Jesse builds another Cobra #11,061 - First body work shots

[danmas]

Middle one is sick…

[dbo_texas]

Agree - middle one looks insane. Black chin spoiler, pin stripes...yup. That color combo is wild (and unique!).

[Blitzboy54]

Agree - middle one looks insane. Black chin spoiler, pin stripes...yup. That color combo is wild (and unique!).

Thanks, I want to see it in the opposite form. Black stripes with the center orange or the pins or both.

The only issue with the black spoiler is the design isn't really separate from the car. It sort of an extension of the front. It might have to be the same color but that's something to be figured out later.

[CW_MI]

Your original orange theme rocks, although, so does the blue / orange, and that teal....wow. Glad I'm not the one having to decide.

[dbo_texas]

hey Jesse check out the BMW BMD Snapper Rocks Metallic (2018 BMW 4 series - 430i, 440i, etc). It's got a similar vibe as that Eastwood teal but more toward the blue side. Personally however, the teal will set you apart from all the other blues out there. Either goes great with the orange.

[Blitzboy54]

hey Jesse check out the BMW BMD Snapper Rocks Metallic (2018 BMW 4 series - 430i, 440i, etc). It's got a similar vibe as that Eastwood teal but more toward the blue side. Personally however, the teal will set you apart from all the other blues out there. Either goes great with the orange.

YES!, I love that you landed on this. I also really dig it. I went as far as to pretend I was interested in a custom built BMW so the dealer would get me a color tile of it. It is definitely in the mix. The difference between it and Atlantic blue is almost imperceptible.

[Blitzboy54]

Backup lights

I don't know why but it has been a monster struggle for me to figure out what exactly I want to do for backup lights on this thing. I did a really small smoked LED under the frame last time. An idea I shamelessly stole from Skidd. It worked great but as a functional "see behind you at night while backing up" light they are essentially useless.



I am installing a backup camera and want lights that work and are more of an integrated part of the car vs dangling underneath by a bracket. What I REALLY wanted was to find an alternative to the existing tail lights that had backup lights integrated in. I came really close with a number of options but non of them fit the space. I found these little round buggers that are pretty bright. They are also kind of dark and un assuming.



I took a bit of risk and I mounted them directly under the tail lights. I figured it was ok because if I end up changing my mind the hole is relatively easy to fill.



This is how they came out. I am not completely sold. I am however more likely than not going to register this thing by the end of the summer in gel coat. I can see how it works and looks out in the wild. Plenty of time to change it before it goes off for paint.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've done the Mini Cooper reverse lamp on 3 cars and kind of like it:



Jeff

[TTimmy]

Hey Jesse - I'm enjoying watching the build progress!

Here’s another option. I went with a pair of nearly flat lights and surface mounted them to the fuel tank of my Mk3. Not sure if this would work on the Mk4 given the differences on the rear end. I really didn’t want to cut the body.

IMG_3782.jpg

[Blitzboy54]

Tim,

Thank you I think the MK4 tank fits differently but I will give it a look for sure. I appreciate the kind words. It's been a fun build so far.




Jeff,

That is a more elegant solution. I am doing some background research on what I would need to do to make that work.

[TrackDay17]

Jesse, I've got another orange color you might check out as an option, its a Toyota color called Solar Octane and man is it bright !
It was on a Tundra that rolled by on the highway.

[Waterman]

Jesse,
I am in Rochester NY and going thru NY DMV process right now. Just got thru thru both Tech review after 3 issues and 1 issue with Field Investigation unit/VIN assignment. They did not like my high mounted reverse light as it was NOT both DOT and SAE. Has to be both. I went with True Mods 6” Reverse lights DOT FMVSS 108 SAE(2) R surface mount. Quick off Amazon and inexpensive but a bit big. Researched quite a bit. May not be my long term solution but only required 2 small grommeted holes hid by bumper. The cooper light seems like a good solution but I was not ready to cut a big hole in my recently painted body. PM me if you want to know more about who I communicated with at DMV. People have changed and DMV automated telephone menu is very frustrating to use for this low frequency process.
IMG_2802.jpg

[Blitzboy54]

Jesse, I've got another orange color you might check out as an option, its a Toyota color called Solar Octane and man is it bright !
It was on a Tundra that rolled by on the highway.

Yes this is an awesome color. I realize I have seen it out in the wild a couple times now that you've brought it to my attention. I will go to a dealership and check it out. Thanks.

A little fun fact I was driving to work this morning and someone in my neighborhood has a Chevy Amplify Orange Corvette parked in their driveway. Stood out like a sore thumb. Gonna stop and knock on their door tomorrow.

Jesse,
I am in Rochester NY and going thru NY DMV process right now. Just got thru thru both Tech review after 3 issues and 1 issue with Field Investigation unit/VIN assignment. They did not like my high mounted reverse light as it was NOT both DOT and SAE. Has to be both. I went with True Mods 6” Reverse lights DOT FMVSS 108 SAE(2) R surface mount. Quick off Amazon and inexpensive but a bit big. Researched quite a bit. May not be my long term solution but only required 2 small grommeted holes hid by bumper. The cooper light seems like a good solution but I was not ready to cut a big hole in my recently painted body. PM me if you want to know more about who I communicated with at DMV. People have changed and DMV automated telephone menu is very frustrating to use for this low frequency process.
IMG_2802.jpg

Yeah I will reach out for sure. I knew about the SAE thing. The lights I have now meet that spec. Interesting that you had so much push back, I am also curious about the 3rd brake light. I need to dig up my old paperwork because I didn't put one on my last build and it never came up. I would like to hear about it. It sounds like your almost there? I'll say this, you knocked it out of the park with your paint scheme. I LOVE the colors. Where did you get it done?

[cv2065]

I've done the Mini Cooper reverse lamp on 3 cars and kind of like it:



Jeff

That looks great!

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Jesse,

It is law for a reversing light here in Oz. It also has to be marked as DOT compliant. I don't particularly like the look of the light, so i made a mounting bracket and installed it under the rear body skirt per photo.

reverse light.jpg

I made the bracket to be easily removable, but have left it there for now. It is a winter project to modify the assembly to make the light swing up and behind the rear skirt when not activated. I will use a small linear actuator to swing the light out of view when reverse gear is not selected. There is plenty of room behind the rear skirt to make this happen. I will need to run a HAAT or ignition positive wire to provide power for the linear actuator, along with a double pole changeover relay to provide forward / reverse power to the actuator.

Cheers,

Nige

[PMD24]

Hey Jesse, great build and documentation. Really enjoy following along.

I'm in NY and will have to deal with the backup light thing as well. Will NY allow one light, or do we have to have two?

Thanks,

Pat

[Blitzboy54]

Hey Jesse, great build and documentation. Really enjoy following along.

I'm in NY and will have to deal with the backup light thing as well. Will NY allow one light, or do we have to have two?

Thanks,

Pat

One is fine. I had two on my last one but I know a number of NY builders that did the mini cooper thing and it wasn't a problem. I may pivot to that solution. It's a cleaner look.

[Waterman]

The one vs two lights comes down to SAE marking if you want to stay true to rating. SAE R is one, SAE (2) R requires 2.
I had my cobra painted by a pro friend of a friend and I helped a ton as he could only work on it weekends. Went that way as quotes were VERY high locally or very long wait for others. Came out very good but not show quality as it was painted in a garage without paint booth. The black strips were not planned but covered up an error. Actually looks better with the black and grey vs just the planned rim grey.

[danmas]

That looks great!

Damn it. Every time I read this thread it costs me bank. That looks sweet…

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff,

That is a more elegant solution. I am doing some background research on what I would need to do to make that work.

It's easy. The lamp itself is about $110 (new) and an OEM pigtail with the lamp plug was 15 bucks or so. To mount them I cut the tabs off of the light and then bonded some angle brackets to the body to secure it. TIP: if you're doing stripes it's best to hold off on cutting the hole and mounting it until the stripes have been laid out on the "visual centerline" because once again trying to measure for center may get you in trouble

Funny thing about that backup light requirement... I've done two cars for New York owners; one has the Mini Cooper lamp and the other has none. Both cars have been inspected and registered!

Jeff

[Blitzboy54]

It's easy. The lamp itself is about $110 (new) and an OEM pigtail with the lamp plug was 15 bucks or so. To mount them I cut the tabs off of the light and then bonded some angle brackets to the body to secure it. TIP: if you're doing stripes it's best to hold off on cutting the hole and mounting it until the stripes have been laid out on the "visual centerline" because once again trying to measure for center may get you in trouble

Funny thing about that backup light requirement... I've done two cars for New York owners; one has the Mini Cooper lamp and the other has none. Both cars have been inspected and registered!

Jeff

NY sort of uses the honor system for a lot of this stuff. It's pretty easy to navigate once you realize that.

OK, so I will stick with what I have through the gel coat phase and convert at body and paint. I ordered the light. I will update the thread when it arrives. I may have stumbled on a way to get one of these for a discount. Stay tuned.

[Mike.Bray]

Can't you just explain that Cobras are made for going forward at high rates of speed and not for going in reverse?

[Blitzboy54]

Can't you just explain that Cobras are made for going forward at high rates of speed and not for going in reverse?

It's science

[Rian_Colorado]

I've done the Mini Cooper reverse lamp on 3 cars and kind of like it:



Jeff

Jeff - is that a 3rd brake light integrated into the license plate light??? If so.... where did you get it? part number?

I've been working on finding an option to integrate a reverse light into a license plate frame too.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff - is that a 3rd brake light integrated into the license plate light??? If so.... where did you get it? part number?

I've been working on finding an option to integrate a reverse light into a license plate frame too.

Yes, it's a 3rd brake light. No part number; it's a custom piece made from a chunk of billet aluminum.

Jeff

[Blitzboy54]

Floor mats, passenger side

Last build I purchased FFR floor mats. I had mixed feelings. They look nice but slide around a lot. They are also a single piece and I wanted a 2 piece arrangement this time. So I bought a set from Coverking. They make mats for all the FFR models. As it turns out however they are also a one piece mat. I misunderstood what I was purchasing, sooo now what? These are a LOT thicker than the FFR floormats and have aggressive texture on the backside so I figured I would give them a go. First I bent them into shape. Took quite a bit of effort since they are so thick but they mostly hold their shape



I figured if I secured the lower part with a clip that might solve any sliding issues. Incidentally this would have also solved it with the FFR mats but I didn't think of it until I got these. The clip is designed to anchor to the floor. The other half mounts through a hole you cut in the mat. I drilled a hole in the floor and screwed in the base.





I don't really like how it came out. I had to drill a pretty large hole and while it anchors it's not by a ton. So I put some epoxy to make sure it holds. This seems like a permanent solution but decided to do something else on the drivers side.

[Blitzboy54]

Drivers side

After giving it some thought I decided to modify the setup for the drivers side. I cut the screw bottom off from the base and drilled a 1/8 hole in the middle. I then inserted a long rivet like so.



Now I only need a 1/8 hole to mount it. This is obviously a genius innovation...... except. The first time I riveted it down it secured it a lot tighter to the floor than the passenger side so it sat to low to anchor the mat to it. I drilled it out and put a washer underneath. This brought everything into alignment BUT the rivet mashed the head of the anchor out of shape and it would not clip into the mat. So the actual solution was to us a small screw with a nut as to not make it too tight. This worked like a charm.





The rest of the day I spent in the basement powder coating. Mostly because IT WILL NOT STOP RAINING!!!!!!!! I mean it's been nuts

My black of choice for almost everything is Prismatic Powder Stone Black. I pulled all the little bits of hardware for the sun visor and wind wings as well as the grommets. All the powder coated black on this car will be this color except side and hood louvers. Those will be gloss.



I also finally got orange back in my gun and finished the fuel system covers.

[PNWTim]

You're really coming along. I think you are definitely rounding third base at this point.

[Blitzboy54]

Quick followup on the backup light. Like Jeff said these Mini Cooper lights run about $110 give or take. UNLESS you buy it from Latvia.... apparently. I found a seller on Ebay from Latvia selling them for $61. I pulled the trigger and it arrived today. It is in fact an OEM part and it works just like it should. I linked it if your interested in 50% off. I received it in about a week and a half.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127046575347

[Blitzboy54]

Side Pipe coating

I ended up with a second set of pipes. My old build buddy NYMike ended up using GasN and had his originals sitting around. He gave them to me for the cost of shipping. We are only a couple hours away from each other so it was well worth it for me. I purchased a set of mufflers from Classic Chambered Exhaust and welded them in. There was a thread recently about what to do with bare steel pipes and I was convinced to try paint vs ceramic coating. My thinking is no harm in trying since the pipes had some patina and would need to be sand blasted either way. So I decided to try the POR 15 High temp coating in black.



I cleaned up the pipes with a cheap blaster and wire wheels to prep the surface.



It goes on pretty smooth. I did not have any issues with runs. I did 3 thin coats all within the first hour per the instructions then let it set 24 hours. In my case I was busy so it was more like 36 hours.

It goes on shiny and leaves a little tach.



This is where it gets a little wonky. The instructions say to bake it out "at least 400 deg" for 15 minutes. I don't have an oven big enough for side pipes. If I did I would put my own ceramic coating on. So I hung them and fired up the engine. This worked well enough but the end of the pipes never really get hot enough to properly cure. While running the engine I broke out my heat gun and helped the tips along. It worked ok. I will see how it goes over time.

[gbranham]

Nice job, Jesse. Easy peasie!

[cv2065]

Looking good and like your hanging method! I just got my headers back. You doing those too?

[Blitzboy54]

Looking good and like your hanging method! I just got my headers back. You doing those too?

Thanks

Under no circumstances am I ever taking those headers back out unless I absolutely have to. I used an OEM metal gasket so I hope to never get a leak. The passenger side wasn’t the worst ever (still pretty bad) but the drivers side was. There just isn’t any room.

[cv2065]

Thanks

Under no circumstances am I ever taking those headers back out unless I absolutely have to. I used an OEM metal gasket so I hope to never get a leak. The passenger side wasn’t the worst ever (still pretty bad) but the drivers side was. There just isn’t any room.

LOL...I know the feeling man. The Coyote has to have some tight working areas. Even with the 427, I've got to do the dance to get to a couple of cylinders. Using header studs instead of bolts has been amazing.

[danmas]

I like what you did with the side pipes. Next one I do I will follow along (sense a theme here?). I was frustrated with my headers a little bit,until I put on the correct one on the driver side. Since it is the correct one it went on pretty easy but I have a 351w (stroked to 427) so a bit more room. It was tight but do-able. I can’t imagine what a coyote looks like in terms of fit…

[TBull]

Believe me I get the whole theme thing. My Milano was in my head for a long time, but it's finding the right shades of the blue and orange to go together and then you have to think of ancillary colors like dash, carpet, Engine bay etc. I've always been a huge fan of Blues and Oranges. I really like where this is heading the the work you've done on the car so far. Really coming together.

[Blitzboy54]

Believe me I get the whole theme thing. My Milano was in my head for a long time, but it's finding the right shades of the blue and orange to go together and then you have to think of ancillary colors like dash, carpet, Engine bay etc. I've always been a huge fan of Blues and Oranges. I really like where this is heading the the work you've done on the car so far. Really coming together.

Thanks, I really appreciate that. I already have done some things I would like to do over but can't, but that's the way these things go. When I started down the orange rabbit I spent some time on your build. I like the accents in the engine bay.

[TBull]

Thanks, I made all of the interior panels using Poster board as templates and then bent them on a brake. I then matched the grey powder coat as close as I could with my dash leather. It's your canvas, paint it as detailed as you want. I look forward to seeing the final result. There are always things I would change. Some we can't and we live with them, but most people would never notice. You're doing great.

[Blitzboy54]

Open House

I had made some last minute plans to attend the open house. I am rounding 3rd base on my second build and I have still never been to Factory Five. It's a little silly really I am less than 3 hours away. Unfortunately work had other plans for me so getting to FFR and meeting a lot of you will have to stay on the bucket list for a little while longer

Body Prep

Spring has been crazy busy. I have had very little time to work on the body. I have finally completed all the prep and I am ready to put it on. I rollered/brushed 3 coats of bed liner, I opened the holes for the roll bars closer to the 2" I will need for my setup, and I trimmed the dash cowl 3/8".





I left a gap around the wheel wells for body work



Next I need to pull the seats and roll bars back out. I also want to change out my seat belt trim rings. I originally purchased a set from Shell Valley. They don't really fit right. I purchased a set from Mike Everson. Those by the way have a really nice finish. Only problem is I misplaced my metric allen set somewhere in the garage and can't find them. I mean....... I'll give it one more day before I break down and buy another set.

Inching closer on color

Lastly I have further refined one of my paint schemes. If I go with a teal look I think it will be more like this. I tried to get the AI to fill the center of the black stripes but couldn't. So I did a little old fashioned MS Paint. Not ideal but you get the idea

[cv2065]

Open House

I had made some last minute plans to attend the open house. I am rounding 3rd base on my second build and I have still never been to Factory Five. It's a little silly really I am less than 3 hours away. Unfortunately work had other plans for me so getting to FFR and meeting a lot of you will have to stay on the bucket list for a little while longer

Body Prep

Spring has been crazy busy. I have had very little time to work on the body. I have finally completed all the prep and I am ready to put it on. I rollered/brushed 3 coats of bed liner, I opened the holes for the roll bars closer to the 2" I will need for my setup, and I trimmed the dash cowl 3/8".





I left a gap around the wheel wells for body work



Next I need to pull the seats and roll bars back out. I also want to change out my seat belt trim rings. I originally purchased a set from Shell Valley. They don't really fit right. I purchased a set from Mike Everson. Those by the way have a really nice finish. Only problem is I misplaced my metric allen set somewhere in the garage and can't find them. I mean....... I'll give it one more day before I break down and buy another set.

Inching closer on color

Lastly I have further refined one of my paint schemes. If I go with a teal look I think it will be more like this. I tried to get the AI to fill the center of the black stripes but couldn't. So I did a little old fashioned MS Paint. Not ideal but you get the idea

I saw a McClaren today in that color. Looked really cool..