Warning: New Guy Content
 

Good evening, my name is William. Im excited about purchasing a 427 Replica here in the near future. I am a 25 year Soldier that is preparing to retire, and trying to make plans to fulfill a long time bucket list item. I have been researching manufactures for a while and have just recently began to post publically on the forums as I near stage two of my plans. (Stage 1 dreams, stage 2 plan to make dream come true).

Recently, the ERA kit has peaked my interest after reading the mass amount of “good” info on their web site and talking to them over the phone.

Yes, for complete transparency, I was and still am looking at factory five. But, the modularity and bonded body option for the ERA resonates well with me. I “know” I will not be able to buy EVERYTHING I want up front, its just a financial reality. Also, I still want to get my hands dirty. I don’t want a turn key, because then (for me) it would feel like I have done nothing but purchased someone else’s dream. Either way, I want to take some part in it, installing motor, body panels, etc. But, where my lack of experience lacks, I want to be able to purchase quality items from the original manufacturer. Another reason ERA peaks my interest. I hope im making sense?

Unless I am reading the ERA site wrong it appears, I can order the standard ERA kit to get the ball rolling. Have the body bonded, and leave panels uninstalled for me to feel like I have accomplished something in that initial step. Then I can order the rear independent suspension, tires wheels, etc?

Has anyone else here taken that route?

How shall I proceed?

Any advice for the new guy?

Lastly, this is a tough choice for me. I am so fearful of making the wrong choice, and buying the “wrong” kit, or having the place I purchase from go out of business, or something crazy like that. How did you guys decide between the manufacturers?

Thanks in advance

William
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
– Apostle Paul, Philippians 1:21

ERA is one of the finest kits there is in our hobby. You can't go wrong with it and they participate here on the forum, so there is help if needed.
You've made a really good choice!
Larry

Thanks Larry.

I do not think that you will find anyone who owns an ERA who will say, "Damn, I wish I did not purchase an ERA." It is a quality car and they are quality people there who are willing to offer advice and guidance. Call and talk to them.

Will,

I picked up ERA 714 (already built and I am the second owner) and have owned now for a little over a year. If you buy an ERA I would spend the additional cash and go with the outboard brakes and try to stay period correct with the vehicle in terms of the look. There are a few ERA vehicles that come up from time to time on CobraCountry.com that are also viable. Seems to me its easier on the pocketbook than building new.

Phil

Good stuff.

noted

William, there are no "rules" in dealing with ERA. They will do anything you ask them to -- whether it's on their site or not. I studied the market, and the different companies, from the early 1980's (newly married, reasonably broke) all the way up to 2005 when I could just pay for whatever I wanted. The only two companies that I would even consider writing a check to were ERA and Kirkham. The only reason I went with ERA was that it was on the east coast and I really didn't care if I had an aluminum body or not. The entire deal was done on a handshake basis and there wasn't even the slightest glitch during the year long process (other than some of them getting the flu).

Here's what you need to do: Send Peter a check for five grand, or ten grand, whatever it is now to get your name in to their waiting line of customers, and then schedule a time to fly up there and spend the day. There are a million things you haven't thought of in getting one of these cars. But that's the first step, and you can't go wrong with it.

If you think you may be interested in building an ERA from basic kit - unpainted, unbonded, etc. - here is my build thread for some reading. It's back about 2 or 3 pages on this Forum

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/era-...ess-782-a.html

There is a lot of extraneous banter throughout the thread and some melodrama but I think it does a fair job of documenting the journey.

There is a lot of info on ERA's website to study. They do not piecemeal kits such as in buy a frame now and a body later, but there are options such as if you want to find your own Jag rear suspension and rebuild/modify it yourself.

See, that's what i like DIRECT ORDERS! Thanks!

Good Stuff.

So where are you at on your decision? Whatever you decide, you're about to make a dream come true and your choice of builders can go a long way in the enjoyment factor. IMO, There are several manufacturers that can make your journey a pleasant one and a few that will absolutely suck the spirit out of your build. Most of us around here are willing to help and advise when asked.

PM sent

I read everything I could find for months before deciding on an ERA and the only negative comment I could find about the company or the car is that it takes a while to get one, as they always have a waiting list. Well worth the wait, I can tell you. Completely trustworthy folks to work with and very helpful along the way. And, as was said above, you can do business with them with just a handshake (and that comment was made by a lawyer!). Great experience in all ways...

Kevin

awesome, for me the "wait" is perfect for my situation, a year gap would be great.

Do it! ERA Cobras are awesome. Put a nice FE in it, too. What's your total budget?

"what's my total budget?"

hmmmm, well an uniformed answer would say 30-40k. Stopping point 50.

That's going to be tight. $50k might get you there if you skinny it all down. Honestly, I don't really know too much about costs -- I did everything almost ten years ago.:eek:

okay, to be clear, "I" am not including motor & tranny in that estimate.

That i have a "line" on.

Therefore, would that be a realistic number with ERA?

My preliminary math, based on their web site, says yes?

am i off base?

Well that helps. A nice FE is going to cost $10k at a minimum, $25k at a maximum. A transmission is about $2500. You can spend between $4000 and $8000 on the paint and body work, depending on your liking. All of the other costs are there on the ERA site. The problem is that as soon as go up there, and see stuff like their custom outboard rear, Smiths gauges, Moto-Lita steering wheels, quick-release hubs, six pin drives, etc., it adds up faster than you think.;)

Do your self a favor and have them paint the car and bond it to the chassis. For what they have cars painted for you would be hard pressed to find someone to give you the quality for the price they have them done for.

so, here are some preliminary numbers, YES, i know there is a couple thousand in "gotta haves" and "must haves"....Please advise?

basic kit $21,900.00
PAINT (est) $6,000.00
REAR END (ERA design) $5,200.00
BOND THE BODY $2,800.00
POWDER COAT FRAME $1,000.00
five pin drive (est) $2,500.00
rack & pinion (FRONT) $650.00
coilover (FRONT) $700.00
drive shaft $350.00
side pipes $850.00
dual front fans $350.00

TOTAL $42,300.00