This has been a handy thread to dig up and read. I am in process of determining my manufacturer right now. I want to do as much of the work myself as possible, much like Joe. Building my car will be my hobby for awhile. It about having something constructive to do with my spare time. Spreading out the cost is an added bonus, though I imagine once I start it will become less about spreading cost and more about getting finished.
As far as manufacturers, I am keen on both Unique and ERA. I like both their body shapes very well, and they both are well respected companies from everything I have encountered. I have been under the impression that ERA was a good 15% more expensive to complete in comparison to Unique, but after reading this thread, I will certainly take a closer look. If they're equivalent in expense to complete my decision will waffle back to them being neck and neck (as Unique has the edge right now). It seems like Unique doesn't get talked up here as much as the other brands, but I assume that is more a result of the customer forums than anything else, as nothing I have seen of them so far would indicate they are anything less than Top-Tier.
I am in Indiana, so I don't think there are any manufacturers very close to me. I definitely want to tour Unique, and I am inclined to do the same with ERA after some dedicated number-crunching. Are there any other brands I should definitely add to the list? I am curious about Hurricane and will be digging through their site soon. Any comments, suggestions, etc will be appreciated.
Oh, and my intent at the moment is to follow the original marginally well. I know off the bat, I will have a SB in the 427 body with intent of future modding, lol. A five or six speed instead of a four, and probably larger than 15" rims, though I switch back and forth on that. More or less a street rod in the shape of a cobra. It will mostly be for cruising around, but I could see myself gaining interest in some light Autox, road course, etc. No drag stripping, except when I want to beat a Vette to the next stop light.
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