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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 10-22-2010, 04:21 PM
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Location: San Carlos, Carmel, CA
Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham #625 427S/C, 468 ci Al block, 615 HP
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Default Headrest

I have been unable to find a headrest for KMP625 that looks period correct so I fabricated one. I got the billet clamps from JEGS and then fabricated the rest from polished 6061 aluminum. The clamps are .125 over so I could isolate with rubber. The headrest is has a base of .375 6061 and is then upholstered with a hide that matches the seat. Overall it looks like it came on the car while protecting my valuable brain.

aluminum bits: $100

upholstery: $250

cranial security: priceless






Mark

Last edited by computerworks; 10-22-2010 at 05:28 PM..
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  #2 (permalink)  
Old 10-22-2010, 05:28 PM
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Mark... I put the images into your post.

ron
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  #3 (permalink)  
Old 10-23-2010, 08:26 AM
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Thanks, Ron
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  #4 (permalink)  
Old 10-23-2010, 03:55 PM
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Mark,

Very nice job. Very professional looking.
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  #5 (permalink)  
Old 10-23-2010, 05:40 PM
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STupid Question .....Isn't period correct called whip lash LOL ? no really.... some one got a pic ?
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Last edited by somedayaurora; 02-21-2011 at 04:41 PM..
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  #6 (permalink)  
Old 10-23-2010, 05:46 PM
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Definitely a clean install.
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  #7 (permalink)  
Old 10-23-2010, 06:41 PM
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That looks excellent!
You should consider making more than one.
You might have a few takers.
rodneym
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Old 10-24-2010, 06:58 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rodneym View Post
That looks excellent!
You should consider making more than one.
You might have a few takers.
rodneym
Very well done - sign me up for one, thanks
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  #9 (permalink)  
Old 10-24-2010, 10:39 AM
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Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham #625 427S/C, 468 ci Al block, 615 HP
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I don't think I have the time to make more of these but I can streamline the process for others.

The split aluminum clamp:

Jegs P/N H3R BMR01P

The aluminum stock I got from Speedy Metals

www.speedymetals.com

They are great to deal with and very inexpensive.

The crossbar and standoffs are .75" solid extrusions that I polished.

cross bar is 9.3125" long and the standoffs are 1.125"

To securely attach the headrest plate I made .175" deep hexagonal recesses to trap the nut and then secured by riveting .04" 6061 sheet over the nuts. The headrest is 12" wide and 6" tall, with the curvature scaled from the seat shape. The headrest is attached offset .75" away from center due to the central position position of the rollbar. I tried a number of approaches in my mockups starting with much smaller initial headrest widths but the best balance of aesthetics and protection was to make the headrest match the center to center dimensions of the rollbar and then offset it.

Upholstery is the biggest barrier to "mass" production as it is critical that the hide match the seat, and every hide is different. I left my passenger seat at the upholstery shop so they could match hide, piping, etc exactly. I used Sid's in Mountain View.

Mark
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Old 10-25-2010, 02:46 PM
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Awesome last post, Mark Thompson!

It would be great to get a collection of 'do-it-yourself' upgrades we could do to our Cobras, suppliers and all. How to make spats, billboard painting, etc. We know they're searchable in the forum but a convenient place would be cool, too.

rodneym
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  #11 (permalink)  
Old 12-09-2011, 02:08 PM
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Thumbs up Headrest

I built and installed the headrest as you designed them on my Factory Five 2 inch roll bars.The parts list you gave really helped and and made the project easy and fast.
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  #12 (permalink)  
Old 12-09-2011, 03:06 PM
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Mark, outstanding job doing yours and thanks for sharing the "how to".
I intend to a set just as described, maybe go round headrest but the process will be the same.
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  #13 (permalink)  
Old 12-10-2011, 06:16 PM
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I am glad you found this useful. I was surprised when I was putting the Kirkham together that there was little available information or products to support a good safety solution that looked good. KMP 625 now has 1100 miles and I have enjoyed every one.

Mark
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  #14 (permalink)  
Old 12-10-2011, 06:26 PM
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Nice job, Mark. For additional safety, you might want to consider moving your belt attachment below the cowl (lower than your shoulders) so they can hold your shoulders down, not just back.
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Old 04-01-2014, 03:58 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4pipes View Post
Nice job, Mark. For additional safety, you might want to consider moving your belt attachment below the cowl (lower than your shoulders) so they can hold your shoulders down, not just back.
I would guess that risks spinal compression in an accident.
My understanding is that belts should ideally be placed level or no more than a few inches below the shoulder, although this is rarely achieved in a cobra.

Are Floor Mount Harness Really that dangerous? - Ford Muscle Forums : Ford Muscle Cars Tech Forum
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