Experience with Crendon

[MKJ]

Right - going to see Crendon on Tuesday to discuss a number of things - so questions for you Crendon builders:

1. Has anyone taken the rolling chassis route? Is it worth the extra cost?

2. Build sequence - is there a preferred route? Assuming I go down the Rolling Chassis route - what is next part?

3. Can Crendon supply all of the bits - Radiator, trim, etc?

4. Engines - anyone built with a 351C? I was going to use a Boss 302 block but I have been persuaded that 351C gives Big Block feeeling without the extra weight/cost. Anyone used one?

5. Support from John Kerr? Any views? I hear that quality is frst rate but any view on after-sales/build support?

I am in Gloucestershire but work in Surrey (Chertsey) Anyone near either of those locations - able to show me the finished article/give me a biew on build simplicity/complexity?

Thanks all - any repsonses very greatfully received!

[wilf]

1. Most go this route - it is very cost effective if you figure in your time, and also JK pretty much prefers it as it allows him to exercise quaility control over things like panel gaps and safety items like brake and steering installations. If you cost up all the bits that go into his rolling chassis/body offer, you probably won't think twice about it again.

2. engine/gearbox installation and ancillaries, then electrics inc dash, then trim. You decide at what stage you want to paint. Some do it first, some last, each has its merits/downsides. If you are waiting on engine and 'box, you can get on with all the other stuff anyway.

3. yes, but order in good time.

4. Quite a few out there with clevelands, although I personally have never driven one flat out. with the $/£ rate currently in force, go for the Southern Automotive big block side-oiler look alike - it is almost a Crendon standard at present. Unless you have deeper pockets, when SA can also do a good deal on a 427so. The Crendon was always designed to take a big block, in any case. With ally heads, inlet and water pump, the SA FE weighs less than a standard cleveland I believe.

5. John actively encourages you to turn to him for all build/after sales enquiries. Superb advice usually.

Can't help you with a run out, unless you want to travel up to Leicester. Johns demonstrator is rather nice, anyway. The build is not difficult if you take the rolling chassis option anyway - all the hard bits are done for you. The rest is really assembly rather then build. (not sure I should have admitted that!)

[Neil O]

What Wilf has said is spot on (saying that hurt).

I'm near Honiton, Devon if you want to come and have a look at a part finished Crendon.

The build is pretty simple really. It would need to be if I can do it!

Go with the FE390 from Southern Automotive, great value and relatively hard to tell apart from a sideoiler.

[dingocooke]

My car has a 351C in it, welcome to come see it etc

[Neil O]

You can't beat a big block though.........

[legend]

Hi MKJ, agree 100% with the comments John is one of the good guys. He is very protective & passionate about his 'babies' & it shows in the product, enjoy & contact me anytime Tony.

[MKJ]

Cheers gents - spoke to John at length today. What a nice fella!
Looking forward to seeing them next week and moving forward.

[dingocooke]

Yes hes such a nice guy isnt he! I bought my Crendon built, and Ive not (yet) even spent money with John, yet he was willing to talk for a long time giving me advice and info, I just couldnt recommend him enough. Its so nice to deal with somebody who is enthusiastic about what they do.

It was also such a refreshing change from the abrupt and, frankly condescending reception I got when I made a call to Hawk to enquire about some parts for my old Hawk289. Maybe I caught him on bad day, but his attitude made it very easy to go elsewhere for the parts; and there is no way Id buy a kit from anyone with that attitude.

[MKJ]

Spent two hours with John this week. What an amazing guy and an outstanding car. Decision is made after very scary test drive - love the big block and top loader. John also let me drive teh car - amazing handling and power.

What impressed most was the quality of the part built project he currently has for a dutch customer and the way John personally had so many positive things to say about many of you even though I personally feel heated seats are a bit girly Neil - but to each his own eh!

So Crendon kit to be ordered before Christmas when my new garage is finished. Can't wait!

I don't underatsnd why anyone would any other Cobra replica!

[Miket]

Originally Posted by MKJ

I personally feel heated seats are a bit girly Neil - but to each his own eh!

He's a puff

Crendon kit to be ordered before Christmas when my new garage is finished. Can't wait!

Get it ordered now, you will probably have to wait 6-8 months before you get it.

I don't understand why anyone would any other Cobra replica!

I think most people would aspire to a Crendon, but I think funds might have something to do with non ownership.