Original Fuse box cover solution on ERA stock fuse block w/pics

428street · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 11:09 AM

Ok, so I took the advice of not messing with the stock fuse block setup from ERA. I think sound advice. It got my wheels turning though and I had from my old TR6 days an NOS 7FJ fuse block and cover. In months past I had placed it over the ERA block as it looked very close. Now the stock cover has a bar in the middle for lack of another descriptive term that it mates to the original fuse block. Right off the bat I new that was an issue but something I could easily cut or file down so it did not hit the ERA block. I was at ERA on Monday and got a bare ERA fuse block. When I got home I did some quick fiddling and then this AM I finally had some time to work in this. Pictures are worth a 1000 words so I will let them tell the story. Bottom line is that I was able to shave off the bar in the middle, mill down the inside edges of the cover with an ignition file and a lot of patients and I got the cover to go mate with the stock ERA block. Not restrictively tight but a good seal. Don't know long term if it will stay on but I can't see why not. Any comments would be welcome good or bad. This accomplished my goal as best as possible.

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 11:17 AM

I think that looks great. I'm going to try and do the same thing.

428street · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 11:20 AM

Good luck. If you need any help let me know.

ERA Chas · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 03:29 PM

I guess I'll have to continue having points deducted at Monterey in the ERA-original-Cobra- fuse-block-cover class.

My carb air pan must make me a real outlaw...

The beauty of ERA's exposed fuses is being instantly able to check fuse condition when the hood is opened. Give me functionality every time.

As Patrick said, "I know when I'm licked".

428street · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 04:17 PM

If the 2 seconds it takes to remove the cover I made (which is experimental until I drive the car) makes the exposed fuse block less functional in a case where a fuse is blown and I have to check then I guess technically you are correct. My question to you would be why did Bob Putnam design, manufacture and now sell a black fuse cover that fits over both fuse blocks. Did he design something that would take away from the functionalitty of his own design?

Listen, I know 99% of replica car owners don't give a rats behind about originality. I know that know matter what I do I am not going to transform my ERA into a real car. There is a line in the ERA website that describes the car as a "visual clone" so I am just taking it a step further to suit my desires.

I'm not that stupid to think I am going to make my car "original". I get a rise out of it and thats why I do it. Don't do it for anyone else, to enter into a car show, to impress people, it's just my thing.

marcalan · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 04:39 PM

looks real nice

ERA Chas · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 04:50 PM

Street,
I'll repeat myself from your original post:
"I have total respect for your mania. Your car is a complete knock-out. It is obviously a car that's been 'done right' a comment I've heard often too."

I think my problem is that I have come to appreciate that ERAs have a 'look' of their own, to my eye even more appealing than originals, newer CSX's and KMP's. Meaning no disrespect to those makes or any others. Many are fantastic cars.

An ERA's personality, in my view, comes from the windshield angle, wheel flares and it's stance. The flares are from an original configuration and the 'shield angle only used on some of the smallblock racecars but the uniqueness of the combination makes it an ERA.

I look at your car with envy and think "that's a beautiful ERA". It's actually more visually appealing to me than an original. And to some degree, more than my own. The top, the BRG, the Sunbursts - totally elegant for a brute such as a Cobra. Enjoy your project knowing you've started with a beautiful hand-built sportscar.

I hope I've said better what I'm really thinking.

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

I hope I've said better what I'm really thinking.

FWIW, I ordered two Lucas covers from a British parts outlet this afternoon -- and they've already shipped them. I love a little tweak like this.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 05:25 PM

I gotta agree with Chas. ERA cars need no excuse. They are enough to stand on their own. The ERA Cobra has been around since about 1980, and are almost as old (in concept) as the originals. I love my car, and so do many people who see it. From the outside, it looks like an original, and drives better. Nothing wrong with a fuse box cover, but mine stays the way I got it. Ditto for the toploader.

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZOERA-SC7XX

I gotta agree with Chas ... Nothing wrong with a fuse box cover, but mine stays the way I got it. Ditto for the toploader.

But my dual black Lucas covers will match my dual black roll bars perfectly.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #11 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

But my dual black Lucas covers will match my dual black roll bars perfectly.

Now that's funny!

ERA Chas · #12 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 06:23 PM

Zo,
Who said "Paint It Black, Black As Night" ?
I love black ERA's as much as BRG-ones.

ZOERA-SC7XX · #13 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 06:46 PM

Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones)

Mando · #14 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 06:57 PM

Every time an ERA comes up for sale or comes up on a gallery I always have a good look being a huge fan of the ERA car. I agree with ERA Chas that the ERA has as good if not a better stance as any other kit and that includes the originals. Im not knocking the Shelby or Kirkhams because I really think theyre the top of the tree. The only thing that constantly amazes me are the fuses on the firewall on the ERA. I really dont get it. Covering them up as 428street is doing is better than nothing but if I was building an ERA I would want them positioned under the dash away from plane view or in some other obscure spot.

Regards.

strictlypersonl · #15 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 06:06 AM

The fuses are there for two reasons: That's where they were on the original car and, have you ever tried climbing underneath a Cobra dash?

ERA Chas · #16 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 06:49 AM

Thanks for your support Bob.

428street · #17 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 07:58 AM

ok, I took my covers off...is everyone happy now???!!!!

patrickt · #18 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 428street

ok, I took my covers off...is everyone happy now???!!!!

I'm not.

I really like the look of having them on.

mickmate · #19 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 08:38 AM

Put em back on Frankie, it's your car, done your way, it's magnificent, it's really clear to anyone with an ounce of common sense what you are doing and why. No excuses required.

428street · #20 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 09:06 AM

That was an early April fools joke!!!! Ya, like I'm going to take them off...not!!!!

I just took the car out for a test spin to see if they would come off over bumps, at speed, etc. and they did not budge...so, they are staying on and the fuses are a little happier as well...they said thank you!