn't start with a BB. The back end pointing where the front end was SUPPOSED to be happened many times with my STOCK 5.0! Eh eh, aint it great!

Ernie

RockSnake · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 10:14 AM

Turning a car sideways, or otherwise displaying power, certainly can be fun...but I prefer not to do it by unintentionally. And I suspect that within a few months I will want more power...time will tell.

A kid, about 12, walking down the sidewalk, yelled "is that a Cobra?"...that was fun.

The middle-aged woman who asked if it was some kind of corvette annoyed me.

The people (multiple) who were compelled to tap on the body, really annoyed me...what do they think it is, a watermelon?

And I am already growing weary of the $$ question.

Carroll DeWeese · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 10:17 AM

You should have lots of pride for the results of 3 years of work. I believe that those who build their cars often have more reward and attachment than those who purchase them. You are now only at the end of the beginning. Now the fun really begins!

ThePidler · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 11:44 AM

You need to bring her down here to work! I wanna see!!! May you have mucho grande fun and stay as safe as nails!

greg

Excaliber · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 11:55 AM

Boy does that $$ question get old is for sure!

Ernie

ERA600hp · #9 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 01:24 PM

I just tell people that I've got a couple bucks in HER!!

Or the Old Dollar three eighty always works!

Or, just tell them it's none of their business!!!

The Royal Rhubarb

RockSnake · #10 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 02:59 PM

Hey Greg,

I drove it to the office on the 18th, even thought about you. Somehow it never occured to me to give you a call. (I couldn't find an icon for "doooh").

I've never heard of "safe as nails"...maybe you'll explain it sometime.

Cobra #42 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-19-2002, 05:23 PM

Congrats Rock, are you going on the Austin Trip in Feb ?? See you there, db

jrussell · #12 (**permalink**) 12-20-2002, 04:13 AM

WOW,
We have another member "rubber down"

Rock, you need to come to the next meeting of the TCC, and you REALLY need to bring the car to Austin in February!
We all want to see that new beauty!!
John Russell

cobra400hp · #13 (**permalink**) 12-20-2002, 06:06 AM

We just need to get Dino and Rich to finish theirs and then the planets can line up and there will be cheering from all the hill tops..... hahahahahha then the circle of life can be complete.....

I guess I cant talk eiher, im not painted or interiored... hahahahh

Alan Schup · #14 (**permalink**) 12-20-2002, 07:11 AM

Have fun, but be safe. I remember the first time I drove my Cobra home just after getting back from the paint shop. I was crossing an intersection not far from my house when I heard a terrible sound of crunching metal and tire skidding. I looked back in the direction of the sound to see that a driver was watching me and not where he was driving. Major fender-bender. The watcher did not notice that the car in front of him slowed down to make a right turn at the intersection.

In addition to being an estrogen passenger magnet, I've also had my share of teenage testosterone driving up beside me, looking to race on the highway. Only one time did I give in and leave a Viper behind me on I35 north of Alliance just to satify the teen's question. I figure had he been experienced, he should have kept up for that quick mile.

In the car shows, exceptionally few actually touch my car, even without signs or being roped off. Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with gawkers.

Have Fun. Be Safe.

RockSnake · #15 (**permalink**) 12-21-2002, 05:50 PM

Just so everyone understands; Like Paul's, mine is not yet "finished". I haven't begun the body work or paint, and the interior consists of seats.

I hope to make both of the next couple of meetings, and wanted to avoid disappointing everyone.

David

392cobra · #16 (**permalink**) 12-22-2002, 09:07 AM

certainly wouldn't be concerned with lack of paint .

looking forward to seeing another lone star in the crowd.

RockSnake · #17 (**permalink**) 12-25-2002, 08:02 PM

Took the car on its first road trip today. My family gets together at my mother's place in the county. My brothers, and their boys were pretty impressed. Their comments were best summarized by my brother Jamie, who said: "This is SO F'ing baad".

The wifes were remarkably quiet.

On the trip out, I TRIED to stay within 10 mph or so of the speed limit (how boring). I got passed by trucks, suv's, and a kid in a Hyndai, Hunday...you know, that Korean car. Anyway, he had the megaphone pipes, and tried to goad me into a race...wouldn't even have been worth the gasoline.

The farm-to-market roads are in really good condition, and provided an opportunity to really enjoy the car.

But the guy at the gas-station (of obvious eastern origin), caused me annoyance by asking if it was a Miata...I couldn't even find an appropriate response.

bwcobra15 · #18 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002, 09:13 AM

Pictures!! Pictures!! Pictures!!