Not your typical C3
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
The Corvette frame dimensions are not right for a Cobra body; period. If you look at the Corvette to Cobra conversions like this and then look at a real Cobra or a good replica, the dimensions are completely different.
Huge engine, little car, I'm sure it is a blast to drive but it's not a Corvette anymore.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
I like it! But like has already been asked...why? I mean, why a C3 body? Is there some advantage of it that you liked over other options, or was it the only option for that kit? Just curious. I hate to see a C3 disappear, but I love the big CHEVROLET valve covers sticking out
I looked at all of the Cobra kits, ERA, Backdraft, superformance, Factory five, and they were all too small for me. At 6'4" I just didn't fit. I happened across this body which was based on the C3 floor pan, so it's wider and longer. Instead of butchering a good C3, I found an excellent rolling chassis local to me and started building. I look at it as more of a rod project than a replica, since it is GM based. I have always been a huge fan of the C3's, so it just made sense to take this route since I am familiar with their design.
I appreciate the proportions feedback, since as it progresses it is constantly changing. As for the roll bar, given my height I couldn't go much lower with it. It was fabricated as a safety feature, so that precludes aesthetics. This site has been a wealth of information and many nights have been spent searching for info. Also, a number of parts that have gone into this are either from forum members or forum supporting vendors.
No bubba here...those are hurtful words. Too much time and money are tied up in this project to cut corners.
I still love to drive our '71 and wouldn't give it up for anything, if it's any consolation.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
I looked at all of the Cobra kits, ERA, Backdraft, superformance, Factory five, and they were all too small for me. At 6'4" I just didn't fit. I happened across this body which was based on the C3 floor pan, so it's wider and longer. Instead of butchering a good C3, I found an excellent rolling chassis local to me and started building. I look at it as more of a rod project than a replica, since it is GM based. I have always been a huge fan of the C3's, so it just made sense to take this route since I am familiar with their design.
Your project looks like a lot of fun! congrats, very cool
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 1
From: Aussie expat in Saudi Arabia
What about lowering the seats and thereby lowering you? Is that possible? The screen and roll bar make the car sort of look like an old Austin Healy or a Triumph or something, but with a mean **** exhaust...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 1,485
From: Little Rock AR
Cobra kit car with a Vette IRS and parts of the frame under it. Not much Vette there but still a neat project. Like many we have seen here the final product will be a lot different than the work in progress.
I like anything that uses the 502 Ram Jet.
We have a couple of those around here.
-Mark.
I like anything that uses the 502 Ram Jet.
We have a couple of those around here. -Mark.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
Dredging up an old post... For anyone interested, the project was completed in February of 2010. This is photo is from one of the regional car shows http://www.cobrareplicas.com/
Over the winter I'll be doing a restoration of our '71 roadster, so I'm back on here poking around again.
Over the winter I'll be doing a restoration of our '71 roadster, so I'm back on here poking around again.
