Question on B&B and opinion on a specific car

[chrisd0729]

I've wanted a cobra for a while and finally shopping for one. I have a C4 ragtop and a 68 Camaro with a 383/405hp and finally ready to add the Cobra to my stable!

I've been shopping for a little while and only looked at a few so far. My usage will be a few times per month for leisure driving and occasional shows. No plans to race it much, only a few casual stops at the local drag strips each year. I'm not concerned with perfect originality however I'd like it to be close to original looks.

I found one local and wanted to get a few opinions from the pros here before looking at it. I don't hear much about B&B and the few things I did hear were positive. What are the feelings on this B&B and this one specifically? If I did buy the one below, I would swap the rims for a set of Vintages. I would also look at possibility of swapping intake/carb to get a stock uncut hood on it.

Thanks in advance guys.

1966 Ac cobra replica 27,000 or OBO

[jayscobras]

Save your gas. Much better cars out there for the price with less issues.

Jay

[Dwight]

I did a lot of work on a B&B last year for Mike. Started out just maintenance work, but then he wanted more hp. He had me to change the motor and trannie before we finished.
The only thing I did not like about the B&B was the front upper and lower control arms. They are about an inch to wide for the frame. I have a friend in Ca. with a B&B and he had the same problem. He called Heidts and they made him what he needed. Most of the B&B builders just fixed the problem with more offset in their rims. And I don't like the way the rims looks, but each to his own.
After I finished with Mike's Cobra and took it for a test ride I was very pleased with the way it handled and rode. One of the best if not the best riding Cobras I have been in.
The other problem was the thin pad in the seats but I had a guy redo the seats for under $100.
There is a young guy working in town this summer who bought an unfinished B&B. He painted it and got it running a couple of weeks ago. He emailed me that his seat is to thin and killing his butt. We are going to repad his driver seat tomorrow.

In my opinion the B&B is a great Cobra.

Value and price would largely depend on the motor, trannie, paint, tires and rims. But a great car to start with.

Dwight

[DanEC]

I don't know. I agree on the wheels and intake having to go, but if it's a solidly built car and they will negotiate a little it might not be a bad deal. B&B are reportidly solid cars as long as you're not seeking a high level of conformity to original details.

[Clois Harlan]

There was a time when B&B was a much better built kit but when Barry left the quality went down considerably. Find one that was built before 2008.

[RET_COP]

Mine was built in 2002. Barry McGill did the chassis work. and Bryan did the glass. The 2x4 frame with an X member tig welded is very strong. It is not the lightest Cobra but handles well. The glass is thick with rolled lips, very nice job. The front brow is a little shallow and it leaves no room for a tall intake. The windshield stands up more than others. The 15" Vintage Halibrand Replica Wheels from factory Five [ 15"x 8" /5" BS and 15x9 /5.48"BS] fit perfect with 295 on the rear and 235 on the front. My best change was the clutch quadrant if you have a cable set up.
You can still get parts for them through either Barry or Bryan
Lou

[chrisd0729]

Are these kits you order and assemble or, do they do the majority of the work before its delivered? This one was built 2004-05 so it sounds like when the "good guys" we're there?

[DanEC]

You can buy a kit from them or they will build you a roller or a complete car.

[jams]

Still happy with my 2001 B&B

[Slow Dawg]

That is a customer built car. Too many flaws and inconsistencies for me to put even a roller out the door looking like that.

[Quik289]

Can spot a B&B a mile away because of the very vertical windshield. Make sure that won't bother you.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by jayscobras

Save your gas. Much better cars out there for the price with less issues.

Jay

Aside from looking over that giant air cleaner, I think you'd be hard pressed to put together a very long list of Cobras that you can buy for $27K. The guy is open to offers, so he's going to take less.

You get what you pay for though.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by chrisd0729

... I've been shopping for a little while and only looked at a few so far......

I can't speak to B&B, but suggest shopping around some more, then if this car still looks like what you are after, make an offer.

A lot of the fun is in the looking / building, so I would advise take your time and enjoy the process. A little more research and money up front could net a Cobra closer to the one you really want.

[NFLDMNBB]

Looks like a decent car for the money (under 30k) My 2 cents is the wheels gotta go and replace the hood and get rid of that ugly air cleaner. I'm very happy with my B&B. The body is very thick and strong. I smacked a curb with the nose and figured I'd be in for a repair to the fiberglass. It only chipped the paint. I am however thinking I'll sell it in the spring and step up to a ERA or a Superformance.

[chrisd0729]

Originally Posted by Slow Dawg

That is a customer built car. Too many flaws and inconsistencies for me to put even a roller out the door looking like that.

Thanks for the insider info- could you give any details on the flaws and inconsistencies?
thanks

[Wbulk]

Just some poor judgement by an owner. Replace the wheels, the hood, the poor quality carpet job. Redo the dash covering. I am wondering why someone took out some of the hinge bolts for the trunk. The gas tank needs to be replaced. Cars build prior to I believe Oct 2008 seemed to be better in my opinion. It is very hard to build one for under 25K, even if you do everything yourself. They have a strong frame and thick glass. The Windshield angle is up to the builder and can be changed. Could be a deal for the right price. You can call Barry if you need parts. Fiberglass 34 Coupes and Cobras by McGill Manufacturing

[Slow Dawg]

Ouch, Wayne! I just pulled my shoulder out of socket trying to pull that knife out of my back.

[la cobra]

My b&b was completed in nov. 2010. The body and frame are strong solid pieces. The interior fit and finish is good quality. I had the seat bottoms redone with gel foam for better comfort. I bought my car to be a good quality driver and have 3100 miles of fun today. What it boils down to is dollars and your ability to modify to your liking. Feel free to contact me for any more info.

[dlampe]

The problem is that by the time you get the things fixed you need to in order to be happy, your over $30K. I just think there are other cars out there to consider. I had a B&B and it drove great. The windshield angle bugged me and the wide roll bar. Just do you research before your buy.

[chrisd0729]

Yep, I agree. I went to look at it to see if I could get it low enough to absorb the extra costs and not be upside down. I would need it for $22k or so to break even and he's already turning down 23k. It was a decent car but, obviously not the one that's meant to be.