Think I finally decided on a kit

andersmf · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2021, 11:36 AM

I think I am going to go with the A&C kit, I really like the quality of the body and that it does not have to be painted.

I think I am going to start with the Phase 1(quick start program) and Phase 2 packages.

As anyone bought these packages. I see the overview of them on the website, but I was curious if anyone has a list of exactly what comes with each phase.

Thanks,
Michael

cycleguy55 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-10-2021, 01:36 PM

Have you checked in A&C Forum? Antique & Collectibles - Club Cobra

twobjshelbys · #3 (**permalink**) 02-10-2021, 01:57 PM

Any particular reason that you're getting a kit instead of an already finished sorted out car?

Do you have the tools necessary to assemble and fabricate? Things go so much easier with a lift. And if you don't have an auto or body shop or know someone that does so you can borrow tools, you'll buy a lot of tools you'll never use again.

Many kits go unfinished and sold at scrap value because owners lose interest and then they sit for decades. If you think you're saving money over buying a finished car, think again.

If you're into fabrication and that is what you want to do, and this is your first, there are other cars that are much easier to build than a Cobra.

If you want to drive the car, then buy one that is already built and sorted out.

If you want the pleasure of being the first owner, buy a finished roller. They had the tools and labor to do it right.

andersmf · #4 (**permalink**) 02-10-2021, 02:05 PM

Yes I want to build it myself with my son and daughter. I probably enjoy working on them just as my as driving them. We have already restored a 66 mustang from the ground up, cut and repaired frame rails and floor pans. I have 76 spitfire I was going to restore next, but I have always dreamed of building a cobra. I am tired of working with rust for the time being, and the spitfire needs floorpan work. So I figured I would tackle a cobra kit now and save the spitfire for a project down the road.

incoming · #5 (**permalink**) 02-10-2021, 04:22 PM

Ehhhh, opinions are like A#$%^&*? Not to push you away from the Cobra. The Trumpy parts are drying up and getting expensive. Id do the Spitfire first. Parts are drying up very very quick.
Please don't take my man-card away guys........
I just picked up a'93 Geo Metro Convertible for a friend and my wife and daughter fell in love with "the skate".

A&C is still in business, Triumph isnt

daverascal · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2021, 03:51 PM

I bought an ACC kit. Main reason was not having to do all the sheet metal work in the floor pan, fire wall etc. I bought the gel coat option was a good move. It took me 5 years to get all the bugs worked out of the car before I put a nice paint job on the car. So I had a decent paint job to drive around. I did wet sand and buff out the gel coat made a huge difference.

Azhinoon · #7 (**permalink**) 02-13-2021, 05:39 AM

What other companies have you compared or considered?

willandrache · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2021, 06:18 AM

Michael, my 2 cents worth...
It sounds like you already have the fabrication skills and the motivation. If you have already built cars in the past, then you know the amount of effort it takes to keep pushing yourself to finish a project.
Like you, I was sick of doing rust repairs, so a Cobra was a very attractive option.
Anyone with a cheque book can go and buy a finished car, but only someone who either has the skills, or wants to learn, can build a car. The satisfaction of being confronted by a problem and then working out a way to solve it, is one of life's great enjoyments.
If your kids want to get involved, then what more reason do you need?
There are dozens of very experienced builders on these forums who are always happy to pass on their advice if you are stuck.
If you want to know what each part of the package you are buying consists of, then ask the person you are buying it from.
I am looking forward to seeing photos of your progress.
Regards
Will

cobrasc1966 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-14-2021, 11:35 AM

Go for it. I bought a total kit from NAF (no longer in business) back in 1986. I was driving it in 1989. Had lots of small problems, like getting all the parts from the company, but overall it was a good experience and was my first try at building a car even though I've always been a backyard type mechanic. I've since built my own race cars for circle track, and just finished a restoration on a 340 Dart. It took me longer than planned on the Cobra because I learned early on not to work on it unless I really wanted to. When I forced myself to do something when I really wanted to do something else, I ended up screwing up something. Good luck!