Questions for ERA owners

[DanEC]

Congratulations. Now the (long) wait begins as excitement builds.

Dan

[ERA 778]

I know the guys in Connecticut do outstanding work. I've seen some of it.

Something to consider is what will you be able to do after the build if you have a problem or need a repair. I built ERA #778 myself, bought the engine from Keith Craft in Arkansas, and had it painted by someone 200 miles away. They both did great jobs and I am completely satisfied with the results, but it can be a real pain in the ### when you need help later on.

For example, I put a little scratch on mine (accident in my garage) and will probably have to drive or tow the car to the painter - major trip! Hope I never have to get Keith's help on the engine! He's two days away!

There are important advantages to working with someone close enough to help out later on, whether it's a scratch or an oil leak. Think about the possibilities.

By the way, excellent choice in ERA. Good luck on your build!
Hal

[Dangerous Doug]

I had my paint done by Ken Pike up in Yuba City (streetrodpainter.com). I got an amazing black paint job for $7k. That was 2 years ago.

I built my own 289 FIA by purchasing their basic kit with the body-mounted, frame powder-coated option. Did a little bit at a time, and spread the cost out over 3 years. I really enjoyed the build. My son was too young to participate, so my build time was after I put him down for the night until about 10. Great experience with ERA. Go for it.

DD

[Young1]

Are you reallly sure that you want to commit the time and space to build? There are some really nice ERAs for sale on Cobra Country much cheaper than you could build. All bugs worked out and ready to enjoy with the family. Plus no DMV hassles to get it titled.

[Fullchat289]

Lippy:

The following IMHO, of course:

Overall project: I think it's fantastic you want to involve your kids in the project, especially if they are already little gear-heads. Try to emmerse them in some COBRA history either through books or other on-line media (videos/movies) that surround the car, take them to Cars n Coffee(s) near your area, get involved in your local COBRA club to increase their exposure and get them mentally "vested" and siked about the project. By Choosing ERA, you are already on the correct track for creating a period-correct example of the car. If you have some Program Management experience, and can bring some of the planning and sequencing elements into the mix as well as the mechanical systems education during the actual build, it should be a very cool and memorable experience for them. I like it.

Stuff on the East Coast: I would allow ERA and Connecticut Customs to get you to the point of where you can accept a painted car ready to bolt up the Frt/Rr suspension, install the drivetrain, exhaust, and interior. That's all the fun stuff and things that will be engauging for the kids. One of the many benefits of this is just having to be focused on final assembly and not having to ship the car back out to a painter once you take receipt of it at your shop/garage. These guys will do a great job for you. The hardest part will be making your mind up on the options and keeping "scope creep" under control..

Engine/driveline: Sounds like from the guys familiar with your area, there are a number of reputable builders in your area. I would keep it local b/c if you have any post-build issue, 9 chances out of 10, it will be related to this area and forming a solid relationship with a local builder would have it's benefits over someone elsewhere in the country.

Good luck with your planning and keep us posted on progress!

- Allen.

[kevins2]

I agree with the earlier posts about kids being involved in a Cobra project. In fact, I've gone on record as wanting to build a kit with my son. There is an old adage about one of the benefits of having kids is that you get to play with toys and nobody thinks anything of it... Truth is, my son's in college so probably won't have much time to participate in the build. Also true is that I want to assemble the car myself for myself so if my son participates - great, but if he doesn't, I still want to do it myself. So, if you're truly doing it as a project with the kids, it probably won't happen that way. If you 'fess up that you really want to build a kit yourself, then you're on the right track.

Regards,

Kevin

[lippy]

Originally Posted by kevins2

I agree with the earlier posts about kids being involved in a Cobra project. In fact, I've gone on record as wanting to build a kit with my son. There is an old adage about one of the benefits of having kids is that you get to play with toys and nobody thinks anything of it... Truth is, my son's in college so probably won't have much time to participate in the build. Also true is that I want to assemble the car myself for myself so if my son participates - great, but if he doesn't, I still want to do it myself. So, if you're truly doing it as a project with the kids, it probably won't happen that way. If you 'fess up that you really want to build a kit yourself, then you're on the right track.

Regards,

Kevin

I appreciate all of the comments and help, and no offense taken, but nothing to fess up here. The real driving reason for this project is the kids - believe it or not.

[kgs365]

i think its a great idea i wish my dad was alive he would have done the same!...great idea ....don't listen to patrick !...and dont add another roll bar its unnatural

Originally Posted by lippy

I appreciate all of the comments and help, and no offense taken, but nothing to fess up here. The real driving reason for this project is the kids - believe it or not.

[tkb289]

lippy,

Sent you a private message.

- Tim

[Chaplin]

Lippy-
CT Custom did my car and they did an excellent job and I would recommend them without hesitation.

As to the many recommendations you've received to have your paint and engine done locally, I see absolutely no reason whatsoever to have your paint done locally. ERA's painters have been painting ERAs for years. They know the cars and they know what it takes to get a show quality paint job, which is what you get with them every time. They might be more expensive than a local painter (however, this was not the case when I shopped around, in fact CT Custom was less than some local quotes I got), but this might be one of those instances where you get what you pay for. If you get scratches, dings, or heavan forbid get into an accident, a good local paint shop should have no problem matching the paint- especially if you go with a factory color.

As for the engine, I am in full agreement with the idea to get it done locally if you are lucky enough to have a good and reputable builder with a proven track record near you. And I am in no way suggesting that Danbury won't do a great job, because they have tons of satisfied customers, but the reality is engines break and things do go wrong, and if you don't know how to fix it yourself and have to bring it back to the builder for repair, it is much easier and cheaper to take the entire car to your local guy than it is to yank the motor, put it on a pallet and ship it across the country for repair.


As for tackling this project with your kids, I wish you the best of luck. I can't even work on a lawn tractor with mine because they are always picking up the tools and walking away with them, but they do like to go for rides in the Cobra.


edit:
As for your questions about options:
As others have mentioned get the edges rolled.
Do not get the wheel wells undercoated- you can buy a few rattle cans of undercoating or bedliner and do this yourself for a lot less money.
Do get the underside of the hood and trunk done.
Do paint the footboxes.

[lippy]

What does it mean to get the edges rolled, and paint the footboxes?

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by lippy

What does it mean to get the edges rolled, and paint the footboxes?

The edges are at the front and rear of the cockpit opening. As the body comes out of the mold, the inside edges go straight down. On the original cars, the aluminum was rolled over a tube, so we recommend grinding the fiberglass to shape. There's enough material to do it without adding any.

I can't speak to painting the footboxes. We never do it ourselves, since the white gelcoat looks pretty good as it comes out of the mold. The original cars were left in gelcoat also.

[DanEC]

Rolled cockpit edges:





White gelcoated footboxes. I don't know why anyone would paint them other than for some custom project.

[Chaplin]

Originally Posted by DanEC

White gelcoated footboxes. I don't know why anyone would paint them other than for some custom project.

Maybe because they look better painted than unpainted. If you are going for a clone of the original, then don't paint them. If you are looking for a clean integrated look, paint them. Purely personal preference.

[FIA Mike]

Tony (ERA's painter) has passed. This is very sad. I met him 10 years ago when he painted my ERA FIA cobra. He was a great guy. RIP my friend.

FIA Mike

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by Chaplin

Maybe because they look better painted than unpainted. If you are going for a clone of the original, then don't paint them. If you are looking for a clean integrated look, paint them. Purely personal preference.

What color did you paint them? No slam intended - just mine looked pretty nice and original in white glecoat and a coat of cleaner wax cleaned them up after handling and assembly. I juat had not read of anyone painting them until now.

[Dangerous Doug]

Lippy, you're the only one here that knows your kids, if they'll have the attention span and the interest for the build process.

I remember what a car nut I was an eight-year old kid. My older brother had a '55 Chevy 2-door post with a fiberglass tilt front-end and a pumped up 283. I was thrilled to be summoned to help him pull the front-end off and get wrenches and hold things in place. If I was lucky I got to start it while he made adjustments. I learned a lot about tools and which engine parts were which, and what they did. I had the patience and focus, and my older brother had the patience.

My 9-year old son isn't interested in cars, but we've built rope swings, bridges, a zip-line and now we're working on a 200' zip-line. If they like the final outcome, they'll have the interest and patience. Good luck, and have a great time with your kids and your build.

Cheers,
DD

[lippy]

I pulled the trigger this morning and sent the check to ERA. The kids are excited and the wife is supportive!

[*13*]

Anyone around here long enough to remember the Turk/ERA fun?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by *13*

Anyone around here long enough to remember the Turk/ERA fun?

Uhhh, like this? Bob, I am timing you!!