[patty442]

Been awhile, Jeff. Hope Max is doing well. In reference to the angle iron applied to the front lower control arms in a Cobra 427. The reason that there appears to be a discrepancy in comments, knowledge, and experience from other posters as to the originality and quality of craftsmanship is as follows --- judge for yourself. I have discussed originality relative to time in the past, won't go over it again. First NO Cobra 427 ever left AC cars with angle iron applied period. I have numerous photos of the chassis of the 30-- to 3053 cars on a rack in England. Many different cars. Multiple views clearly showing the entire front suspension. Street cars the answer is obvious. Next, there was a technical service bulletin / blueprint issued by Shelby American detailing the modification of the front lower control arms with the angle iron. I have to check the designer and date on that blueprint. Some read the bulletin ,some ignored it, some installed the angle iron. Does that make it original? Could it have been installed at or after it left Shelby American. Is it original now? What about the delivering dealer installing it at the dealership before delivery. Came back after delivery. Is it now still original? And finally addressing the poor quality welds. The blueprint clearly shows a very high quality "stack of dimes" welding process. As all of you know the quality of welding can be somewhat variable. In addition the blueprints show some intricate cutouts that would have taken some care and desire to accomplish. Some followed those details. Some fabricators- technicians didn't. When I purchased my car in 1973 the angle iron was there on the arms, and the blueprint was in a stack of boxes of documents and literature that I received with my car from the original owner who had held back from the second owner. Some day all that stuff should be scanned. Hopefully that clears up the angle iron controversies. Everyone have a happy holiday. Bob