Nick OTeen

When I registered my Caterham in California recently the issue of "year" only came up when I met with the referee at the CARB. The magic number that he suggested was 1960 - which is a threshold pertaining to emissions issues - and my car is now forever exempt from ever having to go through a smog inspection.

Congratulations on the purchase of the car. Don't worry. We are all a little crazy (in the eyes of others).

You may have seen it here, in this thread. Page 26, post 258. http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2278&page=26

The Lotus 11 was available with different rear suspension setups. The base and club models had drum brakes and a solid (live) rear axle while the Le Mans version had a DeDion suspension with disc brakes.

I'd like a full size Donkervoort now. (To the extent one can call a Donkervoort "full size".)

Yes, essentially the same process as the SB100 program. It takes patience (waiting at the DMV in particular) but overall it's not that difficult. You begin by going to the DMV to start the process. You don't need to bring the car - even though the lady I dealt with first said I did. I showed here on the DMV website where it clearly stated you did not. Do bring the MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin) for the car along with a Bill of Sale and Title. You'll also bring the proper application/registration paperwork already filled out. Oh, and bring your checkbook, you'll pay the tax and registration fees on your first (there will be three) visit to the DMV. If all goes well they'll issue a one-day permit that will allow you to drive the car to the CHP for a brief inspection and VIN verification (and a little more paperwork). Once that's done the CHP will give you a document that you'll take back to the DMV for the next step. You'll also have to take the car to an approved shop for the inspections that will give you the necessary brake and light safety certificates. When you take the CHP document back to the DMV they will then give you a 30-day Temporary Operating Permit. About ten days to two weeks after that first DMV visit you'll receive your SPCN Sequence Certificate in the mail from the DMV. Once you have that you can call the CARB (California Air Resources Board) to set an appointment to bring the car to one of their locations where the Referee will examine the car and establish how the car is to be registered in relations to emissions testing. They ask if you want to register based on the year of the engine or based upon the year of car your car most resembles. The choice was easy. It was agreed the Caterham closely resembled a 1960 Lotus 7. This means the car will never have to be go through smog inspection. The Referee did ask me to add a PCV hose which meant I had to go home, make the change and (after calling in to making another appointment) bring the car back. On the second visit he passed the car and gave me the necessary certificate (to take back to the DMV) and then affixed a very official-looking sticker to the firewall. Next was the third, and last, visit to the DMV to turn in paperwork (including turning over the previous title) and the CARB certificate. After a few minutes I was given plates for the car and a temporary registration/title document and should soon be receiving the actual documents in the mail. The good news is that, due to the slow economy, there are still SPCN (Special Construction) Sequence Numbers available which makes all the above possible. In past years it was common for the five hundred numbers to be grabbed up by car enthusiasts by January 2nd. However, there are fewer folks building Cobra replicas and the like so there are still numbers available. You may want to call the DMV in Sacramento to confirm this - though I doubt they've given out the remaining numbers within the last month or so.

Here's a 7 by 7 photo from last Saturday. '05 Caterham next to a '68 Lotus. http://i46.tinypic.com/28taq9e.jpg

Having just purchased a Caterham from out-of-state and successfully registered it here in California I would say go for it. That is one great looking car at an exceptional price.

I have no intentions of messing with it but, at the same time, it would be kind of nice if Caterham had kept the system as originally intended and employed an ignition lock and key with the PATS system fully functional.

Sounds possible. Though the plastic ring clamp appears to be just that, a plastic clamp. There's no electronic component to the ring that I can see but I can only see the one side. Certainly the part encased in the heat shrink with the wires running to it could be a transponder reader. The key for the 7 doesn't look like much but it very well could have a PATS transponder chip in it. It would be good to know if it does as I'd like to have a spare key or two made. EDIT: And then there's this, similar looking, part (described as a PATS transceiver) from the Caterham website: http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/img/p/2874-2849-large.jpg http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_product=2874

Now that my 7 has been declared fully road legal and proudly wears its plate(s), it's time to focus on other things. In getting to know the car I've spent some time looking under the dash - it's quite a jumble of wires and stuff under there - and I noticed this thing tie-wrapped to the steering column near the firewall. It's some sort of a plastic ring clamp attached to a small "box" covered in heat shrink with some wires going to it. What the heck is it? http://oi45.tinypic.com/14x1005.jpg

216.

Got 'em! Going out to the garage now.

Yep. Reason to celebrate!

Just got back from my second visit with the CARB referee. The 7 passed and has been issued the needed paperwork and sticker declaring it smog exempt. Tomorrow I'll go back to the DMV for what should be the final visit to get my plates.

I'm in the final stage of getting the 7 registered. The CARB (California Air Resources Board) wants me to route a hose from the back of the Zetec engine's valve cover (where the little K&N filter/breather now sits) over to somewhere on the intake side of the engine so that I have a closed loop. The referee said it must be before the throttle plate and suggested routing it into the air filter somehow. However, that would put it before the air mass sensor's hot wire and I fear the oil vapor would could the wire. He also cautioned against routing it into the rubber "elbow" between the air mass sensor and the throttle as he feared the elbow would crack - this despite the fact I've got the parts and expertise to reliably place a fitting there. I've been to the local Ford dealer and got some advice based on the stock Zetec SVT motor setup. Anyone out there with a Zetec-engined 7 that has such a hose in place? Thanks http://i46.tinypic.com/308cftl.jpg

Good to know, thanks! I got my sequence number at the DMV a couple of days ago. CHP and CARB visits are next on the list. http://i48.tinypic.com/nwxbfd.jpg

Where did you have the inspection done? At the DMV or at a CHP office? Do I need to bring the car to the DMV to begin the process or do I just go there to submit paperwork first and then take the car to the CHP and CARB? I'm trying to avoid trailering the car around needlessly. Thanks.

I have to count myself as very lucky to be the new caretaker for this incredible car. Here it is soaking up a little southern California sunshine just minutes after coming off the hauler. Athens7 did a fantastic job of sorting, upgrading and maintaining this superb machine. http://oi45.tinypic.com/ut3sn.jpg

Yes. See post #21.

I will soon be in need of the services of a company to transport a car cross country. I'd be interested to learn of personal experiences and your recommendations or warnings. Thanks