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new member - new cobra build
Hi Team
Thought I would touch base with the group. I have embarked upon a new cobra build (mainly for the missus) and have settled on a drb kit as the likely build. We have purchased (and had donated) quite a few bits and pieces for the build and have also stripped out a donor car (torana) towards the project. As i have yet to buy the shell due to space constraints (I'm rebuilding an impala at the mo, body off rebuild) I do not have a build manual. Does anyone who has built a DRb kit have a build manual that could I could look at to determine what other parts are needed and the build process so I don't get too far ahead of myself and end up having to redo a lot of stuff? Having read the chat about the drb kit, I am still keen to pursue this kit as I also have an SLR style torana with 350 in so I know a fair bit about the setups etc for Toranas. Any Help greatly appreciated. Cheers |
Hi Gibbo,
Welcome to the forum, doing it for the missus huh, never heard that one before. Have you looked at Homebush Fibreglass, they also use LH/LX torana front and rear suspension and are a couple of thousand cheaper than a DRB who quoted me about 7 months wait for a body/chassis kit. I'm also new to this forum but have learnt quite a lot from reading posts from the longer term members, particularly the difficulties of registration in NSW. After lots of research and advice and recommendations I went with Classic Revival plus they are only about half hour from were I live which makes it easier if I want to use any of the parts they supply. Good luck with your project |
Hello Gibbo
Get along to your local club and talk to the members there about their experiences. People will be free to tell you a lot without committing it to writing. Also, start looking for (and talk to) an engineer before you buy - so you know what you're in for - again club members will be able to relate their experiences. If you tell us where you are you'll be able to get more specific advice. Have fun LoBelly |
Gday and welcome,
Although being familiar with the torana stuff - I think there are better set ups out there IMO. Make sure you look at a lot of cars before you make your final choice. The homebush has a really great shape - make sure you compare profiles before you settle on a drb. If I was building again I still dont know what I would choose, but it would be between harrison, classic revival - or maybe custom chassis and homebush body. Before the arse fell out of the dollar importing would have been a great option. Good luck with whatever you decide. :) Cheers |
Hi There,
I chose DRB because I wasnt very handy and it looked like the easier & cheaper build. I used an LH Torana as the donor. I used the front end, steering, rear end, pedals and braking system. I found the wiring useless as it was old and of little use with a modern fuel injected engine. I rebuilt (or had rebuilt) every part. I have a 220kw engine (auto trans) and the diff seems to hold up fine. I had it rebuilt with fine spline LSD and 3.9 to 1. If your planning on a more powerfull engine then you might need something better. I can send you my build manual if you like but it might be a little different depending on which DRB kit you get. Or you could try asking DRB for one.:cool: |
Aaaah a builder ! Don't cut costs on the Impala...A BIG job. Get it "just right" finish it then do the cobra...right now collect all the bits. This is exactly what I did. I was doing a total strip and rebuild of a 71 Mach 1 mustang when RMC sold out so I panicked and bought a body chassis kit. The mustang is perfect (my cousins') each time he goes out he gets asked who painted it. (big head) Now I am building my RMC as I want it. I've got lots of bits to bolt on. which I bought when the US dollar was good. All I'm doing now is body and chassis mods. Good luck with both builds !
Regards Smithy |
Gibbo
Welcome. Look forward to the build photos |
Thanks for the replys Team.
Forgot to point out that I am based in Christchurch, New Zealand so many of the cobras here are the Kiwi race cars (graham berry) NZ design and very expensive, hence the shift to the aust built cars. As for Cobra Clubs there don't appear to be any cobra clubs as such in the south Island to my knowledge, however I do know of a couple of blokes who have or are building cobras (GB cars though). Looking for a project which is not going to take take too long to get going (Plug and Play so to speak!) as I have already in the stable 4 toys (Torana, Statesman, Impala and Chevy Silverado Pickup). Yes life is busy! It is very difficult to get a back to back comparison of the different kits over here. Might be another good excuse to make a trip over the ditch to check out the Cobra clubs! Cameron02 reasons for the drb re being quicker and easier to build is the same reasons I have short listed the drb kit. No doubt I will going from being an amateur cobra person to a true enthusiast over time. At heart I'm a GM man but if there was any Ford to be in my garage it would have to be the cobra and the cobra only. Many Thanks again guys. |
Warwick Harrison of Cobra Kits in Queensland has a NZ distributor that might be worth checking out?
Kevin Hunt - Redline Performance Cars PO Box 10 Waimauku 1250 North Auckland Phone: 64 9 411 8723 Email: info@redlineclassics.net http://www.cobrakits.com.au/ |
Warwick also was in Christchurch recently and I think he has a contact there too. You could check with him. His kit is also a good one for the home builder.
Merv |
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Neville Shirley
Cobra & GT40 Ph: 0011 64 9273 5237 Email: nshirley@xtra.co.nzThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Nev. is a nice guy to talk to in NZ about DRBs ---happy to report that the old Torana based ones are usually at the pointy end of everything here in Aus. That said, their "Boss" model with Jag running gear is an absolute gem to drive on the street, very user friendly, even for the lady drivers -- it has exceptional handling qualities for the track too --if needed.;) |
Gibbo,
I have a lot of relatives in Chch, will have to give you a yell when I am next over there. Cobras are not cheap to build, make sure you do your research, as there are many differences with the various kits. I like the Classic Revival as it has modern adjustable suspension, and has the interior tub + boot all included with the body. These cars are all awesome though! Ben |
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