The Unofficial Guide to Cobra Replicas

[SunDude]

Buzz,

For the "Accuracy" category, it might be worth mentioning which original 260/289 or 427 Cobra (if applicable) was used as the basis for the replica manufacturer's body molds.

I tried to put together a list a while back, but this info is hard to find. I suspect a lot of replica bodies were simply "eye balled" and not pulled from an original car.

[Wbulk]

Buzz, I would really like to see measurements of the cockpit included if possible. I have been trying to get these on the various brands. One thing that most don't know, including some manufatures is that there are low, medium and high bodies. They measure from a low of 24" to high of 27" from the main floor to the center rear cowl deck.

The measurements I have been collecting are basic. They are:
1. From the rear center cowl deck to the main floor.
2. The height of the door at the latch to the main floor.
3. The body length and width of the cockpit (inner most points).
4. Length from the drivers firewall to the rear bulkhead where it meets the floor.
5. Across the seat the distance from the tunnel to the door.

What you are trying to do is great. One issue that has to be resolved is car version. Like FFR they are now on the Mark IV. Most other manufactures have not numbered or kept track of the changes. Another example is Shell Valley, when they started up again they now use the higher body that is 27". How do we resolve this? Maybe just a manufacture build date and if it varies from someone elses there would be another entry. Ideas?

Wayne

[WardL]

I've listed the criteria for original. The format is all screwed up because I tried to copy-paste but maybe you will get the idea. I have suggested tabs for 427, 289, GT 40, engines and tips. How can I post the full blown spreadsheet?

Cobra Manufacturers
Updated: 7/6/2012
Contact Wfridrich@Comcast.Net if you have updates

Manufacturer Original 427 Cobra
Web Site WWW.ShelbyAmerican.com
Model 427 Cobra S/C
Type Complete
Manufacturer, Location Shelby American, Venice, CA
Notes
Approximate Number Produced
Retail Cost New $6,000
Typical original complete cost $6,000
Range of Used Vehicles $750,000

Standard Items:
Battery
Body Aluminum
Body Parts
Body Prep
Brake Lines
Brake Master
Brake, emergency
Brakes, front Girling discs, 11 5/8"
Brakes, rear Girling discs, 10 3/4"
Bumpers
Carpet
Carpeting
Chassis Tubular type chassis based on two parallel main members.
Colors
Dashboard
Defogger
Doors
Drive Shaft Safety Strap
Electrical
Electrical, Switches
Exhaust
Firewall
Foot Boxes
Fresh Air Ducting
Fuel Line
Fuel Tank
Gas Cap
Gauges
Glove Box
Hardware
Heater
Hood Scoop
Horn
Instruction Manual
Interior Panels
Lights
Lights
Mirrors
Oil Cooler
Paint
Passenger Air Vent
Pedal Box
Radiator
Rear End Type
Roll Bar
Seat Belts
Seats
Shifter
Shock Absorbers
Steering
Steering Wheel
Stripes
Sun visor & wind wings
Suspension, Front Independent coil springs with parallel arms
Suspension, Rear Independent coil springs with parallel arms
Tires
Transmission tunnel
Trim
Wheels
Windshield & Visors
Wipers & Washer


Dimensions & Capacities
Wheelbase, Inches 90
Length, Inches 156
Height at Screen, Inches 49
Width, Inches 68
Front Track, Inches 56
Rear Track, Inches 56
Fuel Tank Capacity, gallons 18
Front Wheels 7.5 x 15
Rear Wheels 9.5 x 15
Tires: Front
Tires: Rear
Rear End Ratio
Ground Clearance, Inches 5.5
Empty Weight, lbs. 2,355
Weight with 351 Motor, lbs.
Weight with 427 Motor, lbs.
Weight with 460 Motor, lbs.

Optional Items:








Subjective Advantages:









Subjective Disadvantages:

[CowtownCobra]

Oh my, Buzz this is a perfect example of why its better to ask for forgiveness later than to ask for permission up front. Just do it.

BTW, I would be glad to gather up tech details on the Lonestars, just let me know.

[Jamo]

Buzz...bravo buddy. As Ron said...this thread's gonna be kept nice and clean.

[WardL]

I have stored a spreadsheet of Cobras here:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzD...UFDTXRHb3ZuMzQ

or here:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzD...UFDTXRHb3ZuMzQ

You can view this spreadsheet online with Google spreadsheet or go to file and download the file to your computer and open it with Excel. The first column is the original Cobra. Each column has another model (Superformance, ERA, Kirkham, etc) with the replica's specific dimension or description. Please update the manufacturer of your choice and email it to me at WFridrich@comcast.net and I will update the spreadsheet at the link.

Please remember this is a draft and work in progress. If you want to add a new criteria, dimension or spec, please feel free to do so and send it to me. Please avoid words like "best" or "heavy duty" and be more specific. I expect I will know what everyone thinks about this based on the response. If no one responds I'll know.... Thanks!

[Jamo]

Nice! Glad you found a place for it.

[Steve Cassani]

Ron, Brent

As this project gains in information, it's utility is likley to diminish if the information remains structured by a spreadsheet. Give thought to using this site as a route to a data base that is amenable to query. For example, asking which manufacturer provides the option to adjust the pedal location relative to the driver's seat can be answered by scrolling through what will become a wealth of data, reading row by row, or using a well designed interface to allow a reader to query the pertinent information. Just the scale of the spreadsheet will discourage many from looking for the answer to their question, jus as many are reluctant to wade through page after page of posts, even those that are already grouped under a theme or topic.

The search utility on this site works well. I may be mistaken in thinking this capability will not extend to a spreadsheet embedded in a post. Either way, the potential scale of what is only now gaining interest will, over the course of the next few months, prove unmanageable if left configured as a spreadsheet. A well engineered data base will permit what is proving to be an exciting opportunity realize the potential those who support the effort believe it can have.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Steve Cassani

I may be mistaken in thinking this capability will not extend to a spreadsheet embedded in a post.

You are correct; the search engine deals with text in posts, not links or attachments.

We are not currently in a position to create, manage, update and administer a searchable data base with queries.

[Steve Cassani]

On reading my reply to this post I have discovered my example is exactly the sort of one-dimensional question that can be answered, using a spreadsheet. Not for the first time I typed without thinking through what I needed to say. Here is a sample of a query that cannot yield useful results if it is asked of a spreadsheet:

Which constructor offers a replica of the 427 Cobra that (1) allows for adjusting the pedal box AND (2) allows for roll bars to protect the driver and passenger?

A spreadsheet will force the reader to read constructor after constructor, looking for, firstly, an instance of adjustable pedal box followed by asking of these constructors, which replica allows for two roll bars. If I have my example right, the tedium of doing this will be apparent and you will agree that it is enough to discourage readers from using the spreadsheet to query for information that meets the questioners need. The pedal box and roll bars options are not engineered together; they come to be grouped by the person who wishes to narrow his choice of constructor, using a criterion the questioner has constructed.

[Jamo]

Yup...Ward had already looked into what we could do here...the google option works for now (development stage) and probably best having a gatekeeper decide what goes on the spreadsheet IMO.

[PaulProe]

So who is the contact point for the data? I can supply fields for Hurricane Motorsports

Does it go to Buzz, to Ward, to . . . ?

Paul

[WardL]

The Google spreadsheet information updates would go to me. If someone has a better approach I'm open to doing it the best way for the group.

[CowtownCobra]

Originally Posted by WardL

The Google spreadsheet information updates would go to me. If someone has a better approach I'm open to doing it the best way for the group.

Sounds good.

[Buzz]

Fantastic stuff guys! I am working on the Cobra line drawings as we speak and I will upload side, front, rear and top views. A newer member with relevant expertise has contacted me via PM to offer his assistance and I will direct him to Ward to see if they can work together.

Once I upload the templates and we agree on the measurement points, I guess the next step would be to work on finalizing the data and layout so the volunteers like Lou and Paul for the individual brands can compile the relevant info and forward it Ward.

A photo comparison similar to the one on ERA's site would be fantastic as well If we can find a way to ensure consistency in the way the cars are photographed. For example, the exterior shots would have to be taken from a set height, position and distance from the car at a given focal length to be truly useful. It must be kept in mind that variables like wheel and tire setups and ride height settings will always keep an element of variance in the appearance of the cars, even within the individual brands.

[tcrist]

Just thinking out loud here but here goes.

How about creating a picture of sorts of a Cobra. Side, front, back and top views and then put places for dimensions such as wheel base overall length & width, tracking (front and rear) cockpit size to a certain location, seat height, and length from seat back to the pedals, ECT.

Where ever you want a dimension to put in the identifiers A,B,C, ECT and then in a list area people / manufactures could input their dimensions.

The idea is for the dimensions for all makes be relative to the same locations. No guess work that way.
The dimensions should be for the standard manufacture design, not for already modified by the owner. I think that is what this is all about anyway.

I could try to get the information on the Classic Roadster unless DV already has it.

[BAsque1]

Originally Posted by tcrist

Just thinking out loud here but here goes.

How about creating a picture of sorts of a Cobra. Side, front, back and top views and then put places for dimensions such as wheel base overall length & width, tracking (front and rear) cockpit size to a certain location, seat height, and length from seat back to the pedals, ECT.

Where ever you want a dimension to put in the identifiers A,B,C, ECT and then in a list area people / manufactures could input their dimensions.

The idea is for the dimensions for all makes be relative to the same locations. No guess work that way.
The dimensions should be for the standard manufacture design, not for already modified by the owner. I think that is what this is all about anyway.

I could try to get the information on the Classic Roadster unless DV already has it.

TCrist :
excellent idea I can provide some for the WCC too. We could make this a very comprehensive guide.
Basque1 (Lou)

[YerDugliness]

Originally Posted by tcrist

Just thinking out loud here but here goes.

How about creating a picture of sorts of a Cobra. Side, front, back and top views and then put places for dimensions such as wheel base overall length & width, tracking (front and rear) cockpit size to a certain location, seat height, and length from seat back to the pedals, ECT.

Where ever you want a dimension to put in the identifiers A,B,C, ECT and then in a list area people / manufactures could input their dimensions.

There may be no need to reinvent the wheel...take a look at the avatar for this member:

Club Cobra - View Profile: Got the Bug

It looks to me like it is exactly what you are describing.

Cheers!

Dugly

[WardL]

Sounds great!

[WardL]

I've added West Coast Cobra specs given to me by Lou. Hmm, the only problem is there is a new link for each update! I need to check on that. Here is the link to the new spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzD...EEwR1pfaDd4Ums