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

[Namrups]

Looking good!

[Blitzboy54]

Powder coated gas cap PSA

As you may or may not yet know the Leman's gas cap comes with 2 different style of screws. All but one are a #8 machine screws that thread directly into the fiberglass body. one of them has the same style head but is a bolt with a nylon lock nut. This is so you can attach the ground strap that comes with the kit. The reason the cap is grounded is so when you fill your car any static electricity runs to ground instead of creating a spark just like your daily driver. Modern cars have a number of other safety features that these do not so grounding them is important. Having said all that I was completing assembly and realized with the cap and screw coated there was no path to ground because I covered them in powder coat. It was not something that occurred to me before hand.

To fix this I pulled the powder coated bolt and replaced it with an uncoated one. I painted the top of it and left the bottom naked metal. I then cleaned the power coat out of the holed it sits in (in the pic the one in the back by the hinge). I ran the ground strap to one of the bolts holding my vent filter to the chassis. Once re assembled I checked resistance to ground to the chassis and filler neck. From the inside of the cap where the nozzle goes there is less than 1 ohm.





Just something to think about if you chose to coat your cap as many of us do.

The rest

I then re attached my rear quick jacks and also took the opportunity to "center" my backup camera. I had originally placed it based on the measured center of the car. Don't do that.



I got the front splash guards in. I am hoping to put 1000 miles on before paint so I am going to need them.





Last is the exhaust hangers. Again since I am driving in gel coat I need them on. One thing that has bee weird about this build has been the exhaust fitment. I used headers with cats so there is no adjustment like the open ones with the ball flange. My pipes both sit wide at the point of connection and were splayed out away from the body like a V. I needed to use wedges to bring them in parallel to the body which brought them out a little wider still.

I am using the single point of attachment method as my last pipes tore a bit over time. That way it hinges and creates forgiveness.



BUT because my pipes sit a bit wider the stock setup doesn't quite fit. My solution for now was to move the hole on the bracket back. I needed this modification on both sides. I may fabricate my own custom bracket in the future but this is what I am doing for now.

[Tango]

I like the final look of your backup camera, and thanks for the tip on the Lemans cap. Mine is PC’ed already and would have probably missed that detail

[jengum]

What did you use for the rear backup lights? Nice and clean.

[Blitzboy54]

What did you use for the rear backup lights? Nice and clean.

Hi Jen, the link is here.

https://a.co/d/gufnYem


They are cheap but if you want I have plenty if extras if you want a few. Feel free to stop by I would be happy to send you home with a couple.

[CalNaughton Jr]

Sweet Car Jesse! Do you build these for other people by chance?

[Blitzboy54]

Sweet Car Jesse! Do you build these for other people by chance?

I sent you a DM

[Blitzboy54]

Windshield take 2

When I got my windshield frame back. He did a great job. Blew out the inside channel and then fogged the edge before curing. Really looks good. Best part is everything fits together correctly. While I was trying to make it fit before I figured what the problem was one of the brass corner brackets broke (doh). It's a fragile little bugger. I purchased a piece of galvanized steal and fabricated a new one.



It ended up being a touch too thick so I "planned" it down with a die grinder. SS would be the better move if I was to do it again.



It worked well and it came back together correctly



Re installed and added the visors, wind wings and the Breeze masterpiece of a rear view mirror. I have some plans when I break her back down for paint. I am definitely going to tint the wind wings to match the visors. I will also clean up the rest of the hardware so it matches. Just waiting to hear back from the state for my salvage inspection and she's basically ready to go (need to finish the passenger exhaust hanger).

Lookin like a Hot Rod now.

[TXeverydayDad]

Looking real good Jesse!

[CalNaughton Jr]

Love the details!! getting me amped up for my build. this is the premier build thread on here!! good stuff!

[Blitzboy54]

Love the details!! getting me amped up for my build. this is the premier build thread on here!! good stuff!

I appreciate the feedback. Welcome to the forum. I sent you a direct message. Let me know if you have any questions.

[jengum]

Hi Jen, the link is here.

https://a.co/d/gufnYem


They are cheap but if you want I have plenty if extras if you want a few. Feel free to stop by I would be happy to send you home with a couple.

Please save me a couple...thanks for sharing.

[cv2065]

And....It's.....DONE! Nice work Jessie. As soon as you have Mr. Kleiner work his magic, you can go have fun with it until you get the itch to sell and build an MKV. The FFR vortex might be a real thing.

[Blitzboy54]

And....It's.....DONE! Nice work Jessie. As soon as you have Mr. Kleiner work his magic, you can go have fun with it until you get the itch to sell and build an MKV. The FFR vortex might be a real thing.

It might be honestly. Wouldn’t mind building a MK5 or a 35 pickup. We will see.

[PMD24]

Hi Jen, the link is here.

https://a.co/d/gufnYem


They are cheap but if you want I have plenty if extras if you want a few. Feel free to stop by I would be happy to send you home with a couple.

Hey Jesse. I'm in the Rochester area and will be facing the NYS gauntlet in the distant future. Quick question on those backup lights... the Amazon info made reference to DOT but didn't call out any detail and I couldn't see any markings on the lenses in the ad. Do they have everything thatNY will require?

Thanks,

Pat

[Blitzboy54]

Hey Jesse. I'm in the Rochester area and will be facing the NYS gauntlet in the distant future. Quick question on those backup lights... the Amazon info made reference to DOT but didn't call out any detail and I couldn't see any markings on the lenses in the ad. Do they have everything thatNY will require?

Thanks,

Pat

Yes, I can get a close up but there is both an SAE and DOT marking. DM me before you file your paperwork with your phone number. Happy to talk you through the process. It’s as easy or difficult as you make it. It’s my second time through and it was a breeze.

[PMD24]

Yes, I can get a close up but there is both an SAE and DOT marking. DM me before you file your paperwork with your phone number. Happy to talk you through the process. It’s as easy or difficult as you make it. It’s my second time through and it was a breeze.

Will do Jesse. Thank you. Waterman (Anthony), suggested that I speak with you also and I planned on doing that as I get closer. Appreciate you offering to share your experience.

Pat

[Blitzboy54]

Quick registration update, I sent my packet off to the Salvage Division. They do the physical inspection on my "home made vehicle". Once complete they assign a VIN and I can then register the car. Unfortunately my date isn't until Sept 23rd. I called today to see if I could slide into an earlier opening but because the way this process works they need time for my application paperwork to physically make it's way to the inspection station. Because of this I just have to wait.

Bummer

I have been taking some liberty's with driving it. Probably more than I should but it runs really smooth. After mounting the side pipe hangers I get quit a bit more metallic popping with the heat cycles than I did on my last build. Nothing serious, just pops a little during the heat up and again on cool down. I am guessing the one piece rigid headers are the difference. The Coyote is a marvel compared to my Sniper controlled SBF. It putters around at parade speed with ease but just pulls like crazy when I ask it too. The best part being it so easily finds idle after. Just immediately finds 800 RPMs. The speedo is pretty far off. I don't want to drive it more than around the block so it will have to wait to calibrate it but it thinks I am going 110 mph when I am doing 40 so the miles are adding up. lol

The body definitely has settled bit. The drivers door sticks a little after a few runs. I am not going to touch a thing unless I absolutely have to. I want to leave as much material on the body as possible for Jeff to work with. I am hoping to get her out regularly through the end of the month till mid November. Once Thanksgiving hits that will be it.

At that point it will be winter again. Hoping to have her off to paint. I have a few house projects to get checked off the honey do list as well as another potential car project. Will just have to see how it goes.

I took delivery right about a year ago. I lost about 6 weeks this winter with my engine woes and I should have gotten my paperwork in earlier. So that is to say if you have an unhealthy obsession with being in the garage and an angelically tolerant wife you can bang one of these out in a calendar year.

[460.465USMC]

The Coyote is a marvel compared to my Sniper controlled SBF. It putters around at parade speed with ease but just pulls like crazy when I ask it too. The best part being it so easily finds idle after. Just immediately finds 800 RPMs.

I thought you might like the Coyote.

I hope you finish the registration process so you can really put some miles on before winter sets in.

[CalNaughton Jr]

Any more progress pics? Do you plan to race this car in autocross??? WICKEDDD

[Blitzboy54]

Any more progress pics? Do you plan to race this car in autocross??? WICKEDDD

No unfortunately it's just sitting in the garage under a cover. I have 2 more weeks until my appointment so there is just nothing for me to do. I can't legally drive it and there really isn't anything to work on. I am watching it get slowly cooler every day. lol


I have no plans to auto cross it right now but you never know

[PMD24]

Hey Jess, Can't recall where you ended up on your color selections but thought you might have an interest in looking at a blue and orange combo on BaT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...mpaign_2648441


Pat

[Blitzboy54]

Hey Jess, Can't recall where you ended up on your color selections but thought you might have an interest in looking at a blue and orange combo on BaT.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...mpaign_2648441


Pat

Thank you for sharing that! It helps validate my thinking. The LS in that thing sounds amazing. I’ll bet it’s almost un drivable with that super charger. Blueprints LS3 comes “stock” with 520 HP. Guessing that’s why the current owner only put 800 miles in it.

I have an LS itch I’m going to need to scratch at some point.


For the record I have finalized my color scheme. I want to wait until I get a little closer before I share but I’m very excited about it.

[Namrups]

No unfortunately it's just sitting in the garage under a cover. I have 2 more weeks until my appointment so there is just nothing for me to do. I can't legally drive it and there really isn't anything to work on. I am watching it get slowly cooler every day. lol


I have no plans to auto cross it right now but you never know

If you want a hand on your inspection day, let me know! You have to try out the New York Safety Track with me at least once!!

Scott

[Blitzboy54]

If you want a hand on your inspection day, let me know! You have to try out the New York Safety Track with me at least once!!

Scott

I will 100% do that.

[Blitzboy54]

I did a thing

I still have a couple weeks still until I get my inspection ("mom, are we there yet?"), the VIN and can register the car.

Before I pulled the trigger on the second MK4 I was considering all my options. My first thought was to build a GT40. I came pretty close but it's a significant upgrade in budget and I am just not ready for that investment yet. I thought about the coupe but that is not for me. I also came pretty close to building a 35 hotrod pickup. I had put a concept together and a build plan. I dry ran the order and when push came to shove I really wanted another roadster, so the idea was shelved.

As it turns out I have been keeping in touch with the gentlemen that bought my MK4. We have been talking on and off for several months about me building a hotrod pickup for him. Things have accelerated and as of a few days ago a kit and engine has been ordered. He gave me express permission to start a build thread and share the basic details of the arrangement. I am VERY excited for the opportunity and look forward to the prospect of continuing to create new things.

I will start a build thread over there but the basics are an LS based power plant with a TKX and big open wheel concept. If all goes well it will be outrageous.

[cv2065]

I did a thing

I still have a couple weeks still until I get my inspection ("mom, are we there yet?"), the VIN and can register the car.

Before I pulled the trigger on the second MK4 I was considering all my options. My first thought was to build a GT40. I came pretty close but it's a significant upgrade in budget and I am just not ready for that investment yet. I thought about the coupe but that is not for me. I also came pretty close to building a 35 hotrod pickup. I had put a concept together and a build plan. I dry ran the order and when push came to shove I really wanted another roadster, so the idea was shelved.

As it turns out I have been keeping in touch with the gentlemen that bought my MK4. We have been talking on and off for several months about me building a hotrod pickup for him. Things have accelerated and as of a few days ago a kit and engine has been ordered. He gave me express permission to start a build thread and share the basic details of the arrangement. I am VERY excited for the opportunity and look forward to the prospect to keep creating new things.

I will start a build thread over there but the basics are an LS based power plant with a TKX and big open wheel concept. If all goes well it will be outrageous.

That's awesome!

[gbranham]

Make sure you cover yourself legally. I'd love to build cars for people, but the liability scares me a bit. I'd talk to Kleiner and Everson about how they protect themselves when they build for people.

For example, let's say you use Wilwood MCs, and one fails after he takes delivery, and gets hurt. He's likely going after they guy who built the car, AND Wilwood. Maybe open an LLC and sell the car to him through it, and not through you personally.

[Blitzboy54]

Make sure you cover yourself legally. I'd love to build cars for people, but the liability scares me a bit. I'd talk to Kleiner and Everson about how they protect themselves when they build for people.

For example, let's say you use Wilwood MCs, and one fails after he takes delivery, and gets hurt. He's likely going after they guy who built the car, AND Wilwood. Maybe open an LLC and sell the car to him through it, and not through you personally.

All due diligence has been performed. Those issues have been well researched and both party's are protected. I appreciate it.

[Blitzboy54]

That's awesome!

Thanks man!

[460.465USMC]

I did a thing

Not only are you a skilled builder, but a master of understatement! Congrats, sir! That sounds like a lot of fun. You have the skills and building speed to pull it off. And, make some mad money to boot. I'm a little jealous. Please let us know once you start the build thread. I would love to follow along.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Now you’re going to turn it into a job

Jeff

[gbranham]

All due diligence has been performed. Those issues have been well researched and both party's are protected. I appreciate it.

Awesome! Looking forward to following the build thread!

Greg

[Mike.Bray]

Now you’re going to turn it into a job

I've done work for other people before, I built one of the first Jr Dragsters way back. But TBH, I really struggle with motivation when it's someone else's car. To me cars are a fun hobby, it's why I never worked in the industry. If I worked in it I know it wouldn't be fun for me anymore. That's just me. Instead I've always worked in the salty snack food industry and get to eat hot fresh potato chips

Good luck to you, I'll be following along!

[Blitzboy54]

Not only are you a skilled builder, but a master of understatement! Congrats, sir! That sounds like a lot of fun. You have the skills and building speed to pull it off. And, make some mad money to boot. I'm a little jealous. Please let us know once you start the build thread. I would love to follow along.

Thank you. I really appreciate the kind words Chris. I've been checking on your coupe regularly

Now you’re going to turn it into a job

Jeff

Well, I found one, lets see how this goes. Certainly worse ways to spend your time.

I've done work for other people before, I built one of the first Jr Dragsters way back. But TBH, I really struggle with motivation when it's someone else's car. To me cars are a fun hobby, it's why I never worked in the industry. If I worked in it I know it wouldn't be fun for me anymore. That's just me. Instead I've always worked in the salty snack food industry and get to eat hot fresh potato chips

Good luck to you, I'll be following along!

Mike, I have had the same thoughts. Either this feels like a job then I would then be duty bound to finish her up because I made a commitment but would at the end feel like I wouldn't want to do it again. Or I get the same joy out of the build process but it does not put downward pressure on our family budget. I am really hoping for the latter. The end of this build completely snuck up on me. I was humming along and then BANG I was done. This came at a good time.

I am elbows deep into the planning. I'm really pumped

I still have some work to do on this car obviously. I purchased some black vinyl sheet and bulb seal. After paint I plan to put wheel well liners in. I like how it completes the look. It will be weird having two build threads going at the same time. It's a little bonkers.

[TXeverydayDad]

Congrats on the gig!

[danmas]

This is going to be fun to watch. I want to build a pickup and a hot rod, but we will see. Congrats! I’m sure it will be awesome!

[TrackDay17]

Very cool Jesse !
I'll be excited to see how the truck turns out.

I'd love to build a truck eventually but I think my soon to be shipped MK5 will keep me busy for quite a while, lol.

[Blitzboy54]

Very cool Jesse !
I'll be excited to see how the truck turns out.

I'd love to build a truck eventually but I think my soon to be shipped MK5 will keep me busy for quite a while, lol.

I would jump at the chance to do a MK5. Just the body alone makes it appealing.


I used to do several track days a year. I assume that's you in the avatar photo? Just the most fun I've ever had. I miss it.

[OB6]

Maybe a good way to write-off tools as business expenses?