TRIP TO VINTAGE

Went to Vintage on Friday to see MR 356's creator...
Also made a few changes while I was there (headlight grilles
and Banjo wheel) Spent a few hours with Kirk...got the nickel
tour. Can't say enough about Kirk and the way he supports
his customers and his product in general. Learned much about
the way MR 356 was built...I was amazed how easy it is to change off most of the components of the speedster...Saw about 30-40
rusted out pans that someday will be reincarnated to be better
than their previous lives.....
I want to Personally thank Kirk in this forum, and to say that
everyone who has the opportunity, should take the "Nickel Tour"
Also....anyone who is considering a speedster purchase, feel
at ease in knowing that Vintage will support you even after
they have your money...unlike most car dealers, which is basically
what Vintage is....albeit specialty...
P.S. I was not paid by Kirk to say any of this....no free parts,
future tune-ups.....

OK, I have to add something to this thread.

A few years ago, I had received my CMC body less a bunch of parts, CMC had gone bankrupt and I was not a part of a terrific forum like this one to help guide me along. I was truly lost in the woods in building my kit and was trudging along as best I could.

I had the opportunity to travel to LA on business and, while there, I took a side trip to Kirk's Vintage Speedsters shop to see what it looked like and how he put his cars together. I phoned him up and told him my story of the CMC, made it clear that I was going to build it up and wasn't really interested in buying a VS, but would he be willing to show me his shop?

Not only did he spend a couple of hours with me, but he showed me a LOT of tricks and tips to use in building my speedster and adding the kind of quality details that really make it special. I left after learning a whole lot and buying a set of his replica speedster gauges (I never DID get them from CMC!) and have since called him occasionally over the years for info or tips and have bought a few other trim pieces from him. He's always been easy to contact, especially on the phone, and he's willing to spend time answering questions and giving good advice. I can't say enough good about Kirk and his operation. And this coming from someone who never bought one of his cars!

I get the feeling that a number of other providers out there are giving the same level of service, but believe me, after dealing with CMC and getting super burned, it was refreshing to find someone in the industry who was honest and helpful.

Thanks, Kirk.........Gordon

Gordon,
It's been about ten years since I got my car from Kirk and I also can honestly say that my experience has been very positive. Kirk is definitely passionate about his cars and does whatever he can to make sure you are content. He is always ready to help even if you did not get the car from him. Like I said, he is passionate about the speedster car in total.

I have to concer, that Mr Duncan has been excellent. over the time I had to do busness with him on my kit.
I took the low road with a few twist.. Got my kit and proceeded to convert it into a Roadster. It was a bit tough on the doors making sure they wouldn't crack after heavy use with the roll up windows, but I survived it.
He was esecialy helpful When I ask for more carpet to do the trunk. making sure I got the right stuff.

I put a post in the clasified section of this forum a few months back
asking for Banjo wheel and some headlight grilles...... I was
kinda taken back by the price that was being asked for these
items...Asked Kirk, Ended up with what I wanted for less
than Half what I was quoted in the forum. No reflection on
you guys, but I need to save a buck and would rather not
put as much money as possible in a replica....The argument
for Quality can "maybe" be made, but not with me.....
He recently (this week) upgraded my motor for again less
than half what I was quoted anywhere else......and that was
with a transmission trade, never quoted by the others....
He's the best in my book....
If you are among the small percentage on this forum who actually need to watch how much you spend, Kirk seems to be a good source for most
parts or upgrades..........
again, I am not being paid by him to say any of this, he is not
holding me hostage...in fact it appears he has plenty of work
He said someone walked off the street and saw my car there and liked
it so much, he bought one...of course I asked for a finders fee....