Where is everyone?

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by ford lover

My name is Dennis and this is my first post. A friend and I have been talking of a Cobra for some time now. We have debated buying verses building. We have to admit we have never driven or even sat in a Cobra before...so we are open to any and all advice. Please be kind. Everybody has to start somewhere.

Kindness is not what you need. Brutal honesty is what you need. So I'll try to be brutally honest in a kind way.

Some people want to build a Cobra because they think the some-assembly-required like a Heathkit will save them money. It rarely does.

Buy it. There are tons of completed cars that have been sorted out. Find one you like and drive it. Then if the COBRA PASSION persists, and you still want to be a fabricator/manufacturer, feel free to build one. If you're into fabrication that's OK, but you don't want to put all that time and money into a project only to find the Cobra is not a match. They are powerful nasty smelling machines that want to kill you every time you get in it. It would be a shame to invest two years into a project only to find that combination doesn't agree with you.

Based on what I see here, I'd guess maybe 50% of the "kits" are actually completed.

Good luck.

PS. You might want to move this to a primary root topic instead of burying it in a "what is going on" that noone will read... If you do I'll repost my reply as well.

[pgermond]

There is a lot of satisfaction in building your own car.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by pgermond

There is a lot of satisfaction in building your own car.

For some, yes. But the Cobra is a nasty beast when done. If you want to be a fabricator there are cheaper and more pleasant vehicles to learn that skill with. 32 Ford for example.

[eschaider]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Kindness is not what you need. Brutal honesty is what you need. So I'll try to be brutally honest in a kind way.

Some people want to build a Cobra because they think the some-assembly-required like a Heathkit will save them money. It rarely does.

Buy it. There are tons of completed cars that have been sorted out. Find one you like and drive it. Then if the COBRA PASSION persists, and you still want to be a fabricator/manufacturer, feel free to build one. If you're into fabrication that's OK, but you don't want to put all that time and money into a project only to find the Cobra is not a match. They are powerful nasty smelling machines that want to kill you every time you get in it. It would be a shame to invest two years into a project only to find that combination doesn't agree with you.

Based on what I see here, I'd guess maybe 50% of the "kits" are actually completed.

Good luck.

PS. You might want to move this to a primary root topic instead of burying it in a "what is going on" that noone will read... If you do I'll repost my reply as well.

+1^ and then some ...


Ed

[Phx Mike]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Kindness is not what you need. Brutal honesty is what you need. So I'll try to be brutally honest in a kind way.

Some people want to build a Cobra because they think the some-assembly-required like a Heathkit will save them money. It rarely does.

Buy it. There are tons of completed cars that have been sorted out. Find one you like and drive it. Then if the COBRA PASSION persists, and you still want to be a fabricator/manufacturer, feel free to build one. If you're into fabrication that's OK, but you don't want to put all that time and money into a project only to find the Cobra is not a match. They are powerful nasty smelling machines that want to kill you every time you get in it. It would be a shame to invest two years into a project only to find that combination doesn't agree with you.

Based on what I see here, I'd guess maybe 50% of the "kits" are actually completed.

Good luck.

PS. You might want to move this to a primary root topic instead of burying it in a "what is going on" that noone will read... If you do I'll repost my reply as well.

I second this. Unless you a) are sure you want a cobra and b) know what you are doing and enjoy a complex fab and assembly project, you are better off buying your first one. This will get you on the road with a sorted out car sooner and if you decide it’s not for you, you have not wasted a bunch of time with the build.

These cars are not like a modern car. They are more like a 4 wheeled Harley. You should go to a club gathering or car show and talk to them and get someone to give you a ride before you buy....

Enjoy - Mike

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Phx Mike

These cars are not like a modern car. They are more like a 4 wheeled Harley. You should go to a club gathering or car show and talk to them and get someone to give you a ride before you buy....

Enjoy - Mike

This!!! The Cobra is what is referred to as "a man's car". It has no power anything. Turning the steering wheel while moving is a task, let alone trying to jockey it to and fro while still on pavement. Braking can sometimes be a two foot proposition. Headlights barely reach a couple of car lengths out. Tail lights barely visible (unless as some you upgrade to LEDs). And just like a Harley, you won't deliberately take it out in a rainstorm.

Visit with some folks at car shows is an excellent suggestion, and a good way to get familiar with the various makes and models out there.

You don't state your budget, alot hinges on how much money you have to spend. You should check out Cobra Country | The World's #1 Shopping Mall for Cobra Buyers & Sellers to get a feeling for pricing of the various makes/models...

Good luck!