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Well said John. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is hiring someone to help with DMV. In my case we had a friend who, as a part of his business, worked with the DMV every day. His business amounted to if you had an issue with DMV he went to the office and resolved it. In my case after completing the SB 100 process with the referee my friend made the DMV process very efficient. He even told them where to find the instructions for how to do their job. He's gone to the big used car lot in the sky, but I would think that if you asked around you might find a guy in your area who does the same thing. Tom

Piling on to @CBuff, before anyone checks themselves into jail (literally) let’s remember this is a public forum, which has never supported sharing ideas on how to commit fraud or even skirt along its edges. Every state has its own laws for registering a kit car; some make it easy, some make it impossible, and most fall somewhere in between. Further complicating the situation, the individuals working at DMV offices are rarely well‑versed in the nuances of their state’s regulations in this area. As a result, they often default to the safest and simplest answer for them: “No.” This is why the advice to visit multiple DMV offices until you find someone who actually understands your state’s laws is both sound and legal. It also means the responsibility is on each of us to do our due diligence and become familiar with the relevant statutes before we show up at an office. And for those who like to fly a little too close to the sun, think carefully about the risks of publicly discussing your flight plan.

Some people are in positions of public trust that cannot chance "gaming the system" lest they run afoul of the law. For them, other less difficult autos should be considered. Which sucks to have to say that. But, hey, for what you spend on a 7, you could have a very nice TR, MG, or Spit, etc., lots of aftermarket support from Moss, and have 5" under you.

I defer to the more experienced. But I believe there is some level of vagueness needed to avoid legal entanglements. I believe the Cobra forum had some listings on navigating the DMV (IE gaming the system) which ended up coming back to bite them with a bunch of registrations being revoked. Although I dont have first hand knowledge of this. There might be a way to keep this on track but may turn into a moderation nightmare. Navigating the DMV was certainly a stressful aspect of ownership. Sitting with a new seven and fearing you couldn't get it registered in the state you lived in. Or Montana (which seems to be slowly closing the door on out of state registration.

One thing I've been wanting to do is send Speedy Cables a RS2000 Long cable to reproduce in more durable components. https://www.speedycables.com/ If the upper sleeve ferrule has a C-clip ring on the inside be sure to use it so the cable doesn't fall out if it breaks. Those repro cables will break at the upper Eyelet from twist or the lower anchor will pop out from shock. Either way, both ends need securing. I know you probably know all this. I just want to say it.

I think a forum top category parsed out by state specific subs is beneficial to the 7 community.

Yes and I should have a spare cable when this is all done.

Going to stick with a cable clutch? I like cable. They will stretch out. Have to be ready to adjust or replace them anywhere.

My understanding is that the combination of cycle fenders and full windshield ends up pushing a lot of air into the side of one's head (in my case at any rate). The windshield side wings I added to my car reduce the effect. I suspect it is a swirl/vortex coming off the outer edge of the windshield. I can push the wings out further and feel a further reduction in buffeting, which supports the theory. I don't know how much a half door would do to stop that from happening, but my WAG would be "not too darn much". Everything is happening higher up. Here's a chronicle of one fellow's attempts to 'fix' the situation. https://fernlahone.wordpress.com/2014/08/16/experiments-with-wind-deflectors/

This could be a thread starter all by itself. I have an IRS related story involving multiple years, hundreds of printed and mailed pages, and countless hours on hold, that would fit perfectly.

It appears we are going to remain curious..... I may mock up something for a test drive before I invest or get serious about the issue.

Actually he took out both seats. AFAIK it was to remove the leather transmission cover to get at the shifter and other things. He had to disassemble and/or remove numerous items to get the engine and transmission out. He has done some work on an early Lotus 7 but this was his first go at a Caterham. Also his first time working on a Vauxhall C20xe with twin Webers. That means the alternator is on the opposite side to the Bosch fuel injected models. It’s all a learning experience. He’ll be better equipped the next time he works on our car or anyone’s Caterham for that matter.

@Billy you're letting the DMV idiots get to you. You just have to try different offices until you find a non-idiot. Texas and Florida are close. Maybe @hahuang65 recent experience can help you. There is a big thread on it. Somewhere here... also there is Sevens and Elans. Chris there might be of help.

they took a seat out to separate the prop shaft?

SOLD

Old topic, but just got my SB100 last Wednesday on a brand new 420R that I received a year and a half ago!

I would imagine that it is likely a state assigned VIN.... so it could be anywhere! Usually on the firewall/pedal box area, but I've seen them tucked up on a frame tube under the dash....

I’ve decided to keep the vintage look of my stainless wing protectors, so I’m selling these new carbon wing protectors. These are genuine Caterham OEM parts and include the installation kit with piping and black rivets. $180 shipped within the continental US.

Moby65, I plan to drive my Stalker XL up to Moultrie, GA this morning to watch the test and tune of the SCCA National Tour Event happening only 1.25 hours from the house. I finally got my new-to-me Stalker XL dialed in and just want to go up for a couple of hours and watch some of my friends play with their autocross cars. I will plan to give you a call this weekend and provide some information you might be looking for? Anaximander

@Moby65 I removed your PII when approving your post above. We have scammers who read the site, so sharing your full name phone number, and email address can create a lot more spam and potential scam attempts for you. I have sent that information to @Anaximander to ensure he knows how to contact you. Cheers, John

Anaximander --- I am in the process of purchasing a Buick/Stalker and would appreciate any and all info that you can send my way. Dennis L. Thank you.

As detailed in the thread Our summer fun has been put on hold because: our car came home from the body shop on November 4, 2025. Just a few weeks later it went off to another shop for a clutch replacement. It’s been resting in a nice heated shop all winter while the mechanic learned all about trying to find parts for a C20xe Vauxhall. Well, I’m told it should be ready in a couple of weeks. If the weather is good and the roads dry I’ll drive the car the two hours home and save the $400 trailer fee.

1972 Lotus Series 4 up on BaT. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-lotus-seven/

Sorry to hear about your Miata :/ . I read through your thread when I was researching se7ens but didn’t remember that part. No apologies needed! I don’t mind taking Miata detours

North Shore Long Island this morning