Which Ones Are Just Junk?
 

I hear talk about Cobras(replicas) that are great cars and others that are junk. Do these Manufacturers that are making junk still exist? Which ones are considered junk (besides the one that was listed in Traderonline.com that somewone posted a picture of yesterday) or is "junk" reffering to the people who dont know how to assemble them properly and "Butcher" the car? If this is the case then are all cars judged on the Manufacturing process or the assembly process. Then I suppose there are some Khirkhams out there that are junk (due to the assembler) and some Factory Fives out there that are Spectacular vehicles right or wrong? Just curious.
Gary:rolleyes:

Oh Yeah, this is going to open the door and get interesting! Let the games begin!

Some how I doubt that there are any Kirkhams that are junk and if there is one then it is an abomination and should be GIVEN to me immediatly so that I may make it right.:D

Have a good one,
Dan

I do agree that the definition of junk is hard to pin down, and probably too harsh a word. There are probably some body shells that historically have not aged well. Fatigue, stress near mount points and delamination being issues. Likewise, a rusted or poorly welded frame and such. I have not seen any with cronic issues, but then, they are probably not out on the road one would imagine.

The running gear, Engine, Trannie, Suspension and Differential are usually all owner supplied so aside from the body frame, hydraulics, electrical wiring and such, most everything else is kit or off the shelf items from the Cobra genre.

On the other hand, I have seen some super owner built cars up close. Bill Cave's Factory Five 427, dark racing green here in CT is a case in point. This car is perfect in every detail as far as I could see, and even sports aluminized front under-hood paint. Just a wonderful car. So, the builder(s) or assembler(s) have alot to do with the final result, be that good or not so good. Time is the best judge I suppose.

There is a saying that goes like this....

"The second hot rod you build is always better than your first".

Our dear Cobras are no different IMHO.

I also remember a fine finish carpenter telling me that " The only difference between a craftsman and a novice woodworker is that the craftsman just knows how to make his mistakes invisible". Some truth there.

Only If You Own It
 

Max:

It all depends on the definition of "junk". I may have a Cobra replica that has little market value when compared to others. But, if I worked hard and saved for a number of years to be able to afford it, then it may be priceless to me. I may value my $10,000 replica as much, or maybe more, than someone who has one that cost $65,000+.

There are two values to almost any property, what it's worth on the open market and what it's worth to its owner (the term "sentimental value" comes to mind here).

My mother always taught me to find something about the object I liked and then say something nice ("Hey Mister, is that a real NOS Pinto engine? SWEET!!").

Bottom line: If you own it then you're qualified to call it junk. If you don't own it, keep your thoughts to yourself.

Happy Holidays!!

Steve C.
Well said, may you and yours have a wonderful holiday.
Bob Faust

RIGHT, STEVE - - -

VERY NICELY STATED. THIS THREAD COULD GO ON FOR WEEKS (AND IT MOST PROBABLY WILL) AND YOURS WILL STILL BE THE KEYNOTE COMMENTS.

Y'ALL HAVE A REALLY GREAT DAY.

BLACKJACK

My Mom Was a Smart Lady....
 

Bob & Blackjack:

Thanks for the kind words. Best wishes for the holidays.

BTW: Blackjack, I love your tagline about fools. I am a retired state trooper. Many years ago we had an old, crusty sergeant as the department's primary range instructor. He was also the senior gunsmith.

He used to say that you could give a trooper a solid steel ball and within 30 minutes he'd have it taken apart and wouldn't know how to get it back together. Over the years, I saw a lot of proof he was telling the truth.

Fools............they sure make life interesting.**)

There are different "grades" of quality.

"What you put into it is what you'll get out of it."

"You get what you pay for."

I could go on and on with other well known cliches', but they are all true and usually apply when evaluating a Cobra.

I do believe that some replicas are junk but it has everything to do with the builder. Does anyone know of a "junk" replica still available on the market? I believe the market has matured and the quality keeps getting better.

With an entry point as high as Kirkham's it is unlikely any of there cars have fallen into the wrong hands.

MAXVELO,
With over 130 post to your name, Shirley, (you don't mind if I call you Shirley do you?) you might have some idea of the volatility that such an innocent question might evoke?

Shirly? Well, Ive been called much worse!
 

I do realize the reprocussions of my question. It wasnt meant to rock the boat. Its just that Ive probably read 5 times the posts that Ive written, In doing so Ive heard others use the word "junk" in describing some kits etc. . I think Ive heard (read) at least every manufacture be insulted at one thread or another for various reasons (WITH A FEW UN-NAMED EXCEPTIONS). I would just like to know if these cars are still around or if mine would be clasified as such.....
I bought my car a year ago (which is when I found this site) not knowing much about the "Kit" cars. I still have a lot to learn and am probably too anxious to know the answer to some questions for my own good! "INQUIREING MINDS WANT TO KNOW" Beleive me, it wasnt to stir the pot!:JEKYLHYDE

So I have to ask, is this a REAL thread????


Bill S.

PS: Sorry, I could not help myself..........

I don't think I've ever read anything on this forum that referred to a "junk" Cobra manufacturer....
I may have missed that posting or thread but I don't think so...

Nope, can't remember that happening...


" I do realize the repercussions of my question. It wasn't meant to rock the boat".....

Of course it was!!!!!!

and that's OK....

Ok, let's face it, they are all junk....Some just nicer than the others........


http://www.blarg.net/~xerxes/images/.../Norespect.jpg
So there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Bill S.

Great picture Bill.:LOL:

Bill, that is one fine looking child! Way to go to you and yours!

Happy Holidays. -John

I'm guilty of transforming some real nice cars into junk....

They are ALL junque.
That is why we love them. If we wanted something nice we would get a Camry.

TURK

Calling a specific Replica junk is probably a bad idea HOWEVER I think it's safe to say that there have been MANY poor manufacturers. Companies that have taken advantage of consumers by using shady practices and/or not delivering kits or parts for kits. Many owners have been able to take these kits and turn them into fabulous Autos and that in spite of the lack of help or support or even criminal behavior by the originating Company. Most if not all of these companies have not lasted but then they were just in it for a quick buck anyway. (And most seemed to be in Florida):)