wrecked SPF on eBay - Page 4

Double Venom · #61 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:52 AM

Being a Professional Re-constructionist for almost 25 years-One major concept to keep in mind, "assuming" the Insurance had a 'Pro' diagnose the car, I would have to lean to what they are saying until proven wrong-NO Armchair here. The rest IS speculation.

Drivers statement-speculation, if you aren't him but it does go along with what the insurance company stated.
DV

SP01715 · #62 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

There sure are a lot of armchair QB's on this thread...

It's an SPF. For some reason this brand brings out people that try and find fault with the brand IMO.

SNK BYT · #63 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Amazing what these cars go through in a wreck. I agree with most here that the speed must have been a bit faster than the speed claimed. The impact this vehicle took was so strong that the frame was damaged. Hope he's ok physically, mentally, I know he's screwed.

RedBarchetta · #64 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodz428

I haven't read the 3rd page of this (probably not all of the second) but our MKIII is 1726, it was delivered in 2002/3. So with that VIN, it is likely close 10 years old. If something failed,although there has been no certainty, it could be that it wasn't maintained/inspected as regularly/well as it should have been.

Perhaps the most sensible post on this thread. If the car involved is numbered 13xx, and 1726 was delivered in 02/03, and my #747 was delivered in March/April 2000, that means that this car was a 2001 or early 2002 build.

That being said it's an 8 year old car. Limited miles, but has obviously sat more than it has been driven. Countless service bulletins have been issued on various SPF issues over the entire genesis of the brand. If a third party buyer has not conducted their own due diligence on ANY brand that they seek, and consequently does not also perform regular inspections and maintenance on ANY brand that they choose, these unfortunate incidents WILL happen.

I'm glad that the last owner is recovering...it could have been much worse. At 40mph the same results would have occurred in an ERA, Factory Five, Hurricane, B&B, Shell Valley, Street Beasts, yada, yada, yada (and a Kirkham or alum CSX car would have had a lot of nice, deep punctures/dents). If something broke, it may (or may not) have been prevented. After all, it's an 8 year old car. If my nearly 10 year old SPF suffers a failure, it's no longer SPF's fault. I've completed my due diligence, I know what to look for, and my fate rests in my own hands.

'Nuff said.

-Dean

SNK BYT · #65 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 09:54 AM

I'm glad that the last owner is recovering...it could have been much worse. At 40mph the same results would have occurred in an ERA, Factory Five, Hurricane, B&B, Shell Valley, Street Beasts, yada, yada, yada (and a Kirkham or alum CSX car would have had a lot of nice, deep punctures/dents). If something broke, it may (or may not) have been prevented. After all, it's an 8 year old car. If my nearly 10 year old SPF suffers a failure, it's no longer SPF's fault. I've completed my due diligence, I know what to look for, and my fate rests in my own hands.

'Nuff said.

-Dean[/quote]

Dean,

Great response to this thread. I just purchased SPF #2925. I have a 392 Stroker with a T5. I purchased it back in April and it now has a whopping 4 miles on the odometer. Its good to see someone here that is well informed on these cars and is willing to help others. I am still a newbee here and reading up through these posts only makes me more aware of what I have and safer when I do drive "Rogue". Everyone here, thanks for the education you continue to provide this rookie. Peace!

RedBarchetta · #66 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 10:59 AM

Snk Byt, your car is still fresh (i.e. 4 miles). Unless you have had your installer go over every bolt on that car, make sure someone does. The more recent bulletin for your build may involve the brake calipers. I don't have the specifics handy but any dealer would offer that up to you free of charge. Other than that, it doesn't take much to go over the car and ensure everything is the way it should be. If you don't have the knowledge, pay someone you trust to do the same. And make it part of your annual "check-up" (this applies to any car, any make).

-Dean

Gunner · #67 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 11:12 AM

Without trying to honk anyone off, really, I wonder if SPFs are a little more prone to maintenance- and upkeep-related failures because they are sold as moderately-priced rollers? That is, some portion of them are bought by drivers unfamilar with the routine wrench work involved with these cars, and they ass/u/me it's a lot like any other new turnkey car?

The same could be said of Kirkhams (and CSXs) but the breathtaking price difference probably screens out casual buyers. SPFs are priced within the range of people who "have always wanted one" but don't have the mechanical expertise to maintain one - or the understanding that they need SOMEONE with that expertise on tap; this is NOT a Corvette, Miata, S2000, etc.

Most other replicas need some mechanical expertise etc. just to get ON the road, so that helps screen their drivers.

jhv48 · #68 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 12:09 PM

After seeing the damage that Tiger Wood's Escalade sustained after a 35 mph collision with a tree (and a couple of 5 iron swings from his wife) I think the SPF gave up its life valiantly so that the driver could walk (limp) away.

No one buys these cars for safety reasons. They are basically guided missles with four wheels. I'm amazed more people aren't killed in them.

Good job SPF.

mr bruce · #69 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Every crash is different. That frame did exactly what it was supposed to do , fold up and absorb energy. Don't fool yourself, EVERY car out there can kill you, luck of the draw.

patrickt · #70 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

Without trying to honk anyone off, really, I wonder if SPFs are a little more prone to maintenance- and upkeep-related failures because they are sold as moderately-priced rollers? That is, some portion of them are bought by drivers unfamilar with the routine wrench work involved with these cars, and they ass/u/me it's a lot like any other new turnkey car?

Dang, Gunner... if I had posted something that sounded like that the SPF owners would be throwing a rope over a tree branch and hunting me down by now.

Gunner · #71 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr bruce

Every crash is different. That frame did exactly what it was supposed to do , fold up and absorb energy.

Yes, it did. I chuckled when I saw "crumple zones" in the eBay listing. "And these come pre-crumpled!"

Quote:

Don't fool yourself, EVERY car out there can kill you, luck of the draw.

Yes, but in one of my Volvos, I'm drawing to four of a kind. In the Cobra, it's drawing to an inside straight.

RedBarchetta · #72 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Dang, Gunner... if I had posted something that sounded like that the SPF owners would be throwing a rope over a tree branch and hunting me down by now.

Don't fool yourself...we still are.

Gunner's commentary was actually well-framed and makes sense. I too believe that those with minimal mechanical skills are more prone to purchase a ready-made car. Without having "built it yourself" expertise, there are several components on these vehicles that even the average shade-tree mechanic might have difficulty with. DIYers have an inherent advantage, accordingly.

That doesn't make their cars any more safer, as each build is only as good as the guy turning the wrenches. But I would be willing to bet that, on average, a guy that builds his own car has a considerably more thorough knowledge of what it takes to maintain it and is more likely to put the extra ongoing maintenance effort into it. And to add to that statement, the far majority of Cobra accidents (as reported on sites like CC) are the result of driver errors rather than mechanical deficiencies.

-Dean

patrickt · #73 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:54 PM

That makes sense, Dean. You're probably right.

Gunner · #74 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Dang, Gunner... if I had posted something that sounded like that the SPF owners would be throwing a rope over a tree branch and hunting me down by now.

Happy to draw fire for a fellow GoodAsReal driver.

Tony Aprile · #75 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Don't fool yourself...we still are.

Gunner's commentary was actually well-framed and makes sense. I too believe that those with minimal mechanical skills are more prone to purchase a ready-made car. Without having "built it yourself" expertise, there are several components on these vehicles that even the average shade-tree mechanic might have difficulty with. DIYers have an inherent advantage, accordingly.

That doesn't make their cars any more safer, as each build is only as good as the guy turning the wrenches. But I would be willing to bet that, on average, a guy that builds his own car has a considerably more thorough knowledge of what it takes to maintain it and is more likely to put the extra ongoing maintenance effort into it. And to add to that statement, the far majority of Cobra accidents (as reported on sites like CC) are the result of driver errors rather than mechanical deficiencies.

-Dean

I agree...with ready made cobra's...there are many more..."Guys with Cars" then there are actual "Car Guy's"...and when you finally string him up....let me know...I'll be there !!!

patrickt · #76 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Aprile

...and when you finally string him up....let me know...I'll be there !!!

C'mon Tony, you could at least put a wink or smilie after that.

Tony Aprile · #77 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

C'mon Tony, you could at least put a wink or smilie after that.

Believe me... I was smiling...

patrickt · #78 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Aprile

Believe me... I was smiling...

What's really funny is that deep down I actually love SPF cars.

RodKnock · #79 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

What's really funny is that deep down I actually love SPF cars.

Talk about split personalities.

Do you guys think that there's any advantage to having the Kirkham engineered billet aluminum suspension over the various other makes? It makes sense in theory, but in practice, not being a DIY'er except for maintenance, I really don't have a clue. Maybe the more experienced wrenchers might pipe in.

Silverback51 · #80 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Aprile

I agree...with ready made cobra's...there are many more..."Guys with Cars" then there are actual "Car Guy's"...and when you finally sting him up....let me know...I'll be there !!!

Sorry, I'm not going to be able to make it,

so if someone could get pictures or a video I would appreciate it.