Factory 427 wheel base and widths

rat_rod_russell · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 07:07 PM

We just got a set of cobra molds CHEAP from a guy and we just got the first body done. We typically build new chassis with corvette suspension for all kinds of cars and I have a 2002 C5 transaxle we are looking at putting under one to make a Lamborghini and Ferrari killer. I can’t find good sources for wheel base and the rest any where can you guys help me out?

Please don't hate me for using the corvette suspension its so light and so cheap i can't help it.

double ugly · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 07:29 PM

Go to http://www.csxinfo.net/ and look around. It's a great source for all things cobra.
John

fasterpatrick · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 08:25 PM

Can't hate you for using parts from the dark side, but the transaxle setup may be difficult. The amount of room between the seats and to the rear axle is very small. But the advantage of the extra room in the footbox area would be great. You must post pics when you get started, sounds like a fun project. Patrick

427SnakeSC · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 08:30 PM

The specs I have for the 427 Cobra are 90 inch length and 70.5 inch for the Comp Cobra and 68 inch for the Street Cobra

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 08:50 PM

From csxinfo.net for a comp 427:

Tread Front............................................. .... 56"
Tread rear .................................................. .58"
Wheelbase .................................................. 90"
overall length............................................ . 156"
overall height ...............................................49"
overall width ............................................70.5"
weight............................................ .. 2,150 pounds

HTH,
Larry

rat_rod_russell · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:00 PM

Thanks guys, that’s what I’m looking for. We already have the front and rear cradles made up. I just needed the length because the stuff we got came with no other instructions other than what Doug told me about the mold when I picked it up, and we all know how top less cars get when they are off there frames much less with no internal support at all. But here’s what he told me. The plug was made by a Gentleman who worked for Carol Shelby back in the 60’s as an aluminum fabricator making the first cobras. He liked Doug and offered to make him an original 427 aluminum body. Doug was working down in Florida making fiberglass Hot Rods and there molds, so he made an awesome fiberglass mold it’s 10 pieces for all the little details, lips in sets it’s all there. Here’s a photo of the body right out of the mold I haven’t even touched it yet other than taking it off the trailer.

I’ll try to get it together this weekend and get some photos up on Monday. The frame will be rectangular tubing not round because of all the mounts that we need for the duel vette A arms front and back. And seating dose not look like its going to be a problem either.

LMH · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:18 PM

Wow!
Judging from just that photo, the body looks accurate. No "nubs" for the front turn indicators like most replicas have. Shape of the rear fender looks good too. I think I see rolled cockpit edges also. Excellent!

I'm not 100% sure of the body story that was told to you. As to my knowledge, the bodies were made in England and shipped to the USA. Maybe some else can confirm or correct me if I'm wrong.
Looks really good though!
Larry

rat_rod_russell · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:33 PM

That’s what we thought. we had played with the idea of them but never really looked at it until this guy called us and when we got them we started looking. The Hurricane Motor Sports body is real close to this one but it seams to me that none have all of the rolls and tucks that this one dose. The only part that’s would count as a modification from stock would be the wheel wells were flared for bigger tires because he was building flat out racecars. I’m not sure if what he told me was gospel or not it’s just what he told me and I’m keen to believe him because of all the other little thing he told me about and keeps bring up that I have found out to be very true.

Here are some of the other photos I have that I think were very important and maybe you guys can help me find the weak link in them, I like to be prepared and don’t like to lie at all because to many times I’ve seen it come back to bite people in the ass.

rat_rod_russell · #9 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:35 PM

LMH · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:37 PM

Looks really good!
Larry

LMH · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006, 10:56 PM

The only thing I see right away is no side vent but that's not really a big deal and can be cut anytime. Study the location of a few originals to get the location correct.
I think if it were me, I'd re-do the dash or go aluminum. The hole for the steering wheel is one of my pet-peeves. Not putting yours down mind you. That's just something I would change.
Larry

rat_rod_russell · #12 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 03:52 AM

I have a jig that lies over the body and locates the vent hole, the lower cut out for the exhaust, the bolt holes for the badges and the holes for the stock windshield, so that’s easy. I also have patterns for all of the seat cushions, interior pieces, and I have a jig to make the aluminum vents. You can’t see it but the hood scoop is a separate piece so I plan on putting it forward to make a functional air scoop for the LS front intake because I really want to show up at track day and just trash some rich guys top of the line European sports car with a cobra.

I taken a little more time to look around some of the other threads and the reason I like the vette stuff is the price and the time that’s involved. You guys are building some beautiful independent suspensions and I think they will just kill most cars out there but I can get a wrecked 97-04 vette for 5k-7k LS1 350 horses motor, T56 trans six speed, all aluminum suspension, big disk brakes all around, duel A arms front and back, a racing power rack, with about 200 dollars of modifications to the torque tube and drive shaft and 300 to fix the wiring harness I should have no problems being about 1600-1800lb fully loaded and gassed up. Our 32 roadster is loaded down with automatic trunk operators and other crap and it’s got a C4 vette suspension and it weights 1800lb.

All of your comments have given me a new jump on things I’m going to finish that chassis up by Sunday and get you all some photos so you can see what I’m talking about

Thanks again

pmfranke · #13 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 10:26 AM

looks great,set up for square tail lights(like all cobra's should). looks like a verrrry shallow glove box. I'm with LMH ,dump the dash ! just my biased oppion.

rat_rod_russell · #14 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 01:47 PM

I think that's the lid for the glove box up side down i dont think i have a shot of the inside piece

stangden · #15 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 06:36 PM

looks like someone else may be in the replicacar biz. Really nice clean body especially right out of the mold. The ch--che---che--that part you said

will be ok, but if you want to go ford

there are a couple of places you can get ford parts just as inexpensive. I'm using 98 cobra rear 03 4.6 engine and tranny cost me 4500 and that included shippingalso using 03 cobra 13" rotors that were included in that price. Be glad to supply that info if you want to go ford now or in future

.good luck with the build and keep the pics updated so the rest of us can use your ideas

stangden

mickmate · #16 (**permalink**) 10-21-2006, 07:30 PM

That is a nice body. I like the rolled edges of the cockpit, they are stronger and safer. The bottom edge of the rocker panel also rolls well under which is a good authentic look. You are correct the high number of pieces of the mold very much contribute to the correct shape they have achieved. The chassis instruction book owners manual says the wheel base is 90". Track is quoted as 53.96" front and rear is 53 standard 55 1/8" racing. These are however a flange to flange measurement I believe which should help in building it. Stick with 56" track (centre to centre) front and rear and see how that fits your body. Length 12' 10 1/2", width 5' 5 1/2" (actually measures the 5' 10 1/2" quoted). Scuttle height is 2' 11". Top of soft top 49". There's some good discussion on these dimensions on CC if you want to do a search. I agree on the dash comments the column cutout is too low and wide, probably for an Ididit, FR or other GM based column. Good luck with the build it's sure a good start.

kris-kincaid · #17 (**permalink**) 10-22-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Scuttle height is 2' 11"

What is the scuttle? I thought it was the cowl area, but 35" is pretty tall!!

mickmate · #18 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 10:18 AM

I looked at the prints and it shows 26 1/2" to top of dash hoop from top of main rails. Add 4 inches of main rail and 5" of road clearance and you got 35 1/2" to top of scuttle.

mickmate · #19 (**permalink**) 11-15-2006, 08:21 PM

I gotta stop looking at those prints. The axle centreline isn't even 90"..................aaaaaaahhhhhhhrrrrrrrrggggggg gggg

ZOERA-SC7XX · #20 (**permalink**) 11-20-2006, 08:25 PM

I think you would do better with C4 Corvette suspension & components, as the C4 has a shorter w/b and trans bolted to the eng. There just may not be enough room for the C5 components. Good luck.