Panel Fit

[Sunny66]

I'm looking at a number of different Cobra replicas including BDR. Had the opportunity to see a few BDRs a couple weeks ago and noticed that the panel fit at the hood and gaps around the doors don't seem very good. If I was to build my own, I'd probably spend the extra body shop time to get all that right, but don't think work will allow the time to finish the build before 2020! So, leaning towards BDR or SPF.

Anybody out there with BDRs able to comment on your experience with the fit/gap issue? Thanks!

[DonC]

Can't speak to BDR but the Superformance cars that I've seen have always impressed me with their fit and finish. Panel lines for the hood, doors and trunks are always very good. Have seen the roadsters, Daytonas and GT40's and have been taken by all quality of the body work on all of them. Ditto interiors, first rate.
DonC

[jualwatt]

I have had no issues with fit on my BDR. Everything is nice and even. The only thing I have noticed is that the hood can be secured in an unneven position due to a flex in the hinges, but easily avoided by lining up the stripes before latching. Mine is less than a year old so may have been older cars you looked at? The BDR is rock solid on the road, no rattles, and great handling.

[Sunny66]

It was mostly in the door areas. Gaps were inconsistent all around. Going from wide to narrow than wide again as you look around the entire door. This was pretty much the case on all of them.

[Kobura]

My BDR has even gaps around the doors, hood and trunk, although they are wider than I would like them. I have not compared my gaps with other Cobras.

[MOTORHEAD]

I worked for a Backdraft dealer for several years completing the cars and there were door fitting problems. The Backdraft is a price-point car that provides good handling at a low price. The factory races them seriously. The Superformance has better fit and finish along with top and side windows at a higher price. Both excellent cars for their respective price.
As always, you get what you pay for !!

[avdcav]

Any real body guy will rectify that in minutes" door hinges don't dictate fit
You do. An easy way even with a car that's painted is paint sticks . Have assistant hold door closed unbolt the hinges and fill the jamb with paint sticks , grind if necessary for uniformity. Mark the post and that's we're your hinges need to be.

It's just metal and fiberglass. Not gold and platinum . This is the exact method even the concourse guys use before a judging. Really when moving an A class concourse car around
Even a mm or two is not acceptable for judging. They just have tuned there sticks or rubber pucks to make short work of this task. And use good quality electrical tape in e jam
It leaves no residue.

[rpatton3]

Great tip. I had forgotten watching that done when I was much younger.

My dad and grandfather owned a Ford dealership from 1929-1967. That was sometimes part of getting a used car or even a new car ready.

[Sunny66]

Think the problem goes beyond that. Looks like one would have to trim/sand down some sections of the doors and/or add bondo. Either case means repaint, which might lead to paint mismatch.

[itstock]

If you want a car that handles among the best and has a decent paintjob, you get the backdraft.

If you want to pay a bit more for more originality, better paint quality, and great handling get the Superformance.

If you have the $10-15k extra for the Superformance and want the best of both worlds including a paintjob way better than the superformance, get the backdraft and have it repainted. The actual tolerance on the panels still won't be as tight. And if the 1/16" difference in body panel gap bothers you, I recommend not getting a Cobra.

As far as actual evenness goes, mine seems to be even on all of the panels except the trunk needs re-alignment every now and then. And that takes me all of 2 minutes every couple hundred miles.

[tpatodd]

I agree with itstock. If your concerned with gaps, go buy a Porsche. Just don't be disappointed with the yawns at stop lights.

[cbreez]

The price of the car doesn't matter...Backdraft's are still very expensive cars...You see good fit on very cheap mass production cars.
The gaps and fitting leave much to be desired...in fact they suck.
You just have to tell yourself...this is a replica, not real...this is a replica, not real...etc.

[rpatton3]

It is a replica and not a museum piece. Drive it and enjoy it. They are fun cars.

WARM WEATHER is on the way.