New member needs advice on purchasing a Cobra Kit

[randlej]

Bly,
I would not base any decision on instruction manuals. I've yet to see one I am impressed with. Also, most builders like to find better ways to do things during their build anyway. My instruction manual went out the window the 1st week.

Regarding help during your build, if that is important to you, I suggest that you choose a kit that has a very active builders forum. The Lonestar forum is a great asset during the build. Factory Five has such a forum, and I think Hurricane does too.

Best of luck with your decision.

[Prof]

A big DITTO to what Randy said above.

Caveat: However, as I honed in on the decision, I went to Lonestar and picked up an assembly CD, along with two websites where Lone Star owners documented their build. All combined, I knew exactly what I was getting in to and exactly what I could do on my own and where I would need help.

Very quickly and with efficacy, I got it to the "test fit" stage. (pic from 11/08)



By the way: You're asking the right questions.

Best,
Paul
Dallas

[Prof]

Also, Lone Star is a car dealer and will take care of the 20+ hour process of getting license and registration for you. Not a deal breaker, but a very significant new owner perk.

[bly123]

Well I see what you are talking about when it comes to Lone Star. I called them up and they are sending me a build manual Free of charge and invited me to come see there facility before I made any decisions. GREAT Customer service. Also He even remembered me from our conversation at the Yellow Rose show a couple weeks ago. He said he just delivered 2 kits to Keller TX last week. (I live in Keller)

As far as West Coast? I left a message for Vern to buy a copy of his build manual. He has not call me back yet. Vern is working his way out of a sale. I just don't understand that.

OK, Does any one know yet where the Cobra Club gathering is going to be in the DFW area? I would love to see some finished kits by all the different companies.

[cgsincc]

Originally Posted by bly123

Well I see what you are talking about when it comes to Lone Star. I called them up and they are sending me a build manual Free of charge and invited me to come see there facility before I made any decisions. GREAT Customer service. Also He even remembered me from our conversation at the Yellow Rose show a couple weeks ago. He said he just delivered 2 kits to Keller TX last week. (I live in Keller)

As far as West Coast? I left a message for Vern to buy a copy of his build manual. He has not call me back yet. Vern is working his way out of a sale. I just don't understand that.

OK, Does any one know yet where the Cobra Club gathering is going to be in the DFW area? I would love to see some finished kits by all the different companies.

I am in Keller also and have a LSC. There is at least one other completed LSC in Keller that I know of, good to hear we have two more on the way. You are welcome to come look at the car if you would like.


Court

[bly123]

What are the Lone Star build web sites web sites your talking about?

[ZOERA-SC7XX]

It's important that you check out several builders before you buy. That means you should visit some of them. And ride in some of them. This is a BIG purchase, no matter who you buy from, and you must like what you spend your money on, or the whole experience will be a waste of time and money. That's why there are so many Cobras out there for sale. Take your time. Get together with some of the clubs and ride with them if you can.
Remember, if a builder doesn't respond to your calls now, think about what he will be like AFTER you spend your cash. Good luck.
PS. It's also important that you can use the engine you want. After all, it's your Cobra.

[gyow]

ebay posting for a West Coast cobra: Replica/Kit Makes | eBay

[randlej]

Per your request. Here is the link to the Lonestar build forum:

Lonestar Classics Forums • Index page

IndyCobra had already given you his personal Lonestar build website. I would use it before I used the Lonestar Manual. That's me though.

I think Hurricane has one but it may be private for owners only? Check around.

Good advice to see and ride in various finished products. Note that the level of build quality and finish out varies by each respective builder for every kit so look around a lot.

[bly123]

Yes. I have been reading every word of the Red Venom Build. I can't wait til it comes back from paint!!

I saw the West coast car on ebay. He has been trying to sell it for a while. I will be going to the next Cobra club meeting in the DFW area as soon as I find out where and when it is.

[IndyCobra]

Originally Posted by bly123

Yes. I have been reading every word of the Red Venom Build. I can't wait til it comes back from paint!!

It's back. I updated the website over the weekend.

[bobbyspeed440]

How's it going im also very new to kit cars I have done a lot of work on a lot of cars over the years but have never done a full car I have been looking and looking at different kits and I have found 1 that is very reasonably priced with everything besides motor transmission and few basics but I have yet to find any 1 on here with the kit the company is antique and collectible autos incorporated in buffalo new york I'm really leaning towards them do to price n the look of the kit if anyone has any knowledge of this company or input would be greatly appreciated

[bly123]

Do they have a website?

[Prof]

FYI: I HAD to have a stage build. Even if it cost a bit more over the 3 years of assembly, I wanted to move slow, methodical, and tweak everything for best track-day performance. Like your West Coast vs. Lone Star comparison, I looked at E-Morrison vs. Lone Star. Both have a stage build program that F5 and Hurricane do not. In fact, Hurricane laughed in my face when I inquired about a very stripped down frame&body-only kit. They must make profit on the accessories--tank, pipes,seats,steering,pedals, etc. That's stuff that I already had. F5 would not depart from the mass produced packages they sell.

There were a few other factors in my consideration of a Cobra stage-build, and Lone Star had it down to perfection.

You will find the Lone Star very adaptable to whatever you personally want. Slow build, 7-day build, modified parts (extra mounting holes drilled while still on the jig), etc. And Lone Stars do NOT all have the high riding 4-wheeler gaps in all of the fender wells. See John Ross, Randy J., or any of the shop cars Brian has built--these have the sweet "tucked and lowered" look that rocks!

Randy J. is one of the most meticulous builders I've ever met. He knows how to get it done and get it right without any delay. Listen to him.

Regards,
Paul

[SunDude]

Originally Posted by bly123

Do they have a website?

Click here: Antique & Collectible Autos Inc..

There are lots of guys on this forum who have A&C Cobras. Use the search features and you'll find 'em. And they already have a handy-dandy sub-forum: A&C subforum.

[bobbyspeed440]

Ok thanks a lot ya they seem to have the best deal for what I'm looking for

[bly123]

I'm now looking into B&B and A&C Thanks for the link. I called Vern At West Coast a 2nd time and left a message asking to buy the assembly manual. Still no call back. As much as I like the kit I just can't deal with the lack of customer service and zero response to a potential customer. I just don't understand how he can stay in business for so long. It's as if he doesn’t care if he sells his kits or not. Is he going out of business? Is that why? So far Lone Star is at the top of the list. I want to see some finished cars from different companies at the upcoming Cobra meeting in the DFW area. If I’m going to drop $20 to 30 thousand on a kit and then another 10 to 15 on a drive train and misc parts I want to get the best for my money and also get great customer service and buy a kit that works for me. I didn’t forget the cost of a paint job. I am going to do it my self.
I'd love to see a pick of the finished West Coast Cobra you built.

[bly123]

Cool!! I'll go check it out now.