HM-1018 Build

[rbranst69]

Second stage cut and polish done

[rbranst69]

It's a black mirror!

[Redstang69]

That's got to be extremely satisfying to be at that stage and it look that good.

[rbranst69]

Thanks Redstang

[Kamal]

That is looking very nice, awesome job! 

Where are  you at with driving it and registration?

[rbranst69]

Hey Kamal - Thanks for asking and the timing couldnt be better. 
As you know I bought an unfinished kit. The MSO was in PO's name.  I went through quite a time in KS proper.  Mostly becuase the two stations I went to first for VIN inspection were terrible.   I ended up going to Lawrence KS and had no issues.   3rd times a charm.   

First off  - Kansas only inspects VINs and looks for theft.  No one will check your wipers, horn, turn signals etc.   Its a VIN inspection. 

Things to note:  If you buy an incomplete car, don't get a bill or sale or call it a car/vehicle on the bill of sale.
Your seller must sell you an unfinished kit with a separate motor and transmission.  My first problem was a had a Missouri Bill of sale for a motor vehicle, the inspector on the second visit, second location said "he cant sell you a car, he can sell you a bunch of parts". Had to bother PO again to rewrite the bill of sale.    I will be happy to provide a sample....


Steps in Kansas are:
1.   VIN Inspection and Kansas TR91 Affadavit, this shows where all the components came from.   
2.   Kansas DMV and Kansas TR212 Form, this is the application for title.

So what happened?   Lawrence was awesome, they KEPT the HM-1018 as the VIN, did not affix their own VIN.   They titled as a 2023 because that is the year of completion.   I'm fine with that and I dont know why people get hung up on the title year, newer the better.  Didn't fight for a 1965.   

After inspection of VIN on passenger dash and a PIC of the VIN behind the driver's rear wheel, and reviewing the original invoice in POs name from 2005, the inspector completed my TR91 affadavit and her comments and I was ready to go to the DMV to apply for a title.   They take the TR91 and the TR212 (application for title) and go from there.    I ordered the Kansas "Don't Tread on me" Gadsden Flag plates, which are yellow plates with a black snake.   Its badass and I fully support the NRA and was happy the plate donation will go to Kansas Rifle Association.

Have logged about 200 miles total.   Still some little things nagging me will do a full post when I am "happy" with it.   

[Kamal]

Seems like every state has a different system.  Some people seem to have an issue getting through the California process, but the process has been in place since the early 2000s, and my run through has been very easy.

Well I know we would all like to be able to post that our cars went together and drove great, but I'm finding that the most challenging part of the build for me is...now.  The car is built for the first time, with rough and basic body work, and rough around the edges as a car, and its time to slowly work through those issues.  So, I would love to hear here, or on PM, about your impression from first drive to where you are at now, and where you would like to get to.

I'll be the first to say, that the car is currently a challenge to drive and enjoy, but as I tweak on stuff (alignment is a big thing), more hope is entering the picture.  Doesn't help that my daily driver for the past 7 years is such a sweet car.

[rbranst69]

I hear you. My daily is an Audi Etron. Couldn't be any more different than the Cobra.
I am finding and fixing squeaks, adjusting fit and finish, fine tuning the driveability.
I have a few wiring issues to attend to, but it's at the enjoyable stage where you always have something to tinker with and improve but nothing preventing you from enjoying the car.

[FFR428]

The more you drive and adjust to the setup you'll be more comfortable in it.
CT Here has a terrible composite process to register the car. I have to also trailer the car for inspection. Huge pia.uch red tape n bs.

[rbranst69]

Happy Father's Day all! I made myself some door pockets finally. I am going for a very original look.
I know these were lined with carpet originally but I covered mine in Alcantara Suede and then Naugahyde, leftover from a Nauga I killed last fall. They turned out super nice!

Really makes the doors look not so kittish. I still need to vinyl cover the dash supports and put the hinge covers on but I am almost done.

[rbranst69]

Full interior shot.

[rbranst69]

New shoes! MT S/T's

[rbranst69]

See the above post, I had to have the owner rewrite the bill of sale as an unfinished kit, and separately the new motor and transmission. An MSO is not transferrable.
Result is a year 2023 (completion) ford cobra. Bit me on insurance too as I had to have it rerated to 2023 when I saw the title. It was insured as 2005 (MSO Year) until I saw the issued title.
My insurance went waaay up because of this.
Kansas Title Kit cars as a Make of ASVE (Assembled Specialty Vehicle).   In brands mine says reconstructed although it was never titled.   After lengthy calls with Topeka, its just the way they do it.   Its a clean title, if you call and ask nothing is wrong with it.  It just says reconstructed in the brand section.Again, two people I talked to said this is how it is done.
Result will be fun to explain to someone someday, and that it has nothing to do with wreck, insurance claim or used parts. Hopefully not an issue.
I'm still enjoying the car!

[rbranst69]

Looks so tiny !

[Redstang69]

Looks good. I bet you're enjoying driving it, I know I am.
Are you having the suspension noise like some of us?