ERA vs Unique FIA

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by ERA 778

Bonding the body is not a difficult job at all. It's more straight forward than the method described in the manual (Bob, are your reading? The manual is out of date on this!)

The PatrickT Rule: There is only one assembly manual that counts and that is worth the paper (or Internet space) that it's printed on. And there is only one manual that will ever be written by any Cobra replica manufacturer since no other company or person will accept the task and challenge of completing an assembly manual. ERA Rules!

BTW, Patrick could you please write the update on section that has to do with "Bonding the ERA Body." It appears that the vaunted ERA manual is outdated.

AFAIK, SPF's, CSX's, BDR's and KMP's don't have manuals and people still purchase and enjoy those cars. So, please don't base your decision on a manual or lack thereof.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

AFAIK, SPF's, CSX's, BDR's and KMP's don't have manuals and people still purchase and enjoy those cars. So, please don't base your decision on a manual or lack thereof.

... and people bought the Chevette, Gremlin, Pinto, and Yugo as well. If you're going to drop a chunk 'o change that is approaching (or passing) six figures for a lot of those cars, you're damn well entitled to a service manual. And the folks at the respective companies need to get off their fat asses and write quality manuals for their cars (or complete the ones they've started). It is simply inexcusable.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

And the folks at the respective companies need to get off their fat asses and write quality manuals for their cars (or complete the ones they've started). It is simply inexcusable.

So, are you calling David and Thomas Kirkham lazy? You know the guys who are building an alloy Daytona Coupe and engineering a new alloy FE block among other projects? How about that funky looking car made in Greece or wherever? You know the ones who are constantly tweaking here and there to make their products better for their customers. You know the guys who's products are sold out until at least Spring 2013?

Hmmm, it can't be them, can it?

[patrickt]

I have no doubt that both of them would readily admit that they have dropped the ball in not completing their manual.

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

So, please don't base your decision on a manual or lack thereof.

I'd agree that this shouldn't be the sole criteria, but a good manual should at least be a huge check mark in the plus column. For example, in the section on adjusting brakes in the ERA manual - "Because the front brake wheel cylinders require more fluid than the rears, the balance bar is always set up with the outside push-rod 1/4" longer than the inside one" So now I not only know how to make the adjustment, but understand exactly why. Assembling the car should be fun and documentation makes it easier. That's worth something to some of us.

Regards,

Kevin