Pre-owned Cobra for someone with no mechanical experience?

[patrickt]

If there isn't somebody within three or four houses of you that is an "old school" shade-tree mechanic, or if you don't have an old-time service station, with a mechanic who is older than 60, within walking distance of your house, I say forget it. These cars, especially carbureted FEs, can sprout leaks and break down just sitting in the garage unattended.

[Super.Snake]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If there isn't somebody within three or four houses of you that is an "old school" shade-tree mechanic, or if you don't have an old-time service station, with a mechanic who is older than 60, within walking distance of your house, I say forget it. These cars, especially carbureted FEs, can sprout leaks and break down just sitting in the garage unattended.

I do have an 'old school' 'mechanic, been around forever and very good. He's right down the road. If I were to bring an old Mustang to him, I'm confident that he could fix it. But, these types of cars?

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Super.Snake

I do have an 'old school' 'mechanic, been around forever and very good. He's right down the road. If I were to bring an old Mustang to him, I'm confident that he could fix it. But, these types of cars?

Cobras are as simple or simpler than an old Mustang - and the bodies will never rust! He can most likely do the work, though the consequences of errors may be greater - depending upon how hard you're pushing it. Regardless, if he's been around forever, very good and someone you trust those are very good starting places.

If it was me I'd wander down the road and have a chat with him, tell him what I was thinking of buying and gauge his reaction. He may well relish the opportunity!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Cobras are as simple or simpler than an old Mustang - and the bodies will never rust! He can most likely do the work, though the consequences of errors may be greater - depending upon how hard you're pushing it. Regardless, if he's been around forever, very good and someone you trust those are very good starting places.

I agree. See, a lot of us here learned to fix cars thirty or forty years ago because, if we didn't fix them ourselves, then we walked.

[Super.Snake]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Cobras are as simple or simpler than an old Mustang - and the bodies will never rust! He can most likely do the work, though the consequences of errors may be greater - depending upon how hard you're pushing it. Regardless, if he's been around forever, very good and someone you trust those are very good starting places.

If it was me I'd wander down the road and have a chat with him, tell him what I was thinking of buying and gauge his reaction. He may well relish the opportunity!

Thanks everyone. He would relish the opportunity. I just wasn't sure if I'd need someone more specialized.

[Chilibit]

Originally Posted by Super.Snake

I do have an 'old school' 'mechanic, been around forever and very good. He's right down the road. If I were to bring an old Mustang to him, I'm confident that he could fix it. But, these types of cars?

I would go have a cup of coffee with the old school guy and plan to make it a joint learning experience. It is really not rocket science at all and there are all manner of folks who will chip in knowledge on the rare occasion you two can't puzzle it out together. Ask around, you will be amazed at how many clubs and shops there are. If it was a sure bet it would not be an adventure. Now that would be a travesty.

[1795]

I concur with others, if your neighbor can work on old Mustangs, he can handle a cobra. If you have limited knowledge and mechanical skills at this time, it is not something that you cannot still learn. Take your time. However, at this pout you might want to consider a cobra that was factory built as you never know the level of expertise that the prior owner had.

Many of us started with only basic mechanical skills and learned over time. Take your time, there are plenty out there and be willing to travel a little to see a car that you are interested in. Wait for the weather to get better and ask to go for a ride in the car. See how it feels and sounds. There are quite a few cobra owners in PA, stop by and visit them and ask questions.

If you would like to see one being built, stop by and see mine the beginning of May. I should be rolling along at that point in the build and you an look at the quality of a Superformance. No, you cannot buy mine and it will be a little different than the normal build, but you are free to look and ask questions. There are good wineries in the area and you can make a vacation week end of it.

Good luck.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1795

There are quite a few cobra owners in PA, stop by and visit them and ask questions.

You know, that's really the best idea. Spend a little time with the guys in your local Cobra club. If you do get a Cobra, they are absolutely your best resource for everything from teaching you how to change your idle, all the way up to replacing a blown rear. Plus, you can find out if a Cobra really is right for you. For most guys, a Cobra is the wrong car for them... so go in with an open mind.

[Xmas]

Originally Posted by Super.Snake

I do have an 'old school' 'mechanic, been around forever and very good. He's right down the road. If I were to bring an old Mustang to him, I'm confident that he could fix it. But, these types of cars?

If you trust him with an old Mustang you're good. They aren't much to them, and they certainly are not exotic. Every oval track racer in the country could open up the hood and recognize what's under it. After that... not much to it.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

If there isn't somebody within three or four houses of you that is an "old school" shade-tree mechanic, or if you don't have an old-time service station, with a mechanic who is older than 60, within walking distance of your house, I say forget it.

Holy $hit, I don't meet those requirements, I'd better sell my Cobra. All my neighbors drive Teslas.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Holy $hit, I don't meet those requirements, I'd better sell my Cobra. All my neighbors drive Teslas.

No, you are an experienced classic car owner. Just because you don't do the wrenching yourself, doesn't mean you don't generally have a pretty good idea what is wrong. Plus, you're more than willing to throw money at a problem... which helps.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, you are an experienced classic car owner. Just because you don't do the wrenching yourself, doesn't mean you don't generally have a pretty good idea what is wrong. Plus, you're more than willing to throw money at a problem... which helps.

I hadn't been towed in a very long time (knock on wood), but my DD pooped out on Saturday. Car completely shut down while driving. And I knew it wouldn't start again.

Called AAA and told them my original alternator finally crapped out after 250,000 miles. What a POS!

[*13*]

I'd be looking for a factory built car with a professionally installed motor. Superformance would probably be a good option as many of those cars fit this description. I'd also want to know that the car hasn't sat dormant in less than optimum conditions for extended periods of time.
Otherwise, the opposites are generally going to be the situations where you have a good chance of running into problems.

[ACademic]

To the OP: Have you sat in, ridden in, or even driven any form of Cobra replica? While the same general body shape is prevalent among all Cobras, how one's body fits within them can be a whole different matter depending on manufacturer. Seat width, leg room and footwell room can differ greatly.

While the driving experience can be exhilarating, it is considerably raw when compared to other performance cars. Think of them as a Harley-Davidson on four wheels. If you don't mind considerable wind noise, being exposed to any weather condition (heat, cold, moisture), exhaust noise, and possibly finishing your ride smelling a little like gasoline, then you're looking in the right place.

Too many Cobra owners get into this hobby and then realize they overstepped their own comfort levels, which largely explains the many low mileage cars that are constantly available.

I'd recommend that you perform more due diligence before worrying about how you might get it repaired. Good luck with your search.