centerfireman

I have read on several occasions (but have no proof) that removing a heater and plugging the lines MAY cause problems with uneven coolant flow. I believe that the theory is that, with a heater and its lines in place (even if the heater is off), coolant will flow through the block differently than if the heater hoses are capped off. Some people have suggested (again, without proof) that it is better to connect the in-flow and out-flow ports in the block with a hose, to maintain the original flow pattern (as if there was still a heater in place).

Welcome. I would think that you will fit into the standard chassis just fine. It is typically a question of "width" more than "height". I am 6'0" and 180 lbs. and don't even have the adjustable seat all the way back and am comfortable. Before your eventual purchase I am sure you will be able to find someone with a standard chassis car that will let you try out the fit. Good luck (both with the college degree and the Seven purchase).

I have an early '90s S3 Caterham and have always had problems with fueling, especially with the "clean air" type nozzles that are used in California. The angle of the fill spout on the car does not seem to match up with the shape of the gasoline nozzle very well. And, the "clean air" collar which seals against the car to limit HC loss often prevents the nozzle from penetrating far enough in to allow fuel to flow. Does anyone have suggestions on how to deal with/cure this problem? Thanks.

Alan: How is the parts search/restoration progressing? We are interested to hear how the project is going and when your Seven may get back on the road. Also, pictures of the rebuild would be fun to see. Good luck.

Robert: (I also sent you a PM). I have a exhaust shield that says "SEVEN HPE" in cut-out letters that I can part ways with. There is also a removable yellow/lime green piece that fits under the letters to further highlight them. I can send iPhone photos if you would like. --Blair.

Depending on where in the Bay Area you live, I would highly recommend Rich Kamp at Sonoma Raceway (the old Sears Point) for an excellent resource for information, repairs and maintenance (he restores Lotuses, builds Caterham kits, etc.). I used a Seven as a daily driver for 6 years (when I was young and dumb!), so it can be done, but the concerns already expressed about weather protection and lack of an enclosed garage are certainly things to think about. Owning and driving a Seven is not a rational decision, so looking for rational reasons to own one is futile!! Often, after one's first test-drive, rationality goes by the wayside and you just look for a chance to own one...

There are currently two sets for sale on eBay (one green, one yellow), located in Sonoma, CA. Unfortunately, I do not know how to link to the eBay auction; good luck.

I think this is an example of "where there is a will, there is a way". A Seven CAN be used as a DD if you are motivated enough: I used my (Series IV) Seven as a DD for six years, but that was in California where the weather was not much of an issue and I could leave the top off for about 8 months a year. Obviously, there is no security so nothing can be left in the car and you have to be pretty flexible to get in and out of the car with the top/side-curtains on. Good luck...

Thank you; I will check that out.

Does anyone know what the name or paint code is for the bright yellow paint color that is typically seen on the hood stripes of BRG Caterhams? Thanks.

Does anyone know if there is a side-view mirror that will fit onto the vertical edge of the windshield frame, using the brackets that are normally used for side wind deflectors? I am hoping to add a side mirror without having to do any additional drilling on the car. Thank you.

Hello: I have an early '90s Caterham with a bench seat that I would like to convert to individual seats. How difficult is this and is will individual seats and runners bolt in or will the floor need to be modified? Also, how do those of you that have bench seats find them to be as far as comfort and the ability to hold you in place while cornering? Thank you.

Yes, this is the car I am interested in. I had originally seen it on NY and PA Craigslist ads. Tom and Roman have responded, offering to inspect the car for me and I am waiting to hear back from the seller. This forum, and its members, has been very helpful in my search for a Seven. Thank you.

Hello: I am in California and am interested in a used Caterham in Pottstown, PA (about an hour NW of Philadelphia). Is there anyone in that area that would be willing and able to take a look at the car for me, for an appropriate fee, and report back to me? I am interested in purchasing the car but am unable to get back there to see it myself. Thank you in advance. -- Blair. e-mail: halliday678@yahoo.com Cell: 707-327-6963.

Hello: I am considering a twin-Webered 2.0 Vauxhall engine in a Caterham (mainly for street use, with occasional track days; no racing planned at this point). I am interested in thoughts and suggestions from those that have owned or driven this engine. I have heard they are heavy but have many options for upgrades. What are peoples' experiences with reliability, tractability and durability, etc.? Thank you.

Tim, the seller is very helpful and has been nice to work with (I have decided to look for a higher-spec car that is already licensed in California). The car is a 4-speed, live axle, drum brakes and Tim is the original owner. The car seems to be a very nice, basic, lower-spec Seven and would probably make an excellent "starter" Seven for someone.

Thank you very much for the information.

It is my understanding that in approximately 1996-7, the Caterham chassis was "improved", the later ones being stiffer and stronger. Does anyone have pictures of the two versions to show the differences? Or, what do I look for to tell the difference? Thank you.

I am new to this forum and apologize if this is the wrong place to post the question. I hope to be checking out a 2002 Caterham soon; it has a Duratec 2.0, 5-speed, LSD and 3,000 miles. It is described as "well-sorted" and in "mint" condition. Seller is asking $35,000, which seems 10-20% high to me, but I am out of touch with Seven pricing since I had to sell my Series IV 30 years ago. Thank you for any suggestions and information that you can provide.