Restoring 521

[The Cobra Guy]

I have been lurking in the shadows here for about a year...having joined shortly after acquiring 521. I've taken note of many others contributions and it's time I do a little myself.

521 was ordered by Larry Miller for the Ford Racing School at MMP, one of a pair of cars used for promotions, hot laps and track use in general. It's prominently featured in the latest edition of the Shelby registry as it first appeared new with Tom Kirkham at the wheel. According to him it is the second most documented build with over 400 photos while being constructed at the factory and a few hundred more taken between 2007 and 2012.

The first 7500 miles were not the easiest on this car...it was rather abused when I first looked it over. Scratched and dinged body, bald tires, & cracked windshield was just the tip of the iceberg for damage it sustained in 2500 track miles. (Odd how every person who ever drove it recalls being patient and easy on the car.)

I'll post some images here showing it new, during some of its use before and after becoming the latest caretaker and of the restoration. Perhaps some of what I unearthed in the process will assist you in heading off issues before they get bigger in your own car.

[mickmate]

That's OK it was driven like it was built for. Should be a neat project getting it in the shape you want it.

[BMK]

The Cobra Guy

Great news on acquiring the Cobra. Yes I will be interested to see what you find - improve on the Cobra.

Whilst I don't track my Kirkham I am not frightened to drive it and have just on 13400 k - 8,000 miles on it since last October. I usually drive the Great Ocean Road quite early in the morning.

Cheers

Bernie

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by BMK

The Cobra Guy

Great news on acquiring the Cobra. Yes I will be interested to see what you find - improve on the Cobra.

Whilst I don't track my Kirkham I am not frightened to drive it and have just on 13400 k - 8,000 miles on it since last October. I usually drive the Great Ocean Road quite early in the morning.

Cheers

Bernie

It's easy for you older guys to get up early...

[BMK]

Fordracing65

Mmmm...

Yes but my 4am call of nature is just a bit early..

Hey I am not that old just been around here a bit..

[The Cobra Guy]

Thanks guys. It's funny, I grew up loving all things Shelby and was privileged to become the caretaker of 6S1733 for about 5 years. I had no intentions of selling it, but a client insisted. I suddenly had a pile of money and nowhere to put it when the track put 521 up for sale. The intent was to flip it after cleaning it up for a few months.

It was a better car than I thought...much easier to drive than I expected, holds plenty in the trunk for a trip. 6S1733 was a race car, and this was usable, I fell in love.

It was also worse than I thought...much worse. 2500 track miles is the equivalent of racing at the 24 hours of LeMans, and we know what happens to a car after that event. Everything gets replaced...

[rodneym]

The Cobra Guy,

I'll be watching this thread closely.
Sounds like you got a car with lots of soul

I just hit the 5k mark myself in KMP600 (1200 with the Twin Paxton motor) and I get the feeling I'm creeping up on some maintenance that's new to me.

Good luck and keep us informed!

[Lew Ledyard]

I have KMP 300. I sent it back home to Provo last summer for some updates and general "freshening up". WOW what a difference!!! I whole-heartedly recommend sending a car with a few years and miles on it back to Kirkham for this process. They looked at/adjusted/replaced/updated/tightened/cleaned/tweeked everything.

[The Cobra Guy]

There are two things that came to mind as I began this project...

One, this is a 50 year old design and despite modern tolerances and improvements there are reasons no car is built like this anymore. Some things loosen up on a Cobra, whether old or new. They just do, and while we can make some improvements it's part of the cars' character.

Two, maintenance means something, especially in a car of this type. I bought it knowing how frequently the MMP track cars are serviced. I assumed the Kirkham was scheduled in the fleet of school cars...I should know better about assumptions. The car had many drivers who know what they are doing, but even these guys can be hard on it. Those who are clueless and used it likely did the most damage, for instance it was literally burning a quart of oil every 200 miles. My guess is bad break-in and not allowing it to get to full temp before hammering it by waaay too many who drove it when new.

I'm blessed...the shop is 20 minutes from my home so parts and technical assistance are always close, and my freight bill is just what it costs to drive there. That said likely all of you know how good Tom and David are about assisting their owners no matter where they are.

[BMK]

The Cobra Guy

PM sent - email.

[BMK]

Hi mate I sent you an email re the Kirkham and my 12,000 service.

My email is:

kni-time@bigpond.net.au

Bernie

[The Cobra Guy]

Thanks Bernie...with the restoration came an opportunity to get to the bare essentials of most every part. This was intended to be a quick cleanup, but escalated quickly until the only things not removed were the fiberglass footbox, the dash and the A-arms/uprights. Most items were just cleaned up, but I looked for improvements as I went.

Being a race car with an aluminum interior at birth it was like sitting in a convection oven while driving in July and August. I'm doing a lot to curb heat. Legendary hot-rodder John Buttera once said "You can't touch one part without touching adjacent parts." That's largely what happened here...in the end I'll be quite grateful as it will be like new again.

[BMK]

The Cobra Guy

Just finished my big service.

A few things needed.

Email me when free. Will update you on my 13000 service and fixes..

kni-time@bigpond.net.au

Bernie