VW Cobra build

Mbechmann · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 12:31 PM

As said in my introduction, I am from Denmark. Due to the stricht rules here, I am not able to build a replica Cobra - with the real V8 engine and so on.

Due to this, I am building a Danish version of the Cobra. It will be build as a VW Beach Buggy, and yes, it also means the engine will be an aircooled engine in the back. But by building this, it is now possible to get it streetlegal. And I want a Cobra that I am able to drive...

It have taken me 6 years of seaching to find a fiberglass body. Most of the companies that makes them, will only sell them together as a whole kit. That is why it took so long.
I have also found a 2 liter engine from a VW Bus, that I will rebuild to fit this project. It will end up with around 120-130 Bhp. Not to bad, for a car that weights 600kg. I also found some old school Chevy wheels that I will use.

This project is a major one. Since the body is made for a tube frame, than NOTHING fits for the VW pan. I have to build my own frame for the pan. I have to shortn the body a bit. Pedals, gear shifter, handbrake and seats have to be moved way back. Steering linkage, has to be extended. Everything is something that nobody (in Denmark at least) have tried before.

I will post some pictures here, as the project comes along.

Btw, the first picture is from when I picked up the body. I had nothing else to drive, but my old VW Bug. Not a good idea, when the tempeture was -20 degress celcius - and no heating in the car.

What can I say, I wanted that body badly

computerworks · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 01:07 PM

Welcome...and keep posting your progress.

Short of moving to another country, you are doing the best you can, given the regs.

I am digging around for pics for you as inspiration... I recall a Cobra replica at Knott's (CA) show about 8 or so years ago with a VW engine.

Mbechmann · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 02:14 PM

In the last 7 years I have seen 2 for sale in Europe, that was build on VW pans. However, they are not shortned as a beach buggy, so they can also not be approved in Denmark

But keep them coming. I would love to see more pics on how people have made them. Especially about the seats. The seats are moved so far back, that you almost are sitting on the rear axle. That is going to be the biggest problem.

computerworks · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 02:27 PM

I have found out that the fellow who had that car has sadly passed away.
He was the owner, I think, of Fiber Jet.. a company that was in the dune buggy body business... hence the connection.

Mbechmann · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 03:02 PM

Ahh yes, I have heard of FiberJet before. They made several different kits for vw pans. I didnt know that they made Cobra kits though

computerworks · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 03:09 PM

Wasn't really a product... they made molds and a few bodies...maybe as a "let's see how this goes" kind of project

Found a pic of the first time they showed the proto.

I think a year later they showed up with a finished car...had fender skirts on the rear

...someone will remember that picture.

computerworks · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 03:10 PM

Damn...I was right...8 years ago.

http://www.kitcar.com/articles-kitca...gineheist.html

Mbechmann · #8 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 03:18 PM

Wow that is way cool. I especially like the doors. Way cool to see this.

Ozgur_Tan · #9 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 04:27 PM

hi,
i've raced on redbull soapbox 2009 with shortened cobra bodied thing here in istanbul.
overall length of "mini-me" was 3 meters, 95 cm shorter than normal one
you may take a look pictures;
my entry to "redbull soapbox race" with "mini-me slabside"
good luck, keep us updated
regards
ozgur

Mbechmann · #10 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 04:36 PM

You know what. The first cut you made - just around the window - looks exactly like the cut I need to make. I only need to shortne it 27cm (10 inches or so). Do you have any more pics of the cut itself? How did you figure out, that that was the spot to cut?

Ozgur_Tan · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 05:34 PM

i've shorten body starting from just after windscreen area to the front for 65 cm
according to rule book max. length is 3 meters, so second cut is 30 cm from mid of doors

for your application, you need just to remove 27 cm slice as my first cut

Mbechmann · #12 (**permalink**) 07-10-2010, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozgur_Tan

i've shorten body starting from just after windscreen area to the front for 65 cm
according to rule book max. length is 3 meters, so second cut is 30 cm from mid of doors

for your application, you need just to remove 27 cm slice as my first cut

Exactly. I am hoping that the windshield still have room after that cut, but I might have to make some alternative solutions for that as well

henrik · #13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 03:10 AM

Hi Michael.

You are not alone with your issues here in Denmark

Personally I have chosen to fu.. the rules - get it registred in Germany and drive with temp. plates in Denmark.

I know others are buiding FFR and Pilgrim -and if you are looking for help a Swedish builder in Skåne are building streel legal replicas...

Mbechmann · #14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 03:41 AM

Hehe Henrik,

Good to see other Danish Cobra fans.

I also know about that option to registre it in Germany, but I want to drive it on Danish plates.

I have actually been in touch with the guy from Skåne, but it is only street legal in Sweden. Not in Denmark.

Tommy · #15 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 04:28 AM

They tell us here in the USA that Danes have the highest percentage of happy people in the world. Apparently, building hotrods is not what makes most of them happy. Good luck with your project.

Ozgur_Tan · #16 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 05:50 AM

smoothest way is to import replica/kitcar/streedrot here as classic car if papers stated year 60's

CowtownCobra · #17 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by computerworks

Wasn't really a product... they made molds I think a year later they showed up with a finished car...had fender skirts on the rear

...someone will remember that picture.

...who could forget

Mbechmann · #18 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 07:37 AM

Dave, do you have any more pics of that. That totally brought a smile to my face. I have never seen that one before, but man it is a funny looking thing.

rustyBob · #19 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 07:43 AM

Its the same car as the earlier post it was painted the next year with the rear skirts attached.......the car looked good.....but the owner of the company died and i think they closed the doors...not sure about though.

CowtownCobra · #20 (**permalink**) 07-11-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbechmann

Dave, do you have any more pics of that. That totally brought a smile to my face. I have never seen that one before, but man it is a funny looking thing.

Only one I have (isn't one enough?) but there may be others around, check Knotts show pics in 2003 or 2004.