Components that you're using

[vettehead]

I am starting to plan how I'd like to do my Cobra build. I have restored a couple of vehicles in the past and I'm more interested in actually "building" a car this time versus simply "assembling" one, so to speak. I would say that I have average mechanical and fabrication skills; I have hand designed smaller components and fabricated dozens of pieces for my vehicles in the past but I won't be quitting my day job any time soon to do this for a career (although I would love to think I could and still eat!)

That being said, I was wondering if some of you wouldn't mind sharing with me if you are using pre-made "systems" (Heidt suspension sub-components, etc.), combination of pre-made and homebuilt parts or simply one-off designs and homebuilt components. If you would share a comprehensive list of all components that you're using I would really appreciate that.

In addition, if you wouldn't mind including vendors that you are going to use and what components they will be supplying, I would be grateful. One of my huge disadvantages is that I have more enthusiasm than I have "engineering ability". So as much as I would love to design every last component and hand build each one of them, I don't have that level of expertise, equipment or confidence.

In my past vehicle builds, I have assembled a band of folks that have all the expertise and equipment to acomplish this Cobra project with me. That being said, I will be constructing a homebuilt chassis...strangely enough, I have more confidence in myself on this portion of the build...but I would like to simply "drop" a body shell with all exterior trim included...on top of the chassis to complete the build this first time out. (owning a clapped out Vette, I have actually become quite proficient with fiberglass techniques but I don't see myself doing a one-off body this time). I will also be custom designing and fabricating the interior myself.

However, I am looking for suggestions on front end geometry components (a-arms, coils, steering assemblies, etc.). What rearend combination would someone suggest? Late model Mustang or a one-off piece? Brake systems? Steering wheel, steering column, steering box, etc? Transmission suggestions? Which vendor to buy a 90" wheelbase body shell and body components from?

I am leaning toward incorporating late model Mustang 5.0 technology into this vehicle...fuel injection, etc....probably even using the engine and transmission package as well... but would like some members thoughts on this. As a guideline, I would like to build this as affordably as possible...read; I'm just a regular Joe that loves these cars but the wife won't let me mortgage the house to do it either. So cost is important here. I would say that I could easily get into an FFR Cobra with the funds that I have now if that helps put some numbers to this. I'd love to hear from some members as to what they believe they are going to have for money into their "scratch built" Cobras.

Sorry for being so long winded but I am at an important turn in the road here. Thanks!

[bkozlow]

Vettehead,

I would suggest you look at Vette suspension. I like this suspension and you can set it up to any grade of competion or street you want. In the cars I have built I have gone coil over with the Vette suspension. Since you are custom building the chassis you should be able to set it up to use wheels with some offset since if you go coil over you are not limited to the stock thread which does not allow any off set.

It all depends on what you want and with the Vette suspension the only decission is what size wheels you want or don't and this is the limiting factor as to what model suspension you us--C4-C5.

bkozlow

[Three Peaks]

I'm in the middle of the project you describe as are several other people on this forum.
Probably the best way to begin a project like this one is to talk to several people who are in the process of doing it. I talked to Mickmate on the phone a couple times before I decided my course of action.
From most of the available input, this is a big project and you need to commit a large block of time to the project, as well as substantial fabrication skills.
If you are determined to take this route, you should go to the Cobra Restorers site (www.cobrarestorers.com), look under literature, and order the Cobra restorers chassis plans, which are very close to the original chassis- if not identical to some. They run $200 plus shipping.

After looking at the drawings, you will be able to determine if this is something you really want to tackle. Personally, I ended up buying an incomplete chassis and going from there. My fabrication skills are up to completing this chassis but I doubt I could have built it from scratch in a reasonable amount of time. Besides, the chassis requires quite a bit of material and tools that a one-off builder just won't possess and it isn't reasonable to buy the tools required to do one chassis. An example- the 4" DOM round tubing for the chassis comes in random lengths about 20' long. It is very expensive and you will probably need to buy more than you need. It is only sold in the 20 foot (random) lengths at suppliers. Now, multiply this times every piece of material in different sizes and shapes on the vehicle and you'll immediately see the problem.
There is at least one forum member who can supply you with a chassis in whatever stage of completion you wish. His chassis are basically a copy of the original.

The original chassis is set up for the Jag XKE rear differential, which is difficult and expensive to come by these days and has realiability issues from what I've read. (don't flame he here guys, just my opinion). They also have inboard brakes, which I never cared for. Also, many of the original style suspension pieces are available from a couple sources, but are VERY expensive.

Here is the route I've decided to take to make this build a reasonable time and budget project.
I bought a chassis and body from a forum member built to the Cobra Restorers plans. I'm using the Ford T-bird IRS rear end, which is requiring a few minor modifications to the chassis.
I am having a forum member help me with the suspension design as I'm not really trained in this discipline and would really rather have someone with experience perform this task. If you think about it, the suspension is the heart and soul of these vehicles. If they won't handle properly due to poorly designed or retrofitted pieces that have lousy geometry, the car will never live up to it's potential.

I am building the engine myself, as well as most of the other pieces I will need such as the aluminum pieces required for the cockpit tub, trunk, wheel wells, and engine compartment/firewall. I will also be doing the body and paint prep and painting if everything works out for me to do it.

This leaves a lot of room for individual design and modification if you like, or you can go with a straight build. The biggest problem with doing this type of build properly, in my experience, is finding and interpreting enough information to make everything fit and work together the way it should.

I encourage you to go ahead and go for it by asking plenty of questions and start to seek out sources for the parts, pieces, and information you will need.
Depending on how you decide to proceed, this can be a project on a very limited budget- or a completely over the top vehicle with tons of personal touches. I hope you have a great time with it as I am having.
If you need some input or questions answered, let me know. E-mail me at bsfx@aol.com and I'll send you my phone number or call you. There are some very helpful people on this forum who are more than willing to help you out, you just need to ask.

Sorry this is so long winded, my enthusiasm must be showing- Bob

[chuckbrandt]

You might want to ask the guys at Hurricane about a body. Theirs is a nice shape and would be easy to finish. Their integrated tub would make interior work easy I think.

http://www.hurricane-motorsports.com

Chuck