Took The Plunge ...

tkb289 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 01:16 PM

At long last, I have started my Cobra project!

I just talked with ERA and my check is in the mail, along with a (2) page wish list. Once Peter takes a look and we talk, I'll see where I am on 'the list'.

In a nutshell, I am looking at their 289 FIA car, turn key minus roller in 'street trim' ...

- 289 FIA with a 289 or 302
- No hood scoop or trunk bumps
- No stripes ... some shade of blue or possibly BRG
- ERA custom rear suspension with outboard brakes
- All of the tricks the ERA guys can come up with to get this 6'-4" car nut to fit!
- And a whole lot of other decisions to make on the other bits and pieces

I am sure to have a bunch of questions as things go along, so my 'post count' is soon to rise.

This has been a long time coming for me, and I am fortunate to have the full support of my wonderful wife & family. My past year and a half in Club Cobra has really helped. Thank you to the CC members that I have met over the net for your tips and thanks especially to the local BACC guys that have welcomed me into the club. Last but not least ... thanks Doug (aka Dangerous Doug) for letting me poke around your FIA as you have been putting it together.

Soon there will be one more Snake in the grass!

Regards,

- Tim

James Stern · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 01:33 PM

Tim, Congrats on your selection. I really like the slabside and I'm sure you will enjoy it when it finally gets done. Waiting a long time just makes it better when you finally do have your dreams come true. Having a wonderful supportive wife and family is most important to truly enjoy the car. Looking forward to your build thread.

Jim

Got the Bug · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 01:42 PM

Tim,

Fantastic news!! Congratulations!

Dangerous Doug · #4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 02:09 PM

Fabulous, Tim! Glad to hear of it!

289FIA or slabside? You did see the slabside photos from the ERA Skunkworks thread, didn't you?

Anyhow, congratulations. Now that mine is getting sorted out, let's connect for lunch and go for a drive.

DD

RodKnock · #5 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 02:12 PM

Do I get the TR?

Congratulations! So, now let's overanalyze your decision to go with ERA.

Just joshing. I like that ERA Slabside too.

patrickt · #6 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb289

At long last, I have started my Cobra project!

I just talked with ERA and my check is in the mail, along with a (2) page wish list. Once Peter takes a look and we talk, I'll see where I am on 'the list'.

Nice. You did the right thing.

Now comes the hard part... waiting.

Dangerous Doug · #7 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 04:01 PM

Tim, how long is the wait from ERA? Seems like it's be shorter than in the past due to the sluggish economy.

DD

cobrajeff · #8 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 04:30 PM

Congratulations! You can't go wrong with ERA - these guys really know what they are doing!

regards,

Jeff

Dangerous Doug · #9 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 07:08 PM

Hey Tim, don't forget Mr. Potatohead that let you drive his 289FIA...

DD

tkb289 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Do I get the TR?

Congratulations! So, now let's overanalyze your decision to go with ERA.

Just joshing. I like that ERA Slabside too.

Rod,

Thanks for the offer ... but the TR will keep the Cobra company!

- Tim

tkb289 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Hey Tim, don't forget Mr. Potatohead that let you drive his 289FIA...

DD

Doug ... you are so right ... a big thank you to Mr. Potatohead (aka Larry) for a real introduction to the ERA FIA ! That pretty much got me to take a much closer look at ERA.

- Tim

csx wnab · #12 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 09:35 PM

hey tim
thats great, congrats. you know if you need any help with anything, i'd be happy to lend a hand. only cause you have that trumpet ya know.

Dangerous Doug · #13 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 09:57 PM

Does this mean you need your cherry picker back?

You are welcome to use my engine stand, and whatever else I've got in the tool box.

Have you decided on an engine source? Ford Racing? Keith Craft?

Let the fun begin!

DD

By they way, even though my ERA is yet unpainted, I still get people oohing and awing over it---in raw black gelcoat no less.

More questions: Which wheels are you going with? Wires, FIA, or as I did, 427-type?

5-speed? 4-speed?

Okay, we need to connect for gyros. Too many questions.

DD

tkb289 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 10:07 PM

Jeff ... thanks! At some point, I probably will need some guidance from someone that has done this before.

tkb289 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Does this mean you need your cherry picker back?

You are welcome to use my engine stand, and whatever else I've got in the tool box.

Have you decided on an engine source? Ford Racing? Keith Craft?

Let the fun begin!

DD

By they way, even though my ERA is yet unpainted, I still get people oohing and awing over it---in raw black gelcoat no less.

More questions: Which wheels are you going with? Wires, FIA, or as I did, 427-type?

5-speed? 4-speed?

Okay, we need to connect for gyros. Too many questions.

DD

Doug,

Hang onto the cherry picker ... it will be a while before I need it.

I am pretty sure I'll go with the FIA body, with some street bits here and there (like the grille and rear bumper), but the slab side body they are just now finishing for Jim, really looks great.

Motor ... I am seriously looking at keeping true to a 289, or a 302. I also like the old school look of plain black ignition wires and hoses. I'll need to see what I can find ... and I am sure our CC buddies will have lots of good ideas.

For wheels ... and this will raise an eyebrow or two, but I still like the look of the bolt on American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels. The pin drive wheels are the correct wheels to use, and they do look great, so I'll need to make the final decision when the time comes.

Trans ... most likely a 5 speed, but with the FIA upright shifter, just like your car.

So many things to consider!

When you have time ... let's do lunch!

- TKB

tkb289 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Stern

Tim, Congrats on your selection. I really like the slabside and I'm sure you will enjoy it when it finally gets done. Waiting a long time just makes it better when you finally do have your dreams come true. Having a wonderful supportive wife and family is most important to truly enjoy the car. Looking forward to your build thread.

Jim

Jim,

Thanks!

From what I understand, ERA is just finishing their first slab side car for Jim Holden, and it is a beauty. I'll probably go with the FIA body, but put some of the street car pieces on it. I need to talk with Peter and see what thier plans are for the slab side car.

- Tim

PANAVIA · #17 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 02:28 AM

Thats awesome tim,- take pictures that are elements of how you want stuff setup and i am sure we can all help you find the bits and pieces!

tkb289 · #18 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

Thats awesome tim,- take pictures that are elements of how you want stuff setup and i am sure we can all help you find the bits and pieces!

Steve,

Thanks. I'll probably have some things that you can help me find when the time comes.

- Tim

Jim Holden · #19 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 09:14 AM

TKB:

I've always found the "wait" and the "build" the most exciting time; planning, scrounging for parts, agonizing over the color and then putting it all together. When it's all done, I go through withdrawal... until I start planning the next one.

So, remember, this can be a wonderful exciting journey. Destinations are important, but the journey is, for me anyway, what it's all about.

Welcome to the world of ERA!

Jim

RodKnock · #20 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 09:19 AM

Oh hey Tim, that ERA journey also includes the SB100 process.

Get in line baby! 2011?