[Jack21]

Ditto the above! Ed Combs, aka DV for Double Venom is about a stand up guy you'll ever want to meet. I've met him personally at DVSF, have collaborated with him on line, and off line.

He doesn't bring this up unless someone elce does, and then just humbly admits it. He's a retired Police Officer, and a well respected member of the Columbus/Dublin Ohio community. He's not kidding when he says he just loves old street rods, hot rods, and musclecars.

The man obviously isn't trying to get rich. He busts his butt every year promoting DVSF and the proceeds all go to charity.

The Classic Roadsters Cobra is arguably one of, if not the best in the replica Cobra industry. Mine has been called, the Cadillac of Cobras. That being said, there are some engineering updates to the car that are past due. The car was developed in the late '80's, and introduced to the market in '89 - '90. Few engineering updates have been incorporated into the design, and component recommendations.

Other replica manufacturers, FFR being a good example, have kept pace with suspension and braking improvements based on late model Mustangs, and T-Birds, and incorporated them into their Cobra designs.

Under new leadership of Don Scott and Ed Combs, the engineering updates should be forthcoming with the "Big stuff", all late model Ford and aftermarket Ford components. (Thus allowing the '74 - '78 Mustang II to rest in peace), and "Little Stuff", ease of assembly packages that bolt together and work the first time! (Steering columns, front suspensions, rear suspensions, motor mounts, trans mounts, brakes, e-brakes, radiator and mounts, etc., etc.)

There is a euphamism among replica car builders, "You don't have to be an engineer to build one of these things, but your chances of success are a whole lot better if you are." These cars have got to be able to be built/assembled by non-engineers. Ordinary Hot Rodders should be able to put these things together using factory instructions, factory parts kits, and on-line tech support.

And there ought to be something of a caveat stating that if the builder has never done so much as a brake job or tune-up, much less an engine overhaul, the assembly of an entire car might best be left to others. (Or give the builder a feel for what should be subcontracted, such as engine assembly, electrical wiring, brake and fuel plumbing, interior upholstry, and body prep and painting.)

If there were ever any two guys who've been there, and done that, than Don Scott and Ed Combs are the guys who will turn this around. But, they can't do it alone. They're going to need our help to do it. Our technical savvy, know how, what works and what doesn't, available to the guy (and perhaps his significant other), in the garage at 4 AM trying to figure out how the gosinta connects to the comesouta is going to play a significant role here.