CMC cars, Lets hear from you.

mdross1 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-22-2011, 01:33 PM

Depite the sordid history of CMC no shame in owning these cars.How many of you building/driving one.My car took me approx 3 years to perfect,partly because was downsized out of career job and changed plans for drive train from small block to big block,requiring upgraded drivetrain.We love a lot of features these cars have,cubby behind seats along with trunk space makes for fun weekenders.Really like the soft top,almost ready to get a hardtop,then car will be complete.This car was done with as many authentic Cobra acces as possible including wheels,just to get that needed feeling we are all searching for.Just seeing it sitting in the garage always leaves me with a feeling like I made it in life.What more could one want?

mdross1 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2011, 06:56 AM

Actually feeling quite special,always enjoyed having something not many other people have, looks like that's true with my Cobra.Although I know better and understand why some are reluctant to post here.The only thing that got under my skin at first was the uneducated asking if my car was an original.With that realized had to come with comebacks always leaving me feeling great inside.Except for those on this site that know the difference be proud of your finished or unfinished car.Pm me then if you are not comfortable telling the world of your choice.You will find that there is plenty of support for your project.
Mike

joyridin' · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2011, 02:49 PM

You should be proud. I think 90% of the unfinished cars for sale are either Street Beast or CMC. Either the instructions were to vague. the kit was missing parts, or they just didn't have the fabricating skills to assemble the cars.

Glad yours turned out good!

mdross1 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-27-2011, 04:08 AM

Assembling the kit was a true test of dedication.The instructions were horrible,but were enough to get through it.What made it easy for me was knowing what I wanted in the end,surrounding myself with all things Cobra,many framed pictures,books and magazines about the cars.Also had been building/restoring cars for quite a while,this car is well built,and has a lot of great features.Being a perfectionist,nothing was done without a lot of thought,and TLC.Finally had the car scaled and now looking into finishing touch to complement soft top with hardtop.

52chevyred · #5 (**permalink**) 01-30-2011, 06:54 PM

Being a "Beast" owner myself, I have been at it for 2+ years. I hope to go to paint in February. It's been a "long road" for sure, but I'm almost done.

I have "networked" with every CMC or SB owner I have ran across. One thing I have learned: If ONE has a problem, they ALL have the same problem.

It's "how you solve the problem", that makes the difference. Some of my "20/20 hindsite" came long after I had a solution. Somebody else did it "easier" or "quicker", but I still "got 'er done".

When finished, mine will be as good as anybody's. I'm building a SEMA show car on a Taco Bell budget. Actually, the budget was blown long ago, but I'm "still truckin'".

Club Cobra and its members have given a lot of advice and encouragement for over two years. There are several CMC or Beast owners on here: be proud of it!

Aedds · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52chevyred

I have "networked" with every CMC or SB owner I have ran across. One thing I have learned: If ONE has a problem, they ALL have the same problem.

It's "how you solve the problem", that makes the difference. Some of my "20/20 hindsite" came long after I had a solution. Somebody else did it "easier" or "quicker", but I still "got 'er done".

!

What issues did you have with the CMC build?

littlewave · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2011, 06:10 PM

Wow! you guys have me beat by along shot, i'm at 5.5 years, but had a few deaths in my family(family way more important) but it has had it's ups and downs that is for sure,almost quit twice but was talked out of it and i'm glad. I was kinda embarrassed to own a Street Beasts, but I have put really good components on the car Wilwood,Vintage Halibrands,narrowed 9",Aldon coil overs,ect.ect. Paint is going to be 67 Shelby Midnight mist blue with Wimbelton white stripes. I should be on the road this June and I will park it beside Any Cobra out there.

Little Wave...

CobraEd · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlewave

Wow! you guys have me beat by along shot, i'm at 5.5 years, but had a few deaths in my family(family way more important) but it has had it's ups and downs that is for sure,almost quit twice but was talked out of it and i'm glad. I was kinda embarrassed to own a Street Beasts, but I have put really good components on the car Wilwood,Vintage Halibrands,narrowed 9",Aldon coil overs,ect.ect. Paint is going to be 67 Shelby Midnight mist blue with Wimbelton white stripes. I should be on the road this June and I will park it beside Any Cobra out there.

Little Wave...

I don't think the car is so bad, . . . it was the clowns that were marketing and selling it that were the problem.

.

joyridin' · #9 (**permalink**) 03-24-2011, 05:31 AM

On the CMC, it would seem as though some of the molds were a little off. They seem to be twisted and the right rear sits a lot higher than the left rear. If can be fixed, but not real easy. On mine, the right rear wheel arch was not in the same location as the left. If you measure from the front of the tire to the arch on both sides, it was off about 3/4" if I recall. It was pretty noticeable from my perspective. Correcting the height on mine required removing the trunk floor, dropping the body about 1", then making a new floor.

I also removed the whole front steering and put one from a 99 Mustang Cobra with the brakes and all. It was not an easy task.

mdross1 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-24-2011, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joyridin'

On the CMC, it would seem as though some of the molds were a little off. They seem to be twisted and the right rear sits a lot higher than the left rear. If can be fixed, but not real easy. On mine, the right rear wheel arch was not in the same location as the left. If you measure from the front of the tire to the arch on both sides, it was off about 3/4" if I recall. It was pretty noticeable from my perspective. Correcting the height on mine required removing the trunk floor, dropping the body about 1", then making a new floor.

I also removed the whole front steering and put one from a 99 Mustang Cobra with the brakes and all. It was not an easy task.

Obviously,they were not all the same.Started mine in 93,when the suspension and cowl were ready to set the body permanently had already prefit and shims were ready for a stress free marriage.Then drilled,tapped frame for body to be bolted down.Also had plated the frame under extensions for solid floors and help keep heat away with undercar exhaust.Over the years and comparing my car to a lot of other manufactors,made me very pleased with my choice because some of the features these cars offer.So much so that it is parked in front of our everyday drivers not covered so we see it every day.The way it should be.No doubt it has to be cleaned a little more often,not a problem,never get sick of pampering this hot rod.

Aedds · #11 (**permalink**) 03-24-2011, 06:56 AM

Do we know how many CMC's were made?

FordFellow · #12 (**permalink**) 03-24-2011, 02:32 PM

Purchased a 'Beast' in running shape. It still offers a lot of 'opportunity'. My right rear lower control arm is goofy footed to the right making the right rear tire stick out. I need to adjust this mounting before I figure out if the wheels and 315/35/17 tires are really too big. There seem to be a wealth of 'opportunities' left and after reading the construction manual end to end I understand why.

jerry

joyridin' · #13 (**permalink**) 03-24-2011, 04:12 PM

I had mine set up for 315/35/17. I had to remove the whole coil spring mount, mount coilover shocks inboard, and use tube-style control arms. They will fit. It looks cool as heck. Fills up the whole fenderwell.

littlewave · #14 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011, 06:18 AM

I totaly agree!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraEd

I don't think the car is so bad, . . . it was the clowns that were marketing and selling it that were the problem.

.

littlewave · #15 (**permalink**) 03-25-2011, 06:21 AM

My build # was 6101,I don't know if that means anything or helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aedds

Do we know how many CMC's were made?

mdross1 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordFellow

Purchased a 'Beast' in running shape. It still offers a lot of 'opportunity'. My right rear lower control arm is goofy footed to the right making the right rear tire stick out. I need to adjust this mounting before I figure out if the wheels and 315/35/17 tires are really too big. There seem to be a wealth of 'opportunities' left and after reading the construction manual end to end I understand why.

jerry

I too pondered this one for a long time.At first thought I wanted an IRS rear,but knowing was going to use big block and maybe spend some time at the strip running stickies,knew a narrowed 9" was the way to go.So when thinking about tire and wheel combo and wanting stock look set the back half up with moly tubular control arms and coilovers with the correct backspaced wheels and location inside wheel wells.In the end was glad I made the effort.Good Luck

FordFellow · #17 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 08:38 AM

Hope to attack the problem this next week. The upper spring mounts look to be a problem for sure. The PO installed air shocks in the back to keep the rear end up so I may have to install coil overs and for go the stock spring set up.

joyridin' · #18 (**permalink**) 03-27-2011, 10:02 AM

The 315's won't fit with the upper spring mounts. You also need tube-style lower control arms with no coil spring mounting on them. I narrowed an 8.8 style rear 2.5" on each side to give it the deep dish look. It is tight, but worth the effort.

mdross1 · #19 (**permalink**) 05-28-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joyridin'

The 315's won't fit with the upper spring mounts. You also need tube-style lower control arms with no coil spring mounting on them. I narrowed an 8.8 style rear 2.5" on each side to give it the deep dish look. It is tight, but worth the effort.

Had a 9" narrowed to get the correct offset and using 295/50X15".Also had Chromemoly tubular control arms built top and bottom for the adustability,Using coilovers all corners,also had car scaled now it drives like it is on rails.