Messages

61

428 Frua Forum / A racing 428

« on: November 25, 2011, 18:16:09 »

Valuable information RE: air dam.
   Emmanuel and (subsquently) myself, added a very 'subtile' spoiler, which did seem to help a little. I suspect it was too 'subtile' to be truly effective. Luckily for me, mine is removeable, so I could try making another, more aggressive version. Mine was painted black, which made it disappear on my red car.
   What transmission did you use to replace the C6? Boris must have had a 2.88 differential. Did you change the diff gearing?

62

428 Frua Forum / A racing 428

« on: November 25, 2011, 17:23:44 »

!!!!! Yikes !!!!!
   BAD BOY !!!!
   (is there nowhere to run this fella?)

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Cobra (Thames Ditton) Forum / Worm & Sector woes

« on: November 23, 2011, 14:44:39 »

The rack and pinion steering unit was sourced from MG. Power steering units are available. Try Moss Motors - one of the many suppliers of power units.

64

428 Frua Forum / CF9

« on: November 13, 2011, 07:59:39 »

An update:
   
   I have re-routed my "cold air ducts" through the wheel-wells, a la the later cars.
   
   It was probably unnecessary, as I then decided to proceed with Air Conditioning, which is now completed. The unit fit perfectly in place of the heater, and I've used the existing ducting for footwells, face-level and center vents. Brrrrr! Very effective! and I have heat if it's ever needed and defrosting.
   
   Surpringly, when the A/C fan kicks on, the engine temp falls. Apparently the additional air forced through the radiator improves cooling, despite the heat load from the A/C evaporator.
   
   The A/C control fits in place of the old cable operated heater control, and actually looks somewhat similar.

65

428 Frua Forum / CF62 for sale on Ebay

« on: November 13, 2011, 06:03:53 »

Let's not make the buyer of this car feel awful. Whoever bought it has a rare car that probably could use some attention, but might be better than supposition on the forum has presumed.
   
   I am surprised that B. Mitchell Carlson (who saw the car at the Auburn Auction) only commented on Paint, glass and leather. But, I suppose, anyone who's not familiar with these cars--  m i g h t  --fail to notice panel fit, etc. Or maybe he needed to clean his glasses.
   
   It's actually quite a testimony to how interested SCM is in 428's that they devoted 3 1/2 pages to the car(s). I'm quite sure Keith Martin (the Publisher) likes them. In the mentions they've made over the years, it's always been said that AC 428's are mysteriously undervalued.
   
   Perhaps  (when Mr. Carlson writes "I'm sure to be pelted with rocks by AC and Mustang fans the world over") there is a veiled intention to attract controversy. That would be good for them (the magazine), good for 428's, good for AC owners.
   
   The analysis of these cars is pretty much devoted to their appearance. What's missing is the experience of driving a well-sorted car - and that's a moving target, so to speak. At least it has been for me, though I'm getting much nearer to the "finish" line.
   
   SCM is devoted to "the market" for interesting cars. They don't do road tests. They report on market trends and auction results. Their auction coverage is world-wide.
   
   In view of this, Everyone who feels moved to do so should write the magazine. Lets "make their day"! (but be kind - they like AC's). Whenever a good AC shows up in their auction results or profiles, the reporting shows their respect for AC's in general.
   
   Keith Martin's email: keith.martin@sportscarmarket.com
   
   General correspondence:  service@sportscarmarket.com

66

General Forum / Shelby Cobra 50 Years - new book

« on: October 13, 2011, 01:41:07 »

Here's a Ford in-house film, narrated by and featuring Carroll Shelby.
   
   His short introduction, explaining how he started his manufacturing career, may be a little light on AC's contribution. But bearing in mind the subject was really  (at the time this film was made) the future prospects of the GT 40 and Ford racing, I think he can be excused.
   
   It might also help explain the overly AMERICA FIRST!! aspect of the "controversy" regarding the Cobra.
   
   I think he (Shel) comes off pretty well, considering...
   
   (considering it's a scripted sales tool for Ford - I'm sure Shelby didn't actually write the script, though certainly had a hand in it)
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06Pjw6Iiwxg&feature=related

67

General Forum / Shelby Cobra 50 Years - new book

« on: October 09, 2011, 11:02:25 »

Yes. It was maybe 10 years ago that I saw the car. I think thats it. Or at least, I've seen that badge on an AC at Heritage Classics. (my recollection is hazy. I seem to remember seeing an unplated AC roundel - though I might be merging memories of another car)
   
   I am really not knowledgable enough RE: Cobra lore to be chiming in about all this. I've never even seen Trevor's book. I DO see a copy is available on Amazon for $285.00.
   
   Time for an updated edition? (Update? Whaa? The cars were built more than 40 years ago!)(but theres always room for improvement!)

68

General Forum / Shelby Cobra 50 Years - new book

« on: October 09, 2011, 08:30:55 »

Interesting photo.
   
   No side vents (as on previous "1962" photo), but the same wheel arches.
   
   The rectangular emblem on the flank near the drivers door is the same shape as the "Ford" tags seen on Cobras.
   
   Center location of the fuel filler on the rear deck is the same as the "1962" photo.
   
   No sunvisors on the above car.
   
    I have a Frua.I've noticed detail differences on all Fruas I have seen. These cars were "bespoke". All slightly different. By order? By chance? Cost or supply issues?
   
   Who knows?
   
   All AC 428 Fruas (however) have side vents. Useless on these cars (inner fender blocked airflow).  The vents themselves are identical in construction to those on "original Cobras". (So I've been told by an expert who has dealt with Cobras for 40 years).
   
   Presumably they are effective in "Cobras".
   
   These vents were (by the time the Fruas were being constructed) a styling detail that identified a kinship with "Cobras". I imagine  Mr. Frua tacked them on to fulfill his styling brief.
   
   Who's responsible for changes in details? Might it be the person for whom the car was built? Maybe. Mr Shelby might have said 'I need more airflow in the engine bay. Do what you can.'
   
   Or maybe everyone building the car was drunk, and they just did ...whatever....(hic)
   
   Here's a car I saw some time ago. It was badged BOTH "AC" and "Shelby". "AC" on the boot, "Shelby" on the prow.
   
   http://www.heritageclassics.com/past-inventory/detail/127-ac-cobra-mk-i-.html

69

General Forum / Shelby Cobra 50 Years - new book

« on: October 08, 2011, 01:50:50 »

I mean AC. Carroll Shelby took an existing car and led the effort make it different and "better". But he didn't do it on his own.
   AC deserves credit. It was their car!
   Shelby deserves credit appropriate to his contribution
   All the guys who worked with CS deserve recognition. Ford too. I hope the new book identifies these guys.
   I've heard many people (here in the USA) speak with a great deal of passion that the Cobra was an AMERICAN car! 100%!
   As if He (Shelby) and only He was responsible, and that AC was a failing little company with nothing to offer, and he saved it.
   It's this Provincial, narrow view of things in general I think is disgraceful.
   And this kind of narrow, doctrinaire thinking that has paralyzed politics and progress in the USA.
   Giving credit where credit is due does not diminish the accomplishment. The Cobra was a success. Good! It was cross-pollination and the talents of many people that made it so.
   
   Sorry - The subject was the new book by Mr. Comer, which I've not seen.
   I just get ticked off when "History" is bent in favor of a particular bias.
   I'd like to believe there is an Objective Reality. I'd like to believe that facts are facts. Apparently I'm wrong.
   I regret having blown up about this. It's a bigger issue I'm mad about today. And this is not the Forum for my disatisfaction. Cars izz fun! Supposed to be.

70

General Forum / Shelby Cobra 50 Years - new book

« on: October 07, 2011, 22:42:32 »

I'm an American, and I really dislike the American-centric viewpoint regarding "Cobras". In fact, the American-centric cast of mind extends to many other subjects as well.
   
   It's ridiculous and embarrassing to discount the origin of "Cobras", and to claim more credit than deserved.
   
   Unfortunately, the contest between FACT and BELIEF is a constant here. Maybe it's a cyclical phase, but it seems that doctrinaire, unshakeble partisanship has got a firm grip in American politics as well.
   
   Credit where credit is due, please.

71

428 Frua Forum / AC Frua Restoration Part 2

« on: October 05, 2011, 17:54:36 »

Peter Mullins Auto Museum: http://www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com/
   Nethercutt collection: http://nethercuttcollection.org/
   Hearst castle: http://www.hearstcastle.org/
   Petersen museum: http://www.petersen.org/
   
   Thats just a start. PCH is a sight all to itself. The "lost coast" is much further north. Empty, beautiful and not much in the way of places to stay, which is great for the driving experience (nobody there!)
   http://www.takemytrip.com/07orcal/07_13a.htm
   
   This is a good reason to have a beautiful, dependable classic car in the  Western USA.  I took this route on the California Mille Miglia. Heres hoping that we'll have a go at it when the Frua's are finished.

72

428 Frua Forum / A racing 428

« on: October 05, 2011, 09:27:42 »

FOUND THIS OLD POST RE; ANDY'S CARBON CAR.
   Just wanted to keep this thread alive until photos get posted, and more information is forthcoming.
   
   Posted September, 2006 by Shep:
   
   What's going on out there? The Chinese Whisper rumour factory finds another gear! I seem to recall that the bucks for my 428 Frua carbon were made by Simon Ascoli when he was working for us at Uniclip Automotive. Steve Gray may have fettled the end result before the bucks went to have the body moulds cast to make the finished carbon body.
   The car was never banned from the ACOC Goodwood sprint, although it claimed Fastest Time of the Day on its first and only sprint appearance, on a streaming wet track! The Aston Martin Owners Club did however ban it from their Intermarque Championship along with Richard Chamberlain's rapid Porsche 935, Malcolm Hamilton's monster 8 litre E Type and the Silk Cut Jaguar driven by maestro Win Percy. We were all going far too fast and as skill could not beat us, legislation did! How sour can grapes taste?
   My Black 428 Frua is currently sitting in my garage. She weighs 1000kg with 650bhp from 428 extremely light cubic inches, and generates 1000kgs of downforce at 100mph. With the short circuit diff she runs out of revs at 170mph. I'd guess the way she is still pulling, a longer diff could allow 200mph if we knocked off some wing angle.
   While posting, I'm always happy to give AC drivers and racers the benefit of my many years race experience and love giving a few pointers on track days etc. Cars are built to be enjoyed and the more fun we can have, the better the world becomes!
   Andy Shepherd

73

428 Frua Forum / CF 64 For Sale

« on: September 30, 2011, 00:37:24 »

Peter - I tried emailing you through the website link to your address, but apparently your email address has changed.
   
   Among the bits you've got laying about, might you have glass? I need a right rear window, as mine is a thin replacement that has cracked.
   
   I had a couple of other questions, though I didn't want to ask on the forum.  JJ

74

428 Frua Forum / CF 64 For Sale

« on: September 28, 2011, 03:05:47 »

Very nice, Peter. It appears you've done an excellent job restoring your car as it should be done. I think you've priced it very fairly.
   
   Did raising the vent opening 1/2 inch make an appreciable difference in under hood engine temp?
   
   I've made many of the same modifications to my car as you've done to yours, but I've waited on changing the vent until I hear it's effective and worthwhile.
   
   At present, my engine no longer overheats, and I'm 1/2 finished with installing Air Conditioning. Of course, A/C will add more heat underhood on the hottest days, so getting more airflow may become necessary as a result.

75

428 Frua Forum / A racing 428

« on: September 11, 2011, 07:14:47 »

I've seen some tiny pictures of your race car, Andy, including the largest (though still fairly tiny) in this forum.
   
   It would interest me to see better photos, if you don't mind  publishing them. I'll search the website for information about your car - the carbon fibre panels are news to me. There has been much discussion about repairing body parts. If you were able to reproduce panels in carbon fibre, that's extremely interesting!
   
   Performance info would be also welcome. If you were able to get the Frua's weight down to 2000 lbs, your car must be a rocket! I've wondered if there might be a handling benefit in the longer wheelbase of a Frua vs Cobra. Also, what aerodynamic improvement there might be in top speed of a (stock or modified)) Frua vs Cobra.
   
   I had no idea you actually did all this to a 428. I might be the only one who knows nothing about it, though I hope not.
   
   (oops - I discovered 1 tonne equals 1000 kilograms. So it's actually 2,240 pounds, not the same as a ton - 2,000 pounds)