Running in

Typically the weather broke just after I got the registration through but every opportunity was taken to get out on an evening with ever increasing local trips just to build up confidence.

I've now realised that building a cobra replica is a journey and definitely not a destination.

On one of my longer trips, I had steam entering the cockpit - opened the bonnet to find that the Radiator cap had pinged off and the water was boiling out. Fortunately spotted before it ran dry.

To date the longest trip has been 80 miles and I've absolutely loved it. The noise is epic and it really attracts attention - I'm told - I wouldn't know as I'm concentrating so much on keeping the thing on the road and avoiding pot holes!. This is not a relaxed drive as there's so much going on but that's the point of these cars. The seats are really comfy though and now I've fitted the wind wings - they do help.

I've done loads of test drives with friends and family many of whom have helped in one way or another even if only encouragement. A special one was with my dads best pal Bob who has maintained a interest in the project, sort of taking over from when Dad passed.

So I'm developing a list of issues - or as my missus says - opportunities to improve!

My fuel gauge isn't working  - I suspect the sender has failed so I'm planing to swap it for a dip tube type. I've checked the fuel consumption and it worked out to be 16.8mpg which was better than hoped for. So cruising should get us 200 miles.

The suspension needs adjustment, I think its marginally too soft, and the car bounces if hist a pot hole or drain cover. The good news is there's plenty of adjustment so next year will be some trial and error to get this right.

My biggest issue is with the rear end which is clonking a bit when on/off power. Its all pointing to the diff which I didn't recondition, so over the winter I'm planning to remove this and have it professionally sorted.

Oil leaks from the engine. There's a reasonable drip from the bottom of the bell housing. It could be the dreaded rear main seal but on further investigation and advice from Brian at Roadcraft it looks like it could be left hand rocker cover - definitely oil on the fear face of the head. This should be an easy fix and we will see where that leads.

Other things to do include completing the carpeting in the boot, fitting the fire extinguisher, fitting the sump guard and getting some weather gear fitted by AK.

So plenty to do next year!

Registration

So after the joys of finally passing the IVA it was on to registration. There are some complex looking forms to complete but the whole process is documented on AK's website and its worth a call to AK to guide you through to avoid the dreaded Q plate..

In my case, as I have an old engine, I was looking at an age related registration so followed the DVLA procedure for a Kit Converted Vehicle.

So completed the forms, checked and double checked, included the first years road tax and sent them off.

Less than 2 weeks later my new V5 arrived with the car correctly registered as an AKSportscars 427 with a nice little Special Note that Emissions test is visual smoke only. This was a surprise as I had to pass emissions test in the IVA. It may be an error but as its to my benefit i'll await the first MOT and see how that goes.

Armed with the V5 - off to the local car spares place to get my new 'E' registration plates made up, contacted Footman James to change insurance from chassis number to correct registration then hit the road!.  - Magic!