Owner built on a budget; - Page 21

Hray · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2010, 12:55 PM

John: Not sure a photo is really necessary, but next time I remove rear tire I will tak pix and post it.

Here is what I did. I took a quarter inch thick piece of flat bar and cut it 3 inches by four inches. then drilled a hole in it at the top about one inch down to the center of the hole for shock mount to bolt into. then measured down just almost 2 more inches and drilled another hole for the flat bar to be bolted into the original hole where shock mount would have attached. then trial fit the shock. My down tube was in the way of the top. so I cantered the top of the flat bar out towards the tire about 3/4 inch. This allowed the shock to miss the down tube. I then drilled near bottom of flat bar a quarter inch hole thru new bar and thru frame. Installed a grade 8 quarterr inch bolt to prevent the bar from moving.

I decided not to weld it yet just in case I wanted to change it later. But for just the shock only not sure welding is needed.

If I went to coil over shocks I would most likely beef up with welds both the top and bottom of this system. Mainly because I think the 1/8 inch plate that CR used to bolt shocks up is just a little light to handle the weight of the vehicle. For just shock absorbtion it is fine.

I do think that I could find a coil over shock that would fit within the needed lengths for this. It also depends on how light or heavy the spring is that a person will be using. With stiffer spring the car will not travel that much up and down. I have a rather light spring and wanted as much travel as possible because my country roads are like wash boards around here.

If I were going to make a upgrade now I would just purchase 8 way adjustable shocks (which would adjust both compression and rebound) and use the current coil springs not coil overs. This way I could soften up the ride on the trip to reno, and then when at the track turn up the dial and make a stiff ride out of it.

For me I am now built for more comfort than speed both me and the car.

So if you find you want to do some changes to yours and welding and fab work is needed just get your shocks drive over spend the day and we can get you upgraded to suit your style.

Ray

MaSnaka · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2010, 02:37 PM

Thanks Ray.

I'm a good long days drive from you. But I'll keep your offer in mind. I am due to get to Redding some time, although I have no idea when, and I wont likely have my car. But I will give you a shout and atleast wave as I'm passing through Sac.

John

spl310 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2010, 05:56 PM

I don't get over to Clubcobra often, so I just found this today. WOW!!! That is AWESOME!!!

Hray · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 12:33 AM

Wow, cant believe it has been 4 months since a visit here.

cobra is doing well, still not driving it like I should, got a temp permit 60 days ago so i could get the bar sticker on it. have not moved the car. shame on me big time.

sort of found the need to sell a couple of my other classics, put the 27 t up for sale, did get a sb100 for it and got the bar to place sticker on firewall, but for the life of me I can not find anyone that wants a hot rod for even as low as 7500.00 guess times are tough.

Craig and I have moved on to do a full on custom 62 chevy for a friend, my part of the labor is I got a free 57 belair out of the deal. Craig gets the cash.

so hopefully, once the 27 finds a new home I will begin to put a few miles on the cobra. Glad to read everyone posts and see you guys are still providing good insights to those in need. I will try to not stay gone so long next time.

Ray

James Stern · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2010, 06:55 AM

Nice to hear from you Ray. It has been a long time. For you the build was the most important thing. I like to go. I hope you sell the Hot-Rod and get some wheel time in the Cobra.

Jim

Hray · #6 (**permalink**) 08-05-2010, 11:26 PM

Jim: I think you are right, I must like building them more than driving them.

I have an entire barn full of cars, hardly ever get them out to drive. I told myself once retired that would change. It has a little, but not near enough.

I was sort of waiting for my haggerty policy to expire, then get another policy which includes the cobra. so telling myself that it would not have been that good of an idea to drive it without insurance anyway.

take care, and I will not be gone so long next time.

Ray

James Stern · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2010, 06:46 AM

Ray after all that work DO NOT drive it without insurance.

That would be a potential tragedy. I was involved in a 4 car accident involving a drunk driver and found out (at least in my case) that the rear bumperettes do provide some protection. Just lucky sometimes.

Jim

Hray · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 01:36 AM

Good to see the cobra family is doing well. I am driving the car some.
I have built a 57 belair hardtop, and now doing a 55 belair hardtop.

Still healthy and pinching pennies to build cars.

I do hope someone gets help from reading my journey here.

Best to all of you. Tcrist stops by the trifive.com website and says hello sometimes.

Ray green

James Stern · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 03:55 AM

Ray, Again, nice to hear from you. As busy as you are building Chebbies I'm surprised that you have any time to post.

Hope you are getting some nice drive time weather. It's too damn cold here.

Jim Stern

Hray · #10 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Stern

Ray, Again, nice to hear from you. As busy as you are building Chebbies I'm surprised that you have any time to post.

Hope you are getting some nice drive time weather. It's too damn cold here.

Jim Stern

It has been cold here as well, hard to keep the shop warm. I have several more years of builds I hope to get done. The 55 will be done in a couple months. Then time to finish my 56 that I started in 86 and never finished. Someplace in there I gotta sell a few.

It least I have reason to get out of bed.

This 55 was supposed to be an autorama build, not going to make this deadline. I have taken too many days off.

As always nice to chat. Ray

*13* · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011, 06:23 AM

I was wondering what ever happened to HRAY. How is everything? WhAt are you working on these days?

Hray · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2011, 08:40 AM

Glad to know I was missed somewhat, or at least wondered about.

Well, since the cobra got done 18 months ago i have logged in 400 hours of custom work for a customer doing a 62 chevy biscayne, full on custom show car with Craig. he ran out of money and we sent it home till he gets more money.

I went to SoCal and took a custom upholstery class from the famous Ron Mangus on how to create and build show winning custom interiors.

I am doing a 57 chevy belair right now, thought I was ready for paint, but after the upholstery seminar found out I need to get that interior done first, then remove it for the final paint stages.

Then two weeks ago started a 12by24 room addition for the wife, she needs more room in her craft room.

and sold my other kit, then bought me a harley ultra electra glide for a little crusing on two wheels.

so life goes on, everyone is healthy.

plus got my first social security check last month, hope they don not run out of funds in the future. As always just staying way too busy, but guess I like it that way. HRAY

*13* · #13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2011, 08:45 AM

Keep your mind healthy, hopefully your body will follow!

James Stern · #14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2011, 03:12 PM

Yep Ray you were missed. Nice to know you are still doing things at full speed. Now that I'm retired I wonder how I ever found time to work. Keep on moving forward.

Jim S.

tcrist · #15 (**permalink**) 01-04-2013, 10:07 AM

Good morning Ray,

Good to see you checking in over here.

Hray · #16 (**permalink**) 08-05-2013, 07:19 PM

The cobra is doing fine, driving it on somewhat regular basis. Got a best roadester trophy at elk grove show in the park, a pleasant surprise.

I have built a 57, and 55 chev in last two years. Might get the 56 done this winter.

The chevies are documented on TriFive.com, 1955 Chevy 1956 chevy 1957 Chevy Forum , Talk about your 55 chevy 56 chevy 57 chevy - Belair , 210, 150 sedans , Nomads and Trucks, Research, Free Tech Advice .

Hope all is well with everyone.

Ray

dallas_ · #17 (**permalink**) 08-05-2013, 08:01 PM

Nice work!

Good to see you're checking in from time to time.

Take care,

John

Hray · #18 (**permalink**) 12-10-2018, 11:14 PM

Holiday greetings to all you guys. Been 5 yrs since I checked in. Doing just great. I have built so many cars since the cobra I have lost track.

Currently finishing a 32 Pontiac street rod coupe. And trying to finish my 56 Belair that is same color as cobra. Also bought an abandoned 37 Pontiac 6 coupe street rod. I have been posting build updates on my Facebook pages. Still cruising the CRII.

I trust all is well with everyone.

Ray

MOTORHEAD · #19 (**permalink**) 12-11-2018, 07:16 AM

Greetings Ray, I remember your build thread, always looked forward to the updates. You did a outstanding job for the budget restrictions you had.
Sounds like things are well at your end, hope that continues for you.

Best regards,

Ted

Hray · #20 (**permalink**) 12-12-2018, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOTORHEAD

Greetings Ray, I remember your build thread, always looked forward to the updates. You did a outstanding job for the budget restrictions you had.
Sounds like things are well at your end, hope that continues for you.

Best regards,

Ted

Great to hear from you. Yep we are doing just fantastic. Still going with a full head of steam. Finishing a 32 Pontiac cope for aurora this year.

Happy Holidays ray