We don't manufacture Cobra replicas, but I have personally built/owned quite a few local/imported Cobra kits.
As mentioned previously, it is really important which state you are going to register the Cobra in. Requirements can vary greatly from state to state, overall the eastern states are the most thorough and restrictive in requirements.
So even if your Cobra kit is Australian made, it still might not have the basic certification paperwork required for registration in your state.
And if you make significant changes, these may require additional certification.
Remember it is all about safety, I believe we have the safest kit cars in the world due to our regulations.
If you look at the basic chassis/body/suspension package you could be required to provide the following certification documentation(just expanded Merv's list):
* Torsion and Beaming Certification for Chassis. Needs to be performed to state guidelines. We seem unique in our requirements here, overseas tests will not be performed to the same requirements.
* Fibreglass Body Tests - Flexure, Hardness, Tensile.
* Certification for anti-intrusion bars
* Lane Change Test - required for each unique suspension configuration/construction.
* Fabricated Suspension Components Certification, this should also include suspension mount points in chassis. If there is any welded steel components, also certification for any welds or by examination.
* Seat Belt Mount Certification.
* Seat Mount Certification.
* Suspension Bump Steer Certification.
* Internal Bumper Bars.
* Door Hinge & Mount Certification.
* Door Striker Mount Certification.
* Etc.
And then you move onto the smaller stuff like can the doors/chassis be easily fitted with compliant door latches, are steering components unmodified, if not will require certification etc.
Also with a Cobra kit make sure you can fit an underbody exhaust, you can only crank the suspension height so much. And there will be a sweet spot where the suspension works as required, the manufacture will be able to advise this height. Or you can run the exhaust out where the side pipes normally go and then back underneath and out the rear. Just use suitable heatshields and it should be compliant.
As hinted at previously, most owners of Aussie kits don't even realise all the registration requirements as their engineer has already familiar with their kit brand.
The kits we sell are based off a USA kit, but each of our supplied kits has 100's of changes/additonal parts compared to the USA parent kits. Plus we have a folder of certification documents for each kit.
Buying overseas has it's rewards at current exchange rates, but just do it with your eyes open. Do your research thoroughly. Good luck with it.
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