QuestionI was thinking about building a Shelby Cobra 427 kit car with my father. None of us have any experience with mechanics. We know the theoretical knowledge about how the different parts of the car work, but not much hands-on experience. We have some simple tools such as basic car wrenches, and all that 'hand tool jazz,' but the only electric tools we have are a hand drill, and a dremel. I have 3 years left before going off to college, and would hope to finish well within that time. We both learn very fast. We are worried that we will be 20 g's deep and realize that it was too much to take on. I have some questions:
1) Do you think this would be too hard of a project to undertake for a high school student, and his father?
2) If we were to do it, how many man-hours are required?
3) What other tools would we need? Would we need to get heavy equipment to maneuver the heavy car? What about the engine?
4) I don't think the body comes painted, how do we get it painted by someone? and the price?
5) Do you think a Shelby Cobra 427 is a good first car for a high school student? I am a bit concerned about it being a convertible with no roof whatsoever. How is the car secured while I park it in the parking lot? and Rain?
6) Better/cheaper to buy or build the car?
7) What is the best Shelby Cobra 427 kit car company, with the most parts provided for the lowest price?
I greatly appreciate any knowledge that you give. The more you can tell me about building kit cars the better, even if it isn't specifically about the cobra.
AnswerJosh,
this is my honest opinion,please understand I have been working on cars for 30 years, and have been in the colelctor car arena for quite some time.
The 427 cobra kit cars are very nice , the reason you build one from a kit is because original ones are too far out of reach and rare for the average joe, you love the car and the expereince of an open cockpit car and you are good, very good with mechanics.
That said I would not recommend the kit as a place to start, given you and your dads experience. Not saying you could not so it , but as I said , most get these kits so they can replicate the 427, not just make a car. So high quality outcome would be your goal , particulalry if you ever wanted to sell it. A high quality paint job on these cars will run 5-8000$, the engine alone - 5-8000$
Why not start on a someting more practical , perhaps a "fixer upper " to learn the body work, engine mechanics, brake systems.
If you are into little sports cars look for a 240-280 Z or an older BMW , or look for a mustang or vintage firebird, camarro. Something that you could learn on is where I would start.
Another option is a VW dune buggy kit , or less complicated kit car
In any respect, good to see a younger person who likes cars, we are getting harder and harder to find. Let me know what you decide
