Build/order question

[Dangerous Doug]

I ordered the basic kit from ERA, and built my 289 FIA over about 4 years---the rate of build was gated by my ability to burn cash without setting of the Spousal Financial Alert System.

I bought the basic kit, but had the frame powder coated and bonded onto the frame. Pretty much everything else I did myself except for the body work, which I had done by Ken's up in Yuba City (Home).

I really enjoyed working on it. About a year into it my son was diagnosed with Leukemia, and working on my Cobra was my escape from a very stressful period of my life. (He's fine now.) Every six months I would sell some stock options to fund the next phase, and I broke it all out in a build spreadsheet, what I would purchase and when. ERA was great, answering questions and getting my through the process.

If you have the time, and this sounds like a father-son project, I'd say, "Build it!" I would advise getting it painted first, though. I got mine in raw fiberglass, and drove it that way for a couple of months. When I got ready for paint I had to partially disassemble it, which was no big deal. However, I think painting it first makes more sense.

PM or email me if you want to know more.
DD