I want to build a cobra... Where to start? - Page 2

Dirty Harry · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 03:20 PM

I agree about the welder not being necessary on some kits, but I was building mine in the early 90's when there were some adaptations that needed to be made and I elected to make some brackets on my own that were either not included or that I could make more cheaply. The fabricating was the fun part.

dallas_ · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 04:23 PM

All of the advice given is good. Same advice I got when I was considering the same things as you. As stated, used may be a better value these days, but there is great satisfaction in building it from the ground up.

Best things to do are visit with the local guys and see what you like and spend time browsing the various forums. I think you are smart starting a few years before you pull the trigger. It helps keep from making an impulse buy mistake.

AL427SBF · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 05:31 PM

I want to build a cobra... Where to start?

Everybody has jumped in somewhere after the start.

You start by ...
1. Clearing it with your companion or spouse, if the relationship sux and you want out, don't clear it with them.
2. Decide what your maximum budget is for this toy, then multiply by 70%. That's the hard number you work to because everybody here knows damn well you will overrun by 30%.
3. Go back to page 1 and start reading

PDUB · #4 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkassab

Call Unique Motorcars.... Ask for Alan or Maurice. Read my build link @ Mark's Build - Unique Forums

Like the others said... it's your car..... your build..... so "pick" wisely. For me, Unique was a wise choice.

Mark

I'll agree here with Mark. You won't go wrong with a Unique

! Unique may not be as well known around here, since many of the owners tend hang out over on the Unique forum. As Mark suggests, check out his build threads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

I want to build a cobra... Where to start?

2. Decide what your maximum budget is for this toy, then multiply by 70%. That's the hard number you work to because everybody here knows damn well you will overrun by 30%.

I think maybe he meant multiply by 130%... typo

? The point is well taken... cost overruns are a real factor in a build

.

_____________________

G-Pete · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AL427SBF

I want to build a cobra... Where to start?

You start by ...
1. Clearing it with your companion or spouse, if the relationship sux and you want out, don't clear it with them.

One of the best advice here - strongly agree

fordracing65 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 06:11 PM

buy mine its for sale

badrich · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 06:20 PM

When I started thinking seriously about getting a Cobra, about a decade ago, I joined the local Shelby club NorCal SAAC, and Club Cobra, to see just what was available. Cobra Country is definitely a must, as well as purchasing their manual comparing most of the popular machines. After seeing a number of cars and learning what the differences were, I decided on a replica, a manufacturer that built Cobras *close* to the originals. That narrowed the field considerably. If you don't need all that originality, there are a lot of cars to choose from, and you can save yourself some real money. Unless you have lots of money to spend, I'd recommend a small block (Windsor) powered used Cobra that looks and feels good to you. You can get a lot of good advice on this forum. Best of luck!

Rich

Dimis · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 06:51 PM

Sorry for the interruption folks....

Quote:

Originally Posted by badrich

Unless you have lots of money to spend, I'd recommend a small block (Windsor) powered used Cobra that looks and feels good to you. You can get a lot of good advice on this forum. Best of luck!

Rich

For a guy with a bad@ss Shelby aluminum 427, that i dare say most aspire to, one wonders why our friend BADRICH recommends a SB Windsor...

Experience perhaps?

I'm yet to settle on an engine... and its comments like these that have me scratching my head & second guessing myself.

I believe the heart wants an FE Aluminum 427

...but alas, this is not about me...

Please return to our regular programming...

AL427SBF · #9 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 07:02 PM

yes, you should be scratching your head

Dwight · #10 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 08:26 PM

The London Cobra Show is next week.

London Cobra Show - The Ohio Cobra Club

Dwight · #11 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 08:31 PM

you need to come to the hotels Thursday and Friday night. 200 Cobras parked in three or four holel parking lots. Tail gate parties everywhere. You can talk to the owners and get their opinions. Sit in the Cobras.

I'll give you a ride if you ask me.

Saturday you can pay the $10 and ride in one, at Speed.

Dwight

cheaper to buy than build. You can drive it as you work on it to change what you don't like.

Dwight · #12 (**permalink**) 06-14-2011, 08:38 PM

parking lot of the Hampton 2007

badrich · #13 (**permalink**) 06-15-2011, 01:55 AM

Dimis: While I did go through some pain when I first got my Shelby motor, after a rebuild and upgrade, I have been quite happy with it for the past couple of years. My Windsor recommendation was based upon cost. But if sounds are most important to you, my aluminium Shelby is *priceless.*

Rich

BAsque1 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 06:49 AM

Yakfish:
My first few questions to you is :
Do you have spare time to do this?
Do you have plenty of discretionary funds/income to back this project?
Do you have the space and tools required to complete the project?
Do you have the knowledge to do this?

If you can answer without any hesitation or mental reservation a categorical yes! then go for it.
I got involved into a project with my son which was scheduled for a year, 11 years later and $30K was completed, now we found ourselves with a beautiful car that he does not want to keep (just got married) and unable to sell for less than 1/2 of waht we spent. It could be very expensivem time consuming, space encroaching, and mentally frustrating at times.
My suggestion to anyone, I know it is fun to build your own car, but if you can get all you want for less time and money and plenty of time to enjoy, take the completed project hands down and enjoy the ride.

I just got my Cobra 8 mos. ago and yes there some minor hicups and some tweaking but now I am having a ball with it.
I hope this helps
Cheers
Basque 1

BAsque1 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 07:02 AM

Yakfish:
My first few questions to you is :
Do you have spare time to do this?
Do you have plenty of discretionary funds/income to back this project?
Do you have the space and tools required to complete the project?
Do you have the knowledge to do this?

If you can answer without any hesitation or mental reservation a categorical yes! then go for it.
I got involved into a project with my son which was scheduled for a year, 11 years later and $30K was completed, now we found ourselves with a beautiful car that he does not want to keep (just got married) and unable to sell for less than 1/2 of waht we spent. It could be very expensivem time consuming, space encroaching, and mentally frustrating at times.
My suggestion to anyone, I know it is fun to build your own car, but if you can get all you want for less time and money and plenty of time to enjoy, take the completed project hands down and enjoy the ride.

I just got my Cobra 8 mos. ago and yes there some minor hicups and some tweaking but now I am having a ball with it.
I hope this helps
Cheers
Basque 1