Aluminum Body

Cobrafan1 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 06:11 PM

Was wondering what the visual differences are between the AC body and Kirkham body? Obvious ones to me: the Kirkham's radiator opening seems flat on the bottom as well as the front wheel flairs. Any other differences?

thorconstr · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2011, 08:19 PM

The Kirham bodies are the same dimension side to side, the older Shelbys that aren't Kirhams are not. The nose opening and flares are as original, maybe you were looking at a different version. 427SC, 427 Street, 298 FIA, and 289 Street

Cobrafan1 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 07:01 AM

I know the Kirkhams are symmetrical side to side. Specifically I was interested in knowing the differences between the CURRENT AC bodies shelbys and the Kirkham bodies Shelbys. For example:

-any differences in the alloy used?
-thickness
-styling differences-for example the radiator opening on the Kirkham bodies appears flatter. Likewise the front wheel flares. The rear wheel flares appear more pronounced on the Kirkhams but I could be wrong about this.
-are the tolerences of the current AC bodies better than 45 years ago? Are they more symmetrical side to side.

I realize many of these points are splitting hairs and require a fine eye.

Thanks

thorconstr · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 07:49 AM

I believe that the Kirkhams did not make styling changes to any of the models as they took the design from the original, although there are differences between the models that are as original. As to the newer AC vs Kirkham, I would still go with the Kirkham.

Cobrafan1 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 08:10 AM

Its my understanding that the Kirkham body was copied from csx3104 which had been in an accident. I remember reading that some people felt that whoever did the repairs did a less than flattering job. This is no way a snub Kirkhams body, just trying to point the differences out. They are subtle.

thorconstr · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 08:41 AM

I believe that given the craftsmanship and need to create a true copy, the Kirkhams were and are dedicated to excellence in their reproduction. Also knowing that the original could vary up to an inch from side to side, the original you looked at may have been different. I also believe that the Kirkhams have done everything in their power to make an excellent, better copy. They make the best Cobra on the market.

computerworks · #7 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 08:43 AM

Is there even an "AC" for these new bodies to come from?

Aren't they made by Brooklands or another UK supplier?

computerworks · #8 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 08:44 AM

I did a once over of the first batch of CSX1000 cars in 2005...they were also faithful with many minor departures from the original for convenience.

Haven't seen any of the latest, though.

B.M.B.C · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 09:57 AM

Look he...

North Devon Metalcraft | Manufacturers of replacement steel and aluminium motor bodies

computerworks · #10 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 10:11 AM

yup... that was my "other UK supplier"

Certainly not an "AC"

Nice work, though.

Cobrafan1 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 10:21 AM

Its not my intention to determine who makes a "better" product. Just merely to find out the subtle and not so subtle differences between the current "AC" body and the Kirkham body. I do agree Kirkham makes an excellant body.

computerworks · #12 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 10:37 AM

"AC-style" body...since there is a doubt that AC is in the equation.

The ones I saw did pick up details that were omitted on the Kirkham, but it would take a nutcase to find them.

The shape is fundamentally the same. 3104 as a template is not significant factor since it wasn't a Comp car; the Comp-S/C attributes were added by KMP.

Also the UK sourced bodies are 100% pounded and rolled, while components of the KMP are pressed.

B.M.B.C · #13 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 11:23 AM

There are a couple of other metal shapers in England who can beat a good cobra body from sheet...

Cobrafan1 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 11:41 AM

I am a nutcase, lol

computerworks · #15 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobrafan1

I am a nutcase, lol

That makes two of us.

mrmustang · #16 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by computerworks

That makes two of us.

Three

Cobrafan1 · #17 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 01:00 PM

Seriously though, are there any other subtle differences I'm missing? The rear flares (fender lips) on the new AC bodies seem to be muted compared to the Kirkhams, kinda like the old narrow hip 427's. Then again, I've seen those bodies bare, and the flares look fine. Maybe too much paint filler??

computerworks · #18 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 01:01 PM

Where are you looking? link?

Cobrafan1 · #19 (**permalink**) 12-31-2011, 01:16 PM

check out Gessford, project 10, csx1021. If you look at the bare body, the rear flares seem normal (427s/c or comp), but after its painted the appear more blended. Maybe its me?? I've also seem other pics of CSX1000 cars where the rear flares seem more subdued. Personally I like the wide rear fender lips (flares).

TimG427 · #20 (**permalink**) 01-02-2012, 09:51 AM

Kirkham did a mirror image of one side of their original Cobra to make the car symmetrical. I’ve looked at lots of original ones and the sides are different on all.
I love the lines and look of the Kirkham.