Work another year and buy a Kirkham or Retire?

[olddog]

I really appreciate the perspective, Tommy. My best friend, same age as me, had his children late in life, so we had not done as much together over the last 15 years. I thought we would spend a bunch more time together, when the nest was empty. He passed in January. Went to bed feeling grate and never woke up. I just went to his youngest boy's graduation. None of us can be sure we will wake up tomorrow.

My wife has arthritis bad. She had her knees replaced at 42 yrs old. Her back is full of arthritis, bone spurs are into disks and pinching nerves. They say inoperable and nothing they can do for her, as it is everywhere. After 7-8 back specialists and nothing has helped, I guess not. I have not been willing to leave her alone, so we sit around a wait to die. The sitting around has had a negative impact on my health.

I haven't driven my Cobra in two years. Mainly because she cannot ride in it (and she loved it as much as me). The seats are custom made into the car. The previous owner was very tall and this gave him the room he needed. I think if I put bucket seats in that would help. It would also help if the side pipes were not there. I could change that, but the 4 link straight axle is likely not as good a ride as an IRS. Thus the thinking about building a Cobra. Mostly to get what I want. Under car exhaust (I love the looks of the side pipes, but), comfortable seats, and a bit softer ride. And no worry about snake bite.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by olddog

I really appreciate the perspective, Tommy. My best friend, same age as me, had his children late in life, so we had not done as much together over the last 15 years. I thought we would spend a bunch more time together, when the nest was empty. He passed in January. Went to bed feeling grate and never woke up. I just went to his youngest boy's graduation. None of us can be sure we will wake up tomorrow.

My wife has arthritis bad. She had her knees replaced at 42 yrs old. Her back is full of arthritis, bone spurs are into disks and pinching nerves. They say inoperable and nothing they can do for her, as it is everywhere. After 7-8 back specialists and nothing has helped, I guess not. I have not been willing to leave her alone, so we sit around a wait to die. The sitting around has had a negative impact on my health.

I haven't driven my Cobra in two years. Mainly because she cannot ride in it (and she loved it as much as me). The seats are custom made into the car. The previous owner was very tall and this gave him the room he needed. I think if I put bucket seats in that would help. It would also help if the side pipes were not there. I could change that, but the 4 link straight axle is likely not as good a ride as an IRS. Thus the thinking about building a Cobra. Mostly to get what I want. Under car exhaust (I love the looks of the side pipes, but), comfortable seats, and a bit softer ride. And no worry about snake bite.

I'll be realistic having lived through a similar experience. The fact you haven't driven your existing car for two years does not bode well for any kind of replacement. Before you embark on a new car be sure that in two years your wife will be willing to get in and out of a Cobra, otherwise you'll have a near zero miles Kirkham for sale shortly after you get it. Trust me, going alone isn't all that much fun and going to the same car show week after wek gets old.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I'll be realistic having lived through a similar experience. The fact you haven't driven your existing car for two years does not bode well for any kind of replacement.

This is probably the best, albeit painful, advice. You need to let in to your mind the possibility that the time for the new Kirkham, or new ERA, has passed.

[Phx Mike]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I'll be realistic having lived through a similar experience. The fact you haven't driven your existing car for two years does not bode well for any kind of replacement. Before you embark on a new car be sure that in two years your wife will be willing to get in and out of a Cobra, otherwise you'll have a near zero miles Kirkham for sale shortly after you get it. Trust me, going alone isn't all that much fun and going to the same car show week after wek gets old.

Agree here - the Kirkham is a great car but it is a Cobra - coarse, loud, smells like gas and requires constant respect. IRS notwithstanding it is not a Corvette. My wife does not like riding in it. So be careful before you buy. Make sure it is really going to work for you. And I sympathize with the decisions you are trying to make. Get what works for you and your wife even if it is not a Cobra....