CSX Aluminum body versus Fiberglass?

[Bob Stafford]

I need some input, I just ordered a CSX 4000 last week, ordered fiberglass and now am wondering if I should have ordered aluminum body instead...... I am wondering which body will hold up better as far as maintenance, dings, noise and so forth... Also, resale value, if the extra $20,000 + for the aluminum body would be recouped, just trying to figure out if the extra money for the aluminum body would be beneficial.
Would appreciate QUICK RESPONSES as I have short time to change the order.
Bob

[Stentor]

The price difference between a fiberglass and aluminum CSX 4000 roller is $65k ($50k vs. $115k), not the ~$20k that you reference.

http://www.hillbankusa.com/csx/csx.htm

It really boils down to your preferences and budget.

From which dealer did you order your car?

Good luck.

[4pipes]

Originally Posted by Bob Stafford

I need some input, I just ordered a CSX 4000 last week, ordered fiberglass and now am wondering if I should have ordered aluminum body instead...... I am wondering which body will hold up better as far as maintenance, dings, noise and so forth... Also, resale value, if the extra $20,000 + for the aluminum body would be recouped, just trying to figure out if the extra money for the aluminum body would be beneficial.
Would appreciate QUICK RESPONSES as I have short time to change the order.
Bob

I think you'll find they both have their own positives and negatives.

[ENTDOC]

for 20K difference, definitly go aluminum. If it is 65K difference( which I believe it is) maybe not. However, both will resale for about what you have in it in todays market, you might lose a bit more with the aluminum one.

[trs900]

Get the aluminum then when asked you can say "Yes its real aluminum.." and for only $20K more its a bargain

[Kzof]

Mine is glass, and the way I see it I would rather it be that way. Up at Lime Rock I saw a guy lean over an Al. car and bounce the camera that was hanging around his neck off the top of the front fender leaving a noticable dent. This way I worry about it less and still enjoy the hell out of it.

[ENTDOC]

Fix a Dent can have it looking new in 15 minutes and 45 bucks

[LMH]

My opnion would be to cancel the order all together and buy a Kirkham. Having a CSX number isn't worth the extra money in my opnion.
Larry

[bnewell]

Hmmmmm, now thats not a bad idea!!

[Excaliber]

Might be onto something there, buy a K car. You know, 6 months ago I would NOT have suggested that. But with Shelbys disgusting law suit against SAAC, the 'name' has lost substantial value to me.

Perhaps the trick here is: How do you celebrate the cars, which are very cool, and yet not celebrate the man (at least at this time)? I think it can be done, for me the thrill remains with the cars. I simply choose not to line Shelbys pockets anymore.

[4pipes]

B.

Off topic...... such a fine behind.

[berzerko]

I do not go for the "real thing" b.s
kirkam was running a sale after there open house a aluminum body with a stainless chasis and all the billet goodie's to go with it for 30-40k less than a "continuation cobra" no brainer in my book

(oh and this is just my opinion not a insult to anyone with the real thing)

bobby

[1985 CCX]

I agree with Larry and Bob! KMS
This with either top or w/o top, slab car set up as comp.........

Their 427 is hard to beat too.....

Nude is nice too...........

[Power Surge]

Well, first off, alloy CSX cars are 40k more, not 20k more ($96,500 last I checked). By the time you are done building the car with a 427 side oiler and all, you've got well over $125k or more into the car. However, alloy cars that are well built, also bring good resale, usually in the $125k range, with some as high as $140k. Glass cars nicely built are bringing in the 80-95k range, which is just about the difference in price between the rollers. So the "completed" resale value over cost is about the same for both cars.

As for other differences, even though I like my glass CSX, there's nothing wrong with an alloy car. The aluminum is thicker that originals, and much less prone to damage. Alloy cars are easier to fix, because you don't have to replace a section if damaged like with a glass car (provided you know a good alloy bodyman). The bodies/chassis on the current alloy CSXs are sourced from Kirkham, and there are hundreds of Kirkham owners that will attest to no problems at all having an alloy body.

Hope this helps.

[1985 CCX]

Sal,
Off subject:
Have you moved?

Jeff

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Sal,
Off subject:
Have you moved?

Jeff

Yep, last Sept.

[mhacars]

I have an alloy CSX car which I am very happy with. I agree that it is less dent prone due to the thicker material, but it is still delicate. Given the way I wanted to have my car constructed with respect to drive train and finishes, it made sense for me in my mind to go the aluminum route. I think a large part of the decision rests with the intended use as well as your budget and drive train choices.

It has been 4 years since I ordered my CSX and it arrived as promised 8 months from the day I placed the order. Perhaps I was fortunate. I do not know what delivery times are now. Furthermore, who know if they can even deliver an aluminum car. The KMP cars are magnificent and I am sure that my car started out that way as it was built for Shelby by them.

I feel very fortunate that I was able to obtain a CSX car, but I did not buy it for investment purposes. Whatever you choose to do, I would suggest considering the above and make a well informed decision with no regrets.

[xlr8or]

Or you can just buy my Kirkham and be done with it.

[mhacars]

Your car is very nice. Best of luck with selling it.

[ENTDOC]

come on guys, the question was not about buying anything other than a CSX car, Kirkhams are great,but off subject. Sal, I think the price went up to 115K for an aluminum CSX roller recently, and at that entry point it will be hard to recoup your money for a while at least.