Newbie, been dreaming for a while want pointers for research
 

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking for a few days. I have always had the itch to build a kit car partially for the experience of doing it but also for the savings. The only car I have an interest in building is the Cobra. I'm not an automotive enthusiast or anything, I just love the car and have always admired performance and of course anything with a good throaty growl behind it. Anyway, I'm just starting my semi-serious research. I'd like to be able to buy a kit within the next couple years. I could do it now but I tend to research quite a bit. I also like to ponder things to be sure I'm not going to lose interest. So far I've had this in the back of my mind for a few years. I figure a couple of years of analysis will prove to myself that I'm dedicated to the task at hand. It could happen sooner but I'm not counting on it. Also gotta warm the wife up to the idea. She loves the car but likes saving money also.

I'd like any research pointers I can get from anyone willing to give me advice. Assume I know nothing on the topic because I really don't. My needs are as follow: Passenger safety IE: roll bars attached to frame and good safety designed chassis, must accept a big block, fiberglass that is reinforced with steel or similar for mounting of hinges etc...

That is what I have on my mind right now. I will get a better idea of what I want/need after much more research. I'm thinking of attending the Redhook gathering on March 16th. Is it cool if just anyone shows up to talk with you guys? Don't want to barge in on a closed meeting or anything.

Thanks a bunch. Sorry for rambling!

Darren

A small bit larger than the original cobra size, but...
 

West Coast cobras are extremely well designed and if there is such a thing as a safe cobra, this is it. Mine is currently under construction as a turnkey, at the factory. The website is:

www.cobrakit.com

There are several other great quality cobra makes, you will have quite a selection to make !:MECOOL:

I am in a similar position. I am currently evaluating the various companies. This place has provided me with great quantities of information and made me consider things that weren't on my list. Although it has caused my pondering/research phase to lengthen I don't mind waiting a little longer to make a better decision.
Stay on top of the current discussions here but do research in the tech forum and there is tons of info.
I have excluded a couple of companies from my research for various reasons but will leave them un-named here as my motives may vary from yours.
I have learned there are lots of options from each company and you will see which are more popular/considered required by people here.
I have been browsing here for a couple of months and the people are great! Always ready to provide info or answers.
And I hope you have a sense of humor because this place certainly does.

Happy hunting

http://www.erareplicas.com
http://www.factoryfive.com/
http://www.johnex.com
http://www.superformance.com/
http://www.uniquecobrareplicas.com/
http://cobrazone.com/index.cfm
http://www.hunterscobrakits.com/
http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/home.cfm
http://www.midstatesclassics.com./
http://www.bandbroadster.com/
http://www.everett-morrison.com/
http://www.classicroadsters.com/index.html

This should keep you busy...
And remember there are more companies. They all have packets of info you can call/email for. Go to local cruise nights and meet the owners of cobra. Ask around on this site for WA cobra owners.

GS:)

I just relized you posted in the NE Cobra Club...heeheehee

gs

Red Hook
 

Dagman,

No better place to see a bunch of Cobras than at the Red Hook get to gether. Come, enjoy and welcome to the insanity.

Bish:)

Thanks everyone
 

Thanks for all the info and links. I'm torn between staying as authentic in appearance as possible and safety/comfort/performance. I suppose if a kit varies a bit from the original dimensions and improves performance and safety that is a win win. Still, I'm a bit torn.

I'll be sure and ask as many annoying questions as I possibly can as I continue my research. :)

Thanks again

dagman

hey Dagman,

Good luck and make full use of the brain power on this site! Well maybe we shouldn't call it brain power...lets call it "seat of the pants power". That can be interprted is soo many ways! But lets not go there just yet. Have FUN!!!!

GS

Look at all builders!!!!
 

dagman,
Check out all the builders.
Each one has it's own benefits.
**)

Yo Dagman!
 

Sounds like your in pretty much the same boat as me. I too am a couple years away from buying my Cobra (used as a reference only, no way connected with Shelby and/or Ford Motor Co). This is the friendliest most informative and funniest webpage around. The wealth of info that is present is "stupifying". I look forward meeting you on the 16th as well as the other "brethern" and exampling some fine autos.

David

Dagman,

Isn't Enumclaw a little too close for comfort? :D

Hey, there are a number of great choices that include all of the features you desire through out the price range. It really all depends on what you desire asthetically. Good Luck!!

You mean hicksville (Enumscratch)? He he...I was born and raised in Black Diamond just a few miles down the road from there. You from around here? I notice in your info it shows you are in LA.

Darren

I used to live in Tacoma, Worked in Sumner. Loved the mountains,but not the weather in general.

Woa there big guys, let's ease off Enumclaw. Its a nice little town trying to grow. Didn't Tacoma stink while you lived there? If you want to pick on a hick town, try Buckly. The biggest thing you see while driving thru town is the 2 poles for the loggers rodeo. What about Rainier school? It's in Buckly. The only good thing about it is Wally's Drive-Inn.

Tacoma does stink! I'll give you that. Buckley? I tried really hard to steer clear of a place that has more sheep than women:D or so I hear....

You want wierd?
 

Come to Olympia, where the so-called "females" often carry more weight in body pierced metal than the weight of their shoes!
(This is IF they even WEAR shoes!) :CRY:

Nice flat tops here, too from the butch contingent. :eek:

Olympia is a nice little capitol city, Lacey scares me! I did see a bald eagle once in North Olympia up by the Nisqually(I don't think I spelled that right). I'll never forget that, it was quite amazing.

Tacoma doesn't stink anymore
 

They stopped the smelting...no more "Aroma of Tacoma". I actually like Enumclaw though, my brother-in-law owns a tavern there..my money goes a lot further at his tavern :) than the ones in town here in Auburn.