New guy from Fort Lauderdale

ddx77 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-21-2012, 06:45 PM

Hey everyone, new guy here with little to zero knowledge about Cobras but have always loved them!

I was wondering there was a thread already started that I can start reading about what to look for when buying a Cobra.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

I am looking at a 427 equipped, 4 speed top loader, Jag rear susp, car and want to research it before just jumping in.

Thanks again,

Drew

kevins2 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2012, 07:30 PM

Hi Drew,

Welcome. I started researching Cobra replicas in December and have a kit on order. There is a wealth of information on this site. If you're starting point is to pick a replica manufacturer, there are lots of threads comparing and contrasting the top companies. Use the search engine to search for threads by keywords "top manufacturers" or just "manufacturers". You'll get a feel for all the variety. There are posts that list all the things you should think about like will you be driving on the street and track, street only, track only, etc. As you read, you'll start narrowing down the things that are important to you. There are forums dedicated to each of the manufacturers as well that you can browse through.

There are hundreds of good people on this site that will be happy to help and answer questions but I'd suggest doing a bit of reading first because most of your questions have been answered multiple times.

This Cobra thing is highly adictive, so have fun! By the way, I lived in Ft. Lauderdale for 25 years. PM me if you want to chat about Cobras or whatever.

Regards,

Kevin

ddx77 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2012, 07:35 PM

Thanks Kevin!

Congratulations on escaping from South Florida too.

I will PM you for sure, I will search the site and see what kind of questions I can come up with.

Drew

Murky781 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2012, 05:59 PM

welcome to club cobra and the cobra bug. so much info on this site, but you might start ing the manufacuters section in forums. after that use the search link and just keep browsing. if you see a topic that interests you, post a reply and it brings back to life. you'll get all the info you need and more. enjoy!

ddx77 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-22-2012, 06:41 PM

Thanks !!! Great site I have been doing a lot of reading, already learning...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murky781

welcome to club cobra and the cobra bug. so much info on this site, but you might start ing the manufacuters section in forums. after that use the search link and just keep browsing. if you see a topic that interests you, post a reply and it brings back to life. you'll get all the info you need and more. enjoy!

Silverback51 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddx77

Hey everyone, new guy here with little to zero knowledge about Cobras but have always loved them!

I was wondering there was a thread already started that I can start reading about what to look for when buying a Cobra.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

I am looking at a 427 equipped, 4 speed top loader, Jag rear susp, car and want to research it before just jumping in.

Thanks again,

Drew

Based on your wish list, I would say you should concentrate on ERA's. Probably the best do it yourself kit available.

kevins2 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Based on your wish list, I would say you should concentrate on ERA's. Probably the best do it yourself kit available.

Hi Drew,

I would fully agree with that. Of course, if you look at my status you'd conclude "of course" since I have an ERA kit on the way. I know you're going to PM me sometime with your phone number. I can walk you through the research I did and why I chose ERA. Ultimately, you'll come to your own conclusion based on your own needs and tastes. There are a few top manufacturers that you can search far and wide and not find any negative feedback. Of course, there are some guys that think their own brand is the best and everything else is crap so you just have to ignore that and go from there.

I'm sure by now you're totally addicted!

Regards,

Kevin

Silverback51 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-23-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevins2

Hi Drew,

I would fully agree with that. Of course, if you look at my status you'd conclude "of course" since I have an ERA kit on the way. I know you're going to PM me sometime with your phone number. I can walk you through the research I did and why I chose ERA. Ultimately, you'll come to your own conclusion based on your own needs and tastes. There are a few top manufacturers that you can search far and wide and not find any negative feedback. Of course, there are some guys that think their own brand is the best and everything else is crap so you just have to ignore that and go from there.

I'm sure by now you're totally addicted!

Regards,

Kevin

At least I was unbiased.

Ron61 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-29-2012, 07:14 AM

There are several top notch kits out there and if you are buying turn key, see if there are any around near y that you can look at. You never said what make the one that you are looking at is, but ERA, Shelby, and Kirkham are some of the top line. And Factory Five is now right up there near the ERA level. Also if buying one already built a lot will depend on the way it was built. If the builder did a good job and used good parts, then many kits are good. Also look depending on what you are going to use it for. Are you looking for a cruiser,show car, or do you want one to race. Good luck with whatever you get and post some pictures of it.

Ron

ddx77 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-29-2012, 07:34 PM

Thanks for the welcome guys! I am buying a finsihed Cobra tomorrow, I will post the pics and specs tomorrow evening. Thanks again!

BDR879 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-29-2012, 09:01 PM

You're in Lauderdale? Pay a visit to Reg and crew at Backdraft Racing in Boynton Beach....only 40 minutes away. They can get you up close and personal with a cobra!! Backdraft Racing - Home of the Backdraft RT3, RT3B, TD and GT Roadsters

ddx77 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 05:34 AM

Thanks! I didn't even know they were there.

Here she is -

SMC Brand Cobra, 600 miles, it has Mustang II front end suspension, Wilwood disc brakes all around, twin electric fan aluminum radiator, Ford 9" Rear, coil overs, 4 speed top loader, 460bb single 4bbl carb, new tires, original owner with complete documentation and receipts. The car is cosmetically perfect as well.

Slide Show - Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

Video of car starting - http://youtu.be/_NhXGEQcLcU

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDR879

You're in Lauderdale? Pay a visit to Reg and crew at Backdraft Racing in Boynton Beach....only 40 minutes away. They can get you up close and personal with a cobra!! Backdraft Racing - Home of the Backdraft RT3, RT3B, TD and GT Roadsters

Silverback51 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-30-2012, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddx77

Thanks for the welcome guys! I am buying a finsihed Cobra tomorrow, I will post the pics and specs tomorrow evening. Thanks again!

Congratulations.

Looking forward to pictures and information.