‘33 Hot rod vs Roadster Build

[CraigHarkness]

Hi all,

My Father and I are trying to decide what kit to order. I really like the cobras and he is partial to the hot rods. Wanted to reach out to the community here and see what the pros and cons were of both kits. Which is the better value? Does any have both? If you do, which one did you prefer? I know this all boils down to preference but wanted to start the conversation and get opinions across the board.

[narly1]

I don't think there is any other factor to the decision besides one's personal preference.

The biggest contributor to each kit's value is the build quality that went into it, not which version of kit it is.

If anything, how one intends to use/drive the car is probably the biggest deciding factor.

Both can be as raw or sedate as one could ever want depending on how the build is spec'd.

Earl

[edwardb]

I've done several Roadsters, a Coupe, and a Hot Rod Truck. The truck is a derivative of the 33 Hot Rod, so feel like I'm in a position to respond. The Roadster is the easiest build. Since it's also the highest volume and has been refined with multiple versions over the years, I would rate it the most mature and sorted out. The Gen 3 Coupe, a relatively new clean-sheet version, I found also quite sorted with only a few minor issues. But you didn't ask about that. Much as I did with the truck, most have found the hot rod has challenges with the fiberglass and getting everything to fit properly. Of course that will vary depending how far you go with options like fenders, engine side covers, hood, top, etc. My truck has every optional piece (total of 18 fiberglass parts) and I'm very pleased with the outcome. But it was a lot of work. I would also rate the Roadster has having better resale value if that matters. Something about that Cobra look and history that still yields a better price compared to the investment. The hot rod, like my truck, is in a crowd of lots of hot rods. Including for some many with a more desirable metal body. Agree that build quality is critically important for resale. But apples to applies the Roadster will command a higher percentage of your investment.

[RoadRacer]

Better value depends a lot on whether you’re planning on selling it. I’ve had both had they are very different, and very differently perceived. I’d bet that roadsters were easier to sell because the market is bigger. Hot rods can be built in more different ways because the bodies can be configured in so many ways, and it’s more normal to finish in so many different ways.

Ultimately you just KNOW you want to build one over the other. One way to decide is to make a choice then sleep on it and see how you feel tomorrow. It’ll feel right or wrong.. or you’ll decide to build both!

[rich grsc]

The one thing I never see discussed is how much room inside. I thought I'd like a hot rod, till I sat in one. The foot box was so small I thing it is impossible to have a manual transmission? I don't have large feet, but man it was cramped in the foot box, something to checkout

[wallace18]

Having built several MK4's and several 33's and 35 P/U , I would say the MK4 is much easier to build and more room inside. However the others can be built with more protection from the elements. It is up to the builder which one meets their needs best. The MK4 can be built with heat. A/C, defrost and a soft top also. I have done this 2 times. My personal ride is a 35 Pickup. I do miss my MK4 everyday though, LOL.

[RoadRacer]

The one thing I never see discussed is how much room inside. I thought I'd like a hot rod, till I sat in one. The foot box was so small I thing it is impossible to have a manual transmission? I don't have large feet, but man it was cramped in the foot box, something to checkout

No, there's room, and many of us modify the tunnel to give more room - the stock tunnel is built for the largest transmission, so you can often gain a lot. I have size 12 and don't have any issues. I don't know much about automatics, but I thought they were bigger than manual..

[Just 1 More]

The one thing I never see discussed is how much room inside. I thought I'd like a hot rod, till I sat in one. The foot box was so small I thing it is impossible to have a manual transmission? I don't have large feet, but man it was cramped in the foot box, something to checkout


No, there's room, and many of us modify the tunnel to give more room - the stock tunnel is built for the largest transmission, so you can often gain a lot. I have size 12 and don't have any issues. I don't know much about automatics, but I thought they were bigger than manual..

I've sat in both and have driven the Cobra, I'm a bigger man, 6' 270 and the Cobra and I didn't get along very well. That is why I opted for the Hot Rod. To me, it just has more shoulder room and leg room.

[rich grsc]

No, there's room, and many of us modify the tunnel to give more room - the stock tunnel is built for the largest transmission, so you can often gain a lot. I have size 12 and don't have any issues. I don't know much about automatics, but I thought they were bigger than manual..
Thanks for the info. I only sat in one, and the foot box was really cramped.

[narly1]

The hot rod, like my truck, is in a crowd of lots of hot rods. Including for some many with a more desirable metal body.

The price of steel bodied hot rods based on the 33-34 Ford design is out of reach for many of us.

Plus you're still left dealing with that old-timey H style frame.

Earl

[Tooth]

Build both, then you get the cobra and he gets the hot rod. I know that may not be realistic, but maybe the only way you both wind up happy. Do the cobra first since it's considered a much easier build. I'm midway through a cobra build, and I'd like to think I'll jump into something like a speed star build at some point in the future. Only hold up is going to be kids going to college soon, and it will be tough to justify another build.

[Dgc333]

I am 70 years old and not as flexible as I used to be. I am also 6' with a 32" inseam.

I went down to FFR and tried on all their vehicles. My original plan was a Cobra Coupe but I could not get in and out gracefully. The Cobra Roadster was a little better because it didn't have a roof. The DTM and 818 I couldn't get in or out of gracefully. The 35 pickup was lacking leg room but the ones shipping now have 4" added to the body so leg room may not be an issue. The 33 was by far the easiest to get in and out of and there was plenty of room for my size 10 feet with a manual transmission. I opted for the Speedstar body over the 33 roadster body with the optional hard top. IMHO, it looks better and is Racey looking. Even with the more radically chopped top I still have 2 to 3 inches of headroom and I look out the middle of the windshield.

I am building it with a 5.7 Hemi and a T5 manual.