CSX fiberglass or aluminum

[bnewell]

Originally Posted by Stentor

If you want an aluminum Cobra, but don't need/want a Shelby CSX 4000, go with a Kirkham.

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Just read the post

[BMK]

Mmmm Kirkham aluminium/aluminum gets my vote - left unpainted...

[Power Surge]

Here's my view, for what it may be worth...

You have to ask yourself several questions in deciding what you want.

First, if you want an alloy car, do you want a Shelby, or just an alloy car? If you want an alloy car, and don't care about the brand, then a Kirkham is the way to go. If you want a real Shelby, then obviously it's either a glass or alloy CSX.

Second, are you looking at future resale value (always smart to keep in mind)? Both glass and alloy CSX cars have gone up in resale value. I don't think one has an advantage over the other. Obviously alloy car bring more money, but they also cost more money. As far as worth goes, my feeling is that the period the car was built, adds the value. Older 4000 cars are worth more than newer ones, mainly because of age, just like anything of value.

Third, you have to weigh the pros and cons of the body material. It's nice to say you have an alloy car, but once it's painted, most people won't care or know the difference. Part of the Kirkham mistique is leaving the cars unpainted, which makes people ooh and aah over the bare alloy. Then you have the material itself. I don't think Jay's comment is fair, because he's got an original car. Original cars have aluminum that's about as thin as a soda can. It dents VERY easy. The aluminum used on the newer cars is much thicker, and while I don't suggest doing it much, you can lean on a newer alloy car's fender (within reason of course) and not damage it. As far as damage goes, alloy cars are very forgiving and easy to repair, by someone who knows aluminum work. At the 05 Kirkham Summit, they had a car that hit a deer, and one of their guys spent the day working the body with hammers, picks, and files, and when he was done you couldn't even tell the car was hit. A glass car can take a harder shot, as far as rocks and stuff go, but when something major DOES damage a glass body you are looking at a lot of body work, and sometimes even section replacements. So both have pros and cons.

I guess that's the major things to consider. I wanted a glass car, wound up buying an alloy car, then went back to a glass car. I would love to own an alloy CSX, but I feel much more comfortable driving my glass CSX.

Just my 2 cents.