budget for kirkham build

[henryr]

anyone have a budget they outlined for a kirkham build ? 289/427/whatever

[RodKnock]

Too many variables. What finish (polish, brush, paint), what engine (SB or BB), crate engine or build it yourself, what options, are you doing any assembly work? Kirkham aluminum rear end or Jag? 5-speed or Toploader.

You should talk to Joe at Kirkham. He knows almost everything.

[Joe@KMS]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

You should talk to Joe at Kirkham. He knows almost everything.

42! (Sorry, geek joke)

I sent you a pm with some numbers.

[henryr]

got it thanx.

i was looking for other's experiences. i haven't decided what i wanted to build and what options yet.

[Jamo]

What I paid and for what is no longer relevant, but heed the advice above and talk to Joe. Better yet, if you are seriously considering a Kirkham, fly out there and put your feet on the ground while you talk with them so you can see what the options are all about and why you would or wouldn't want them. That airline ticket will be the smartest money spent on the build. Let them have a feel for what your goals are and your abilities for doing anything on your own. For example, if you want a brushed or polished finish, it's best do do it before adding the carpet, etc.

[ng8264723]

People advised me to fly out to Provo as well. I guess that would of been interesting but not necessary. It would of benn another $1,500 into the build. They make the best car. Everything is top of the line. I bought mine and I have never even sat in a Cobra. I guess I'm nuts. Goto there website and click on the options and see. Or look for a used car occasionaly there are deals. A real nice one just sold for $67,000 on Ebay
chris

[Jamo]

Could that be why you've second guessed some of your initial choices?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by henryr

anyone have a budget they outlined for a kirkham build ? 289/427/whatever

One piece of advice -- when you have a Cobra built to your specifications it will always end up costing you more than you thought it would.

[JJCobra]

Patrick speaks the truth. 10-20% is what I'd budget to get it built to your exact specs.

[ng8264723]

No Jamo it's not. Which choices would that be? I didn't change anything except the finish and the tranny.

[Jamo]

Glad it's working out for you, Chris...and that you now know what the "door panels" look like.

While someone may get lucky...folks who know what they are spending their money on, sit in the car, etc. are going to be less likely to have problems down the road. This is based on my experience of watching folks end up b!tching after delivery and blaiming the mfg because they flat didn't know what they were doing. Happened not too long ago with this mfg, and it has happened with others. Their mistake ends up being a bore for others.

As to building to spec...that's another reason why I suggest folks go there. I know of more than a few folks who chose NOT to get certain options once they went there, or decided to get the body finish done in Provo once they saw the amount opf work that goes into it, or decide to get the interior put in there because it can be a PITA for folks who "think" they can do it and then end up complaining later...or others who find out they CAN do some of the work and save money.

Several hundred bucks spent at the beginning for a plane ticket versus ten of thousands in money and/or months of aggrevation for not knowing about things ahead of time...easy calculation to make. I owned a Cobra before my current Kirkham, and visited there several times during the build during 2002 with my contract written on the fender with a Sharpie. [I'm not sure going there several times is necessary...but my size was a factor...certain concepts were being developed by the Boys to insure real men could fit.]

In any event...not one problem with what I got in the five years I've had it. I knew exactly what I was getting, and I chose some alternatives that saved me some money. A few of us early owners can be thanked for having a part in coming up with the ideas of getting the unpainted finishes, the aluminum hood scoops, etc. because we went there and saw what could be done.

But I'm sure your own experience of having ordered the car without sitting in a Cobra (your words) and thinking there are interior door panels on these things while still awaiting delivery is certainly far more credible...so you must be right and well placed to offer advice.

Am I being harsh? Hmmmm...maybe, but you commented on my advice and I've responded. Oh well...if it prevents problems down the road for others (and for me having to monitor threads 24/7 because someone b!tches when they only have themselves to blame), I'll take the hit every time.

[patrickt]

At ERA we call it the "butt in seat" test. You really should do it regardless of the manufacturer. If you are tall, short, or "girthy," it is absolutely imperative.

[ng8264723]

If you have the money and time to go see a car in person that's great. My schedule is a little difficult and i didn't think I needed to take the time off to see it. My 03 Cobra SVT which I bought new I also didn't go see. I did do some extensive reading before I bought. I absolutely love the 03 what a pleasure to drive top down or up.
I didn't have a Cobra before the Kirkham? Why I wanted to wait until i could afford the best. I have been around cars my whole life and built a few as well. You are correct you should know your abilities. If you are a wrench turner you know what you are capable of. I hand built a twin turbo set up with an intercooler for my last Mustang. The car was a blast and i drove it every day before it was stolen. Being around cars I knew I didn't want to deal with a painted finish either doing it myself (I've painted many) or farming it out. I knew from the beginning that a brushed finish was what I wanted. I thought the polished finish was the ultimate but didn't budget for it. I was offered several deals from the wonderful people at Kirkham and jumped on them. That is why some things were changed on my build. Going to look at the car is a great idea. Researching it and reading about other builds is another approach. I limited my options to mostly comfort and driving. I stayed away from some of the bling stuff. I never really got into all the billet stuff that was available for my fox Mustang or my 03. I was never a wheel and tire man. I always liked plain centerlines. Anyway, build it anyway you see fit the best way is to go look. I just didn't find it necessary. I'm very happy with the way my car is coming out. It will be arriving in a week or so. David and then Joe have been a pleasure to deal with. Lastly, it's true I didn't know how the car's door panels came. Apparently on this board if you ask a question like that it comes back to haunt you. Personaly, i don't think you really ever know how much you like a car until it's yours and home. That is when you can drive it like it was your own. That is my perspective. If you have been around cars a long time and take the Cobra for what it is and don't expect more you should be fine. When you get it home expect it to be quiet have a/c power windows you will be dissapointed. That is what happened to another fellow on this board. He wanted a corvette and eventually bought one. He also didn't assembel anything on his car. While mine is coming as a roller I will be installing the engine and tranny. I however have a full shop with a rotisserie and a lift.

[Jamo]

Good on you for explaining your choices to your own personal satisfaction. Again...hope it works out and that you enjoy every mile.

But...

...Cobras don't have "door panels."

Mustangs do.

[ng8264723]

Some do........
From finish line.
Door Panel Vinyl $275.00
Pleated Door



Click to enlarge
Vinyl Door Panels

Plush black vinyl door panels. Pouches on both doors. Hand sewn pleats matches FFR Cobra seats. Stainless screws and bezels provided for installation. Instructions included. Does Not Fit Mark I. Set of two. SPECIAL ORDER ALLOW TWO WEEKS FOR DELIVERY


This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 14 April, 2004.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by Joe@KMS

42! (Sorry, geek joke)

OK, now that Joe has established he's a geek, what does it mean? I was a geek once, I was a pro at MS-DOS. Darn that Windows put me out of business.

I didn't travel to UT to make my decision, but I think Jamo's advice is excellent for most, but obviously not for everyone. I've driven a few Cobras and been driven in a few as well, and I've admired them since I joined SAAC about 29 years ago (before I could drive, so I'm not that old ).

So, I REALLY knew what I wanted, except for a few those "blingy" items like the billet gas tanks straps, stainless steel steering shaft, billet pedals and the aluminum rear end. I chose them in the end, because I wanted the lightest car possible within financial reason.

henryr, there are those items which I forgot in my "budget", which was blown up very quickly. The little detail items such as an original coolant tank and oil puke tank as well as fuel logs and turkey pans add up in a hurry. Coating the headers and sidepipes, including shipping back and forth can be a big number. Fitting the headers and sidepipes is no small job either. 4-wheel corner balanced alignments, adding a fuel level gauge sending unit (Kirkham has already built the gauge into their newest gauges).

I can keep going, and going. Some people desire a car that's closer to original specs and that will add to the budget too. Good luck.

[alpace@pacificp]

Jeez,

Take the time to visit Kirkham. I agree, it is dollars well spent. I went twice just to have a better understanding of what I was ordering and what I should expect when I got the car. Also, it is a great way to 'identify' with the car.

Again, dollars VERY well spent. Visit.

[xlr8or]

Yup.. After seeing a couple of them I went to Utah and all the Alumiporn. They had two cars on rotisseries so I had the chance really get a good look. They took the time to explain all the options to me show many of them on the cars in progress.

[Murphy]

Henryr, you may get better suggestions by stating how much you want to spend and ask for current owners to weigh in on what options they like and dislike for the price. My opinion is based on the quality of what the Kirkhams provide they undercharge. Powertrain for the car is a large variable also. Go see one in person, I bet there is one in your town or close by that the owner would gladly show you if you don't want to fly to Utah.

Good luck.

[henryr]

i'm probably going to look for an existing car to purchase. downside will be that it likely will not be 100% as i want it.

if i can find something like the silver slabside listed in the for sale section (already sold) that would be perfect.