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

[Blitzboy54]

Seat Alignment

One of the things that I found disappointing in my initial tests is the seats. My tail bone was getting directly pushed on. I bought the seats because they look so good. Others have used them and I never picked up any complaints so I figured I would pull the seats when I shut her down for the winter and have the seat cushions re done. Maybe double the padding? It never really thought about the seat angle. One of the other things I struggled with is under my right leg there was no support. So when operating the pedal my leg would get a little stiff. I had none of these issues in my last Roadster. It hit me those seats had a pretty decent tilt back to them. Breeze mounts (which are a very popular item around here) also tip them back quite a bit.

So I decided to make some changes and see if it improved things.

I had purchased these spacers from RE Suspension. They were going to be for the bump stops but quickly pivoted away from a solid travel limiter. They are 1 inch and fit perfectly under my seat sliders.



This gave me a considerable lift in the front.



I am not sure if the picture picks up the difference but this is the drivers side tilted 1 1/4 inch and the passenger 1/2 inch.



This is both



I have to say this is night and day. I don't think at this point I need to do anything to the seats. The angle made all the difference. We will see how they do on longer rides (I could still maybe beef up the padding) but so far so good.

Engine Tune

I data logged last week and did a couple of full throated pulls. In my limited Coyote experience so far I find it opposite of my SBF in a few key ways. Mostly my 306 was snappy at the lower RPMs but petered out around 5200 rpm. It got louder but ran out of pull. This one is fairly tame under 3000 RPM but pulls really hard all the way through 7200 rpm. There doesn't seem to be any drop off at all. I really like it. I used Juggernaut Tuning and I have to say I cannot say enough good things about them. They charged me all of $300 and have engaged with me off an on since March. I hadn't had any contact with them since April because I couldn't get out for a proper drive and sent them the new file. They picked it up where they left off and made another set of adjustments at no additional charge. The engine runs flawlessly. My only complaint was it cold idled too high for my liking. They tuned it down and now it hums at about 1100 RPM until it warms up and then drops to 800.

They have sent me 3 different tunes and been very responsive. I know people like Lund but if you want to spend a little less I highly recommend these guys.

https://jptunes.com/

[PNWTim]

Seats look great leaned back a bit. It's amazing how such small mods can lead to big changes.

[TXeverydayDad]

Thanks for the tip for the engine tuner. I’ll be checking them out.

[Blitzboy54]

Exhaust Cover

I needed to do something about the heat from the side pipes. I think I want side shields and I may even have identified which ones but I don't want to do it until after paint. I purchased this exhaust wrap way back before my first build was delivered. I never used it. I found it in the garage and decided to give it a try. I secured it with a couple of stainless steel zip ties. I got the idea from another builder.





It sort of fits the whole rat rod look of an unfinished car. We got out for a longer ride, I think I have about 350 miles so far. My buddy bought a fixer upper out in the country. We drove the hour out and she still handles great. I need to tweak the rear suspension a little. I still get occasional contact on real hard dips. Need to pull the rear shocks and lower the bump stop a 1/4 inch.




A little bling

Starting to think about the finished product. The wheels I bought from Cosmis Racing come with wheel caps that I have not installed yet. I probably wont until the car is done. They come with branded decals that stick to cap. They are fine but I have been thinking on ways to improve them.



I've been playing around with different designs and I settled on this. I used carstickers.com and had 10 of these made.





I like it enough I am looking at using it on other elements of the car like the shift handle perhaps. We will see

[Blitzboy54]

Shift Boot

Full disclosure, I am actually on my 3rd shift boot. I used a company called Redline Goods. They do custom shift and brake boots. They also do transmission tunnel covers now too. They can do almost anything for any car but have a specific selection for Factory Five. My first go at this I picked a boot shape for an Audi TT. It did not occur to me until it arrived that it might not fit. The base was too narrow for the hole at the bottom - Doh

I ordered a 2nd one and just used the FFR like I did on my first build. Welp after that arrived I had a new problem. You can see on my firs car the pattern they used is meant for the 427 shifter which is quite narrow at the top.



I am using the Coyote shifter this time. It is both wider and rectangle so it doesn't fit - Doh. Not to be discouraged I cut the top and tucked it back under. I thought this would work but it was too short now and heat leaking through was a real problem. Also it started to come apart so I bit the bullet, temporarily zip tied it and ordered a 3rd one.



This time I used the FFR selection but modified the hole at the top to 1". I think depending on the look your going for I would also shorten it 1 or 2 inches. Good news is they will customize it anyway you want and it's quite reasonably priced. I think I paid $60 delivered.



Since the top hole is a little oversized I used the rubber shift boot that came with the kit as a gasket. I cut the top off and slid it over the shaft like so. Although after this picture was taken it sits much higher on the shaft but you get the point.



So this is it for now. I have the option of transitioning to the tucked look (not really my preference) or I could take the plunge a 4th time. lol. I will likely just leave it as is. I also graduated to a 2nd stripe. I like the look a little better.

[cv2065]

I like this rendition the best. Matches all the way around and fit is good. I went through about 10 measurement exchanges with Redline for my shift and e-brake boots. Honestly, started to get a little aggravating but I get it and it turned out spot on. Looks great Jessie! Where'd you get your trim ring? Mine came from Backdraft.

[Blitzboy54]

A place called MR2 Heaven. They have a bunch of different styles. I liked the meatiness of it.


https://mr2heaven.com/products/repla...ter-trim-rings

[Lidodrip]

It looks great, glad to know there are some places out there doing this work. When I went to get a shift boot, the three places in Maine that did this type of work were all closing shop and retiring. In my younger years, I was a sailmaker, so I bought an industrial sewing machine and made my own boot and tunnel cover. Can't wait to see your car finished!

James

[Blitzboy54]

500 Mile report

I was sure I was going to be able to get 1500 miles on her before the weather shut me down but I also thought I would get registered before October. I have been able to make the most of it though. I had some learning to do with the transmission. I was sure there was a problem because I would intermittently grind in reverse before I figured out there isn't a synchro for reverse. Found some old threads and realized it wasn't a problem at all.

I have enough miles where I have been able to get fairly aggressive and again so far so good. She tracks in a straight line thanks to my friend Scott. The seats while much improved with the tilt I put on them I am still going to have the bottom cushion re done. The weather was fantastic today but we are taking a turn this week. I doubt I will be able to get out much more.

I have no oil leaks but I do find there is a little sheen that has shown up on the pan. Not enough to pool or drip but a little bit is seeping out somewhere. I am glad i had time to drive in gel coat, it really does give you a lot of freedom to make adjustments.

It handles even better than my last one. We hit the twisties pretty hard today and it feels like it would drive upside down. I need to change the oil and check for any debris. All in all I have been pleased.


Aim High


On a personal note my wife and I just got back from San Antonio TX (what an incredible city by the way) to see our daughter graduate from Air Force basic training. It was absolutely an all time great week. I was at Camp Lejeune (technically New River Air Station), I thought that was big then Lackland said hold my beer. I had never seen anything like it. I'm as proud as can be and will share it here without shame or restraint.







The food down there is as good as the weather.

[gbranham]

Congrats, Jesse! As proud as we are of these cars, nothing compares to our kids' achievements! I'm getting close to shutting down my cars for the winter; I have battery tenders and car covers ready. It was 55 today in KC, but tomorrow night, we're supposed to hit 19 degrees. I'm sure there's a few warm days left, but I'm OK shutting it down for the winter; it'll make driving that much more enjoyable this spring!

Greg

[tnt_motorsports]

Congratulations to you and your daughter. Nothing beats being a proud parent watching your kids achieve their goals.

[PMD24]

Congrats to both of you Jesse. Please tell your daughter thank you for joining the service to ensure all of us stay safe and secure.

Pat

[460.465USMC]

Congrats on hitting 500 miles, Jesse! But...CONGRATS on your daughter's graduation! Wahoo! I bet that was an awesome experience. (We flew down to Fort Benning, GA, to see our #2 son graduate Army bootcamp a few years back. It was awesome.)

[danmas]

Congrats Jesse! Car looks fantastic and I’m super happy for your daughter. That first meal out after graduation is a thing. Happy for you. I missed you by a week. I was down there last week picking up my daughter…

Dan…

[edwardb]

Congratulations for the milestone with your car but mostly your daughter. Awesome! I'm older (!!) so I have a similar brag for our oldest grandson. He graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island late last year. We were privileged to attend. So I have an idea what it feels like.

[Higgybulin]

Share it everywhere, bud! Congrats all around!!
Higgy

[PNWTim]

Jesse - what a great time and a great accomplishment. My graduation from Basic was in 3 degree weather in January at Ft. Dix so not a lot of attendees. And you're right, San Antonio is a great town and the Air Force does know how to use real estate. I always thought the 3rd AD posts were large in Germany until I went to Ramstein AFB - like Rhode Island v. Texas.

[Blitzboy54]

Car is tucked away for the winter. I am boxing up all my finish pieces and had a thought. I guess this is a question for Jeff but if anyone knows chime in. I want to use black button head bolts instead of rivets to mount the scoop. The question is how many and what size.

I can guess but figured it would be nice to get one right the first time.

Thanks

[Jeff Kleiner]

The way I lay them out takes 21 (but get 25 ) 8-32x.75 with Nylocks and 2 flat washers for each.

Jeff

[gbranham]

I used Jeff's method. Measure 10x, drill once.

Greg

20250417_121006.jpg20250417_120958.jpg20250417_120951.jpg

[cv2065]

Car is tucked away for the winter. I am boxing up all my finish pieces and had a thought. I guess this is a question for Jeff but if anyone knows chime in. I want to use black button head bolts instead of rivets to mount the scoop. The question is how many and what size.

I can guess but figured it would be nice to get one right the first time.

Thanks

I am using black chrome button heads this time around. Expensive but should look sweet. 10-32 x .75 is what I'm using.

[Blitzboy54]

I am using black chrome button heads this time around. Expensive but should look sweet. 10-32 x .75 is what I'm using.

Yeah, that sounds amazing. I’m going to look into it

[Jeff Kleiner]

I am using black chrome button heads this time around. Expensive but should look sweet. 10-32 x .75 is what I'm using.

Got a link for those Chad?

Jeff

[Doc76]

Seat Slider Mounts

I have spent months thinking about how I wanted to mount my seats. One of the genius aspects of the Breeze mounts is how they are assembled. Rivnuts on the mounting plate that allows you to remove the seat without having to do anything crazy. With this in mind I applied the same idea to the sliders. Once I mocked everything up and decided how much tilt I wanted I marked everything up and started drilling.

I drilled holes in the upper slider big enough to mount 8mm rivnuts



In my mind the best way to do this is to mount them to the seat first. I used button head 8mm bolts and a series of washers to create a little front lift



This worked really well. I do need to get longer bolts for final assembly. I would like them to go the length of the rivnut.

I modified the pull handle with a tube bender to narrow it and cut the ends to shorten it. I wanted a double locker in case of a track day.



This will make removing the seats pretty easy going forward



Next is mounting to the seat pan but this is how it sits and it makes for a very comfortable seating position

How far apart did you end up center-to-center on the rails and did you manage to hit the plate underneath on all bolts?
I have Stoneleighs coming in the new year and like your mount process how you kept it simple and your future proofing for ease of seat removal.

[cv2065]

Got a link for those Chad?

Jeff

Yes sir. This is the only place that carries them anymore. Albany County Fasteners used to, but no longer.

https://fastenerline.com/products/33...EzONS25E-SGCPq

[Blitzboy54]

How far apart did you end up center-to-center on the rails and did you manage to hit the plate underneath on all bolts?
I have Stoneleighs coming in the new year and like your mount process how you kept it simple and your future proofing for ease of seat removal.

I used the FFR seat slider install instructions as a template. I will have to measure to get that info for you. Unfortunately my car is being stored away offsite at the moment. I will be seeing it in a week or 2 and get measurement then. Hopefully won’t be too late for you.

[Blitzboy54]

Yes sir. This is the only place that carries them anymore. Albany County Fasteners used to, but no longer.

https://fastenerline.com/products/33...EzONS25E-SGCPq

I found 8-32 button head black chrome at Zoro. I just ordered 3 packs. Chad you weren't kidding about being pricey but probably worth it. Black oxide will rust.

https://www.zoro.com/midwest-fastene.../i/G702507286/

[cv2065]

I found 8-32 button head black chrome at Zoro. I just ordered 3 packs. Chad you weren't kidding about being pricey but probably worth it. Black oxide will rust.

https://www.zoro.com/midwest-fastene.../i/G702507286/

Forgot about Zoro. I think I've ordered a couple of things from there but they were a bit expensive, even by black chrome standards. Here's the 8-32 black chrome from Fastenerline. About $12 cheaper per box of 10. Unfortunately, they are out of stock. DOH!!

https://fastenerline.com/products/33...068f4e48&_ss=r

[Jeff Kleiner]

I found 8-32 button head black chrome at Zoro. I just ordered 3 packs. Chad you weren't kidding about being pricey but probably worth it. Black oxide will rust.

$3.69 each!



Jeff

[Blitzboy54]

Nothing but the best for my baby girl!




Money is no obstacle until I run out.

[cv2065]

nothing but the best for my baby girl!




money is no obstacle until i run out.

lol

[Dondero14]

Hey Jesse,
I just wanted to say thank you for posting so many pictures of you build. I’m working on the inside wall for the driver side foot box and have been having a hell of a time with it. I’ve been reading your thread the past couple days and have gotten some great knowledge on how to line it up. A lot of the pictures I was able to go off of weren’t necessarily even having to do with the paneling either. I’ve thought to myself with all the pictures I post on my thread if I’m overdoing it but like myself, maybe there is someone out there that may catch some helpful hint in the background. I just tackled the inside wall tonight and am very happy with the results thanks to you and a bunch of others on this forum. By the way you have done an amazing job with that car and I’m totally wowed by all the detailed and custom work that’s gone into it.

Mark

[Blitzboy54]

Hey Jesse,
I just wanted to say thank you for posting so many pictures of you build. I’m working on the inside wall for the driver side foot box and have been having a hell of a time with it. I’ve been reading your thread the past couple days and have gotten some great knowledge on how to line it up. A lot of the pictures I was able to go off of weren’t necessarily even having to do with the paneling either. I’ve thought to myself with all the pictures I post on my thread if I’m overdoing it but like myself, maybe there is someone out there that may catch some helpful hint in the background. I just tackled the inside wall tonight and am very happy with the results thanks to you and a bunch of others on this forum. By the way you have done an amazing job with that car and I’m totally wowed by all the detailed and custom work that’s gone into it.

Mark

Thank you for the kind words. I am pleased to hear that you found it helpful. I had the same experience as you since I started doing this. If it were not for all the detailed build threads my builds would turn out a lot different.

Good luck

[PMD24]

Hey Jesse, might be too late for this info, but if you have a Runnings store near you, they have black chrome in the store. If not, LMK if you still have a need and I can check the store near me. It's only a few miles away.

Pat

[Blitzboy54]

Hey Jesse, might be too late for this info, but if you have a Runnings store near you, they have black chrome in the store. If not, LMK if you still have a need and I can check the store near me. It's only a few miles away.

Pat

I genuinely appreciate the offer but I received them last night. For the record the black part of "black chrome" is maybe a bit of a stretch. More of a dark titanium grey, which for my application may end up being perfect.

[cv2065]

For the record the black part of "black chrome" is maybe a bit of a stretch. More of a dark titanium grey, which for my application may end up being perfect.

Definitely depends on the angle. The same vendor also has black stainless steel button heads too. They look to be more powder coated. Definitely not black oxide. I used them in the cockpit and around the car.

[Blitzboy54]

Colors, colors and more colors!

My car is in storage for the winter (or at least until I get the call to bring it to Jeff). I had pretty much decided what my scheme was going to be then I was given too much time to think about it.

I have "narrowed" it down to 3 basic schemes (all be it in several variations). I decided to post where I am at and have a little fun with it. My plan is to fit the hood with a carbon fiber hood scoop. Whatever the center color between the stripes ends up being that will get carried over to the scoop. The rest will stay exposed CF sealed up with a clear coat. I also bit the bullet and purchased black chrome button head screws that will blend with the CF scoop nicely. I continued to use Copilot and it does a really decent job. You get some variation (sometimes it picks up the chin spoiler and sometimes it doesn't for example) and sometimes it struggles with fine tuning or adding pin stripes so I used MS Paint to fill in on a few but here is where I am at.

Original Chevy amplify orange. (still kind of my favorite)



Lamborghini Titanium Grey (can be an number of other codes. I like this shade though). These are the safest choices and would give me the best resale opportunities IMO





I then get into the blue, blue/green stuff. This is where I thought I had landed. I like Jeep bikini pearl, the AI doesn't quite get it right. A little more green and too light in this photo but you get the idea



BMW Snapper Rocks Blue



And finally Eastwood Ocean Green Metallic (also Ford Calypso green)

[Jeff Kleiner]

The AI is doing some strange/stupid/silly stuff with the scoop and stripes. I guess you're asking for opinions so here we go

Multiple widths of the third color outside of and between the main stripes are waaaay too busy. The cars just aren't big enough to carry all that off. Do 'em like this:



My vote still goes to the Jeep Bikini Pearl, code PPT (note that there is also a Jeep Bikini Metallic, code PPE---they are NOT the same). You're right; AI doesn't get that right. Here's a more accurate representation:



As for "the safest choices and would give me the best resale opportunities", that kind of went out the window when you went for blackout wheels and trim, carbon fiber, chin spoilers and and tall seats! You want safe and the best resale opportunities I have 2 words for you..."Guardsman" and Wimbledon"

Cheers!

Jeff

George Ligon stripes.jpgJeep bikini pearl.jpg

[tnt_motorsports]

Colors, colors and more colors!

My car is in storage for the winter (or at least until I get the call to bring it to Jeff). I had pretty much decided what my scheme was going to be then I was given too much time to think about it.

I have "narrowed" it down to 3 basic schemes (all be it in several variations). I decided to post where I am at and have a little fun with it. My plan is to fit the hood with a carbon fiber hood scoop. Whatever the center color between the stripes ends up being that will get carried over to the scoop. The rest will stay exposed CF sealed up with a clear coat. I also bit the bullet and purchased black chrome button head screws that will blend with the CF scoop nicely. I continued to use Copilot and it does a really decent job. You get some variation (sometimes it picks up the chin spoiler and sometimes it doesn't for example) and sometimes it struggles with fine tuning or adding pin stripes so I used MS Paint to fill in on a few but here is where I am at.

Original Chevy amplify orange. (still kind of my favorite)



Lamborghini Titanium Grey (can be an number of other codes. I like this shade though). These are the safest choices and would give me the best resale opportunities IMO





I then get into the blue, blue/green stuff. This is where I thought I had landed. I like Jeep bikini pearl, the AI doesn't quite get it right. A little more green and too light in this photo but you get the idea



BMW Snapper Rocks Blue



And finally Eastwood Ocean Green Metallic (also Ford Calypso green)

1 or 2 would be my vote Jesse, not that you are asking me... lol

Car looks good. I hope to have something similar soon enough but in an MK3 format.

[Mike.Bray]

You could probably hear that orange before you see it, so of course I like it. A good cartoon color for a cartoon car. Colors like Titanium Gray seem to me like trying to make it a luxury car when a Cobra is on the opposite end of the spectrum.

FWIW, I've had a couple of orange cars & trucks and while I loved them I found orange was a bit like yellow, people either love it or hate it. And more hated it than loved it so selling was difficult. I like orange but my wife hates it. Not sure why, maybe because she's from Oklahoma and Texas usually whips them in the Cotton Bowl?