99 Cobra project

[blacksheep-1]

OK I sold the FOX, looks like it went to a good home, hope it all goes well.

So..now the car I wanted prior to the FOX



found this on SVT forums


had it trucked down here (600 bucks BTW) from Wisconsin
it had (what we muscle car guys call) a "ricer bar" in it that held the 5 point harness. This will end up being part of the roll structure.

[blacksheep-1]

sourced another deck lid to get rid of the horrendous 99 "wing"
bought out the Steeda catalog
including subframe connectors

[blacksheep-1]

The issue at hand is how to keep the stock interior, add a roll bar, and integrate the "B" post...

Competition Engineering came up with the 1.50 x .125 main hoop. The next issue is that I could not notch or groove the main hoops to accommodate the ricer bar because it would be in the way of the seat backs...hhhmmm. I used the 1.25 x.095 "ricer bar", and as it already attaches to the "B" posts, I welded it to the main loop, then to supplement the attachment , welded 1/2 inch gusset bars from the r-bar to the main hoop. The "ricer bar" is also bolted tot he seat belt shoulder harness on the "B" post, so even though it looks like a 4 point, it is actually a 6 point (if you include the somewhat bizarre heim jointed support it's actually 8).



[Imgur](http://i.imgur.com/P1rxDgW)











with the rear seat delete in

[islandmon]

Here we go again ...
Rob ... the Mad Mustang Scientist ... ha ha ha ... is at it again!

[blacksheep-1]

I'm ready to kill this computer......................................

[blacksheep-1]

OK how do I load pics from photobucket?, I've made them waayy under 800 pixels in width and this website still tells me they're over 800.
SRSLY.....

[Loren]

Based on the photo above, I'd say you have the process down. The only thing I can think of that you may be doing is grabbing the wrong version of the image that you're trying to post. If you're grabbing the original instead of the resized version, that would do it.

[blacksheep-1]

No I always replace them with the smaller version, in any case I can post photos for right now so let me hustle while I can. It's just that, right in the middle of a thought, you have play "diddle my computer".

The front end was basically shot, the 2 lower control arm bolts were frozen to the bushing so they had to be "forcibly extricated" via Sawzall and some carbide bits.





The "Steeda Fairy" came by with new Tokico blue shocks, high zoot Ford Racing Brembo brakes, extended ball joints and bump steer kit.





..and magically it all came together...

[blacksheep-1]

As a point of reference here's some mustang front springs, the one on the left is an H&R, the middle a Hypercoil and on the far right the Hypercoil with the spring isolaters installed.



I also picked up a set of knock off Salleen wheels and some Contis in 275x18
and the "twins" together.....





more to follow....

[blacksheep-1]

Srsly WTFreak is up now! My photobucket is showing 400x265 pixels, when I go to place them here this website says they're over 800 pix/wide?!!!
Last night it would post them no problem.

[blacksheep-1]

So the diff needs a little TLC since it has a billion miles on it, fortunately I have an '03 31 spline diff out of a terminator cobra..

the dead player....



the new piece



after new bushings, a cover brace and a cleanup

[blacksheep-1]

OK so while the IRS was out I took the time to replace the fuel filter, sending unit and pump



A pic of the debris field..



All righty then take out the old 28 spline high mileage diff and replace it with the termi unit.
With my crappy luck I decided to go ahead and remove the fuel tank, replace the fuel pump, sending unit and fuel filter while I could get to it

[blacksheep-1]

OK so down on all fours again....

"For those who are scoring at home"

The car did have already a set of Hypercoil springs, in addition to that it now also has, urethane control arm bushings, Steeda subframe connectors, swaybar brackets, rack bushings, 2X ball joints,bump steer kit and subframe cross brace. It has Cobra Brembo "R" front brakes, stainless lines and Tokico blue shocks. The rear diff has been replaced with a 03 Terminator unit with 31 splines and a 3.55 gear, Salleen knock off wheels and Conti 275 x18 take offs, the car also has an aluminum flywheel and new fuel pump..etc. The car also has a roll bar and rear seat delete.
Next on the agenda is urethane motor and trans mounts and a decent exhaust system, engine pulleys, harness and misc other stuff.

[buddy bodean]

Another great build.

[AScoda]

Any major surgery planned for this one, or just enhancements?

[twistedwankel]

I cannot even fathom Blacksheep's mad skills. I merely equate all he does into drool.

I have a strut tower brace that makes me pissed because it interfers with the vacuum bracket, let alone a frame rail bolt on or an adjustable anything, or an alignment whatjamajigger.

What a guy!!!!

[AScoda]

I merely equate all he does into drool.

Doug, time to be honest with yourself. At your age and mental state, you know that has nothing to do with Rob.

[twistedwankel]

I merely equate all he does into drool.

Doug, time to be honest with yourself. At your age and mental state, you know that has nothing to do with Rob.

I have never had the skills to do what Rob does (and in record time) nor could I ever afford to pay anyone to do all that for me.

Our State is still Florida. Right? I agree it's mental here. I'm certainly above average in age if nothing else

"The average age of people living in Hernando County at the time of the 2000 census was 47.0, compared with 39.5 statewide and 36.2 nationwide."

[blacksheep-1]

Thanks for all the reps guys, I really appreciate it, it has taken me since I was 16 (I'm 56 now) to finally get a garage and all the goodies together. I seriously started collecting tools since the 70s with an eye on this goal. (I still have my first "new" SK Wayne tool box..1976, and a 1928 south bend lathe), unfortunately I let my tubing bender get away from me so all my cage stuff is mostly prefab.
I don't plan any insanity on this car like the FOX body, that sort of took on a life of it's own, but when you start with a 50 dollar car, those things happen. I just got hooked on some of the Chin Motorsports HPDE stuff while doing tests for some Grand Am teams and thought it looked like fun. I always wanted a Cobra so now was a good time.
If you guys need anything just let me know I work on the "pizza scale" .

[buddy bodean]

ummmm, pizza.