Work another year and buy a Kirkham or Retire?

[rodneym]

Anthony,
I too have both glass and aluminum and I agree with you 100%.

There's this one d!psh!t at my local C&C. More than once I've seen him come up to my KMP and feel under the fender lip with his glazed donut fingers to see if its aluminum. When asked if I could answer any questions, he looks away and walks in the other direction. I think he wants to be seen as a guy who knows what to look for. Instead he just looks like a moron.
If you can't tell by looking, then you really shouldn't be touching.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

And fiberglass chips and cracks "easily," when you're around F'ing Morons. So, just try and avoid F'ing Morons. If you're parking your Cobra in the Safeway or Starbucks parking lot, then you're a F'ing Moron.

When you're around F*n morons, it doesn't matter: Aluminum Cobra or fiberglass Cobra or Ford Fiesta paint doesn't matter. Avoid morons.

[olddog]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Also, a dodge viper is a good option, a "modern" 427 cobra. They are a blast ! I like the looks of the 1992-2002, but the 2003-2007 have roll up windows, and more importantly, the top is easier to put up and down. I'd recommend the 2003-2007. You can get them for about $40K.

Strangely enough I was looking at Vipers on the net. When I remembered the Cobra, which was the furthest thing from my mind, back when this all started. I was amazed how many Vipers were out there at less than half price with little miles on them. People seem to buy them, let them sit and depreciate, and then sell them cheap. At least that was the case 18 years ago. After looking at the Cobra, the Viper never did much for me after that. Especially after hearing the V10 sound the first time. That said I like the looks, the creature comforts, and in the performance department, for the money (used), it has to be in the top 3.

It could be a compromise. I don't know. It feels like leaving the bar and only women left wants to leave with you. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but.....

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Yes, I'm callous.

I'm sure Olddog can find another activity he and his wife can enjoy. Besides, would his wife deny him his purchase, because she can't ride along in the passenger seat?

I get the impression she wouldn't deny him that. Which in itself probably gives him all the more reason to care about including her in his driving adventures.
But I suppose we're beginning to delve into areas that are best left alone and stick to our best recommendations re: the original question.

[RodKnock]

BTW, isn't that car above like the one that President Kennedy was killed in? Woof, I wouldn't caught riding or driving one of those.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

BTW, isn't that car above like the one that President Kennedy was killed in? Woof, I wouldn't caught riding or driving one of those.

Just avoid driving past grassy knolls.

[blykins]

In that case, I'd vote no Kirkham.

[blykins]

Yeah except for Vipers sound like UPS trucks.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by blykins

Yeah except for Vipers sound like UPS trucks.

That's an old wives tale that keeps being passed along. I just saw one this past weekend, that flew by, while I was waiting at a stoplight. Sounded great to me. And anyway, you could always add that fake engine sound that the kids like so much.

[blykins]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

That's an old wives tale that keeps being passed along. I just saw one this past weekend, that flew by, while I was waiting at a stoplight. Sounded great to me. And anyway, you could always add that fake engine sound that the kids like so much.

I've driven 3 if I remember right and have ridden in a couple more. They were all 97-98 GTS cars. V10's just don't sound like a V8.

[Anthony]

If you get a viper, definitely get one with A/C. It's great even with the top down/off, it can help alot ! Some of the early vipers don't have A/C.

[twobjshelbys]

Vipers give snake bite too. If you want performance I'd also suggest a Ford GT (mine is for sale) but touring and GT are somewhat incompatible unless you ship your luggage. It sure is comfortable and will snap your neck too.

[olddog]

This is the only picture I have handy of my Cobra. Look at how the seat is built into the car. The seats are literally on the floor and only 4" of foam at the thickest point. You sit way down in. With the side pipes, I always had her step into the car and then sit down and stand up and then step out.



Go to my photo gallery to see it full size.

If there were regular bucket seats and no side pipes, I think she could get in and out OK. I don't know that for sure, but that is I what I was thinking.

It's like I want a hot blond babe with big-uns ,and you'all keep taking me to a gay bar, not that there is anything wrong with it. It just doesn't do much for me. That's all.

[vntgspd]

Originally Posted by olddog

This is the only picture I have handy of my Cobra. Look at how the seat is built into the car. The seats are literally on the floor and only 4" of foam at the thickest point. You sit way down in. With the side pipes, I always had her step into the car and then sit down and stand up and then step out.



Go to my photo gallery to see it full size.

If there were regular bucket seats and no side pipes, I think she could get in and out OK. I don't know that for sure, but that is I what I was thinking.

It's like I want a hot blond babe with big-uns ,and you'all keep taking me to a gay bar, not that there is anything wrong with it. It just doesn't do much for me. That's all.

Nice looking car. I came from a Shell Valley which is very close in design to the A&C before getting my ERA and I can tell you that the difference in ride, handling, and overall comfort is beyond my expectations. I even prefer the look of the ERA to the KMS but that is obviously subjective. If you can locate a local ERA it might be worth having your wife go for a ride. One of these cars can be had for 2/3 the price of a KMS and may therefore alleviate some concerns about retiring early...

[RodKnock]

Huh, well, what do you know. A thread on a fiberglass chip repair. I heard these are rare.

Superformance Titanium Silver Chip Repair

[monster7]

Check this out:
https://www.facebook.com/DB-Replicas-183387568406503/
Same Quality, less expensive..
Nevertheless, not a good ride for your wife at all...

[rodneym]

Are DB replicas Kirkhams?

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by rodneym

Are DB replicas Kirkhams?

No, Dave Brookes (DB) makes his own cars and they are very, very good. They're not quite to Kirkham standard, by his own admission, but you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

Kirkhams have become more of a "custom" Cobra in recent years, whereas Dave stays true to the original. He is also a really decent and honest guy. I know a number of people with Dave's Cobras and they love them.

I've never understood the "delicate aluminium" comments when it comes to Kirkhams. Mine is over 10-years old and done well over 30,000 miles and I think the bodies are very tough. The front apron on mine has a good smattering of gravel rash, but then so would anything. I've done a good number of charity track-days on an old military air-base with concrete runways that are constantly shedding grit, which has caused most of the "rash".

If you really want a Kirkham and if you can afford it, I'd say go for it and give that particular itch a good scratch. You can always sell it again later on. You don't want to be saying "I wish... or "if only..." in later years.

ATB
Paul

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I've never understood the "delicate aluminium" comments when it comes to Kirkhams. Mine is over 10-years old and done well over 30,000 miles and I think the bodies are very tough.
Paul

That's what I'm sayin'.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

That's what I'm sayin'.

I think OldDog has probably come to his senses now anyway. This Cobra hobby is mostly just for morons looking for a way to piss their money away.