How to deal with questions/comments where the answer is....well....you know... - Page 4

Paul F · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 10:15 PM

Jim,

I didn't say everyone feels insulted. You and I don't; along with a bunch of others. But many do feel insulted or insecure by the very question and can't find it in themselves to simply say no. They need to say more and are looking for a way to deal with it. That's fine. I am not in any dispute with them and the discussion about how to answer the question is fine. I think it's an interesting topic as it comes up often in every 'non-1960's Shelby Cobra' owners life.

I am (apologies to the thread owner), taking the opportunity to point out that I suspect SOME (this does not mean you or anyone else responding to this thread) of the very same people that are having this discussion about 'is it real' are the same ones that give Evan a hard time.

elmariachi · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul F

But many do feel insulted or insecure by the very question and can't find it in themselves to simply say no.

I agree Paul. For me, I would much rather stand around and talk about how I built the car than to have bought a real one and be able to say its real. Congrats to those who own real ones, I like what I have.

A lot of kits and replicas out there bear no resemblance whatsoever to an original, so the question in itself is hilarious. The fact that people walk up and ask "Is it real" just shows that the average Joe is clueless.

I offered a tongue-in-check post earlier about what I say when asked, but I truly do like being asked and I like bragging about having built it. To the OP Argess, look at it as a chance to have a great conversation about what you did with the $1,106,000 you saved by not buying CSX3034 from Wayne Carrini.

twin turbo · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 11:19 PM

Last time I was asked is it real, I said no, but to me its better than an original because its lighter, stronger, and faster. The question doesn't bother me in the least.

Badger · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 01:20 AM

G'wan...It's OK, you can touch it...it won't disappear. Badger

fast willie · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2010, 12:32 PM

ok. I only read the first 5 pages ,
I once ask if a 70 yenko nova(um sorry duece) if it was real.
his responce was "nope ...it's unreal!, to that he waved me over and started showing all the little extra things he had done . like tech and shift light mounted in the orginal dash.
really was an awsome car with yenko stripes on it.

I really hope that one someone will ask me that about my cobra....cause that means I got one

Excaliber · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 01:58 AM

Wow, yet another FULL BLOWN is it real thread. I thought for a moment it might trail off into oblivion, but nope, this one is the "real deal",,, again.

rustyBob mentioned those AC emblems, I want to do that on my car as well! Steering wheel hub, front, rear. Just to be different I think, it's a little twist on the history. Heck why not, I drive a fake anyway.

Now don't nobody else get any ideas about that, rustyBob, a couple of other guys and myself, that's it, nobody else.

Always nice to see Badger out and about (by the way).

Argess · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 04:33 AM

OK....you guys win. I asked for advice and I got it. I'll just say "No, it's a replica", and try to and see if a conversation ensues after that.

In my defense, I didn't opt for the AC brake and clutch pedals. Mine say ERA and I'm comfortable with that.

It's hard not to care about what people say or think. I don't think I'm alone. Look at all the reponses to the "Did your Cobra get any recognition lately" thread. Many of those stories wouldn't be remembered if the CObra owner didn't care, at least a little bit, what people think.

SKINNEDR · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 06:38 AM

My car is a Backdraft, so I consider it to be a Replica, not a Kit Car.
I consider a kit car, one that is produced in someones garage. My car is hand built in a factory just like a Ferrari. I have the ability to build one in my garage, but I opted not to do so.
So I don't appreciate the thought that it is a kit car. When I'm asked if it is an original I say no, it is a REPLICA.....Not a Kit Car...

I'm sure I just pissed off half of you guys, but who cares!
Have a great day.....
Dex...

CBattaglia · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:23 AM

I have to admit.... A couple of times I have said "Ya". Sometimes its just easier.

The way I see it is now they can feel happy all day thinking they saw an original cobra. Good Job SPF - You fooled em' again

One guy (an older well to do fella with a $100+K porche) said "Wow, a Shelby Cobra that has to be worth a ton!" My reply was "Well the price fluctuates depending on the market" Hey, I didnt tell a lie

Trueoo7 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:45 AM

I still like this answer to "is it real",
No its not, why do you have a real one? That usually stops'em dead in their tracks.

priobe · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:45 AM

Just curious,

"Damn, I said I would not involve myself in this conversation"

Many have implied, that if it is built by the company that manufactures the cars to assemble the car "as a kit" it is a replica. Others have implied, that if you build it in your garage it is a kit, built from pieces.

So what are the Scratch builds considered?

Also, MANY of the cars that are built by owners are done better than the manufacture could have done. I am sure those of you that have built their cars are sure the time and attention to detail you have spent producing you car, no-one would have done the same. Regardless of how much money you spent.

Is it real, is it original, come on I have heard even the original cars were not original because of all the parts that were added and changed throughout the years. Does this make it a Kit / Replica.

Jay Leno says he has a Replica "in the truest sense of the word" What the heck does that mean? He even states that "it is an exact copy", hmm I dont know about that?

Anyway, here is a person that is financially stable and he is not comfortable with a the term kit car.

It is a kit when it is in pieces, it becomes a replica when you it is fully assembled representing what it should be representing.

jwd · #12 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by priobe

Many have implied, that if it is built by the company that manufactures the cars to assemble the car "as a kit" it is a replica. Others have implied, that if you build it in your garage it is a kit, built from pieces.

So what are the Scratch builds considered?

Also, MANY of the cars that are built by owners are done better than the manufacture could have done. I am sure those of you that have built their cars are sure the time and attention to detail you have spent producing you car, no-one would have done the same. Regardless of how much money you spent.

Good points. I'm amused by those that think their "factory built" cars are superior to any others. I don't understand why they think a car made in a foreign country built by minimum wage workers or one built in the U.S. by illegal immigrants is better than one built in someones garage with tender loving care.

When asked if it's real, I proudly say "it's a replica that I built". That usually brings out multiple questions about the kit, costs and the build process. Much better than having to say "I bought it" and have them walk away.

Silverback51 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwd

Good points. I'm amused by those that think their "factory built" cars are superior to any others. I don't understand why they think a car made in a foreign country built by minimum wage workers or one built in the U.S. by illegal immigrants is better than one built in someones garage with tender loving care.

When asked if it's real, I proudly say "it's a replica that I built". That usually brings out multiple questions about the kit, costs and the build process. Much better than having to say "I bought it" and have them walk away.

Jim, your car is absolutely beautiful, and you can easily see the care that went into building it.

However, not everyone will take the time to build a car to the level that you did. I'm sure that you would admit that yourself.

patrickt · #14 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwd

I'm amused by those that think their "factory built" cars are superior to any others.

We talked about this exact point while I was up at ERA. I think I could build a car as well as, or pretty darn close to, the folks at ERA just by ordering all the stuff from them and then putting it all together. But it would take me a couple of years to do it, working full time on it as well.

Seriously though, the key is buying all the stuff from them to reduce the need to fab stuff on your own. I think they sell every possible part except the engine -- even the air in the tires

. Now, I would not pay for "minimum wage workers in a foreign country" to do the work. But, what do I know.... maybe they're quite skilled.

Got the Bug · #15 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

I would not pay for "minimum wage workers in a foreign country" to do the work. But, what do I know.... maybe they're quite skilled.

Hmm...like those cheap SPFs?

Most of the parts you'd have to buy are made by minimum wage workers anyway.

patrickt · #16 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Hmm...like those cheap SPFs?

Most of the parts you'd have to buy are made by minimum wage workers anyway.

They don't have a minimum wage in that particular country.

WarrenG · #17 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwd

Good points. I'm amused by those that think their "factory built" cars are superior to any others. I don't understand why they think a car made in a foreign country built by minimum wage workers or one built in the U.S. by illegal immigrants is better than one built in someones garage with tender loving care.

I'm sure that ERA and some of the others will be interested to know that they shops are full of illegal immigrants!

khansmith · #18 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:58 AM

I always identify my car as a replica/kit car that I built. The emblem discussion is interesting. I bought cobra emblems, AC emblems but I kind of like the look of my car without them.

Paul F · #19 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:36 AM

See Evan, You have lots of company. People involved in the hobby of Cobras and Cobra reproductions get very worked up about the terms.

Those not involved in the hobby, imply nothing when they use the terms 'kit' or 'real'. They're only wanting to talk to you about your cool car and share a moment. Oh sure, there are some jerks out there, but who cares.

patrickt · #20 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:46 AM

FWIW, all of the people that have asked me "Is this real?" or who have said "Now this one's real, isn't it?" have all been perfectly innocent and, if I had answered "Yes, this is the real McCoy alright!" would have believe me hook, line, and sinker. The question was always asked in the same fashion and tone that a youngster would use when he would say "Wow, what is it?" All perfectly innocent with not a drop of malice to be found.