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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 11-09-2006, 07:48 PM
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Hi Nik

Gauging the build cost is a tricky business. Some say you can build one for $30K, others say work out a budget and double it.

I am near the end of a build and I have recorded costs reasonably accurately. I can see 42k at present and will be lucky to complete for $45K. I am not a perfectionist and am not building a high spec car. I bought a complete write off donor car so got lots of "bits" for free. I see the cost in 5 areas:

1. Engine + transmission incl wiring harness, computer(s)
2. Front and rear suspension incl braking system and tyres/alloys.
3. Body and chassis including paint for both.
4. Shiny Bits incl lights, pipes, windscreen etc
5. Misc

I would guess the average cost for each of the first 4 is 8K+5K+15K+10K = 28K. Its the last one that can cause a lot of unforseen costs, the list is long but includes engineering approvals, trailer hire, fuel system, additional steelwork, dash, misc nuts & bolts, cooling system, driveshaft, oils + consumables, seats, exhaust system, new bushes etc.

I suspect people underestimate this unless they track costs systematically.

Having said that all of us here believe the Cobra is a car which will always remain a classic, a fun car and a head turner. Building one is a great experience and whilst you will never get the cost of your time back if you sell you will probably never lose out in terms of parts cost.


Martin
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Old 11-09-2006, 07:51 PM
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OOPs that should be $38K not $28k - see how easy you can kid yourself on the cost!!

(I'm sure others will have diffrenet views on these figures)
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Old 11-09-2006, 09:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martrogers
I suspect people underestimate this unless they track costs systematically.
Yep, it's a trap. It's all the small stuff that adds up.

Built 2 x Cobra's with my brother and we accounted for every cent as the costs were halved.

First Cobra cost $50k to build(8 years ago, so old pricing).

2nd Cobra cost $30k to build(2 years ago).

You can be smart and build cheap Cobra's.

Using Soarer/Crown front cut saves big $$$. You can get Engine, loom, ecu, gearbox, radiator etc etc for a total cost of $1500 after selling the stuff you don't need. And things like power steering pump, air conditioning compressor etc, are demand items.

Don't paint it, get a good gelcoat job in the colour you want. Sand back seems, polish it up. The good thing about leaving it gelcoat is that it gives time for the fibreglass body to settle while you are out enjoying it.

Buy 2nd wheels/tyres. You can save a lot of money on wheels/tyres.

As I said before, hit swap meets. e.g. you can pick up pretty decent chrome headlight surrounds for gold coin donation($1-$2), now that's a nice saving. Same goes for headlight buckets, headlights and lots of other stuff. Swap meets are time consuming, but can save big money. We hit nearly every swap meet for a year to build the 2nd Cobra.

This is the bargain end of the range though, the average Cobra costs around $50-60k these days to build I reckon.

The cool thing about Cobra's is the cheaper they are, the easier they are sell. And most people get the build cost back(and sometimes more) when they sell.
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Old 11-09-2006, 11:07 PM
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I have seen some posts in the past where people have said they accounted for everything and even listed the components. But they dont seem to have any nuts, bolts or rivets. I was not a handy person so I had to buy a lot of tools.

It all adds up.

If you want a nice looking painted cobra with finished interior but are not concerened about reconditioning the motor/trans/diff and you dont bother with bumpers then I reckon you could build a DRB Cobra (Torana donor) for a little under 40K.
If you want all the shinny bits and new or fully reconditioned parts add 10K.

If you want fully sick motor, drive train and brakes add 20K plus (to the original 40K).

Prices include basic tools.

Good luck which ever way you decide to go.
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Old 11-09-2006, 11:30 PM
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Those stainless bolts are a killer. And don't even talk about those Grade 8+ Stainless bolts...ouch.

We even accounted for grinding disks, hacksaw blades, drill bits, lube etc. The quotes above do not include tools, which of course are a necessary purchase.
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