SAI Manufacturing details!

[Brent Fenimnore]

Dear Real 1,

You are correct in what you are saying in several ways, many of them will be identified over the course of the next few weeks as I have mentioned on another thread.

Major differances in suspension design, fabrication and application do atribute to the ride and handling differances mentioned by Brett as well as the structural ragidity of the frame itself. The use of a specific brake "system" can make considerable differance and in fact we have done the same type of development with the coil overs as well. We worked with Flaming River back in 1998 & 1999 to develop a modern rack that meets the original dimensional configuration that is availablke to the general public as well as Kirkham so we will not go into that particular detail. Other changes to the suspension such as bushing material, bearing configuration, dimensional setup and mounting brackets to mention only a few have also changed the ride that is accomplished with the CSX4000 units.

I wish to point out that SAI has utilized some 6 different suppliers of the aluminum bodies for the CSX4000 platform over the past 7 years and in fact have requested to get the aluminum bodies only from Kirkham to no avail for the past three years in our attempt to make all frames conform to the same structural standards.

The changes to the interior and fender tin that you mention is no big deal adds up to a lot more than meets the eye. One simple example of the details that are addressed by SAI is the attention to removing the seat back panel, counter sinking all rivet holes, for covering with vinyl, or leather pending the customer choice, and reinstalling the panels. If this step is not followed the result is self explanitory. This modification is only a few of the panels that are reworked but I can state by hands on experience that it is not a one hour job by any means.

The wiring harness used by SAI is night and day different from the Kirkham harness in materials as well as configuration which will be discussed at a later date.

The body itself has been reworked in several ways over the course of the last 110 Kirkham bodies used but I can happily state that they have utilized a continuous improvement process on a unit by unit basis, it is hand formed and of course each body has it's own subtle differances.

Heavy duty components does not only refer to the material used but also the actual structural design and or integrity of the components themselves, I will go into specifics at a later date as well. I am not trying to escape from further detail but do not want to bore anyone and need to get some sleep.

Thank you for your time and input,

Brent Fenimore