Which rack in Lonestar Cobras?

[Steve R]

Gents,
Does Lonestar use the Flaming River rack in all their Cobra kits,
or is it an upgrade over a genaric unit?
Steven

[mbishop]

Steve,
My price list show the FR as an add-on, but it doesn't show what you would get without it.

Mark

[Steve R]

mbishop,
Thanks. I called Lonestar on behalf of a friend to see what they install. I was told all the cars have FR racks, which he did not recieve.....Why?? I was also told all the cars use Flaming River spindles.....Hugh??? I called Flaming River. They don't make spindles!!!! I don't know what the hell is going on over at Lonestar that they would give out such misinformation.
Any thoughts or experiences???
Steven

[CowtownCobra]

I think the flaming river rack is used on all their cars. The spindles are either ford (don't know the model) or some upgrade. I was just out at Lone Star on Saturday.

[jwoodard]

To whom did you speak at Lone Star?

[Steve R]

Dave,
My friend's car does not have a Flaming River rack.
Jim,
I did not get his name. The next time I call, I will do that.
Steve

[Loadmaster]

My LS has FR rack and it comes with Flaming River universal joints for the steering column.

[Steve R]

loadmaster,
Thanks. I am asking these questions because on my friend's car, the Flaming River u-joint (which it is) fits loosely on his rack spline shaft. It is so loose, there is noticeable play in the steering wheel.
I built a Classic roadster using the Flaming River stuff and those componants fit like a glove, with no relative movement.
Steve
PS My friend told me he double checked his reciepts from Lonestar and it states he recieved a Flaming River rack. I am going to post a picture of his rack here for you guys to look at.
I am also going to e-mail the photo to Flaming River and have them confirm or deny it is their product.

[trularin]

Mine is an FR.

[jwoodard]

what rack did your friend receive from Lone Star? Are you certain you have all the details correct from your friend? Why not have your friend call Lone Star and have them send a proper replacement rack on an exchange? All my experiences in dealing with them were favorable and I know they strive to have satisfied customers.

Here's some photos of the rack in my Lone Star:

http://home.flash.net/~jwoodard/Image10.jpg

http://home.flash.net/~jwoodard/Image09.jpg

[mbishop]

Steve,
I have a FR rack as well, not sure what you would get from Lone Star otherwise. My spindles are an aftermarket Mustang II with brakes for a Ford Explorer. All the parts are new most are from some aftermarket supplier.
As Jim stated the folks at Lone Star are easy to deal with and try to please. If you or your friend have questions about parts or the contruction by sure and ask for Dennis. He the answer guy around there and is really nice and helpful. It is hard to get him to the phone sometimes, but he will always help.

Mark

[Steve R]

Jim,
The top pictures are from the Flaming River website. When I called them, they told me the way to identify their racks is to look for the words "Flaming River" cast into a pad on the drivers side near the top. If you look at the picture you can see the flat they refer to. They also told me all their center tubes are chromed. My friend's is not, and is rusting. Your rack is different than my friend's, but does not have the name cast in. According to what F. R. told me, you don't have a F.R. rack either. How did your u-joint fit on it? Is there any play with the set screw loose? did you specify a Flaming River unit?
He is not convinced I am correct about his rack not being an F.R. unit, so he has not asked them for a replacement yet.


Here is Cowtown Dave's rack. He has the F.R. unit.

Mark,
Can you post a photo of yours?
Trularin,
Can you post a picture also?
Thanks!
Steven

[jwoodard]

I built my Lone Star in '98 and don't have any idea if it's a FR or not. It's what ever rack they included in their package at that time. I can tell you I've had no issues with the fitment of the u-joints nor any slack in the steering. I still don't understand your friends reluctance to contact Lone Star for resolution, especially if he recieved a new part that is rusting. I'm beginning to think there are some details missing here. Help me understand his hesitation to deal directly with LS and why he needs an emisary to champion his cause.

[Steve R]

Jim, You have mail.

[JFBucy]

Steve,
"Is there any play with the set screw loose?"

With the set screws loose I have a enough play to feel at the wheel. That is what I would expect with them loose.

I have had nothing but satisfation in my dealing with Lone Star Classics.They strive to have happy custumers.

Your friend should be dealing with them one on one where things don't get lost in the translation.

[Steve R]

Fred,
Thanks for the input. I have experience with F.R. racks and u joints. There is A LOT of play. It is not normal. You and Jim
(Jwoodward) offer great advice. This thread is not accomplishing anything. I pursued it because I am concerned for his safety. I
leave it to my friend to sort out. He is a big boy. It seems everyone is pleased with Lone star. That is great. I guess I talked to
someone there who really had no business answering technical questions. Oh well, that happens sometimes. I suspect Lone star
offers the F.R. rack as an upgrade. This would explain a lot. If anyone asks me my opinion of Lone star, I will include all the
positive feedback shared here.
Thanks guys.
Steven

[Steve R]

Jim,
Did you receive my e-mail?

[JFBucy]

Steve,
I found my LSC catalog.Looking thru it about what you said about the FR rack being an upgrade.
I might have found something that wasn't brought up.

The 5.0 donor/light competiton and the competition kit treat the steering rack differently.

light comp. kit uses "steering rack (of a mustang II)" and
doesn't show the FR as an upgrade option..
The mustang II rack does not come with the kit,it is extra.

comp. kit has the FR rack as option.

Do you know whick kit your friend has ?

[jwoodard]

Yes and now you have mail.

[Steve R]

Fred,
That is a possibility. How do I tell which kit he got?
Steven