How complete is a Cobra kit?

madt2007 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 03:49 AM

Hi all.

Just wondering and pondering purchasing a Cobra kit at the years end or in the new year.

The obvious choice is between FF and AP.

What I am wondering is just how complete previous purchasers have found their Cobra kits when they have received them and how much fabrication and modifications have been needed to be made to get it all to come together?

Both are obviously at different price points and levels of finish from the research I have done.

I understand that the AP is still very new and still being developed as a kit, where as the FF has been around for a greater period and all the earlier issues have mostly been ironed out.

I basically want to part with the $$$ and have it all sitting in the garage to build bit by bit night by night and without the hidden grief!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

PeterAllen · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madt2007

Hi all.

... without the hidden grief!...

Buy a running registered second-hand car and restore/rework it.

madt2007 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

Buy a running registered second-hand car and restore/rework it.

Don't get me wrong, I want to do the full build. I just don't want a short kit that your still shelling out thousands for fabrication and engineering.

From what I understand the FFR kit is pretty much complete less drive train etc.

Is that the case with AP?

As am example (correct me if I am wrong) I have read that the FFR comes complete with a wiring loom where as the AP has not developed one as such yet for their kit.....

Cheers

Treeve · #4 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 04:47 AM

Being that I'm an engineer who focuses on ICV builds, my recommendation is to buy a registered car, strip it and rebuild it. All the parts are there, you get the whole experience and you don't have to deal with the bureaucracy.

Treeve

madt2007 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 04:55 AM

Good point

Registration is always likely to be a challenge with a new build....

deano59 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treeve

Being that I'm an engineer who focuses on ICV builds, my recommendation is to buy a registered car, strip it and rebuild it. All the parts are there, you get the whole experience and you don't have to deal with the bureaucracy.

Treeve

never have truer words been said . I build a kit 15 yrs ago when there was a lot of manufactures around and it was a pain in the bum this time round im looking for a car ready to drive ive done my building bit I don't want another 3 yr project to be honest

Tonus72 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 05:13 AM

But for some the journey is just as important as the destination... If not more important.

madt2007 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 05:15 AM

I am keen on the build as it will fill in the nights

I feel the obvious choice is the AP kit, just the longer you wait the more bugs that are ironed out I guess

Bill Bess · #9 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 05:59 AM

Check out Hurricane Motorsports. I research all the "kits" prior to my selection, all had good kits but Hurricane was the most complete kit available and it included all parts to finish the cobra except for: engine , trans , drive shaft, wheels & tires. the new body's are pretty nice and don't require much paint and body prep.

Good Luck, Bill

madt2007 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 06:08 AM

Thanks for the heads up. I'll take a look now

guye · #11 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 07:04 AM

The AP will include the body loom; that and a few other parts I understand haven't been mass produced yet, but will be ready by the time they are need for the build. My understanding is that by your build start date - the end of this year - all parts will be in stock.

Everything is include with the AP 'finishing kit' as it is called, except drivetrain, exhaust, carpet and seat trimming I think. Oh and engineering and registration of course.

If you contact AP they can probably provide you with a full shipping parts list.

guye · #12 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 07:11 AM

Re: Hurricane, Bill, they do look good. I included them in my research, however I had no response to any of my enquiries, so not sure they will service us down-under in Australia, or if they even do rh drives or any other ADR mods for Australia, etc.

Jethrow · #13 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 07:50 PM

I would vote for Factory Five.

It is a very complete kit, and I think a very good value kit. It has all those little extras in it like wiring, but also gauges, seatbelts, carpet, etc etc. And I think it a very high quality kit.

No-one who has been around to see my car has walked away without being very impressed. It is a great looking kit. Plus, it is I think a fairly authentic kit. The chassis structure looks not unlike the original cars, and it builds in a similar manner. And the fact you can complete the majority of the mechanical and electrical build with the body off is a real plus I think.

YOu would not be disappointed with the FF. I know I am not.

DaleG · #14 (**permalink**) 06-05-2014, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jethrow

I would vote for Factory Five.

YOu would not be disappointed with the FF. I know I am not.

I agree, after having built a FFR MKII Basic Kit and now building a MK4 Complete Kit with Coyote. Everything you need (including driveshaft) is provided in the Complete Kit except the drive-train and tires. But, it's so hard not to add neat options.

If you do go with FFR, be meticulous about a few things. Choose your engine/tranny first and make sure to check and double check with them re which motor mounts and which drive shaft they are sending; they sent me the wrong drive shaft by mistake and while I rec'd the replacement in a week, you would be waiting longer, being that you are in oz. They should keep you updated with an inventory list that you can check over before they ship. Speak to them by phone and tell them how important it is for the kit to be complete before shipping (no back-orders, please).

Here's what I'm doing: http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-fact...ote-build.html lots of mods, though.

Jethrow, is it hard for you to convert to right-hand drive? What all is involved?

Cheers, Dale

Jethrow · #15 (**permalink**) 06-06-2014, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaleG

Jethrow, is it hard for you to convert to right-hand drive? What all is involved?

Cheers, Dale

Hi Dale,

the change was not too difficult. You just need to move the pedals over, swap the steering rack for a RHD unit, and flip the dash. Easy if you say it quick.

It was a little more involved for me as I also moved the driveline back to the centre - FFR has it offset 1" to the right. And as I used a LS3 instead of the lesser Coyote

I had to make new engine mounts too.

Of course nowadays, you can buy the Mk4 already in RHD format thanks to the work done by Chris at CCA, so it just got even easier.

Dominik · #16 (**permalink**) 06-06-2014, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

Buy a running registered second-hand car and restore/rework it.

After 25+ years in building Cobras, I agree that this is the best advise.

Rob. Smith · #17 (**permalink**) 06-06-2014, 03:49 AM

yep Factory five is the closet thing to a model car in a box...its all there. Just assemble it. My RMC came with a rolling chassis and a body...I've made,built, wired, plumbed and re fibreglassed everything else...that's what I like to do. If I start again I would probably go FF and see how I could make that better too . ha ha ha

madt2007 · #18 (**permalink**) 06-06-2014, 03:51 AM

Can anyone shed some light on how complete are AP owners finding their kits?

madt2007 · #19 (**permalink**) 06-06-2014, 03:59 AM

Hey Rob, It appears that your the next suburb over from me!!

I'm in Eleebana

Russell9318 · #20 (**permalink**) 06-06-2014, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madt2007

Can anyone shed some light on how complete are AP owners finding their kits?

Madt,

You are only an 8 hour drive from AP. Fill the tank, make a round of sandwiches, grab a bottle of coke and your best girl and go and find out for yourself. It will be a worth while experience.