Pre-owned Cobra for someone with no mechanical experience?

[Super.Snake]

Hi everyone.

I've always loved cars, particularly Cobras. Have been thinking about getting my first classic car but have no 'mechanical talent'. So, thinking about a Cobra reproduction. Can they be money pits, like classic cars?

I'm reading through posts here, about different manufacturers. But, assuming that I find a good pre-owned one, get it checked out, and purchase it, how do I handle maintenance/repairs? Are they generally reliable? If something breaks, who do I go to? My regular mechanic (he's good but has probably never touched one of these), or a hot rod shop? Will I be tinkering all the time to keep it running?

Classic cars can be money pits. Can the same be said about Cobra reproductions? Just asking, in general terms.

BTW, I'm leaning towards a pre-owned Superformance, will be a weekend driver. I'm in the Philly area.

Thanks!

[casedoc]

Super Snake, please check out my Backdraft in the For Sale section. Fully sorted and ready to enjoy (once you dig out from the snow)

[66gtk]

There is nothing wrong with having limited/no mechanical skills. However, you better have your other question firmly answered....if you can't do the mechanical who will do this for you? If you already don't have a mechanic who is well versed in setting up Ford engines with carburetors and other old stuff you better forget it. Yes, they do need routine maintenance and no - you can't take your Cobra to the dealership for service.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[Super.Snake]

Originally Posted by 66gtk

There is nothing wrong with having limited/no mechanical skills. However, you better have your other question firmly answered....if you can't do the mechanical who will do this for you? If you already don't have a mechanic who is well versed in setting up Ford engines with carburetors and other old stuff you better forget it. Yes, they do need routine maintenance and no - you can't take your Cobra to the dealership for service.

Thanks. Yes, that's what I'm asking. What type of mechanic do I need? I don't think my regular guy could do it, although he's good. These cars are very unique. I need to mke sure that I can get the proper support.

[casedoc]

I, too, am not a mechanic, but found a local Speed Shop that I trust 100% in taking care of the mechanicals. @66gtk, fully agree - stay far away from the Ford dealership!

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Super.Snake

Hi everyone.

I've always loved cars, particularly Cobras. Have been thinking about getting my first classic car but have no 'mechanical talent'. So, thinking about a Cobra reproduction. Can they be money pits, like classic cars?

I'm reading through posts here, about different manufacturers. But, assuming that I find a good pre-owned one, get it checked out, and purchase it, how do I handle maintenance/repairs? Are they generally reliable? If something breaks, who do I go to? My regular mechanic (he's good but has probably never touched one of these), or a hot rod shop? Will I be tinkering all the time to keep it running?

Classic cars can be money pits. Can the same be said about Cobra reproductions? Just asking, in general terms.

BTW, I'm leaning towards a pre-owned Superformance, will be a weekend driver. I'm in the Philly area.

Thanks!

If you're not mechanically inclined, and therefore highly likely to need someone to work on the car for you, that might be the first place to start. If you trust your regular mechanic it might be worth asking the question (you never know what their hobbies are or how they spend their time away from work), otherwise I'd check with hot rod shops. Ideally you'll find someone with Cobra experience, but these things are generally pretty simple both mechanically and electrically, and most 'old school' mechanics worth their salt should be able to figure their way around one pretty quickly.

Once you've got someone to work on the car it would be a good idea (if possible) to have them assist with the inspection of your intended purchase.

Q1) Are they generally reliable?
A1) Generally, yes, but reliable in relationship to a 1960s or 1970s car - it's probably the rare Cobra that comes anywhere close to modern cars with EFI and a computer for everything.

Q2) If something breaks, who do I go to? My regular mechanic (he's good but has probably never touched one of these), or a hot rod shop?
A2) See my initial paragraph.

Q3) Will I be tinkering all the time to keep it running?
A3) A Cobra with a carbureted, solid lifter cam will need more tinkering than one with a fuel-injected, hydraulic lifter cam. Having said that, the quality of the build and the maintenance and care by the previous owner(s) will have a significant impact on how good a car you're getting, and the amount of sorting / tinkering required - especially initially. That s/b motivation for a thorough inspection before purchase.

Q4) Classic cars can be money pits. Can the same be said about Cobra reproductions?
A4) Absolutely - but they don't have to be. See responses above, but also consider whether you're going to take the car and keep it 'as is' ($), or whether this will be an ongoing project with a stream of regular upgrades ($$$$).

FWIW, when I bought my car in 2014 it was in pretty good shape cosmetically, but needed a number of upgrades. The price reflected that, and I was fortunate in that I was able to do most of the work myself - from both a skills and time perspective. Had I been in your shoes I would not have purchased that car, as paying someone to do all that work would have made it a very expensive project.

[Mach 1 Fan]

Since you are in the Philly area, I recommend you hang out at the Simone Museum and find out what mechanics they use. It is in Philly and they have a wonderful collection of old cars they keep in working order. Get to know the people there and you will find the help you need.

Michael

[Mark IV]

These cars are basically from the "age of iron" and are fairly simple if carbureted. Any decent hot rod/specialty garage can handle what you will need done.

We have some resale Superformance cars available right now https://www.facebook.com/TimeMachine...47485988648969