New CCX Owner

kbutler971 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 03:58 AM

Greetings:

Just a quick note to say after 20+ years wanting a Cobra I finally purchased one this week. It's an older well sorted Contemporary with a built 428/4-speed and street trim/dash, XKE running gear, etc.

Saw a very, very nice Superformance last month in Bend, OR which sparked my interest once again. This one just came along and I can't wait to take delivery (a week or so away). I have nice cars and motorcycles but nothing like this.

I'd also like to say Ive read so many very good posts on this site and have learned alot. Great site. I'd also like to hear more about CCX cars, Registry, etc.

If anyone's in or near MI please give me a shout.

Kirk

cobrajeff · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 05:39 AM

Kirk -

Congratulations on your purchase of a Contemporary Cobra, and welcome to clubcobra. Contemporary definately made a really nice car - one of the best.

The Great lakes Cobra Club is based in Southeast MI - you might want to come out to some of our events. We usually have a club dinner meeting once a month, and rotate between the west and east sides of the Detroit area.

http://www.greatlakescobra.com/

The local SAAC club (SAAC- Motor City Region) is very active, too, with car shows, cruises, and open track events.

http://www.saac-mcr.com/main/

Look forward to meeting you and seeing your car at an event soon.

regards,

Jeff

kbutler971 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 07:47 AM

Hi Jeff:

Many thanks for the welcome and links, and I'm definitely looking forward to getting involved with other Cobra owners.

Kirk

mickmate · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 07:47 AM

Congrats on buying a great car and welcome aboard. You'll see we have a Contemporary forum here http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/contemporary-classic-forums/ and if you get in touch with Jeff Gagnon he'll get you on the CCX registry where the owners share useful information and tech tips, parts finding etc. He's here on CC as 1985 CCX.

kbutler971 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 09:52 AM

Hi:

Thanks for the intro and for the CCX forum. I've already visited and there's alot of good information (and very, very nice cars). I'd also like to get involved with the CCX Registry if nothing more than to research in more detail my individual car.

I still can't believe I'm actually going through with this, and especially with a CCX car built well. I did alot of research back in the day and Contemporary (among several others) stood out as a pioneer in creating a true replica of the 427 Shelbys. For me, that's part of the value I see in my purchase. An older kit in pretty good shape, nothing fancy but darn close to the real deal, warts and all.

Thanks again.

Kirk

1985 CCX · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 10:44 AM

Kirk

I like your style, warts and all!

I agree with you CCX cars are very well done and truely a reflection of the real deal. I have had the luxury of driving a real one and can tell you it drives exactly like my CCX. Except for the fact that my steering wheel is a bit newer and less prone to splinters.

Drop me an email and I will get you a list of email addresses of CCXX owners. Aslo I can forward build manuals via pdf file, CCX sales lit, and other CCX stuff.

Welcome aboard................Jeff
jdgagnon1@juno.com

Fastz06 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 11:28 AM

Kirk,

I also own a CCX. I'm in Shelby Twp, just north of Detroit. Ive been through most parts of my car, so if you have any questions shoot me a PM.

Ray

bmwdb10 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 02:46 PM

Kirk,

Welcome to the world of CCX ownership! They truly are great cars and with a few mods can be made to look down right vintage! Right Jeff!

Awesome cars and a good bunch of guys in the group that are available most any time and will pipe in promptly if you pose any type of question.

Mickmate responded here as well. Should you ever decide to make some adds to make your car even more authentic, he is the guy to call. Incredible talent and has already developed a lot of real cool parts for the CCX cars.

Welcome to the group!

ekrupa2 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 08:10 PM

welcome Kirk!

Ray - i am in shelby too...wondered why we havent crossed paths yet!

kbutler971 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 03:52 AM

Hi Don:
Thanks for the note, and I'll get some fotos up as soon as it arrives (need to drive it first).
It might pale in comaprison to some of the cars I've seen on this site but I wanted a driver. Besides, there's lots of potential starting out with a CCX to begin with.
Kirk

kbutler971 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 09:27 AM

Hi:
Just had the new (used) CCX3057 dropped off at the house last evening. In the rain with a dead battery (potential effect of electrical gremlins and not cause), which made for some short term frustrations. New battery got everything fired up OK, but the rain delayed any runs until this afternoon after work.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the CCX product. Very solid. From what I can tell, this particular example has most all of the big stuff in great shape with lots of small details needing attention. Great exterior too, but lots of opportunities for some TLC, especially wiring, electrical fit and finish, etc.

I've posted a couple of photos in the Gallery of the beast. Thanks again for everyone's welcome. So far so good.

Kirk

1985 CCX · #12 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 07:49 PM

Nice!

kbutler971 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 06:06 AM

Hi Guys:

Many thanks for the nice words. I did get the car out on the road last evening after more battery troubles (dead 24hs after replacing....obvious short.....and certainly not advertised with the car). It's dawning on me I purchased a fixer-upper. I didn't expect perfeection but not to this extent right out of the chute.

Well, I'm impressed, although it will take some getting used to after 2+ years with a tricked out '02 Audi TT ALMS. Overall, pretty solid, but I think the brakes are the most immediate challenge, sure need alot of pressure to stop. Next is the electrical short. Quick troubleshooting points to the hot lead from the starter solenoid on the firewall into the interior of the car underdash. From here it's lifting leads to find the problem. We'll see more tonite, but at least the battery is disconnected for new to avoid more trouble.

Third are the tires. They sure seemed oversize, and had a pretty good rub on the left front upon turning. Will sure look to get these bask to somewhere around stock real soon. The wheels are (I'm told by the previous owner with diminishing credibility) Compomotive 15" bolt on which appear copies of the 289 Daytona Coupe design. Real neat look.

Once I get these drivability issues sorted out it should be alot of fun (maybe the fun is in the challenge :-)). I'll post some more photos here soon.

Again, many thanks to all for the notes. I'm sure I'll have alot of questions but that comes later.

Kirk

mickmate · #14 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 05:39 PM

Hey Kirk looking good in arrest me red! Nice ride, I see what they were talking about with the plate on the rear bumper of the CCX's so they didn't have to fit it between handle and light.

bmwdb10 · #15 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 06:57 PM

Nice looking car Kirk! Congrats!

Is that the fuel pump or filter hanging from the rear?

Looks like it needs one of Nick's roll bars! Not one of Contemporary's best moves, that shorty!

Sure you will enjoy!

mickmate · #16 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 06:54 AM

Hey Kirk, trunk support can be found here http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...roducts_id=170
Finishline have a lot of parts for these things with exemplary service.
I saw a thread on CCX license plate mounting and hence noticed yours. There is a difference between Jeffs and Daves on the distance between boot handle and plate light but you can creatively modify a plate to fit.
We have upgraded brakes on a couple of these to put Wilwoods on calipers and dual masters. Also changed them from hung to floor mounted pedals just like originals if you want to get that far into it. Let me know if I can help with that project after you've dialed in a few other things. Sounds like this car is in the right guys hands, stay after it.

kbutler971 · #17 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 07:58 AM

Hi Mickmate:

My first priorities on the car are: 1)fix the short/wiring cleanup, 2)thorough off the ground inspection/going over, 3) brake maintenance/replacement, 4) tires. we'll see where we go from here. Like I mentioned earlier, I expected some work but was hoping for a bit more sorting form the previous owner(s).

Should be interesting, but the car really is a blast. At first I didn't like the color, but looking over Shelby historic photos it is very close or identical to what I see on some CSX cars. Overall, the CCX is a great starting point for some sorting/upgrades. Hit a rabbit (or other small creature) at about 35mph last night on a country road and didn't skip a beat.

Thanks again.

Kirk

candyman · #18 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 11:08 AM

Hi Kirk, nice car and welcome to the ccx club. Had a few minor things with mine also but well worth it. Good luck and enjoy it.

1985 CCX · #19 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 03:15 PM

This pedalbox was a nice upgrade for my car! Brakes are 100% improved with the Wilwood updates and stainless lines help improve overall pedal feel. Easy stuff to do as well. I can help with sourcing of stainless lines, brackets, install issues and of course moral support if interested.

kbutler971 · #20 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008, 04:12 AM

Hi Jeff:

Thanks for the note and fotos. And for the advice. Very nice modification, I can see something like this adding immeasurably.

I'm runniing Alcon 12" discs/4 piston calipers on my '02 Audi TT ALMS front and they have really spoiled me on HP brakes.

Still have an electrical short to get first, but I'll get around to this.

Kirk