[navyeod]

After Loving the AC Cobra since the 60's and running out of time at 75 years of age, I bought a replica. Still trying to figure out what I bought but sure do love it. It was close to me and was built 20 years ago with two previous owners. The 2nd owner knew little about the car, saw it, bought it and drove it 1k miles in 10 years. It looked brand new when I saw it, and also bought it. I have been unable to find the original builder. I have, with help, restored airplanes, cars, motorcycles, homes so am used to doing some restoration work. And now since I no longer Fly or drive motorcycles needed something to get the adrenaline going every now and then.
I am a former US NAVY EOD with two tours in Vietnam in 68 and back in 69. Now a semi retired orthopedic surgeon and the last 8 years have worked at the Veterans Hospital serving my brothers and sisters who served also.
What I do know about the car is it has a ROUND tubular frame. 90 inch wheelbase, Mustang 2 front end with some modifications as the upper A arms have been changed. has live axle 4 link 9 inch ford rear end. front disc, rear drums. Has a tricked up Cleveland 351 supposedly putting out between 450-550 HP. Brakes were poor when I bought it and found that the rear brakes were not working at all, no fluid to them manual proportion valve turned all the way to the front, a good thing as the shoes in the rear were backwards and the wheel cylinder rusted to a fixed position. The ride was much like I imagine the pioneers experienced in their covered wagons going west. The rear spring had probably been heat treated to lower the rear of the car and it was sitting on the frame. had 32 pounds of pressure in the tires and the PO had removed all but one inch of foam in the seat so as to lower his sitting position. Bone jarring in the mild bumps. Hopefully I can learn how to load pictures so I can get some help on what I have, but sure love what I have. With help from some dear friends, we have put new 175 spring weight springs in the rear 13 inch, that brought the rear up 2-3 inches and gives an acceptable ride comfort. will put some coil overs on the rear and maybe replace the carrera hyper-charged shocks in the front. Have rebuilt the drum brakes and removed the manual proportional valve and replaced the master cylinder, that was leaking. Brakes okay now except at idle where the vacuum drops to 6 and you have to borrow bystanders to help you hold the horses at bay at a stop sign. Will put a vacuum boost on this week. The build quality on the car is excellent, and the gel coat is as new. found two small chips around 2mm each on the entire car. it has 5300 miles on it now and I have put the last 300 on it. Engine runs great. while driving it this week decided it was a blessing not to own this car till I was so old, as surely I would be dead by now. I am sure I will have some more questions but keep in mind. "all of us are ignorant, just about different things" my best to you all. david