What Kit and why

[Joe Wicked]

Originally Posted by Grenamc

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.

Just to let you know I have continued to look at cars and have had the pleasure of helping a fellow member drop a 390 in his ERA as well as help him chase an electrical gremlin. I love the ERA it is one beautiful car. I have also gotten up close and personal with another local members Hurricane. I love that car as well. I can pick apart the differences fairly easy now as far as the mechanical, but I am still not seeing the big differences in body until someone point it out. . I have also spoken with the staff at FFR, Hurricane, Shell Valley, and Lonestar. In my opinion all are good cars for the person who wants to build their own car. The ERA leaves enough to build, but from those I have talked to, buying a roller is worth the cost. You still get to do some of the building, but not near as much. Speaking with another local club member who has been around these cars a lot, he looked at what I was wanting to spend, and the fact that I want to do the building and he recommended Hurricane. Please note that he does not have a hurricane but a Lonestar and does not have anything bad to say about it. If you are really looking at doing as much work as possible, take the time and check out the Hurricane. I have pretty much settled on that kit as it offers what I am looking for. As I got to thinking about the different parts, I will have a complete list of parts, so it really will not matter what is on the car.

Edit: And as was told to me, "Welcome to the madness". <--my favorite CC smiley.