Ebay Alumin CSX 4000 series on Ebay

[Cobraatak]

Originally Posted by SFSDFGT

John, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to find me through the Ford GT Forum. That was very kind of you, and I truly appreciate it. I sent you an email explaining what I found out since we talked. This car is definitely not built to everybody's liking, and there are some things that I will be changing when I get it, but for the price, I am willing to take some risks. My dream of someday owning a genuine aluminum-bodied Shelby Cobra is coming true.

Clint,

Glad I could provide you with some details on the car and even happier that you are purchasing the car! It really is a beautiful Cobra and I'm sure you will love it and have many years of motoring fun!

Welcome to the land of Cobra owners...you'll never look back and regret this purchase.

John

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by SFSDFGT

Thanks for the welcome, guys. Sorry if I was too defensive in my first posts.

I have been mostly a vintage musclecar guy, mainly mopars and a few fords. I have read and heard a lot of folklore about the 427 Cobras, but only in the last few years did I think I might be able to get one someday. I really need to study up more on the history of the car, and what people here find to be the best setups for the car.

It is apparent that my car is coming to me with tires that are scorned here. What is the issue with these ones, and which tires are preferred and why?

I do plan on removing the roundels/numbers.

As far as the bumpers, can these chrome pieces just be unbolted, and then will it look correct? Or are there different pieces altogether that are supposed to be there?

A lot of work has been done to the car over the past 8 months, but obviously there is more to do. What other glaring errors do others here see, that I might want to address?

Th car has the original-style Girling brakes. Would anybody favor leaving them, or is changing them to Wilwood or Baer or something be a no-brainer? Keep in mind, I am used to crappy brakes in my old cars and this doesn't bother me. When I want to go fast, stop fast, turn fast, etc I just take out a different car.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tires - BFG TA's are universally scorned because they're hard and handle terribly, unsafe in my view, but they'll last forever. In 15" sizes, Avon CR6ZZ's are the best tire available IMO, radial and V-rated, but the most expensive set at about $1,800 plus tax and shipping. A lot of folks like the non-radial Goodyear Billboards with the large white Goodyear lettering too. I'd recommend a search on each tire and see which one best fits your needs.

Bumpers - S/C's had are what are called quickjacks. Most 427 Cobra replicas, genuine Shelby's or not, are usually S/C replicas, and fitted with quickjacks front and rear.

Brakes - Keep the original style Girlings. While the Wilwood's may stop better and are lighter, the Girlings are proper. They're an expensive option for Kirkham Cobras.

Mickmate is an expert here on the board and also a parts source. He's definitely a person who can walk you through your needs.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Car sold for well under market. Fantastic buy. However, just like original Cobras, the price of Continuation cars vary based on many factors. You still can't duplicate even that car new for $160K today.

Can't escape the fact that if you want a new aluminum Shelby you are over a year out on wait and lighter in the wallet $160K for the rolling chassis.

It makes absolutely ZERO sense to me to buy a new alloy CSX roller for $160K, assuming that is the correct figure, when the current market value for a 2,000-mile early (preferable to the later models IMO) alloy CSX is $130K. Assuming that was the final price.

That's a HUGE depreciation expense on one's financial statement.

[Dimis]

Rodknock, just like you - I don't bank percentages either

[Jamo]

SFSDFGT

Welcome and I hope you find the site beneficial.

Two things though. I do have a problem lately with newbies coming on here only to start criticizing the place and its members before they've been here for more than a few months. Just be aware...I'm not going to have any patience for that. Period.

Second...your access was not "delayed" but rather followed normal protocol time-wise to prevent spammers from signing up and hitting the place in one visit. You didn't know this...nor did you ask...you assumed. When stormbringer indicated that someone from the FGT forum wanted to get info on this car but didn't have access after signing up, I asked for the person's (you) handle, so I could push your access. I received no response.

Do not reply or PM me...really. I note your later post indicating your willingness to fit in. Good. Welcome.

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

It makes absolutely ZERO sense to me to buy a new alloy CSX roller for $160K, assuming that is the correct figure, when the current market value for a 2,000-mile early (preferable to the later models IMO) alloy CSX is $130K. Assuming that was the final price.

That's a HUGE depreciation expense on one's financial statement.

Your not reading and comprehending again. Go slowly and read out loud the following.... The value of continuation Cobras will vary depending on the car, it's build and it aesthetic accuracy to original specification or other factors such as 40th Anniversery etc. Just like the original series they can't be lumped together and values will differ.

Plus the CSX in question was a killer buy regardless of the issues in finish or condition. Kudos to it's new owner. You want an aluminum CSX for $130k? start shopping. Lighting could strike twice in the same spot. Be patient I could happen again.

Also looks like I can by a new Kirkham roller on Ebay which as a roller can be lumped with the rest with the same options for about $10k less than from Kirkham. What's up with that?

[Jamo]

...and that will be the final post concerning the relative merits and values of CSXs, KMPs or whatever on this thread...period. The new CSX owner can read any number of recent thread for that discussion if he finds it of interest.

Let this thread be about a new owner and any questions he has. Show him what Club Cobra's all about.

[mickmate]

I agree with tire comments. I would change them to Avons or Billboards depending on use and car set up then drive it and enjoy it for a bit.
The SC's or Semi Comps had either the quick jacks (or quick lifts) mentioned or the full street bumpers consisting of the over riders you have with a tubular hoop nudge bar between them. The look of the over riders by them selves is a bit unusual. Some of these cars are detailed beyond description and there are countless threads on here about what is period correct. I have been called one of the rivet counters as I like the cars to be as correct as possible and to know what really is correct. They are fun whatever your approach and have always been custom built and customized to owners tastes.

[bret a ewing]

Welcome.

Make it safe - drive the basturd.
A search here will provide you with most every answer you are looking for............and some you are not.
Pay no attention to the quibbling children and heed the words of "Rons", they will keep you on the correct path.

Morpheus.

[TimG427]

Congrats on the sale. I called on the car and would have purchased based on flying in to look as it was a good price. I'm looking for another. I have alloy CSX 4188 and Kirkham 561, the Wilwood Brakes make all the difference in the world. When I drive the Kirkham, it's like power brakes. The brakes on the CSX car seem like Flinstone brakes compared to the Kirkham.
You will enjoy this car very much, it sounds like the motor is street friendly and about 550 horse from what the seller told me.

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by SFSDFGT

Wow, kind of a snarky bunch on this forum, huh?

I am soon to be the new owner of CSX 4145. I signed up for an account here a few days ago in hopes of garnering some info from you folks, to better learn about this car. Unfortunately, there was quite a delay in activating my account, and I wasn't able to post until today.

I'm not sure how what I typed on the Ford GT Forum would be construed as "bragging". This is what I said there:
---------------------------------------------------------------
Well, looks like I will soon be the new owner of CSX #4145. The car is not perfect and needs some minor sorting, but perfect for me since I plan to drive the car some, and there's no sense paying top-dollar for a pristine car that I would be afraid to use. I think an aluminum-body CSX with all-aluminum Shelby 427 will probably do fine value-wise over time, especially for what I paid for it.

Many, MANY thanks go out to Sinovac here, who was gracious enough to check out the car in detail today and take it for a spin. I appreciate the detailed report! Now at least I know what I am dealing with, and this allowed me to be much more comfortable in making the decision to purchase, and what I was willing to pay. Sinovac is obviously quite knowledgeable on Cobras also. Thank you also to everybody else, above, who helped me out with advice. I have a lot of learning to do about every facet of my new toy. I'll try to soak it all in, like I did with the FGT over a year ago. Time to order some books and spend countless hours on the Cobra forums now...
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Maybe I won't be spending much time on this forum, after all.

Perhaps I can help since I am a member of both forums. The Ford GT forum is not diverse at all because most people on the forum own identical cars and all love them. They show pictures of their cars or by a new one or go fast in a top speed event and get nothing but praise from other members.
There is almost never any descent because they all think alike.

This forum is made up of a very diverse group of people with different cars, different engines, different interests and many have strong opinions regarding their particular views. The thing I find refreshing here is people tell it like it is with no sugar coating. If you are full of beans it will be pointed out quickly, if you are dispensing incorrect information that will be pointed out too. Some times things get a little out of hand but the moderators take care of that quickly. There is a wealth of information here on just about any car subject you can think of and members will gladly share their knowledge. The Ford GT site can be a bit boring at times but it is also very civil and BS goes unchallenged in most instances. It is really your choice do you want good information, highly entertaining debates or civil discussions with no disagreement.

[maurice19]

Great purchase
Maurice

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by SFSDFGT

A lot of work has been done to the car over the past 8 months, but obviously there is more to do. What other glaring errors do others here see, that I might want to address?

So, one item that appears missing from the engine compartment photo is the oil puke/vapor/recovery tank, which is mounted on the firewall on the passenger side. I'm no expert by any stretch, but most 427 Cobras came with them and maybe someone has added it already along the way, but the photos don't reflect it.

I copied the info below re: connections from an old post from Tom Kirkham, since I have no clue :

"The overflow tank (puke tank) has the following conections:

1. 3/8" line transmission and on some orginal cars their is a T on the transmission also going to the diff.

2. 3/4" line going to the back of the intake manifold. On some cars this is a clear line so you can see if their is water in the oil.

3. 3/4" line on upper right side is road draft tube.

4. 3/4" line on lower right side is oil return to the oil pan."


Also, if the oil pan is not an Aviaid, then you may want to get one or a similar product like Armando for originality purposes, if so desired.

[RodKnock]

Again, someone will correct me quickly, but another item for the "to do" list is the fuel line. There is flexible braided line where there should be hard steel line and a fuel log to the carb.

[CompClassics]

I would highly recommend the AVON CR6ZZ, the first reason is that they have the proper DOT rating for street use, the second reason is that the drive / ride quality is far superior to the Goodyear bill boards or blue steaks (I've used all of them). If you like the "look" of the Goodyears than that can be accomplished also on the AVONS for a vintage look, see my photo...the blue lines are actually more subtle in person for some reason they pop out when photographed. John

[ACademic]

Originally Posted by SFSDFGT

I'm not sure how what I typed on the Ford GT Forum would be construed as "bragging". This is what I said there:
---------------------------------------------------------------
Well, looks like I will soon be the new owner of CSX #4145......

Yeah, that was a poor choice of words by me. Please accept my apologies. If I had just scored an all alloy CSX for what we believe was paid for it, I'd be posting about it, too. Good luck with your new ride and keep us posted on what you change and sort out going forward. Killer deal, congratulations!

-Steve

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

It makes absolutely ZERO sense to me to buy a new alloy CSX roller for $160K, assuming that is the correct figure, when the current market value for a 2,000-mile early (preferable to the later models IMO) alloy CSX is $130K. Assuming that was the final price.

That's a HUGE depreciation expense on one's financial statement.

I was really hoping this topic would not degenerate into this yet again. It took about 12 hours longer than I expected it to though

[twobjshelbys]

My choice for the replacement tires - I had Goodyear hockey picks - was the billboards. Bias ply so not too tolerant of curbing but absolutely correct and soft enough to be grippy at lower temps.

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I was really hoping this topic would not degenerate into this yet again. It took about 12 hours longer than I expected it to though

Come on. You know better than that around here!!!

Also to the OP there are a number of good photo books of original cars that are readily available. Buy some study the photos and read read read. You will learn learn learn.

Ironically for such a small car the details are seemingly endless and the learning goes on for a lifetime.

Attend SAAC events and photo cars and attend various events where you expect original Cobras will show up and other Continuation Cobras or Kirkhams. Look, listen and learn.

[mullen2]

Congratulations on your new ride! Sounds like you got a great deal on her also.

Lots on great information on this site! Cobras are a blast to drive so enjoy yours when ever you can. Happy Motoring!