Okay, here’s my take on the Shelby Cobra 63 project, kinda like a blog post I’d actually write:
Alright, buckle up folks! Today, I’m diving into my latest obsession: the Shelby Cobra 63. I’ve been itching to get my hands dirty with a real classic, and this one just screamed my name.
First things first: The Hunt.
It all started with endless hours scouring the internet, junkyards, and every car meet I could find. I was hunting for a decent donor car. Didn’t need to be perfect, just something with a solid chassis I could build on. After what felt like forever, I stumbled upon a beat-up ’80s Mustang. Yeah, not exactly a Cobra, but the frame was in surprisingly good shape, and the price was right. Snagged it!
The Gutting Begins.
Next, the real fun began. Time to strip that Mustang down to its bare bones. I’m talking everything out – engine, transmission, interior, you name it. Basically, I wanted a rolling chassis. It was messy, greasy, and took a whole weekend, but man, was it satisfying. I used a bunch of WD-40, a good socket set, and a whole lotta elbow grease. Pro tip: label everything! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Body Work Blues (and Triumphs).
Okay, so now came the tricky part: getting that Cobra body onto the Mustang frame. I bought a replica kit online. The fiberglass wasn’t perfect, needed a ton of sanding, filling, and tweaking to get the lines right. I swear, I spent more time sanding than I did actually building. There was a lot of cursing and a few minor cuts, but eventually, I got it sitting pretty. This stage involved a LOT of body filler, sandpaper of varying grits, and a good respirator mask. Safety first, people!
Engine Time!
Now for the heart of the beast. I always dreamed of a roaring V8 under the hood, so I sourced a rebuilt 302 small block. Dropped it in with a few custom engine mounts I had to fabricate myself. It was a tight fit, but damn, it looked good. I spent days just staring at it. I also installed an Edelbrock carb and a performance exhaust system. Loud? You bet.
Wiring Nightmare (and Redemption).
Oh boy, the wiring. This was a nightmare. A rat’s nest of wires that made absolutely no sense. I spent hours with wiring diagrams, a multimeter, and a whole lot of patience. Slowly but surely, I untangled the mess and got everything hooked up. Lights, gauges, ignition… the whole shebang. I even treated myself to a new wiring harness. Best decision ever.
Interior Dreams.
With the mechanicals sorted, it was time to focus on the interior. I went for a classic look: black bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and simple gauges. I even splashed out on some new carpets. It wasn’t perfect, but it was comfortable and looked the part. I had to learn some basic upholstery skills, which was a fun challenge.
Paint Job!
Finally, the moment of truth: paint. I chose a classic blue with white stripes. Sprayed it myself in my garage. Not a professional job, but it looked pretty damn good. I used a HVLP spray gun and a good quality automotive paint. Multiple coats, lots of wet sanding, and a whole lot of patience paid off.
First Ride!
After months of blood, sweat, and tears (and a whole lotta cash), it was finally done. I fired it up, and that V8 roared to life. Took it for a spin around the block. The feeling was incredible. All that hard work paid off. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and I built it.
- Found a rusty Mustang.
- Stripped the Mustang down.
- Mounted the Cobra body.
- Installed a 302 V8.
- Wrestled with the wiring.
- Kitted out the interior.
- Painted it blue and white.
Lessons Learned.
Building a car from the ground up is not for the faint of heart. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. I learned so much about cars, fabrication, and myself. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Now, what project should I tackle next?
