Factory Five (1 Viewer)

[MarvinTScamper]

anyone here ever built a replica?  Or helped build one?  As a car guy, who's never REALLY restored a car, I thought this would be a fun way to build a car with my sons.   Curious about previous experiences. 

Their site

 

[ragincajun]

About 15 years ago I wrote a biz plan etc to start building them and selling them.  Never got around to that.  From a quality standpoint they seem top notch.

 

[sbonomo]

A few buddies have them.  So much fun.  This would be a great project for you and your sons!!  I would not call the build easy but if you all re a good mechanic and can weld iris not too bad

 

[fixing cars]

What state are you in?  You have to be careful of the kit car rules for your state.  I'm involved with the inspection program here in MA and a lot of guys build them and then find out they can't get them on the road legally.  Lots of pitfalls to watch out for.  The EPA does have kit car guidelines that some states follow.  Research a lot before you start spending money.  Best bet is to actually buy one secondhand and let the first owner/builder take the $$$ bath on it.  If you build from scratch you will never get your money back.  It had better be a labor of love.

https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/kit-car-policy

 

[sbonomo]

What state are you in?  You have to be careful of the kit car rules for your state.  I'm involved with the inspection program here in MA and a lot of guys build them and then find out they can't get them on the road legally.  Lots of pitfalls to watch out for.  The EPA does have kit car guidelines that some states follow.  Research a lot before you start spending money.  Best bet is to actually buy one secondhand and let the first owner/builder take the $$$ bath on it.  If you build from scratch you will never get your money back.  It had better be a labor of love.

https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/kit-car-policy

This is very true but be very careful buying someone else's problems.  I have seen horror stories.  Plus, based on the OP's post half the fun will be the build.  Just remember there is no replacement for displacement.  To heck with the 302, go with the 428.  My buddies is pushing 575 RWHP at 2200 lbs.  That car is scary to drive.  He is running 315's square (r-types) and can still  smoke them in 3rd gear.  

 

[Dreamer]

My brother in law is almost done building one. Had to buy a brand new corvette to start.

 

[MarvinTScamper]

What state are you in?  You have to be careful of the kit car rules for your state.  I'm involved with the inspection program here in MA and a lot of guys build them and then find out they can't get them on the road legally.  Lots of pitfalls to watch out for.  The EPA does have kit car guidelines that some states follow.  Research a lot before you start spending money.  Best bet is to actually buy one secondhand and let the first owner/builder take the $$$ bath on it.  If you build from scratch you will never get your money back.  It had better be a labor of love.

https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/kit-car-policy

Thx.  Appreciate this. 

 

[fixing cars]

This is very true but be very careful buying someone else's problems.  I have seen horror stories.  Plus, based on the OP's post half the fun will be the build.  Just remember there is no replacement for displacement.  To heck with the 302, go with the 428.  My buddies is pushing 575 RWHP at 2200 lbs.  That car is scary to drive.  He is running 315's square (r-types) and can still  smoke them in 3rd gear.  

There is certainly the potential for horror stories.  Always have to do your due diligence.

I strongly advise against going crazy on the engine size.  Lot of guys drop in the 427 to try to make it like the original Cobras and end up regretting it in the long run if they are keeping the vehicle for themselves and to pass on to their kids.  It's just way too much power and can make for an unpleasant experience if you are going to use it a fair amount.  The kit cars weigh about half what the original vehicles did in the 60s.  No need to go crazy on the HP.  With a 302 they are still plenty quick.

 

[sbonomo]

There is certainly the potential for horror stories.  Always have to do your due diligence.

I strongly advise against going crazy on the engine size.  Lot of guys drop in the 427 to try to make it like the original Cobras and end up regretting it in the long run if they are keeping the vehicle for themselves and to pass on to their kids.  It's just way too much power and can make for an unpleasant experience if you are going to use it a fair amount.  The kit cars weigh about half what the original vehicles did in the 60s.  No need to go crazy on the HP.  With a 302 they are still plenty quick.

I am not sure i have ever heard this statement before, If this is a concern you should not build a cobra.  Get a Miata or Karmann Gia or something with a four banger.   

 

[fixing cars]

I am not sure i have ever heard this statement before, If this is a concern you should not build a cobra.  Get a Miata or Karmann Gia or something with a four banger.   

You have to look at the demographic of who is building and buying these things.  The average age of the folks that I deal with on these is mid 50s on the young side and mostly in their 60s and older.  They buy/build them to reclaim a little of their youth.  The vehicles rarely crack 1000 miles a year.  They mainly get driven to get ice cream with the wife and to weekly car shows where they all stand around and appreciate each other's rides.  Occasionally the wife wants to drive it and they don't like the power.  They just want to putt around a little bit.  These things also are only driven in nice weather in the summer.  With a small block these things can make the passenger compartment toasty, with the big block it's that much warmer.  Really sucks to get stuck in traffic in one of these on a hot summer day too.  These things are not typically getting tested on a dyno or going to the track.

 

[sbonomo]

You have to look at the demographic of who is building and buying these things.  The average age of the folks that I deal with on these is mid 50s on the young side and mostly in their 60s and older.  They buy/build them to reclaim a little of their youth.  The vehicles rarely crack 1000 miles a year.  They mainly get driven to get ice cream with the wife and to weekly car shows where they all stand around and appreciate each other's rides.  Occasionally the wife wants to drive it and they don't like the power.  They just want to putt around a little bit.  These things also are only driven in nice weather in the summer.  With a small block these things can make the passenger compartment toasty, with the big block it's that much warmer.  Really sucks to get stuck in traffic in one of these on a hot summer day too.  These things are not typically getting tested on a dyno or going to the track.

The blaspheme...I get it.  I see these at car shows from time to time.  I get that people like cruisers and can see how a stroked small block is more than enough for most users.  I really don't like the people that go on the cheap and just grab a 5.0 donor from the junk yard.  If you are going to build put an extra few grand into the build and do it right IMO.  Having said that, i know that everyone does not have the budget for a perfect build.  This thread is getting my juices flowing that i need a cruise vehicle again.  Living in CA for so long, i have forgotten what it is like to have a garage to store and work on these things.    

 

[jb1020]

This is the first I've heard of this site.  Looks awesome. 

I bought an 83 Vanagon a few years ago on a whim.  It was unreliable and lacked power, so I did a Subaru conversion on it.  I have the mechanics bug now. 

Currently out of room at my house to have any more autos.