Hi all,
I have built two Cobras and a GT40. Additionally, I have over the years built up a number of classics - they are classics today..
...but when I was young they were family cars that I just played around with.
Power and appearance were always important when I was younger - today I am more aware of handling and braking..
I built one Cobra from the ground up after buying a body from Sydney - Homebush - I sat the engine on the ground attached the transmission then sat both on timber about 4" off the floor. My friends at McDonald Brothers Racing drew the chassis on the floor with chalk dropping the body over
the engine and transmission.
A real scratch build - but my point here is, we ended up being very similiar in the end product to the various chassis that had already been built. There is only so many changes or innovations that we could add.
I ended up with a 9" inche live axle shortened, a tube upper and lower 'A arm' front, coil over QA1 etc. again, similiar to many other kits or original cars.
The end result with most of my cars, was that I was convinced that I had built the best Cobra or GT40 on the road or track.
Anyway, back to the Thread topic - Clois, today I own a Kirkham with a Shelby aluminium 468 from Shelby's supplier DenBeste in Cal .
Having been to a number of events in the US, I had been privileged to drive numerous Cobras including the Kirkham. My latest acquisition was simple for me - I liked the look of the brushed aluminium, I fitted comfortably in the Kirkham and whilst it was a little more expensive I was able to sell my GT40 just when Craig at Absolute Pace became the Australian agent for Kirkham.
Ok the decision was made and the engine and Kirkham purchase was simple as I had the spare cash and wanted a Kirkham. In particular a brushed aluminium body.
I have had the Kirkham for 3 months now. I have covered 4500+ miles so far and enjoyed every minute in it..
Early observations of the Kirkham:
The body is pure art and built and finished to the highest standard
The brushed aluminium finish was a good choice, as polished would need flat black vinyl placed to stop reflection - particularly if a full face helmet was worn. I think flat black vinyl across the dash leading edge and possibly the top of the offside guard would be required if on the track with a polished Kirkham. But no problem with the brushed finish.
Overall construction of the Kirkham is great
Overall finish with interior is outstanding particularly the seat and the rubber trampoline designed base.
Changes I made during assembly were small and for my reasons
I had the floor under the drivers seat modified - a Bernie bubble - with the seat base now able to drop below the floor. I am 200lb. Empty..
I modified the inner guard behind the drivers seat allowing the seat back into it about 1 and 1/2".
I lifted the steering wheel about 1/4" which made about 1" difference at the wheel circumference.
I moved the pedals fully forward. At 6'1" I both fit in the car with absolute comfort and control.
Problems I have found are only minor during driving and during the assembly build
I hit the ignition key, if I have keys hanging off the ignition key, I hit the hanging keys with my knee and this turns the ignition off with my left knee. This is happening occasionally when I drive with anger or purpose - changing quickly. No problem just took all the keys off and had a spare drive key cut. It has a rubber band on it so I don't lose it. Don't hit it now as it has no keys hanging above my left knee.
I had to change the diff pinion seal, as it was leaking and this was nearly a full day job as the tail shaft cannot be taken out due to the cross member under it. Either you pull the entire diff out or engine and transmission out to get to the diff easily.
i did not want to pull either out entirely, we pushed the tail shaft into the trans and forced it up to get the diff seal out and replace it. We unbolted the diff partially and pushed the diff nose up as well.
No big deal, but very time consuming and this is simply due to the chassis being built totally original.
In summing up and to Clois Thread
I know the Kirkham meets or exceeds my expectations. It is a close as I will get to buying or wanting a early low number CSX Cobra.
.
Mmmm hope my thoughts have not been to drawn out or confusing..
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