'96 Cobra Project *Dash Pod Update 8/16*

[switch96]

3 days after selling my '86 Turbo Coupe in January, I went to Cincinatti to pick up this '96 Cobra. I vividly remember taking a Mystic Cobra for a test drive with my Dad when I was 5, and ever since I've really wanted one of these -- more than a '93 Cobra, more than a '00 Cobra R, maybe even more than a Termi (but maybe not). If you haven't done the math in your head already, I'm 19. With the funds that I had (no help from the parents) I was quite lucky to find one for the price that I did. I won't elaborate, but it was less than a lot of the guys on here have picked up their GT's. There's a few reasons for this: 1.) The paint was VERY faded. It was literally pink. 2.) There was a dent in the left front fender. 3.) It had 92,000 miles. The good news is that the car was BONE stock, and it ran perfectly.

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

The first thing I did was send it to paint. In February it was painted by a restoration painter -- he painted my Dad's '69 428 SCJ Mach 1. Though it cost a pretty penny, I couldn't be happier with the result. Here's what it looked like the day I got it back. Here I have installed my clear corners, as well.

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

The first real "mod" I performed was install a new radiator, to try to help out with the cooling problems that plagued the '96 Cobra. I also installed a water temperature guage in the cockpit. A new, subtle Xplod CD player was installed as well as a new leather shift knob on top of a Steeda Tri-Ax.

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Next came a rear-end makeover, including a new SVT emblem, black Cobra bumber inserts, and Night Shades tail light tint.

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Next came some work under the hood. On the performance side, the mufflers were removed for straight-through pipes, and a custom CAI was installed. Then I decided to clean up, polishing the MAF, alternator, and throttlebody with a wire wheel, as well as painting the strut tower brace.

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Next I attacked the front brakes, painting them black and then sanding off the Cobra letters to silver. (Yes, I know I need new rotors!)

 

[BruhBrahBrad]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

nice so far..

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Finally, a Cobra found it's way into the grille, and some wiring work was done -- including the fog light mod, and making the cig lighter hot with the key. This way, the radar detector comes on with the other accessories. Here's how the car sits today. I'll update this thread with progress as it occurs.

 

[BruhBrahBrad]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Well its only a tradition to say this but....

LOWER THAT BISH!!!!!

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Haha, don't worry, it's definitely the very next thing on the list.

 

[JonBeast]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Looks great man...you are taking the right steps towards a sick cobra.

 

[eliyarbrough]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

You have a very nice looking ride!! You've done good so far!

 

[EastBayStang98]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

me likey....alot

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Thanks guys!

 

[DSTRBD]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Nice ride... I'd lose the shades

 

[Magic]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Looking great!!

 

[RareBreed]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

great find for a cobra. sounds like you got a good deal on it. I do agree though, you need to dump that thing in the weeds. it looks like your going 4 wheeling .....LOL ! good luck with your first stang!

 

[switch96]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Ha thanks! Gotta love SN's and their lift kits...

Funds are tight but I'm scouring Craigslist as we speak.

 

[TxCobrA98]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

looks good man, definitely get that thing lowered.

im like you, im 20. i went to a car show when i was 7 and saw a cobra and fell in love. i stuck with it and ended up getting my cobra when i was 17 and can't stop messing with it. looks awesome man, keep up the work.

 

[JerZeyStangz]

Re: '96 Cobra Project

Awesome turnout, wheels and springs could be next.