Million Dollar Skunksworks Kirkham

[David Kirkham]

Here the rear uprights and the CV's axles (with the right length bolts) are now assembled and installed on the chassis. Notice how long the rear lower control arms are.

[David Kirkham]

Here is a close up of the rear differential with the CV joints. Our CV joint system is much easier to work on that other CV set ups on other cars. These axles simply pull out of the differential (like all modern cars)--making the differential installation much, much easier.

[David Kirkham]

Here you can see a close up of the suspension push rod. Notice the push rods are tapered! We did everything we could to save weight.

[David Kirkham]

Everything on the car was made as tight and as light as possible. Notice there is only about 1/8" clearance between the push rod and the CV joint!

[David Kirkham]

Finally, here you can see the billet motor mounts. We designed them so you could install the engine side of the mounts on the engine and have the frame side of the mounts already mounted to the frame. All you need to do is simply lower in the engine and put in the cross bolts. We designed the motor mounts with cross bolts so in case of a rubber failure, the engine doesn't torque up and have the side pipes smash into the body (one of the charming problems with the original cars.)

Also, you can not install the motor mounts onto the engine on an original 427 Cobra and lower the engine into the car. The mounts have a stud that sticks out at a 45 degree angle that prevents the mounts from being lowered into the frame. So, you have to lower the motor just above the frame mounts and then snake the motor mounts into place--without moving the engine and smashing your hand! (another original snake bite waiting to happen!)

[David Kirkham]

Preliminary body installation today! I am happy (and impressed) the CAD data was correct! Everything lines up perfectly. Good thing we digitized the body!

[David Kirkham]

Thomas inspecting the body installation and giving a few pointers.