Im currently in the process of swapping all major components of my snake into a hardtop body. The coupe is a V6 with no frame damage, but has no front clip or bumper. Ill be selling as much as I can from the coupe to make the swap that much easier on the wallet. I am asking for any FACTUAL concerns I should be aware of for this project. I do NOT want people telling me to do something because a friend of yours did it to his car or what kind of mufflers or headers to get. I'm looking for for hints, tips and tricks to make this an easy swap. Or if you would like to positively or negatively critisize the project, thats fine too. If you have done a swap like this, I am greatly looking forward to reading your replys. Thanks!
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Persian - "What makes this woman think she can speak among men!", Queen - "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men!" - 300 Movie
Never done anything like that before, but why are you doing it? wouldn't it be easier to just sell the cobra vert and then turn around a buy a coupe? what are you doing with the cobra once it has no motor etc?? seems like a legnthy process and a major headache in the long run? not tryin to get down on you just tryin to understand your reasoning.
why not just buy a hardtop shell? I'm sure they make them. Like the ones they make for the Honda S2000 (and people dont start flaming honda im only using it as an example )
Everybody in the 4.6 threads say that I should get the hardtop shell, but wont I have to redo all the bracing and framework? anyway I talked to a friend of mine and he said to find a salvaged cobra coupe and fix that one up into a drag car, DD, or whatever I want. I respect his opinion more than anybodys on here (no offense, but I dont know anybody on here) so I took his opinion and I am now looking for a wrecked cobra, perferably no damage to the rear quater-panels and no frame damage. To be honest, the guys in the 4.6 threads are f*cking vicious, but most of them were right, its alot of headache; thats why I came here first. Ill keep the vert the way it is and fix up the coupe.
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Persian - "What makes this woman think she can speak among men!", Queen - "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men!" - 300 Movie
the only thing is, fixing up a cobra requires a ton of money. and half the time you wont know the frame is bent til you drive it and examine the wear on the tires.
All cobra parts, from beezles, to doorhandles; header pannels, to pistons, are wickid overpriced compared to any other model mustang. So just be prepared to pay top dollar for everything.
Its not worth it IMO. You might as well just buy a coupe, and it would probably be cheaper.
Also I dont see why you'd need any framework or anything if you bought the shell. Plenty of cars have them. Youd figure of they needed all that work then they wouldnt be so marketed? I doubt the shell would be so heavy as to cause any major problems.
I just bought the vert last Dec. and I still owe 14K on it, I have a crease down the center of the driverside door where I hit a mailbox and the sideskirt came off. So thats another $5-600 that I dont have. Add that total on to the price of buying a new car, Yeah... NO!
I found a salvaged 2003 cobra coupe that I might be interested in getting and fixing up. So, I might have two snakes.
< Message edited by midnightsnake83 -- 3/17/2007 9:59:54 AM >
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Persian - "What makes this woman think she can speak among men!", Queen - "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men!" - 300 Movie
i see, didn't realize yours was dammaged, i just figured you could sell yours for 15-16 then buy another for 15-16 and be in the same spot but with a coupe. i getcha now though with the damage.
I hate to be an asshole but this is probably one of the most ridiculous swaps I have ever heard of. You are going to end up with the following when you are all done.
A) A v6 body with cobra interior and almost the same weight B) No additional HP (Unless you buy mods and still it doesn't make much sense cost wise) C) A semi-sleeper (Cuz our 01's are not the fastest things on the road) D) No CONVERTIBLE....Just think of all the times you have put the top down and enjoyed it and wipe that all away. This is stupid and you're an idiot to try this swap and so is your friend if he thinks it's a good idea.
Ever met a person that you couldnt sway no matter what you tell them? Well now you have. Im not doing the V6 thing anymore so drop the whole V6, semi-sleeper, no hp...yeah all that. The only reason I cant afford to fix my door and stuff now is because im a full time student using my GI Bill to pay for school and pay bills until I can get a really good paying job after school. A door skin is only $400, but if you know a place I can get one that looks like it just came from the factory for less, let me know!
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Persian - "What makes this woman think she can speak among men!", Queen - "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men!" - 300 Movie
Without calling anyone names or insulting their intelligence..
It isnt the smartest move. Just fix your door, and be happy you have a cobra. If you want a coupe, buy a shell. Simple. A whole lot cheaper than going over the top with things.
Also about your friend, I dont think he has a concept of how expensive cobra parts are due to overpricing.
OK about this hardtop shell thing...what about bracing and framework?? Id love to just buy that salvaged 03 and fix that up and have 2 snakes...one coupe and one vert.
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Persian - "What makes this woman think she can speak among men!", Queen - "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men!" - 300 Movie
LOL i dont see what all the comotion is about... I have a coupe and I actually want a vert...I couldnt find any in my pricerange at the time that were as clean so I got the hardtop...
the cobra is relitively expensive to modify to be a sole drag machine... IMO...
I like the idea of having a newer mustang drag car but if you do that idea Your best bet is to go with the older v8s... They build massive power aswell.
example-- I know a guy who has a sn95 v6 with a bad motor for 400.. body is ok condition not superb but straight. You can find a deal like that in your area, but cobra bumpers and a hood and **** your set on the body. I was just goting to build a 351 out to a 408 and leave it carbed since theres no emissions here.
Now thats a feasable cheap street-strip car that will draw attention, and you can definately afford that. If you dont like the 94-98 bodys you can always find a cheap couple grand v6 new edge and do the same... The biggest place youll save your money is by going with the older ford motors which can build just as much hp... The modular motor is awesome but its not necessairly needed for a street-strip car
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Vert to Coupe swap - 
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