tundra2050
09-24-2025, 09:40 PM
Howdy all!
After about 6 years of research, reading the posts and build threads, talking to some amazing builders, and providing the wife with some expensive home remodeling, I've finally purchased my dream retirement hobby. I've wanted a Cobra ever since I saw one at a car show as a kid.
I purchased the 289 FIA Roadster because I wanted something unique and something I can get as close to authentic as possible within my budget. I intend to build in a couple of stages - give my wife some birthday and Christmas present ideas down the line. I went without any options at this time after reading a post and chatting with Mike Bray, who built an absolutely beautiful car. After such a huge monetary commitment, I'd figure the engine can come later as I can't decide on finding a 289 or just go with a 302 or 347.
I figure with the help of the forum and some of my own limited automotive skills, I should b in good shape for this monumental project. I've done some shade tree mechanics on a 1972 Plymouth Valiant as a teen and more recently, brakes, struts, some electrical and body work with the help of YouTube on some Toyotas, Hondas, and a Mazda. I'm leaving the engine,tranny (can you still call it that), and paint to professionals, but I'm looking forward to learning more about the intricacies of how it all goes together. I'm new to posting, but I hope to start a build thread as well. Probably not nearly as good as the existing ones though.
I can't wait to get started, but I have to clean and arrange 1 side of my 2 car garage. BTW, if anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area is looking to unload a chassis dolly, please let me know.
Thanks for all who have come before. This knowledge base is amazing!
James
After about 6 years of research, reading the posts and build threads, talking to some amazing builders, and providing the wife with some expensive home remodeling, I've finally purchased my dream retirement hobby. I've wanted a Cobra ever since I saw one at a car show as a kid.
I purchased the 289 FIA Roadster because I wanted something unique and something I can get as close to authentic as possible within my budget. I intend to build in a couple of stages - give my wife some birthday and Christmas present ideas down the line. I went without any options at this time after reading a post and chatting with Mike Bray, who built an absolutely beautiful car. After such a huge monetary commitment, I'd figure the engine can come later as I can't decide on finding a 289 or just go with a 302 or 347.
I figure with the help of the forum and some of my own limited automotive skills, I should b in good shape for this monumental project. I've done some shade tree mechanics on a 1972 Plymouth Valiant as a teen and more recently, brakes, struts, some electrical and body work with the help of YouTube on some Toyotas, Hondas, and a Mazda. I'm leaving the engine,tranny (can you still call it that), and paint to professionals, but I'm looking forward to learning more about the intricacies of how it all goes together. I'm new to posting, but I hope to start a build thread as well. Probably not nearly as good as the existing ones though.
I can't wait to get started, but I have to clean and arrange 1 side of my 2 car garage. BTW, if anyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area is looking to unload a chassis dolly, please let me know.
Thanks for all who have come before. This knowledge base is amazing!
James