Upgrade parts

[rocket7171]

Tony, Reg, and Jay.

Due to the changes on these cars from one batch to another some of us would like the option of upgrading our cars with the new technology.
Example;
The piston for the hood is just holding for now. The new cars come with a prop rod. Also the new cars come with door alignment bumpers to help keep doors quiet and straight.
I had to upgrade my car with the collectors to fix exhaust leak problems. These fixes are because of everyone talking about problems on this site and phone calls to dealers.
I can't say enough about Jay and Vintage and also Reg has been a great help also whenever I call him. I think with some help from the factory with Tony Reg and Jay we would all be greatfull. Someone needs to do a full scale parts list and get it to our dealers. Jay just opened his parts store and so far it's comming along great but we need to have ALL parts listed or someone we can go to directly to order parts. I know changes have been made throughout the years and not all parts will fit all cars but to be able to talk to someone about getting a part would help us all.
Can we in the near future look into a parts book please.
Thanks
tom
#188

[tony martin]

HI TOM,

PARTS LIST FORMAT ALMOST READY TO GO OVER TO REG.

HE WILL THEN DISTRIBUTE IT TO ALL DEALERS.

THIS WILL BE IN E MAIL FORMAT SO U CAN ALL GET A COPY.

HOPE THIS WILL HELP U.

REGARDS

[Smoking Cobra]

The door catch won't fit with earlier models like mine. I saw Brian about that and the new cars have a notch for it. MY pistons gave out and i added the hood rod. i'm lucky i live minute's away Vintage and get to see the new upgrades .
joeg

[tony martin]

HI SMOKING JO,

YES,U ARE VERY LUCKY TO LIVE SO CLOSE TO VINTAGE.

GREAT GUYS TO DO BUSINESS WITH.

I AM LOOKING FOR A WAY TO FIT THE NEW DOOR JAMS TO THE OLDER CARS.

WILL LET U GUYS KNOW.

CHEERS

[SkipB]

Tony,

Will exhaust collectors be made available to retrofit the old slip joint exhaust headers? I realize there will be cutting/welding involved, but it might be easier and cheaper than a total custom made collector system.

SkipB

Ps. If you have the old hood shock (and most are shot by now), you might put the word out that Secret Squirrel (his name on this forum) makes a very nice piece that holds the hood open by blocking the shock from compressing. Very easy to use and no prop rod in the way.

[rocket7171]

Tony,
That sounds good about parts list. This should be a great help for those who like to tweak their cars or need to fix them.

I've made myself a block already for piston like Secret Squirrel was selling.
I had hood fall twice at shows. Not a good thing.......

I paid around $350.00 for the exhaust fix. Well worth the headache fix.

I'm very interested in door jam bumper kits. Will wait for these.

Thanks to all for your input.

tom

[JUS BIT]

Tony, great news on the Parts list. Many customers have been requesting replacement parts. I look forward to helping in any way to get this up and running.

Thanks, James Yale

[uncltodd]

OK, Skip B brought up the exhaust collector problem. His is build #100, mine is build #139.

I cannot have mods done locally, my guys don't have a clew what you are talking about.

Mine spews exhaust soot into the engine compartment any time the engine is running. It's a direct exhaust leak, under pressure.

The spring-loaded header/sidepipe connectors don't work.

You KNEW that when you built the car and delivered it.

I have not yet seen a "fix" that I can afford or deal with.

I even tried cramming steel wool down into the joint and clamping it with a giant hose clamp. Didn't work.

Historically, BackDraft does not return my Emails or phone calls to Miami.

Fault me if you can, I have the docs.

UT

[rocket7171]

If someone is interested I can get collectors made for a price. The place that did it for me has it on their CNC.
You would then have to mark your pipes where they meet and cut and weld. FYI my 1st fit was off. The pipes were too close to body.
I had to remove and he chained them to straighten to fit on table. That could be done on car but I wouldn't. It's not a science, only trial by error. The final result is no more leaks.

You could also ship them to me with pipes marked and for the cost I will get them done and return. If they don't fit it's not on me. I only can go by your marks.
You can look at my pictures on Vintage Racing site for my pipes.
Email me if you have any questions. I had a tough time with drivers side header. You have to take steering column out.
Backdraft may have a kit that you can get to fix problem. (Collector kit)?
tom

[tony martin]

UT,
LET ME EXPLAIN TO U A BIT ABOUT THIS EXHAUST COLLECTOR PROBLEM.

WHEN WE STARTED BUILDING THE BACKDRAFT WE USED FLANGED HEADERS AND SIDE PIPES.

AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS WE WERE ASKED BY MANY OF OUR CUSTOMERS,AND WE GOT THE GENERAL VIBE,THAT THE POPULAR CHOICE, WAS FOR SLIP JOINTED HEADERS TO SIDEPIPES.

SO,WE STARTED BUILDING THEM THIS WAY.

NEXT STEP WAS THAT THIS,AGAIN,ACCORDING TO GENERAL OPPINION,THIS WAS NOT THE WAY TO GO.

SO,WE THEN CHANGED BACK TO THE FLANGES.

WE DID HAVE AN UPDATE FLANGE KIT AVAILABLE AT A NOMINAL COST TO RETRO FIT ONTO THE CARS OF ANYONE WHO WANTED THEM.

UNFORTUNATLY IT DOES HAVE TO BE DONE BY A GUY WHO IS RESONABLY HANDS ON,WITH A BIT OF METALWORKING TOOLS,OR ANY HALF COMPOTENT EXHAUST SHOP.

REG SHOULD HAVE A FEW KITS LEFT.
IF NOT JUST PM ME AND I WILL POST A SET OVER TO U.

WITH REGARD TO YOUR E-MAILS AND PHONE CALLS NOT BEING RETURNED,I WILL TAKE THIS UP WITH THE FACTORY IN FLORIDA.

IF,AND I HAVE NO REASON TO DOUBT U,THIS CORRECT,I APPOLIGISE ON BE HALF OF OUR GUYS OUT THERE,AND CAN ASSURE U THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN INTENSIONAL.SOMETIMES THINGS SLIP THROUGH.THEY SHOULDENT,BUT THEY DO.

NOW,LETS GET THIS COLLECTOR PROBLEM SORTED OUT SO THAT U AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL LADY CAN REALLY ENJOY YOUR ROADSTER.

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM U.

PS. SPEL CHECK AINT WORKING,EXCUSE THE SPELLING.

TAKE CARE

[h2oman]

Just to let you BDR guys and anyone else know that have slip on pipes, Naumoff and I changed mine over to flanged last week. When I get a little time I will post step by step how we did it. We took pics as well to help everyone get a visual. I planned on posting on CC as well as BDR boys.

I bought my flange kit from Bill Littleton who was very helpful in getting them out to me in less than a week. Cost with shipping was about $140. Well worth it! Looks good and no more black sh!t blowing back all over the motor. The car has a totally different sound, and I can now sit at a light and not get choked out by fumes.

We learned you don't have to be a professional welder to do this, just take your time and have a good angle grinder. Thanks for everything Tony!

[spl310]

UT,

Check with some of the shops that sell stuff for the tuner cars. I have seen some stainless band clamps that may work. They are about 3" long and could span the gap...

[uncltodd]

Tony, Gee, golly. wow, good to hear from you after over two years.

"Update flange kit?" Nice of you to let me know. I took delivery in 8-04.

Send me the biggest jar of Vaseline you can find, I know when I have been screwed, I accept your apology, but on a scale of 1-10 for support from BDR I will have to rate BDR a minus-1.

Fault me, BDR #139 is for sale.

UT

[Want1Bad]

Originally Posted by uncltodd

Tony, Gee, golly. wow, good to hear from you after over two years.

"Update flange kit?" Nice of you to let me know. I took delivery in 8-04.

Send me the biggest jar of Vaseline you can find, I know when I have been screwed, I accept your apology, but on a scale of 1-10 for support from BDR I will have to rate BDR a minus-1.

Fault me, BDR #139 is for sale.

UT

Uncle Todd -- a little civility, please. And, you may want to rethink what 'accepting an apology' means. You sure don't sound 'accepting.'

[uncltodd]

Hey, Mr. want1bad, I saw it, lived it, and I'm trying to deal with it and fix it.

That was one of the most civil posts I have made in the last year or so.

You did not sign the checks that nobody hesitated to cash, years ago.

I have been very civil for the past year but I am in a great deal of pain now and have a very short temper.

I was "burned" by a former BDR dealer in N. Tejas and received little or no help from the parent BackDraft company.

Yeah, I'm a little bitter.

Truth will out.

UT

[cbreez]

Right On UncleTodd!!!

You have the right and duty to express your feelings and opinions! I appreciate all opinions and info, both GOOD and bad... These cars cost alot...they should be real close to perfect with the bugs worked out, as there is not a dealership for warranty work right around the corner....

These cars are purchased complete and assembled....not as kits...we pay good $ for that!!! If I wanted to work on it all of the time to fix factory defects and figure out what works best, I would have bought a kit....some of us don't have the time, or want to work on these all the time...we expected REASONABLE quality and workmanship.

I too, have be chastised on this site for speaking my mind, for not following like a mindless sheep that everything is good...because it's a COBRA!!!

You see the same posts from new owners: rear end leaks, radiator leaks, doors don't fit, hoods slam shut, turn signals don't work, license plate brackets, exhaust leaks....it would be comical maybe, but it sucks!

The silent majority has a right to be pissed!

"But Mommy, the Emperor has no clothes...."

[Want1Bad]

Uncle Todd,

I understand where you are coming from. My BDR dealer went out of business shortly after I bought the car. I have dropped thousands into my car since I took possession of a brand new #293, including a few things that would be considered Backdraft warranty items and the rest being things in the engine recommended by the BDR dealer. No upgrades -- just maintenance. I drive mine every day.

It's a matter of adjusting expectations. I do not expect BDR to be Ford or BMW. I have worked with small businesses all my life and it's a tough gig. Sometimes you don't get to all the phone calls. Sometimes you don't make everyone happy. I knew all this going in. So, when my clutch fails due to a poorly design actuator implementation, I pay for a local custom shop to put in something completely different, run new lines, install a new clutch. Sure I called BDR and was informed that the engine and tranny were my responsibility. I couldn't get accross that the clutch failed due to their design issues.

But, I fixed it and wrote it off as a lesson. If I'm buying a custom car from a small organization, there are risks. I am willing to absorb those risks. This way, I can enjoy the car. Further, you may call me naive, but I think all people are basically good. I think BDR is doing its best. When someone is doing their best, it's good enough for me -- even if it doesn't solve my problems.

Sorry about the lecture. I just didn't want you to think that it's been all smooth sailing for me. Just got mine out of the shop yesterday -- another $800 (engine, this time -- not BDR).

Yours truly,
Want1Bad

[tony martin]

GUYS,

AT BACKDRAFT WE BUILD A HAND MADE MOTOR CAR.

THIS IS NEVER GOING TO BE A FORD OR A BMW.I THINK MOST COBRA OWNERS KNOW AND ACCEPT THIS?

WE BUILD OUR CAR WITH PASSION, AND, WE WANT TO MAKE AS GOOD AS POSSIBLE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.

"You have the right and duty to express your feelings and opinions! I appreciate all opinions and info, both GOOD and bad... "

U ARE 100% CORRECT

WE NEED TO KNOW, FROM ALL OF U, ON THIS FORUM, AND ANYWHERE ELSE, FOR THAT MATTER, WHERE THE PROBLEMS ARE, AND HOW WE CAN FIX THEM, IN TURN PRODUCING A BETTER PRODUCT, AND BETTER SERVICE FOR U,OUR CUSTOMER,AND FRIENDS.

IF THERE IS SOMETHING WORRYING U, OR SOMETHING U THINK WE HAVE DONE WRONG,OR,COULD DO BETTER, LETS HEAR ABOUT IT.

WE WANT CONSTRUCTIVE COMENTS, NOT JUST SOME ONE WHO IS PISSED OFF AND WANTS TO MOUTH OFF AT US.

IRRESPONSIBLE AND MISINFORMED STATEMENTS LIKE BELOW REALLY HURT. THEY UPSET THE GUYS OVER AT THE FACTORY IN SA AND IN FLORIDA, WHO ARE GIVING THEIR BEST TO BUILD U CARS, TO A HIGH QUALITY,AND STILL, KEEP THEM AFFORDABLE.

LET’S LOOK AT THIS STATEMENT BELOW AND GIVE U OUR TAKE ON IT.

REAR END LEAKS:
THIS HAS NOT BEEN A HUGE PROBLEM, BUT THE QUALITY CONTROL HAS BEEN JACKED UP IN THIS DEPARTMENT.

RADIATOR LEAKS:
I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A RADIATOR IN OVER 500 CARS?
MAYBE REG HAS?
THIS RAD. IS MADE BY THE SAME FACTORY THAT PRODUCES THEM FOR BMW.

DOORS DON’T FIT:
WE HAVE ADDED DOOR JAMS TO THE BODY AND THE DOORS.
THIS GIVES A FAR BETTER, CONSISTENT FIT, AND STOPS ANY DOOR RATTLE.

HOODS SLAM SHUT:
WE HAVE CHANGED TO THE ORIGINAL STYLE STAY.
CAN’T SLAM SHUT NOW?

TURN SIGNALS DON’T WORK:
THESE ARE THE ORIGINAL STYLE VW SWITCHES. SUPPLY IS A PROBLEM.
EACH ONE IS CHECKED BEFORE IT LEAVES THE FACTORY.
WE HAVE HAD SOME OF THEM PROVE TROUBLE SOME. THAT’S WHAT A WARRANTEE IS ALL ABOUT. IF IT DOESN’T WORK, TALK TO YOUR DEALER, HE WILL ATTEND TO IT.

LICENSE PLATE BRACKETS:
THESE ARE LEGAL IN MOST STATES.
WE CAN’T CHANGE THIS TO SUIT EACH AND EVERYBODY.
IF WE GET ENOUGH CUSTOMERS ALL LIKING A CERTAIN DESIGN WE CAN AND WILL CHANGE IT.

EXHAUST LEAKS:
WE HAVE GONE BACK TOO FLANGED HEADERS.
NO MORE LEAKS.

SO AS U SEE, YES IT IS QUITE COMICAL, MAYBY TO U, BUT NOT TO US, WHO TAKE THE TIME TO LISTEN TO,AND READ ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS, ANYLISE THEM, AND CORRECT THEM, WHERE POSSIBLE.

PLEASE CHECK UP ON YOUR FACTS BEFORE U CRUCIFY US FOR NOT DOING ANYTHING.


"You see the same posts from new owners: rear end leaks, radiator leaks, doors don't fit, hoods slam shut, turn signals don't work, license plate brackets, exhaust leaks....it would be comical maybe, but it sucks!"


NOW TO UNCLE TODD,

I DON’T WANT U TO APOLOGIZE TO ME BUT I SURE DO WISH THAT I COULD GET THE BITTERNESS TOWARDS US OUT OF U.

MAYBE U CAN TELL ME HOW TO DO THIS?

U CANT PLEASE ALL OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME BUT WE SURELY DO TRY.

I AM IN TOUCH WITH HUNDREDS OF OUR VALUED BACKDRAFT CUSTOMERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD,ON A DALY BASSIS, AND FEEL THAT A WONDERFUL REPORE IS HAD WITH ALL OF THEM.

ALL AT BACKDRAFT AND MYSELF ARE COMMITED TO THESE ABOVE MENTIONED CHALLENGES,AND IN SO BEING,FEEL PRIVELAGED TO BE PART OF THIS GREAT COBRA FAMILY.



NOW LET’S GET ON WITH MAKING A BETTER CAR FOR ALL U GREAT PEOPLE TO ENJOY......MORE!!!

THANKS FOR READING

[cbreez]

tony, tony, tony....

If you check, I was NEVER an original poster, that enlightened people of any of these engineering/quality control problems...I just happen to agree with them because of my personal experience with my NEW car. So be it. The issues have come from around the country, from many people...check your notes, man.

Sorry that you feel some people have spoken to you in a complaining way... and thanks for clarifying that one must lower their expectations of reasonable quality, when buying a backdraft, a hand built car crafted with the utmost of care and engineering. You are right, they are not a production car. Unfortunatley, most of us are hundreds of miles away from where we bought the car...oh well, like some have said, "that's life."

It makes us all feel good to hear you say that "boys, we got it right now, the NEXT batch will be better. Thanks for you free R & D, we' ll sell better cars now!"

By the way, you have been hardly crucified, as you say...

[uncltodd]

cbreez- What's your build number?

Until you buy a BackDraft (the finest Cobra replica ever built, BTW) you need to stay down in the shallow end of the pool.

Each BDR is hand-built in the factory in Durban, SA. They are NOT kit cars!!!

My lament is the lack of communication between BDR and UT.

I am bitter and will remain so, but that is just me, I'm a BackDraft pariah.

UT