The original Shelby Cobra left an indelible imprint on the automotive landscape. This nimble English roadster, powered by a raucous Ford V-8, set new performance standards, won countless races, and became an iconic supercar. The Shelby Cobra was only in production for six short years and only about 1,000 cars were ever made, but Cobra aficionados yearned for and revered these cars. Then, beginning in the late 1970s, companies manufactured and sold Cobra replicas as a kit car, so enthusiasts could build one in their garage, and other companies eventually offered complete rolling chassis as well as complete new cars.
Author D. Brian Smith, former editor-in-chief of Kit Car magazine, shows you each crucial step for assembling a modern Cobra replica, and in particular, he profiles assembling the most popular Cobra kit car: the Factory Five Cobra Mk4. He guides you through selecting the right Cobra kit car for a particular budget and performance goals, and then shows how to plan, budget, and use the necessary tools. Detailed step-by-step captions and photos show you how to assemble each major component group of the car so you assemble a strong running, reliable, and safe Cobra replica.
Also included in this informative guide is how to buy a pre-owned Cobra replica. It shows you how to inspect, evaluate, and test drive used Cobra kit cars for those who prefer to purchase one already assembled.
The original Shelby Cobra left an indelible imprint on the automotive landscape. This nimble English roadster, powered by a raucous Ford V-8, set new performance standards, won countless races, and became an iconic supercar. The Shelby Cobra was only in production for six short years and only about 1,000 cars were ever made, but Cobra aficionados yearned for and revered these cars. Then, beginning in the late 1970s, companies manufactured and sold Cobra replicas as a kit car, so enthusiasts could build one in their garage, and other companies eventually offered complete rolling chassis as well as complete new cars.
Author D. Brian Smith, former editor-in-chief of Kit Car magazine, shows you each crucial step for assembling a modern Cobra replica, and in particular, he profiles assembling the most popular Cobra kit car: the Factory Five Cobra Mk4. He guides you through selecting the right Cobra kit car for a particular budget and performance goals, and then shows how to plan, budget, and use the necessary tools. Detailed step-by-step captions and photos show you how to assemble each major component group of the car so you assemble a strong running, reliable, and safe Cobra replica.
Also included in this informative guide is how to buy a pre-owned Cobra replica. It shows you how to inspect, evaluate, and test drive used Cobra kit cars for those who prefer to purchase one already assembled.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Choosing a Kit
Select a Donor Car
Factory Five Racing
Chapter 2: Buying a Pre-Owned Cobra Replica
Where To Look
Which Car is Right For You?
Inspection and Evaluation
The Test Drive
Chapter 3: Build Options For Cobra Kit Cars
Jesper Ingerslev’s Factory Five Racing Mk3 Roadster
Tom Morgan’s Unique Motorcars 427SC
Darren Friedman’s 2006 Kirkham 427SC
Engine Sources
Transmissions, Clutches, Scattershields, Etc.
Chapter 4: Building Your Cobra On Time and On Budget
Develop a Plan
Evaluate Your Skills
Create a Spending Budget
Create a Time Budget
Chapter 5: Organization and Preparation
Kit and Component Inspection
Organization
Consult Your Build Manual
Tools and Supplies
Chapter 6: Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
Deconstruction Begins
Project 1: Disassembly
Project 2: Panel Removal
Project 3: IFS Installation Preparation
Project 4: Front Shock Absorber Installation
Project 5: Front Spindle Installation
Project 6: Front Disc Brake Installation
Chapter 7: Rear Suspension and Differential
Project 1: Independent Rear Suspension Installation
Project 2: Rear Brake Installation
Chapter 8: Pedal Box, Steering Shaft and Steering Rack
Project 1: Footbox Panel Installation
Project 2: Pedal Box Assembly Installation
Project 3: Steering Shaft and Steering Rack Installation
Chapter 9: Fuel System, Brakes and Footbox
Project 1: Fuel Tank Installation
Project 2: Fuel Pump Installation
Project 3: Footbox Installation
Project 4: Fuel Line Installation
Project 5: Brake Line and Master Cylinder Installation
Chapter 10: The Engine
Small-Block or Big-Block?
Crate Engines
Stroker 427 Small-Blocks
Dart Machinery
QMP Racing Engines
Project 1: Install Long Block Assembly
Mating Engine to Transmission
Chapter 11: Drivetrain and Cooling System
Project 1: Drivetrain Installation
Project 2: Driveshaft Installation
Project 3: Radiator Fan Installation
Project 4: Radiator Hose Installation
Chapter 12: Electrical System
Project 1: Wiring Harness and Fuse Box Installation
Project 2: Trunk Wall Installation
Project 3: Battery Installation
Project 4: Gauge Installation
Chapter 13: Miscellaneous Parts
Project 1: Header Installation
Project 2: Clutch Cable Installation
Project 3: Transmission Shifter Installation
Project 4: Roll Bar Installation
Project 5: Seat Installation
Project 6: Emergency-Brake Installation
Project 7: Sidepipe Installation
Project 8: Weather Strip Installation
Chapter 14: Body Fitment and Paint
Project 1: Fitment Procedure
Project 2: Door Latch and Hardware Installation
Project 3: Eliminate Mold Line and Trim Body Panels
Project 4: Hood Scoop Installation
Project 5: Primer Application
Project 6: Complete Footbox
Project 7: Painting Procedure
Chapter 15: Interior and Windshield
Project 1: Windshield Installation
Project 2: Floor Pan Finishing Procedure
Project 3: Interior Carpet Installation
Project 4: Seat and Restraint System Installation
Project 5: Steering Wheel Installation
Chapter 16: Final Fitment
Project 1: Roll Bar Installation
Project 2: Fuel Cap and Fuel Filler Hose Installation
Project 3: Headlight Installation
Project 4: Turn Signal Installation
Project 5: Taillight Installation
Project 6: License-Plate Light Installation
Project 7: Side Vent Installation
Project 8: Miscellaneous Panel Installation
Project 9: Splashguard Installation
Project 10: Front Apron Installation
Chassis Alignment
Chapter 17: The Test Drive
Our Maiden Voyage
Chapter 18: A Guide to Cobra Kit Car Manufacturers
Factory Five Racing
Unique Motorcars
E.R.A. Replicas
Everett-Morrison Motorcars
Shell Valley Classic Wheels, Inc.
Lone Star Classics
B&B Manufacturing
Hurricane Motorsports
The Turnkeys
Superformance, LLC
Backdraft Racing
Kirkham Motorsports
Unique Motorcars
E.R.A. Replicas
Shelby American, Inc.
Source Guide