Decision on manufacturer, help.

The_Militia · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 02:17 PM

I have decided that I want the 427 body style for my future build. I would also like to get a kit that would allow for some customization such as the interior and wheels. I do not want to use a donor car, I want to use all new parts. I would also like to use a big block, (not sure which one yet). Lastly I would like all of the fabrication to be done that I would not have to do any welding, even maybe go so far as not having to do any cutting or fabrication of the fiberglass body.

I am looking for a kit that comes as close to possible as this. Any suggestions?

One more thing, are their kits that come with aluminum bodies as opposed to fiberglass?

Thanks for your time.

TonyMadrid · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 03:07 PM

Check out the Antique & Collectables Kit. I just built one and found it to be an easy kit to aasemble. I didn't need a donor car and there was no welding to be done. As for the body, you can get it in a gelcoat color of your choice that already comes with a high gloss finish that requires no sanding of mold marks or seams. There will be some cutting needed such as for the sidepipe cutouts and holes for the bumpers bracket bars, roll bar, hood & trunk latches, and windshield posts.

Their website is:

http://acautos.com/

Hope you like what they offer, I did! Have an enjoyable build whatever kit you choose.

Tony

PNJSNAK · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2003, 08:14 PM

Ditto on A & C. Their Kit will allow up to a 460. The best part is the gelcoat body. Any color except metalflak. Buffed it a bit and put a couple coats of wax. Eventually will clearcoat it.
Good luck with you decision.
Jim

PSB · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 07:37 AM

Hunter Kit Cars meets all your criteria. They also pride themselves on their ability to customize each kit based on what the customer wants. They can set up the kit for any engine you want - they have even done a Viper engine.

Check out my build page - http://members.cox.net/petescobra/

Pete

bittentoo · #5 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 08:18 AM

Unique meets all of the criteria that you listed, check them out. I'm having one built right now!

Doug I · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 08:24 AM

Also check out Backdraft. They deliver a complete painted roller. Plenty of engine options available as well. Every owner I've spoken to has been thrilled, and from what I've seen on here the support from the Dealers is great.

www.backdraftracing.com

happy hunring

JWheaton · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 09:07 AM

ERA -- for fiberglass

Kirkham for avroolinum

PSB · #8 (**permalink**) 11-10-2003, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JWheaton

ERA -- for fiberglass

Kirkham for avroolinum

ERA is not too keen on "customization".

bill32 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 10:31 AM

Your description of what you want would seem to fit just about exactly with a Factory Five Racing kit. Their kit will accept any Ford engine from 289 through 460, you just tell them when you order so they put in correct motormount brackets. Factory Five only offers Fiberglass body, but it is one piece and well made. There is no fabrication required, but you do need good tools and a reasonable mechanical ability. Their kit is designed to use either a Mustang donor, or all new parts, it is simply a matter of how much you want to spend. There is also a lot of good 3rd party vendors for this kit for add-on goodies. There is a large selection of wheels and tires you can use. I have 10,000 miles on mine now and believe I made the right choice. You might want to do two things. First, spend $50 and order their build manual ( www.factoryfive.com )which will show you and tell you about the build process. Also, go look at www.ffcobra.com which is a forum specifically dedicated to Factory Five Cobra kit builders. There is a huge amount of information there, and a lot of people who help you during the build. You can complete a quality build for $25-$30 K, depending on which motor and transmission you select. I did a semi donor build and a reasonable amount of add-ons, chrome (including convertible top, tonneau cover and bumpers) for $26,500 which included sales taxes, registration and license.

Good luck in your search. Feel free to e-mail me with questions. bill.haas@dptechnology.com

Regards,
Bill

CowtownCobra · #10 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 11:49 AM

If you are looking to "customize" then I would recommend against "alloy" or ERA since they are prized for their authenticity.

Seems like the South Africans are cornering the market on cobras now. The only drawback is they are complete except for engine, and if you wanted to build the whole car...

Everyone is going to tell you to go with whatever they already have. Give 'em all a look

hog · #11 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 03:12 PM

I have been very satisfied with my Shell Valley. They will accomadate about anything you need. If I had any questions during assembly they were just a phone call away. I believe they have a free freight special on now. Rich Lacey one of the salesman does the delivery. About the only thing I had to weld was the brackets on the side pipes. Everything was new except for the rear end which they rebuilt. www.shellvalley.com
hog

The_Militia · #12 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 05:04 PM

Thanks for all the help. After much reviewing of the posts, manufacturer's websites and various e-mails, I think that my choice of manufacturer will be Factory Five Racing.

foothills gary · #13 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 06:01 PM

Factory Five was running a promo through Oct31-you may want to see if they may have extended it.

Jack21 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 06:14 PM

Before you plunk down the long green loot, go out to local events and take a serious look at representative samples of each Mfg. kit you have in serious contention. They are as different as night and day.

There are a lot to FFR guys that wouldn't own/build anything else. Yet these FFR guys call my CR the Cadillac of Cobras.

Bottom line! There is no way you can chose a kit Mfg. without checking these cars out in their on-the-street, finished product configurations, and owner/builder/driver suggestions and recommendations to as potential new owner/builder/driver kit Mfg. selection and configuration for your driving style/requirements.

Do your homework. This forum allows you to do it thoroughly before plunking down the long green.

Do you like tall, leggy, brown eyed, brunettes; or short, busty, blue eyed, blondes? Honestly, it's that personal. Check it out first.

Bill Wells · #15 (**permalink**) 11-11-2003, 06:40 PM

Jack 21 said : Do you like tall, leggy, brown eyed, brunettes; or short, busty, blue eyed, blondes?

the answer is YES ! LOL ! bill

grumpy · #16 (**permalink**) 11-12-2003, 10:53 AM

Bill,
He went with a redhead, small busted, panty seams showing, kinda light and young with a fixed smile.
No big busted, two carbed, older gals in jeans for him ! LOL
grumpy

Goober · #17 (**permalink**) 11-12-2003, 02:39 PM

Currently Backdraft is not ready for big blocks. They mostly run 302 or 351 engines. You can stroke out a 351 to a 427 if you just have to have 7 liters

grumpy · #18 (**permalink**) 11-13-2003, 11:35 AM

goober ,
Punch it out to whatever, it's still in sb class. If you've ever had the oppr\ortunity to try one on these 351to427 on the street, they are not too friendly to drive. However, sometimes on Rankin Road you'll find anything, right?
grumpy

Goober · #19 (**permalink**) 11-13-2003, 11:43 AM

Grumpy, you are correct. No substitute for the big block. Still the 351 strokers makes an affordable tire burner on the street.
I think the limit on these 351's should stay at 392 or at max 406 like Rouse is producing. 427 it at the limit when you look at recipocating mass at high RPM's. I have a friend that has one and it won't idle under 1200 rpm. Has a nasty habit of loading up also.

Tony Radford · #20 (**permalink**) 11-13-2003, 12:57 PM

I have a 427 Windsor stroker. I think it's awesome. I have my idle set for 950 RPMs and it idles in traffic right along side the SUVs and school busses. Talk about neck-snapping acceleration. With the solid flat tappet cam and aluminum flywheel, it revs like an Indy car. Talk about smoking tires! And there's plenty of room around the engine for maintenance.