Million Dollar Skunksworks Kirkham

[David Kirkham]

I can see Rick was in here sneaking photos with his phone. I'll have to frisk him next time. Really, thanks for the kind words.

What may not have come across, and I haven't said as of yet...

There are actually 2 cars. Yes, two cars. We built the first car as a prototype to work all the bugs out. That is the car that I have posted all the pictures of up to this point.

We wanted the car to be really nice for delivery so we decided to make another car. Rick was one of the test drivers for the first car and we used his input, along with the other drivers' to refine the car. Frankly, we were extremely pleased. We didn't adjust anything except the shocks during our track testing. We drove the car as hard as we possibly could and kept pushing the drivers. One of the track instructors commented, "In an original Cobra you run out of chassis long before you run out of engine. In this car, never ran out of engine before I ran out of chassis."

One thing I have been most impressed with in this whole creation is how powerful the new CAD systems are. When we bolted the suspension on, the caster and camber were exactly where we designed them to be. The only thing we had to adjust was the toe and some really fine bump steer tweaks on the steering tie rods. When we tested the car on the track the tire wear was perfect. Even with all the different drivers we had drive the car, they all settled down to arguing over 3 clicks of the shocks, or 1.5 clicks either direction. In an original Cobra, you can't discern 5 clicks either direction as the chassis is so flimsy.

All in all I am very happy with how it turned out. It is the nicest custom car I have ever seen.

I will post more pics as soon as I can.

David

[Hank F]

Well done David,that car is pure art that works! What`s next?
Hank

[1ntCobra]

Dave,

I can't wait for the new pictures. I hope you got some video of the prototype at speed that you can share too.

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Hank F

Well done David,that car is pure art that works! What`s next?
Hank

Gents!

I am closing in on finishing the book! In the next few days I will finish the rest the story on this car. It was fabulous, (IMHO)

As for what's next...only time will tell.

David

[franklin]

Hi David,
What did the finished product end up weighing?

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by franklin

Hi David,
What did the finished product end up weighing?

I don't remember exactly. I think it was 2035 but I will have to check to make sure.

David

[Hexnut72]

Ahem...

How bout a lil update?

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Hexnut72

Ahem...

How bout a lil update?

Coming up! Give me a few more days and I will start posting again! We went a little over the top with the book.

David

[Chaplain]

I love the tool marks, but can't help adding I think the parts would have looked better if they had been tumbled and then black anodized. I did my apprenticeship in an Army Arsenal and all the aluminum parts, some of which were very complex were prototyped on pre CNC machines, like the 40mm Grenade Launcher and most mortar recoil mechanisms. They were some incredible craftsmen. The final operation was as I suggested to apply a protective finish. I have always liked that look where you can barely see the tool marks and it looks like the metal was just born that way.

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Chaplain

I love the tool marks, but can't help adding I think the parts would have looked better if they had been tumbled and then black anodized. I did my apprenticeship in an Army Arsenal and all the aluminum parts, some of which were very complex were prototyped on pre CNC machines, like the 40mm Grenade Launcher and most mortar recoil mechanisms. They were some incredible craftsmen. The final operation was as I suggested to apply a protective finish. I have always liked that look where you can barely see the tool marks and it looks like the metal was just born that way.

You do bring up a valid point. We decided to leave the machine marks. When you see the pictures in the book, maybe you will agree.

David

[Sharroll Celby]

David, is it monetarily feasible to lengthen and widen a Cobra IRS frame and put it under my 1957 Ford Fairlane 2-door Hardtop? Or would I be better off going with the frame builders that specialize in modern frames under early Detroit iron?

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Sharroll Celby

David, is it monetarily feasible to lengthen and widen a Cobra IRS frame and put it under my 1957 Ford Fairlane 2-door Hardtop? Or would I be better off going with the frame builders that specialize in modern frames under early Detroit iron?

Hmmmm, not sure. I am not sure how to attach an independent suspension under a Fairlane. There isn't much room under there for the upper control arms.

David

[John Seagraves]

David,

I am new to Club Cobra and have looked at all your build and I couldn't be more impressed.
You are a miracle worker. I used to own CXS 2343 and sold it for college. I plan to order a Kirkham in the future and wouldn't think of any other builder.
Thanks for the wonderful experience,
John Seagraves

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by John Seagraves

David,

I am new to Club Cobra and have looked at all your build and I couldn't be more impressed.
You are a miracle worker. I used to own CXS 2343 and sold it for college. I plan to order a Kirkham in the future and wouldn't think of any other builder.
Thanks for the wonderful experience,
John Seagraves

John,

Thanks for the kind words. I do appreciate them. Sorry I didn't answer any sooner. Hopefully your college is the means for you to buy many cars of your dreams.

I have been working like crazy on finishing the book for this car. I will do some test posts here of the first pages of the book shortly.

David

[big-boss]

"The Book" I sure hope your good old customers get first dibs on the book. It sure needs to have signatures of your design/ build team as well. Cain't wait.

[misegades]

Hi David

I just registered for the forum because I simply had to comment.

Although I have never cared for the looks of a Cobra myself, I am quite the car nut, and also happen to use SolidWorks 50-60 hours a week for work. After following a link to this thread from an engineering forum, I have spent a substantial amount of time over the last 2 days going through all 57 pages. My colleagues and I are all quite impressed with the work that you and your company have done, some of the parts you're using are quite intricate, in particular the curved part in the rear wheel well.

Also, we're quite jealous not only of the equipment you have at your disposal, but the freedom you're allowed in your design work!

That all being said, I want to congratulate you on the simply brilliant piece of automotive art that you and your company have created, absolutely stunning work!

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by misegades

Hi David

I just registered for the forum because I simply had to comment.

Although I have never cared for the looks of a Cobra myself, I am quite the car nut, and also happen to use SolidWorks 50-60 hours a week for work. After following a link to this thread from an engineering forum, I have spent a substantial amount of time over the last 2 days going through all 57 pages. My colleagues and I are all quite impressed with the work that you and your company have done, some of the parts you're using are quite intricate, in particular the curved part in the rear wheel well.

Also, we're quite jealous not only of the equipment you have at your disposal, but the freedom you're allowed in your design work!

That all being said, I want to congratulate you on the simply brilliant piece of automotive art that you and your company have created, absolutely stunning work!

Hey, thanks for the kind words. I am ever so close to publishing the entire story. Stand by. Maybe it will be ready in a week or so. You simply won't believe what we did. As I look back on it, I know I can't believe many of the things we did. For that matter, I can't believe the book either. I just wanted the book to be as nice as the car. I think it is.

David

[acindrich]

I've heard alot about that car and followed the thread for a while. Who designed that thing? They should get a LeMans top whoever they are! It is beautiful!

[misegades]

I do want to apologize. By stating that I don't really like the way Cobra's look, I didn't mean to insult anyone. Rather, I was trying to convey just how ecstatic I am about this whole project, despite my taste in cars (or lack thereof, I'm sure some of you are thinking! )

I would like to know when "the book" becomes available, I'd like to add it to my collection. I think I'll have to sit it right next to my Carroll Smith books

P.S. Wanted to add, when (and where) will I be able to follow upcoming Skunkworks projects?

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by acindrich

I've heard alot about that car and followed the thread for a while. Who designed that thing? They should get a LeMans top whoever they are! It is beautiful!

He did get his picture in the book.

David