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

[mdross1]

Things have changed a lot since building my car.There are a lot of good sources for info when it comes to choosing a car.This forum is certainly a good source to help in your decision.Seeing a few different examples would help maybe.Car shows,talking to different owner/builders,use Google or other search engines find all you can,hopefully you will find exactly what your looking for.In the end with dedication and perserverence,you can have the car of your dreams.Good Luck

[IndyCobra]

My web site walks you through these same questions step-by-step. It might give you some ideas. Every model has pros and cons and it really depends on what YOU want, not what someone tells you. BTW, Eljaro is correct. If you are not into building one, you can most certainly buy one for cheaper than it takes to build one.

My web site is Red Venom Cobra

[Jackalope]

Originally Posted by IndyCobra

My web site walks you through these same questions step-by-step. It might give you some ideas. Every model has pros and cons and it really depends on what YOU want, not what someone tells you. BTW, Eljaro is correct. If you are not into building one, you can most certainly buy one for cheaper than it takes to build one.

My web site is Red Venom Cobra

Thanks for the information IndyCobra, and thanks even more for your website. Tons of information there.

One thing I didn't quite get from your writeup though was your reasons for going with Lonestar rather than some of the larger manufacturers such as ERA, Unique, Kirkham, Superperformance, etc. I can certainly understand the need for the extra room, good customer service and so forth, but I didn't get a good feel for what you considered to be the pros and cons of each of them. In my case, resale will be a major consideration and I want to make sure I pick the kit that's recognized as a quality manufacturer. Certainly Lonestar appears to meet that criteria, but it's not as well recognized as the ones I've mentioned. Can you comment on that?

Thanks,
Jack

[Dwight]

I visited Lone Star and Unique before I bought my Lone Star back in 1999. I did buy from a dealer ( ? long story but not important at this time) in Tenn.
The Lone Star factory is as large as any, larger than most. They sell so many other kit and I don't think they push the Cobra kit as much as their others. They have a good product and are priced competitively.
I liked the interior tub, trunk tub and fender wells molded to the body. I consider this rain proof. My longest ride in the rain was last June returning from the London Cobra Show, 310 miles. Nothing in the trunk got wet. My windshield post did leak but beach towel handled that. Re sealed them last night so that might not be a problem anymore.
I like the longer interior (doors are 4" longer) more storage room behind the seat, slider on the seat so taller guys can drive my car with easy. I'm 5' 10" and fit in all Cobras.
The looks are close enough that "Most" people do not know the different in the body, even if I'm park in a roll of ten Cobras.
Resale?
What I noticed about resale of Cobras over the last 4 years is SPF sell faster and for more money than any of the others.
A guy that does not want to build his Cobra want a known quality. Something you can not be assured of from an unknown individual builder.
I have worked on a lot of Cobras (15-16). I have seen some amassing things. Sometime I wonder how someone has not been killed or how the car even runs.
I have bought a Cobra in 03 or 04 build poorly. I reworked (and repainted) to made it safe before I traded it for my 06 Mustang. I bought a finished Gt 40 last January (very long story). I have worked on it for 6 months and then let it sit while I compete other projects. I should be back on it next week with a vengeance.

My advice if you are going to buy used, take someone you trust, who has build several Cobras and let them look at the car before you pay.
I have a B&B in my shop now that had a couple of major problems. The car is well build, high quality but the front end needs replacing / redesigned and the drive shaft bolts where 7/16 but should have been 12mm. One was missing and the other three where very loose, two I removed with my fingers. The new owner picked the car up and drove it 600 miles home. The car is 9 years old and had two previous owners that I know of. I do not know who build the car. The other problems where just poor maintenance over a lot of years. Still a nice car.

I drive my Cobra a lot and fast if I can do it safely. Good brakes and better tires are more important than horsepower. These car a 1950-60's design and do not do that well in a wreck. We need to make them as safe as we can.
I will own a Cobra till the kids take my driver license away from me.

Happy motoring and see ya on the road.
Dwight