Checking in

[Radman]

Hello all.  Like most, I've loved Cobra's since I was a kid.  I've spent the last couple of weeks looking into the possiblity of buying one and have pretty much narrowed down my choices to FF and Hurricane.  From what I understand I really can't go wrong with either.

Honestly, the Hurricane appeals to me because of its completeness.  I have little patience for getting into the middle of an evolution only to find out that I need something.  The Hurricane also appeals to me because I have no desire to buy a donor car.  What I'm not jazzed about is the fiberglass cockpit tub.  Can't put a finger on it so I may warm up to it eventually.

The FF is appealing because of reputation and the theory that that many people can't be wrong.  The company seems to be more of a know quantity.

In any case, I'm easily two years out from convincing the wife to let me get one.  Yes gents, some of us have to start begging that far in advance  .  Good things is I think I already have my 4-year old daughter and 20 month old son on my side.  I tell them it's like my Mustang, just louder and faster  .  Besides, if I wait 2-3 years, I'll have child slave labor to help.

So, I'll probably be lurking for a while until I begin to have a clue as to what's going on, Fair Warning!

Regards,
Jason

[MFE III]

Welcome Jason. I too was initially a little leery of the fiberglass tub. I was cocerned that it would be cheap and flimsy and I remember one of the replica's marketing materials differentiating their kit by saying they don't use a 'glass tub.  But I've come around to believe it's an advantage. One, it is very substantial, strong and not the least bit flimsy. Two, I think it has sound deadening qualities over aluminum panels.
I think FFR makes a fine product, but IMHO, I can spot the FFR "perky butt" miles away and can't understand why they haven't corrected it!
Matt

[66rdster]

Hey Jason,
Welcome. You've come to the right place to get info on the Hurricane kit.

I too looked at a lot of different kits before I chose the Hurricane. I too think the fiberglass tub is an advantage for the same reasons Matt mentioned. You could also look at the fact that the fiberglass tub makes your build easier as you don't have all those aluminum panels to install. I think some guys think the aluminum panels are pretty cool, but its all gonna be covered up with carpeting anyway. Also, aside form the sound deadening qualitys of the fiberglass that Matt mentioned, there is also a heat advantage. I think you'll find the interior and footboxes will be cooler with the fiberglass tub.

Another advantage of the Hurricane is, as you mentioned, the completeness of the kit. No donor required and top quality components used throughout. In my opinion its the best "value for your $$$" out there. I might also mention that Hurricane's customer support is second to none.

Anyway, good luck with your decision. Both kits are very nice and I don't think you'd go wrong with either. If you have any questions, ask away. Most of the guys here are more than happy to tell you about thier build experience.

Mike

[CrawleysCobra]

Jason,

I too had narrowed my choices down to FF and Hurricane. Like you, I am still about a year from writing the check, but I have already decided to go with Hurricane. I have been watching the company for over a year now and have seen nothing but good comments all around.  I don

[Dan]

A couple of reasons why I chose Hurricane over FFR were:

1. Cockpit leg room. Being 6'2", I found the FFR to be very cramped. The Hurricane, especially if you're using a small block motor, was significantly roomier. Plus, they're now offering a mod that gives you even more leg room.

2. Quality of the body. I've heard a number of stories from FFR owners about the amount of work that went into 'fixing' the body on their cars in preparation for paint. Ill fitting doors, trunk, hoods, etc.

[Radman]

Excellent points regarding the fiberglass cockpit that I had not considered.  The time for aluminum panels doesn't concern me, but heat dissipation and sound deadening do, even in a loud convertible.  Thanks for the replies so far.

Value is extremely important to me, so getting everything that is offered for the price is appealing.  I've also read nothing but good things regarding the quality, which bumps the value up even more.  Honestly, if I had the money today I'd probably go with the Hurricane.  But, I've got a couple years to sit on the fence and, once I'm closer to taking the plunge, begging for a ride or two to come to a final decision.

Dan, I'd love to do the body work myself but I doubt my el cheapo 30 gal Husky compressor is up to the task.  Besides, if it's anything like finishing drywall, I suck.  At least there wouldn't be a ceiling to worry about.

Thanks again,

Jason

[YerDugliness]

I'm in the same boat as you, so to speak--2 years at least before I can write the check.