DIBaledo
02-15-2022, 08:24 AM
A Snake on the Way….
Just placed my order with a November 5th build date. Quite a ways in the future so you probably won’t see much action here until next year. But for now, just a bit of an introduction: I first was bitten by a Snake in 1979 when I rode in a friend’s original 1965 427 S/C that he bought new in 1966. Since then, I have had the good fortune of owning or driving some of the most iconic cars of our time. Unfortunately, I never followed through on a Cobra of my own and now they are simply out of reach; especially if the plan is to use and abuse it or at least drive it on a Sunday afternoon with my wife.
Now with retirement approaching and the need for a “project” to keep me busy, I’m diving into the deep end and building my own “iconic” design to add to the collection. We live part of the year in Texas, which is where I will build, but since we are only there part-time, I’m expecting the build, even at an enthusiastic pace, will take the better part of 3 years to complete. Frankly, this works out perfectly because I’m really looking forward to the build process and have a few other cars to satisfy my love of driving until this one’s complete.
I think that over the few months since making this decision, I’ve read every Roadster Build Thread and this has given me the courage to believe that I can complete the car. Additionally, reaching out to a couple of you individually has given me the help to know what I think I want. Hopefully, I’m not suffering from a false sense of confidence, but I know that if I ever face an unexpected problem, there are so many in this community that jump at the opportunity to help. And for those expected problems, I know the many solutions that y’all have used.
For my build, I want something that is iconic in design but with clearly modern underpinnings and safety built in. That ride 40 years ago in a “real” Cobra left me with a number of memories; one of which was that it was scarier than $&!*. I’m hoping that a modern chassis, suspension, brakes and drivetrain will bring with it a slightly safer and reliable ride. I still expect a true visceral thrill from driving it, but with the confidence of knowing that I have a better than 50% chance of making it home for dinner after an afternoon drive.
My build is based on the Complete Kit with a Coyote engine – T56 transmission with some Ford Performance upgrades. The build will include an Independent Rear Suspension, upgraded Koni double adjustable shocks, Wilwood brake upgrade, Wilwood electronic emergency brake, 18” wheels, leather interior… I feel that I simply checked every box, and more, on FFR’s order form. I also plan on using a number of modifications from Russ Thompson and Breeze Automotive including the dropped trunk, turn signal system, Radiator shroud and mounts, forward battery mount, storage cubby and too many more to list.
While I can’t imagine that there is much that can be modified on these cars that hasn’t yet been tried and described in the Forum, I still plan to make mine unique in some way. Stay tuned…
David
Just placed my order with a November 5th build date. Quite a ways in the future so you probably won’t see much action here until next year. But for now, just a bit of an introduction: I first was bitten by a Snake in 1979 when I rode in a friend’s original 1965 427 S/C that he bought new in 1966. Since then, I have had the good fortune of owning or driving some of the most iconic cars of our time. Unfortunately, I never followed through on a Cobra of my own and now they are simply out of reach; especially if the plan is to use and abuse it or at least drive it on a Sunday afternoon with my wife.
Now with retirement approaching and the need for a “project” to keep me busy, I’m diving into the deep end and building my own “iconic” design to add to the collection. We live part of the year in Texas, which is where I will build, but since we are only there part-time, I’m expecting the build, even at an enthusiastic pace, will take the better part of 3 years to complete. Frankly, this works out perfectly because I’m really looking forward to the build process and have a few other cars to satisfy my love of driving until this one’s complete.
I think that over the few months since making this decision, I’ve read every Roadster Build Thread and this has given me the courage to believe that I can complete the car. Additionally, reaching out to a couple of you individually has given me the help to know what I think I want. Hopefully, I’m not suffering from a false sense of confidence, but I know that if I ever face an unexpected problem, there are so many in this community that jump at the opportunity to help. And for those expected problems, I know the many solutions that y’all have used.
For my build, I want something that is iconic in design but with clearly modern underpinnings and safety built in. That ride 40 years ago in a “real” Cobra left me with a number of memories; one of which was that it was scarier than $&!*. I’m hoping that a modern chassis, suspension, brakes and drivetrain will bring with it a slightly safer and reliable ride. I still expect a true visceral thrill from driving it, but with the confidence of knowing that I have a better than 50% chance of making it home for dinner after an afternoon drive.
My build is based on the Complete Kit with a Coyote engine – T56 transmission with some Ford Performance upgrades. The build will include an Independent Rear Suspension, upgraded Koni double adjustable shocks, Wilwood brake upgrade, Wilwood electronic emergency brake, 18” wheels, leather interior… I feel that I simply checked every box, and more, on FFR’s order form. I also plan on using a number of modifications from Russ Thompson and Breeze Automotive including the dropped trunk, turn signal system, Radiator shroud and mounts, forward battery mount, storage cubby and too many more to list.
While I can’t imagine that there is much that can be modified on these cars that hasn’t yet been tried and described in the Forum, I still plan to make mine unique in some way. Stay tuned…
David