Questions from a rookie

marco · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 10:07 PM

Sorry for the boring nature of these questions but I have been looking into building a cobra kit. The only problem is I'm 6'6" and I'm wondering if I can actually fit comfortably into one. If I can is there a solid, reasonably priced manufaturer anyone could recommend? I probably have $14,000 to spend which unfortunately, would need to include the donor car - can it be done?

Turk · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 10:26 PM

Marco, building a car for someone 6' 6" is not insurmountable.
Unless you also weigh over 400 lbs.

I am not sure about doing it for $14,000. You can start and finish it as money becomes available. The project will keep you happy and going for a long time. Before you know it, it is done and you are in it $25,000.

TURK
Good Luck!

marco · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 10:40 PM

Turk, Thanks - luckily I only weigh 205! Is it possible to get one up and running for around $14,000 and trick it out afterwards?

marco

ERA 626 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 10:46 PM

good luck... save your money and get somthing nice.
$14k will get you a good start but wont get you on the road.
Take your time do the homework, this is somthing that can keep you happy for a long time.

Excaliber · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2003, 12:16 AM

Look for an unfinished kit for 14, maybe hard to find, but there out there. Prices drop come winter, but I can't remember seeing anything for 14 that was drivable. Low 20's is more like it.

Check this interesting thread out:

http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...990#post365990

Ernie

gear88 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 11:15 AM

marco, i too am on a real tight budget. i have a donor lined up and prices on paint, rims, tires, battery, fluids etc. and ffr kit. i am at the $15,000 point. there are no options on my car but it will be a place for me to start. at $14,000 you are really pushing it. but it could be done. good luck. just dont go real cheap on the donor, you will be replacing more parts than its worth. i have looked at some nasty donors.

brad

flipper35 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 11:42 AM

I saw an ad in Hemmings for a White Shell Valley with a 350 chebbie for 14.5k a while back. It probably wasn't the best build, but the price was right to drive now and upgrade later. There should be other deals similar if you are patient enough.

SSS · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 12:11 PM

I can only think of two kits that can be built anywhere near $14k: FFR and Carcepts. Assuming that you can't buy a kit from someone who's given up on it, the FFR kit costs $12k, and you certainly could find a suitable donor for $2k. This is the bare minimum, and you'd need to already have all the tools for the build. Don't forget you'll also have to pay taxes and other fees when you register the car. You'll also need to pick up the kit from the factory to avoid the shipping charge.

Carcepts also offers a complete kit for $12k, and they will even package the donor parts for you. I would guess they'd charge about $2k extra for the donor parts. It depends on the mileage and year. As far as I know, if there is any problem with a donor part, they'll replace it at no cost. That's a nice feature. Carcepts is located just a few miles from you around Salem, so that might be the best fit for you. Keep in mind an FFR is probably easier to build if you're a novice, given there is a forum dedicated to answering the specific questions you might have.

Also keep in mind these estimates do not include body work and paint. You could do the body work yourself and drive it in primer until you have the cash to get it painted. Many people have built nice looking FFRs with the Mustang turbine-style wheels, so you should look for a donor with those wheels or get a set of them from a salvage yard and recondition them.

Before I decided to buy a turnkey with every feature I want for $26k, I was planning to build a minimum FFR for about $16k to $18k. This was counting extra for tools, taxes, registration, shipping, and painting it myself. I've never heard of anyone successfully building a functional Cobra for less than $16k, and those below $20k are rare.

gear88 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2003, 12:51 PM

sss, i totaly agree with you! it is really tough to build for less than $15,000. when i build mine all the work is done by me. and the paint is a good buddy deal. well see how close i come...