Million Dollar Skunksworks Kirkham - Page 57

Ronbo · #**1121** (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 05:08 PM

Sorry David, I seem to have started a trend here, I only wanted to pick on you about the boots...

To help answer some of the questions that may follow: because it's a 1 million dollar cobra, not a 2 million dollar cobra. Like it's predicessors, it won't be maintenance free, but it doesn't appear like it's going to fall apart either.

*13* · #**1122** (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 05:34 PM

Amazing! Has there been a guess on final weight?

Don DePontee · #**1123** (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 09:52 PM

I know this has been asked but is there a location where the entire build can be viewed other than sifting through all of the posts here?
Don

xlr8or · #**1124** (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:34 PM

Don you must have missed the post earlier but they put it all up on the Kirkham site chapter by chapter..

http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/book_aoe/

RodKnock · #**1125** (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *13*

Amazing! Has there been a guess on final weight?

Around page 63 or something, I think the Kirkhams stated 2,045 lbs or thereabouts.

Don DePontee · #**1126** (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 12:05 AM

Thank xlr8or, that's exactly what I was looking for.
Don

*13* · #**1127** (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 06:03 AM

Not Bad! She should get up & Move!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Around page 63 or something, I think the Kirkhams stated 2,045 lbs or thereabouts.

TwoSeatsOrLess · #**1128** (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 02:46 PM

I've been lurking and following this thread since the beginning, it's truly fantastic. I hope to be able to see the car in person someday.

I just joined to see if there are any updates in the last few weeks?

Thanks!

RedBarchetta · #**1129** (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoSeatsOrLess

I hope to be able to see the car in person someday.

Buy a box car load of Oracle stock and that would be a good start.

1ntCobra · #**1130** (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

Buy a box car load of Oracle stock and that would be a good start.

Perhaps it would be easier to see the prototype car at the Kirkham factory?

TwoSeatsOrLess · #**1131** (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:25 AM

I'm assuming Larry actually drives it, correct? From what I remember, he's that kind of guy. Maybe the Kirkham's could chime in here...

Assuming he does drive the car, he's "local" so seeing it might be easier than you think.

David Kirkham · #**1132** (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:42 PM

I haven't posted for a while as I have been tied up on other projects. We did a home make over for a family and we were tasked with decorating a 15 year old guy's room.

We made him a pretty cool desk with FE crankshafts for the legs.

I should post more soon.

Larry does drive the car. That is one of the reasons it was so hard to make.

David

HI Cobra · #**1133** (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:46 PM

Bet that desk won't be moving around much!

Cobra Lite · #**1134** (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 10:39 AM

Just wondered last night...

Would it be feasible to design/build a similar layout space frame in steel tube? I picture rectangular thin wall tubing, possibly with lightening holes even.
Use the same suspension design and everything else from the BILLET car but with an affordable modern frame.

Not that I will ever be able to afford the best, a Genuine KIRKHAM, but if I were, that is what I would want to buy. I am not concerned about "originality", I want the best brakes, best handling, lightest car with the beautiful AC body. My preference would be the 289 FIA shape, but the 427 style would be more popular I am sure.

Considering how many replica builders have used different frames I believe this would be an excellent option for your cars.

Just a thought

dm18 · #**1135** (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 06:27 AM

I have just read this thread and the entire book which I downloaded from the Kirkham website. Speechless. I am beyond impressed by the engineering and craftsmanship. Larry E is a very lucky man to be custodian of such a treasure AND to find Mr. Kirkham to build with such passion.

On a very small scale I also had built a Cobra to suit my driving requirements. I have a few vintage Ferraris (Daytona, 288 GTO, F40) and vintage Porsche (930 Turbo SE, 993RS) and have no interest in an underperforming Cobra replica - which I had and hated driving but liked looking at. I used a TVR Chimaera 5 litre as donor chassis, running gear, drivetrain etc and upgraded what I did not like (wheel hubs to M3, suspension, brakes, etc). With the reduced weight and performance enhancements my car also has too much chassis for too little engine!!!

David Kirkham · #**1136** (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dm18

I have just read this thread and the entire book which I downloaded from the Kirkham website. Speechless. I am beyond impressed by the engineering and craftsmanship. Larry E is a very lucky man to be custodian of such a treasure AND to find Mr. Kirkham to build with such passion.

On a very small scale I also had built a Cobra to suit my driving requirements. I have a few vintage Ferraris (Daytona, 288 GTO, F40) and vintage Porsche (930 Turbo SE, 993RS) and have no interest in an underperforming Cobra replica - which I had and hated driving but liked looking at. I used a TVR Chimaera 5 litre as donor chassis, running gear, drivetrain etc and upgraded what I did not like (wheel hubs to M3, suspension, brakes, etc). With the reduced weight and performance enhancements my car also has too much chassis for too little engine!!!

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, we were very fortunate to have Larry simply turn us loose to make our dream. It put a lot of pressure on us, but it really was a dream come true for us.

David

pjmoore2003 · #**1137** (**permalink**) 04-25-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Hey David,

How about an all aluminum 1966 Mustang fastback

Bill S.

I second that... wow, a dream.

Sizzler · #**1138** (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 03:48 PM

How is routine maintenance handled? What happens in case of minor fender-benders? What if there is minor frame damage? Does it have to be shipped back to Utah? Or did the price include all the CAD/CAM files for local machinists to work from? How is it licensed in California? What kind of warranty came with it? Does the price include inspection and bolt-tightening after x-miles or x-months, whichever comes first?

ng8264723 · #**1139** (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 05:06 PM

Sizzler,
If you have to ask about routine maintenance it's probably not in your budget. Having said that the Kirkham's have helped me with my regular polished alum (non billet) car. They are very receptive and always willing to give advice
chris

Sizzler · #**1140** (**permalink**) 05-06-2010, 08:08 AM

Just want to know some nitty-gritty details. We've certainly seen enough so far.

I'd think the Kirkhams would be very interested in examing their work and design after a few miles have accumulated and so would have eilther offered or required an examination to check for undue stress, unforeseen wear, and loose bolts and fasteners...especially as the frame is basically a bolted-together structure.

All the theorectical engineering thoughts and designs look good on the computer screen, but no one cares if the real life designs work as expected?