Work another year and buy a Kirkham or Retire?

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by olddog

....I have long said if I won the lottery, I would buy a Kirkham.....

olddog, I have had a lot of sage advice and comments from you over the years, either in response to some of my posted questions, or to questions from others. I am indebted. Thank you.

So in response, here's my 2 cents worth to your question.

If you win a lottery, then buy a Kirkham as you will then be able to maintain it in the manner and condition that the initial investment demands.

If you don't win a lottery, buy an ERA. Drive it and enjoy it knowing that you can maintain it on a reasonable budget, not worry about having to fix dents in delicate aluminium alloy bodywork and if it gets wet, its painted 'glass body and painted chassis will only need a wipe-over to maintain in perfect condition.

Cheers,
Glen


**edit: olddog, I didn't see your post above mine until after I posted. I would have to agree with Tony's comments. Best of luck with your decision, my friend.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Drive it and enjoy it knowing that you can maintain it on a reasonable budget, not worry about having to fix dents in delicate aluminium alloy bodywork and if it gets wet, its painted 'glass body and painted chassis will only need a wipe-over to maintain in perfect condition.

To the OP, this information is nonsense. Fixing fiberglass or aluminum is “six of one, half dozen of the other.” Maintaining paint and aluminum is similar. Both need to be wiped/cleaned, washed and polished.

[olddog]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

To the OP, this information is nonsense. Fixing fiberglass or aluminum is “six of one, half dozen of the other.” Maintaining paint and aluminum is similar. Both need to be wiped/cleaned, washed and polished.

To be fair to XB, Kirkham owners have mentioned how easily the aluminum dents a lot of times, and I was starting to think to myself that maybe Fiberglass is a better choice if you want to drive a lot. I do pick back roads that have less traffic so we can ride slower to talk over the wind. They do have more stones laying around on them.

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

To the OP, this information is nonsense. Fixing fiberglass or aluminum is “six of one, half dozen of the other.” Maintaining paint and aluminum is similar. Both need to be wiped/cleaned, washed and polished.

Well, when it never leaves the nome garage, it would be easy to maintain the bodywork, I suppose

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by xb-60

Well, when it never leaves the nome garage, it would be easy to maintain the bodywork, I suppose

And the same would apply to fiberglass. And I know, since I owned a ‘66 BB Corvette Roadster that never left the garage too.

And 911’s are well-known for having their metal front fenders and hood resprayed for the accumulation of rock chips. Maintenance and repair to a fiberglass or alloy body is similar. Just different idiosyncrasies.