First Pics of ERA #795

[kevins2]

Well, since they salted the roads before I got the rearend assembly back in, not much to do on the car until I can get some miles on it. So, I've been knocking out a couple of small projects. The first was the fire extinguisher bracket. I mounted the extinguisher temporarily with the bracket that came with it, but it used rubber bungies to hold it in place, so not vehicle rated. Didn't find a bracket I liked but found some nice stainless steel quick-release clamps, so I modified the bracket to use the clamps and painted it black.






Another project was to put a clock in the car. I always like having a clock but didn't want to clutter up the dash so didn't order one with the car. Instead, I bought a 52mm Smiths clock to match the gauges and made my own enclosure - covered it with black vinyl to match the dash. I made a bracket that clips to the front edge of the tunnel and holds it firmly with no screws or holes drilled. So, if I ever sell the car and the new owner doesn't like the clock there, it can be easily removed without a trace.








Oh, and from an earlier post, ERAChas recommended upgrading the shoulder harnesses to 3". I happen to know that Santa is bringing me a set of Crow harnesses to replace the narrower straps. Thanks for the recommendation ERAChas - they will look a lot better and, although I hope never to need them, I'm sure they would be easier on the body in an accident.

[DanEC]

Kevin - nice job on the clock. Looks great. Ain't winter a bummer?

Dan

[ERA Chas]

...and order a set of pads for the upper straps. Your passengers will like you for it and it allows the harnesses to be made TIGHT. You don't want the torso to have slack in the belts-only arm movement. Keeps you in the sea better too.

Oh and if you switch to eyebolts in the bulkhead and floor, with clips on the belts, it's cake to snap them in and out for maintenance or work.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

...and order a set of pads for the upper straps. Your passengers will like you for it and it allows the harnesses to be made TIGHT. You don't want the torso to have slack in the belts-only arm movement. Keeps you in the sea better too.

Uhhh, looks like you just cut the ends out of a couple of tube socks, if you ask me....

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Uhhh, looks like you just cut the ends out of a couple of tube socks, if you ask me....

...And black air conditioner foam with zip ties on TWO roll bars looks 'serious race car'>>>

[Dwight]

I live in town but there are a lot of deer in the area. I see them almost every day. Four pointer in the yard a few days ago and a six point passed behind me on the road into the neighborhood yesterday. The road from my house to the main hiway is a mile away. Nice curvy road with hills. Great Cobra road. Thru the years I have never had a deer pass in front of the Cobra but my other cars, sometimes I have to stop and let them pass in front of me. Small deer have bounced off the side of my Town Car.
I think they hear the Cobra and stop before they get to the road. Twelve years of watching for them in the Cobra, never a problem.
So keep the pipes screaming because it may scare the deer away.

Dwight

today it's 57 degree, I could go for a short ride but I have to finish the tile floor for the wife.

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

...allows the harnesses to be made TIGHT. You don't want the torso to have slack in the belts-only arm movement. Keeps you in the sea better too.

Actually, driving around here with really tight shoulder harnesses is a bit of a dilemma. The most likely impact scenario, aside from me screwing up and crashing on my own, is a deer collision. Not being able to duck or move sideways would be a bad thing if a 300 lb. deer was coming through the windshield. My last daily driver was totaled in a deer collision, so I can only imagine how the Cobra would fare. Harnessed in tightly, a deer could literally take your head off. Ugly thoughts, but since it already happened to another of my cars, it is something I think about.

All these winding, hilly country roads will be awesome driving in the Cobra, but those damn deer do put a damper on the safety issue.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by kevins2

My last daily driver was totaled in a deer collision, so I can only imagine how the Cobra would fare. Harnessed in tightly, a deer could literally take your head off.

I understand Kevin. But with Cobras, you always make a choice. Eat a 300 pound deer or the windshield in a head on or rear end.
Ugly choices for sure but Cobras leave very little room for compromise. I always preferred the secure feeling laying on the brakes at 120 in the shut-off area to make the first turn off at Westhampton. It was the only turn-off...
And I street drove it that way always.

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I understand Kevin. But with Cobras, you always make a choice. Eat a 300 pound deer or the windshield in a head on or rear end.
Ugly choices for sure but Cobras leave very little room for compromise. I always preferred the secure feeling laying on the brakes at 120 in the shut-off area to make the first turn off at Westhampton. It was the only turn-off...
And I street drove it that way always.

Hi Chas,

Good advice, for sure. With only 80 miles under my belt, I haven't done much spirited driving yet. I imagine tight shoulder harnesses will feel good once I do...

Thanks,

Kevin

[kevins2]

Originally Posted by DanEC

Kevin - nice job on the clock. Looks great. Ain't winter a bummer?

Dan

Hi Dan,

Yes it certainly is. In the past, I've not minded winter and enjoyed going skiing. This year I just want to play with my new toy, but can't

Regards,

Kevin