It's Finally Finished!!!

400TT · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 04:43 AM

Well I have finished the last few jobs on the Cobra.

Doesn't get much more old school than this and I just love it. Feels and sounds just like an old 60's Cobra, great for cruising and having some fun.

I'm just waaaay too fussy.

Popped around the corner and took some quick photos. Enjoy.

Doubledip · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 04:58 AM

Looks awesome... well done

can i ask why the radiator lays down at such an angle?

400TT · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:05 AM

Doubledip, it's a quirk of the kit brand - RMC. Makes it really difficult to mount the radiator. Getting that aluminium radiator in there was a real trick.

I actually like it, especially it's reflection in the mirror finish stainless in the nose.

Doubledip · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400TT

Doubledip, it's a quirk of the kit brand - RMC. Makes it really difficult to mount the radiator. Getting that aluminium radiator in there was a real trick.

I actually like it, especially it's reflection in the mirror finish stainless in the nose.

Was wondering if that was the case... so many different kits and all with their own quirks/idiosyncrosies

Yes looks quite Trick!! with your setup

stefanog · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 06:17 AM

Craig, you have turned a great car into an even greater one! Thought that was impossible with this one. Great job, great finising touches!

Well done buddy, looks awsome.

Stef

demicobra · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 06:37 AM

Fantastic job Craig.

Your Cobra would have to be one of the
best looking Cobra`s up here in Qld.

If there is a crowd at the Qld Cobra Club
meeting`s, it`s always around your RMC.

It`s a credit to you, good work.

Regards

Nick

Rob. Smith · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400TT

Doubledip, it's a quirk of the kit brand - RMC. Makes it really difficult to mount the radiator. Getting that aluminium radiator in there was a real trick.

I actually like it, especially it's reflection in the mirror finish stainless in the nose.

I'm sitting here looking at the cutaway poster of a SC roadster. the radiator lays back in the original car. I reckon that is a bit inefficient as the air tends to "slide" up and over the radiator. The RMC however has a forward sloping radiator which "traps" the air flow forcing it through the radiator without the aid of fans. I reckon it's a good design modification.
I've got an RMC :P

400TT · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 07:49 AM

Really appreciate the comments guys.

Rob, I certainly can't complain, cooling works fine.

I have completely sealed around the radiator though.

Aluminium radiator upgrade made a noticable difference to temperature control at idle.

Tenrocca · #9 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob. Smith

the radiator lays back in the original car. I reckon that is a bit inefficient as the air tends to "slide" up and over the radiator.

They were shrouded on the top, no less efficient then a forward sloping radiator shrouded at the bottom. (Although mine slopes back - so Im biased too

)

400TT · #10 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 06:19 AM

Stephen, the Cobra has a lot easier time keeping the temperature under control at idle. You can tell by how long the thermo fan stays on. With the old radiator the thermo would stay on for quite a while trying to pull the temp down. But with the new alloy radiator the thermo is only on very briefly, it is able to pull the temperature back in a matter of secs. The old radiator looked to be in good condition, hard to tell, but looked clean and well looked after. It was new when installed. But who knows how good a condition that old radiator was. I'm a little guilty of doing the upgrade for the bling factor and thought the mirror stainless panels would really show it off. I also thought about standing it up, but actually thought it would look better lying down. It's all about looks, not function, isn't it.

For the signature, sent a glovebox lid over and donated to his charity and have the certificate of authenticity as a momento. It will stay with the Cobra. Just thought it was different as I hadn't seen a Cobra in Oz with the signature and it's probably one of the few Cobras here that it suits I suppose.

Wazza · #11 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:09 AM

Looks brilliant Craig......

Also ....Mystery solved.!!!

I had some guy in my ear this morning when I was out taking the bumblebee for a belt, and stopped for fuel...

He said he's seen a "Blue One" over at the other end of the Coast in the last day or so....I was trying to think who it might have been until you put these photos up....

Can't do much in these cars without being spotted.

Good job on the car pal,

Regards,
Warren

Rebel1 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:09 AM

Gawddddd....where do I start

.

I'm bluddy disappointed ....this is a car I loved and now look at it.

How dare you present an RMC of that standard on some dried out grass, with mangroves in the background, and in front of what was a major swamp on the northern gold coast.......sacrilege!!!

That car deserves manicured blue couch ..... hand sculptured marble.....and a landscape more fitting a 5 star resort.

Niceeeee Craig....phu$$in beautiful.

boxhead · #13 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:13 AM

Looks real nice Craig, now go and work on earning some stone chips

acecob · #14 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:22 AM

Very Very nice ,
Craig looks awsome , are we goin to see it down here in oct.

Oh look it's even got the right eng in it

400TT · #15 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 05:33 AM

Thanks guys.

Warren, hmm, could have been me.

Les, yeah and some sucker will pay millions for that block of dirt.

Acecob, unfortunately I won't be taking it to the Nationals.

My plans for the car have changed due to my business commitments.

LoBelly · #16 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 06:31 AM

Craig

that looks fantastic, its the details that turn a good car into a great one

LoBelly

lineslinger · #17 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 10:28 AM

Fortunately, and contrary to thread title, you will never really be finished, the tweaking will last as long as you own it.
Your car looks really good. Very impressive work.

Philm · #18 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 02:31 PM

Craig,
Do you want to swap?

Phil

400TT · #19 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 04:22 PM

Thanks guys for the compliments, I'm stoked. And yes it is finished, I won't be doing any more work to it, that's for sure.

Flukeyluke, some background info. I certainly can't take credit for the whole job. The Cobra is an old car, originally built by Don Pilling. Build quality was exceptional. But it needed a few things to really finish it off and give it a little more attitude and a little more bling. I've massaged nearly every part of the car, exterior, interior, engine bay, boot. Like most things, it is sometimes hard to spot the difference, but the improvement is there.

It's not built to original specs, but captures the original spirit of the 60's originals.

For example, the engine bay has a similiar look & style to an original with white footboxes and some period correct parts etc. But with a little more bling added to dress it up. It has AC badges, but 427 body shape, and then 427 SC paint & rivet scheme.

Specs:
* 1996 First Registered
* RMC with numerous body changes to better replicate the original(bonnet scoop, fuel filler, brake ducts etc.
* 302w carby with top loader. Mild engine. Sounds absolutely fantastic, tough as and gives the Cobra a nice shake at idle. Fitted with cast ribbed air cleaner, rocker covers, sump etc.
* AFCO aluminium radiator custom modified, 16" thermo.
* Jag running gear front & rear.
* Front brakes - 310mm rotors, PBR twin piston calipers on full knock-off hubs. Rear brakes - standard jag.
* Vintage Wheels US - 15 x 7.5", 15 x 9.5" both with 4" backspace. Yokohama Avid S/T tyres - 245/60/15 & 295/50/15. Custom AC logo centre caps.
* Interior - quality german carpet, bmw leather. Seats are original style metal frame, sliding with removeable bases etc. Original style 6 bolt Moto-Lita 16" wheel, Smiths gauges, Lucas switches. 427 S/C dash layout with glovebox added. Chrome MG handbrake, dummy reverse T gearstick, chrome extinguisher, classic door handles.
* Boot - aluminium paneled with removeable carpet front & side panels for storage.
* Roll bar is a 2 piece, 3 point mounting unit.
* Exterior - AC badges, all Lucas lights(L691 rear, L539 front, L467), tripod headlights, mirror stainless nose panels, stainless quickjacks, 12-1-12 bonnet & scoop rivet pattern, leather splats.

Anything I have missed?

400TT · #20 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 04:27 PM

Stephen, yeah, not much time to drive it these days. My wife will get to have some fun. As above, Vintage Wheels. And yeah, I bought those Avid's on run-out(which I didn't know at the time of order). The fronts were $63ea & rears were $99ea from Tirerack. Bargain. You get lucky sometimes.