|
Author
|
Topic: Cobra replica Info. ??
|
65gt350
Journeyman Posts: 24
From: St, Bernard, La
Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 03-21-2004 09:43 PM
 
I have the opportunity to purchase a Cobra Replica and know VERY little about Cobra (but has always been a dream) and need help in identifying approx. year and who did the kit job. The person who purchased the car passed away and his son is selling.. The cobra has a 351 with the roll cage that protects the drives head and bar goes doen middle of car around shifter, it is an automatic trans. (Baby C6 ??).. I am going to test drive Thursday (3/25/04)  and ANY information as to help identify year built, if good kit builder and what to look for would be VERY helpful. This person is the 2nd owner, it was purchased originally by the owners of a Ford dealership....THANKS for ANY information,, Ron
|
Daniel Jones
Gearhead Posts: 972
From: St. Louis, MO
Registered: Aug 99
|
posted 03-22-2004 12:01 PM
There are literally dozens of Cobra kit manufacturers out there. Some
are based upon Mustang II front suspensions with a solid axle out back.
Some have custom front suspensions (or ones pieced together from various
manufacturers) with Jaguar, Corvette, Ford (Thunderbird/Lincoln) independent
rear suspensions. Some are virtually duplicates of the original Shelby,
others are customized (different interiors, stretched wheelbase, etc.).
Look for a data plate that might indicate the kit manufacturer and take
some pictures of the exterior, interior, engine compartment and front/rear
suspension. Check if frame tubing is square or round.Dan Jones
|
73trials
Gearhead Posts: 1407
From: Durham, NC
Registered: Dec 2001
|
posted 03-23-2004 12:51 AM
No useful information to offer, but I'd be glad to go on that test drive.  ------------------
Erwin
'73 H-code vert
|
65gt350
Journeyman Posts: 24
From: St, Bernard, La
Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 03-26-2004 07:37 PM
I am the person that looked and drove the Cobra replicia that doesn't have much
knowledge of the vehicle. The one I drove has a 351 with 32,227 miles,
square tube frame, C-6 trans., 9" Ford rear end, and kit was built by NAF.
The body and paint (blue with white stripes) is in EXCELLENT shape. The
interior seats are in good shape but the carpet need to be replaced.
The trunk carpet also needs replacement. All the gauges work fine, all the lights
with turn signals work fine, the wipers work fine. All appears to be in
operating condition and the car runs like a deer (fast and agile). Brakes are
OK.
I was told by a Cobra dealer the NAF kits were not great cars and are out
of the business. For the $22,000 that was totally too much for a car
made in 1984. Parts would be hard to locate when needed. That price
would be good if the car was in perfert condition. Would someone shed some light on this for me, I need someone with Cobra
knowledge. Not knowing much about Cobra I am at the mercy of advice
but by looking and riding in the car it is a GREAT deal BUT I know
Mustangs NOT Cobra's..
|
Daniel Jones
Gearhead Posts: 972
From: St. Louis, MO
Registered: Aug 99
|
posted 03-26-2004 08:17 PM
> I am the person that looked and drove the Cobra replica that doesn't have much
> knowledge of the vehicle. The one I drove has a 351 with 32,227 miles,
> square tube frame, C-6 trans., 9" Ford rear end, and kit was built by NAF.NAF = north American Fiberglass > The body and paint (blue with white stripes) is in EXCELLENT shape. The
> interior seats are in good shape but the carpet need to be replaced.
> The trunk carpet also needs replacement. All the gauges work fine, all
> the lights with turn signals work fine, the wipers work fine. All appears
> to be in operating condition and the car runs like a deer (fast and agile). Sounds like it hasn't been neglected. > Brakes are OK. Those can be upgraded. The NAF used a Mustang II front end and many of them
had the tiny front disks and drum brakes out back. Lots of aftermarket
brake upgrades are available, though. Check to make sure it has 5 lug
wheels and not 4 lug. > I was told by a Cobra dealer the NAF kits were not great cars The owners on Club Cobra seem to like their NAF Cobras. > and are out of the business. The original owner bought the business back and is back in business.
See: http://www.nafcobra.com/ > For the $22,000 that was totally too much for a car
> made in 1984. Parts would be hard to locate when needed.
> That price would be good if the car was in perfect condition You can always low ball an offer and see if he bites. > Would you shed some light on this for me, I need someone with Cobra
> knowledge. Not knowing much about Cobra I am at the mercy of advice
> but by looking and riding in the car it is a GREAT deal BUT I know
> Mustangs NOT Cobra's..
I don't have much knowledge of the NAF but from what's been mentioned
on Club Cobra, they had a really good body and a good frame. Suspension
was the basic Mustang II front end and Ford solid axle out back (some
were 8", not 9" so check that) but it sounds like you like the way
it rides/handles and that's what is important. Club Cobra has a search engine and you can enter "NAF AND Cobra"
and see some previous discussion on NAF Conras, along with people
who currently own them. Talk to them to get the straight scoop. http://www.clubcobra.com/t51401.html
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=384550&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending Dan Jones
|
65Cobra
Journeyman Posts: 13
From: Mesa, Arizona, USA
Registered: Aug 2004
|
posted 08-27-2004 06:43 PM
As an owner of 65 Cobra (factory built car) the best suggestion I could make to you would be have someone who knows what they are doing look and drive the car and give you a fair valeu of it. If not at least call this guy and talk with him. His name is Gordon Levy, levy Racing and a Cobra car builder for years. He knows is stuff and could help guide you. Call him at (480) 446-8442 and tell him "Doc" told you to call him.Your friend,
"Doc" ------------------
Visit my '65 Shelby GT350R site:
http://jmichael.info/SHELBY.htm
and my latest '65 427 S/C BDR Cobra
http://jmichael.info/65Cobra.htm NASA Member #117750
ProAutoSports Member
| |
