Suggestions on what to order

R U YELLA · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 12:01 PM

For those of you that ordered your Cobra from ERA, what stuff did you get or even better what do you wish you got when you ordered it? Did anybody buy parts in stages? Did you have it painted up there?

Catch ya later
Ed

NSXDRIVER · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 03:07 PM

Ed,

I have not yet received my car, so I am anything but an authority on the subject. However, I tried to do my homework over the past ten years, and I decided on the following when I placed my order.

1. Have ERA powder coat the frame and bond the body.

2. I liked the outboard brake rear end, as produced by ERA -- not only is it cool looking, but it is lighter and cools better. You will have to buy the big front brakes to go along with it, however.

3. I decided to order a "roller", just because I didn't want to pay for multiple shipments of parts as I assembled the car.

4. I opted to have the car painted by one of ERA's recommended painters, since they know the body's quirks and how to make it look great. I aslo went to Walt's shop, and was impressed.

5. I opted for the six pin wheels, having heard that the five pins are hard to get on and off.

6. I would have ERA provide all of the ancillary parts, since they know what will work and what won't.

7. Have them include a case of Depends undergarments for the first few times you punch it after it's finished.

ERA-FIA · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 07:37 AM

I built my second ERA last year......

The first time (1984) I went with the basic kit and the rear with cage from ERA. In the end many of the remaining parts were then purchased from Peter. If you buy parts from them you will be sure that they fit/work and any little prep touches will have been done. At times you will see what looks like the same parts for less from other sources, I have often (not always) found these parts to be inferior. Also the body work and paint which I did, took forever.

My FIA (first car was a big block) was ordered with the frame powder coated and body bonded. Walt did a terrific paint job, taking care of many small details. I ordered the optional rear, because of adjustability and the ease of bleeding the rear calipers. Knock-off's, front Willwood's, Peter even supplied the Richmond 5-speed with the schatter shield and clutch. I didn't order a roller since I enjoy bolting everything together.

The assemble part really is enjoyable with the right parts.

Tongue Pirate · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 08:35 AM

I have my FIA on order right now. I am having them powder coat & bond the body to the frame. If my taxes get back in time I will add the rear assembly, then order parts as I go. I can't wait to get started!!!

John 550 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 07:39 PM

R U YELLA · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 09:26 AM

Thanks guys. I would also want the car to be painted up there. Did you get the Rear Flares or not? And what about the Top - Did you do the install or have ERA do it?

Catch ya later
Ed

Chaplin · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 09:38 AM

Top

What's that? I actually haven't ordered a top. (Given the weather lately, maybe I should

). My car is currently at the painter right now. I decided to use Conn. Custom Car. In another 2 or 3 weeks I'll be able to tell you how it came out. I think Mr. Mike had his car done by them and he is very happy with the paint job. I have seen cars at ERA painted by Tony (ERA's other painter) and they look good too, so it may be a toss up as to which you use.

But to answer your question, if I were to get a top, which I might do at some point, I'd have ERA do it. They've probably done it a couple hundred times and would likely do a better job than we amateurs.

Good luck.
Mike

Tongue Pirate · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 11:35 AM

I definately want a top at some point. I like they way they look(Call me wierd

). I wonder though???? Can a person 6'+ tall get in & out of a cobra with the top in place?

CobERA · #9 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 11:44 AM

I had my car painted by Tony, and it came out great. I think he had it for about 8 weeks.

I also purchased a top, but had ERA fit it. Well worth the cost to have them do so. I don't want to have to use it, but living in Texas, you never know when the sky may open up. I bought the top in the hope that I could keep most of the rain out of the cockpit if I get caught in a downpour.

I purchased almost everything else I needed from ERA, except the battery and the twin front fans. That way I knew everything would work.

I purchased the twin fan kit from Finish Line, but crafted my own mounting hardware. Below is a picture (maybe? or a link) of the installed fans.

I had ERA powder coat the frame and bond the body. I strongly recommend you do so also.

Good-luck.

R U YELLA · #10 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 11:52 AM

Mike - Yes the top will probably never be used, but it would be nice to be able to drive in the rain & colder days.

CobERA - is that the 4" or 6" oil cooler? Man I love the opening of the Cobra with all that Alum & the fans. Thats the way to go IMHO.

Catch ya later
Ed

CobERA · #11 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 04:29 PM

Ed,

It is the 6" cooler. It's a little hard to tell because of the angle of the picture. The front end is still up on the dolly wheels.

I do have a lawn chair set up in front of the car so I can look at the nose.

Mind you, I am not sitting very often. I spend most of my free time, which isn't much

, working on the car.