Looking to start
 

I am contemplating a start on buying a kit. I live south of San Antonio and would like to eventually visit with someone in the San Antonio area to get some guidance and education on their build project. Could anyone contact me to start some dialogue? Jason

Jason...how much do you want to spend (or not spend?) Have you looked at any manufacturers yet?

Glynmeek,

I am really not sure. I have been looking around at the websites, etc. and am noticing that there is a wide range. The only experience I have is having rebuilt a cj in highschool, but, have always dreamt of building a cobra. I know there is a lot involved and therefore would like to develop a relationship with someone close so that I could eventually sit down with them and have somewhat of a mentor/teacher on how I should go about even getting started. Any short or long advice would be appreciated. What should be the factor of how to choose a manufacturer or should I be looking at on that is already finished that I could improve upon? Is it actually less expensive to build?

Jason...too much for a forum to answer your questions, but if you want to email me your phone number (gjmeek@earthlink.net), I'll call and see if I can help with your questions as I am just 80 miles up the road!!!!

I am just finishing building a Lonestar Classics Cobra and have done EVERYTHING, including prep and painting, over the past year or so.

Glyn

Jason, I think the 1st thing most people should do is decide whether or not originality Is important to them. Then how important comfort it will be , followed by how fast they want to go. Each of these things plays a part in deciding WHICH cobra kit to buy. Money is always going to play a big part in this but KNOWING what you really really want from the begining is even more important. Set a budget. Its a process that will take time. Since Ive owned my Cobras Ive found that my interest while building them has subsided for a while then built up again. Keep at it.

1) if your the kind of person that craves reliving the exact same feeling of driving an original Cobra then nothing less than a true replica will do. Go for a Alum bodied 90 inch that is as close as you can to original. $ plays an important part here. Your going to spend alot getting it done (less with fiberglass) and thats with a great eye at scounging parts and doing most of your own work. But even if it takes you longer to get it finished the 1st time you fire it up you will know the extra time was worth it.

2) If your 6'5 and weigh 250 forget originality. Youl regret the day you decided on a 90" wheelbase Cobra. It would be an enormous chore just to get in and out of it, and in the end youd look more like you were wearing the car instead of driving it. There are lots of good Cobras out there that have longer wheelbases and dropped floors. If your going for comfort Id look at West Coast, and Everette Morrison is another. Original type cars would be Kirkham, Shelby, Superformance and ERA ( I think) and there are a whole slew of Cobra's in between.

3) Fast. Or how fast should be the point. All Cobras are fast. Some are "hair on fire" fast and some are bullet velocity fast. And some like the slab sided 289s are quick and more nimble. Its all about the drive train you put in them and how you set them up. Just remember your going to have to stop that thing so match the brakes and suspension to the engine.

4) Safety, Cobras dont have much in the way of safety features. Some companies have gone to great measures to strengthen the doors. The Butler design of having a steel beam in the door with welded hinges was probably the safest Ive ever seen. That company has changed hands and Im not sure who builds that car. One safety feature that could be in any Cobra is a Fuel Safe. Cobras run hot, hot side pipes, engine bays etc. Getting rear ended with a normal gas tank might turn the whole car into a Moletov Cocktail so Id definately use a Fuel safe WITH A BLADDER.

5) And one final suggestion. Theres a lot of people in the world and they all have opinions. This is your car. Build it the way you want it. Ask plenty of questions, especially about safety related subjects but rely on your own tastes. Listen to others, copy the good ideas, reject the bad ones, but build what you like. In the end you are the only one that you have to impress.

Good Luck, Welcome aboard, Your among friends here. There is a wealth of knowledge on this website. Your never alone. Someone has always been able to help me out or steer me in the right direction. Your lucky in one respect, you live in a state where there are alot of Cobras and several good Kit companies. Damn the torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead!
Michael

Well, before any of that, my recommendation would be to decide if you have the skill and motivation for a build. I started mine 2 years ago, and after numerous problems, the luster of the project has all but disappeared. I'm still working on it quite a bit, but I wish I would have just bought one outright. It would have been easier and although maybe not exactly what I wanted, I would be driving it instead of looking at it.

By the way, this is like the 8th car I've built, so I'm not exactly a newbie, but between work, the house, and various other activities...you get the idea.

Welcome to the best cobra resource on the net. There are guys on here who are dealers in cobras, and individuals who have built 1 or 6 or more cobras, and then there are guys like me who have only driven one for 2 years (bought used), with a new one being built turnkey, because I just don't have the time or experience to build one. My opinion on the "first" kit to build, would be one that is very complete as far as providing all of the fittings, lines, holes drilled and punched, along with a VERY detailed assembly manual, and live, competent tech support available via phone and email. The ERA basic kit is an $18,000 package. Very high quality (therefore excellent resale). Definitely contact Bob and Peter at ERA in New Britain, Ct. They offer the 427 body and also the somewhat sleeker 289 FIA body. A very stout 3" * 4" rectangular tube chasis. Check out their website www.erareplicas.com Have fun!!

Thanks everyone for the input. As I mentioned, I am just getting started. I apologize in advance for any delays in responding or any quiet times where I seem to be out of touch. Like many, I unfortunately work for a living and can't make this my one focus. I will be intouch and appreciate the show of support. I will continue the research and hopefully be firing some more specific requests out there over the next few months.