427 S/C Build Introduction

Welcome to Mark’s Build forum. I’ll document my Unique Motorcars 427 S/C Roadster Cobra kit build the best I can. I spent many months doing research on Cobra’s and the manufactures of them. One of the best and most informative sites I found and used is “The Making of the Red Venom” by Randy Pflanzer @ http://www.pflanzer-aviation.com/RedVenomCobra/. The information and ideas caused me to really consider many options and what I want from this car and what it will be used for.

So why am I doing this Cobra, well for several reasons…. I love cars and building things, it’s a great hobby that has value when project is complete, my wife Mel (short for Maryellen) can participate (in a small way :p) and this project will allow me to show off the car, what’s possible with a car like this, my skills and maybe allow me to build several a year when I retire for other people who want a fine car like the Cobra 427 (but may not have the time, skill or desire to do on their own).
Current Status
Hopefully, the content of this forum will be of benefit to you or at lease enjoyable to just keep up with the progress. It will be a fun plan and build process. I am very mechanically inclined, have a large collection of tools and pretty good with my hands. In the past 35 years, I’ve done many projects, e.g., home constructions, remodeling, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, all my own car maintenance and enhancements, golf club building, side business in small computers years ago and the list goes on. I’ve never built, conceived and completed, from the ground up, a car or engine….. but, always wanted to. I’ve often thought about the 60s and 70s muscle cars, buying and restoring one…. , considered building a tri-wheel motorcycle with a VW engine… but in the end, didn’t want to deal with the rust, grease and fining parts…. . Then, while watching all the TV Auto shows, I was introduced to the kit cars. A true build from all new parts, not a donor car!
After seeing Cobra’s on TV auto shows and the History channel, I “had to have” a Cobra. Since the originals typically sell at auction from $500,000 to over $ 1 Million, the only alternative for me is to build my own via the kit option. I’ll share probably more than you want to know. Nearly all the information that I've gathered has come from other builders or vendors who have generously shared their experiences via the UniqueCobra.com forum, ClubCobra.com forum, and may other related automotive web sites, like Randy’s. Thanks to all of you that have spoke with me, emailed or just shared your thoughts on the various forum threads.

I will always update the threads below over the coming months as I research, build, change, discover, etc. I hope you’ll participate in the threads…. It’s ok to not agree with what or how I did my project…. to each his own. Please comment and add your thoughts that are relevant to the thread topic.


Thread mapping/discussion topics:
General Preparation
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8241
Engine, Cooling
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8223
Drive train, transmission, rear-end, shifter
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8224
Interior, custom dash, gauges, colors, foot box ventilation, heated seats
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8225
Exterior, headlights, hood scoop, body paint, wheels, tires
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8226
KillerPaint.com, airbrush artwork
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8227
Accessories, security, sound system?
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8228
Final assembly, clear bra
http://www.uniquecobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8229