lotsats

Things just got more complicated. I also have a Bug Eye Sprite and looked at the brake drums. They are smaller than what are on the Lotus. I will pull them off and look at the internals. Looking at diagrams, now I’m thinking Triumph Herald or Spitfire rear brakes rotated from their normal orientation on the BMC rear axle.

I have a leaking right front wheel cylinder and am thinking I should replace all of them. Can anyone tell me what car they likely came from. I’m just about positive the rear axle is from a Nash Rambler Metropolitan which is about the same as a Bugeye Sprite. I’m thinking the 8 inch front drum brakes are from a Triumph Herald with a different hub. I do have a box of assorted brake repair rubber parts and hopefully have the right pieces to rebuild. This is a new to me vintage race car and I want to make darn sure it stops, so I’m thinking of getting new cylinders instead of rebuilding. Thanks!!!!! Joel

Unfortunately they are dished, not flat top.

So does Moss, but not flat top.

The 998 Pistons will work using 1098 rods. The problem is they are .060 oversize for the 948 and race legal is no more than .047 oversize.

I am building a replacement engine for my Lotus Seven America. The previous owner blew the engine, big time, with a hole in the block you can put your fist through. The one part I have had trouble finding is a set of flat top, high compression, pistons. These are for the BMC A Series 948 cc engine. It is easy to find these pistons for the 1275 cc engine, but not for the 948 cc. This is the same engine used in the Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite and I haven’t had luck with the usual Sprite part resources. Please contact me if you have some or know where I might find them. Thanks!

Thanks!!!!!

I am not exactly sure what I’ll do with it. I am sure it will make it on to a race track at some point. Whether that’s a track day or vintage racing, I don’t know. The previous owner blew the engine, so there are a lot of issues needing to be dealt with first. Fortunately, I have a spare engine for my Bugeye Sprite, and they share the same one, so it won’t be a big problem. The previous engine had a hole in the block you could put your fist through, broken crank, broken main bearing cap, and an assortment of other things you would expect to go along with that damage. It reminded me of the fact that just because you WANT to pass the car in front of you, doesn’t mean you CAN.

I bought this 1960 Lotus 7 America from an estate in Maryland. Is anyone familiar with the car? It will make a nice garage companion to my 1984 Caterham. I’ve attempted to attach pictures, but am not sure they did. If not, it is orange, car race number 72, and was originally owned by “Bud” Williams. Thanks!!!!!

I leave in the Raleigh area and have a set of these on my 1984 Caterham. Recently, one got broken. It was easy to cut a replacement from plexiglass, heat it with a hair dryer, and bend it to shape over the fender of another car. It looks like you don't live far away. If you order a set of hinges, you are welcome to make a pattern from mine. That said, the wind wings look "cool" but don't really seem to make a difference on the amount of air buffeting.

I’m interested in the mirrors, half hood, and shower cap. If still available, please call me at: 919-649-5635. Thanks!

Sold

I haven't heard back from thewelder, so these rear fenders are still available if anyone is interested.

$150 sounds fine. Email me at: joelhoffman11@gmail.com and I will send my phone number. Don't want to leave it here. Thanks! Joel

I have spare set of Caterham rear fenders for sale. They are left over from a restoration I just finished and came off a 1984 model S3. They are in relatively good condition. Of course, they have the usual amount of stone chips/sanding on the front faces from normal road use. Stainless steal protectors and trim are included. These are well marked up from stones also. I can send pictures and will ship at cost. Make a reasonable offer and they're yours. I would also trade towards an FIA roll bar, half doors, or bikini type top. I am located in the Raleigh, North Carolina area if you would like to pick them up.

Today, I called the UK, and was able to get a copy of the original invoice for the car. Hopefully, this now solves the problem. Thanks to everyone for the feedback!

I wrote to Caterham in the UK and haven't received a response.

Thanks for the reply!!!!! Where in NC are you located? I'm in Cary. It would be nice to know another Caterham owner nearby. I do have pretty good knowledge about working on the car. It's been a while, but I've owned two 1965 Super 7's in the past. The first was actually ordered from the factory in 1975 by a friend when we were in high school ---------- a long time ago.

Unfortunately, the state caught the error so it needs to be dealt with. Besides that, down the road the year manufacture might be part of the determination of value. Having the incorrect year would look like fraud to a lot of people.

I recently bought what is supposed to be a 1984 model Caterham S3. The VIN number is: CS34259MKRM. It has a California title indicating it's a 1969 model. I am in North Carolina and the DMV is trying to find out the actual year so they can issue a North Carolina title that's correct. Does anyone have, or know where I can find a serial number list with model year information on it? When first titled in the state, all kit cars, replica cars, and cars 35 years old or older must be inspected and photographed by an examiner before a title can be issued. I know some would be frustrated by such a law, but I'm actually not as it helps prevent fraud. Can you imagine what would happen if a Cobra replicar were to be titled as a Shelby Cobra. Then sold to someone as an actual Cobra a few years later. If I were the unsuspecting buyer, I would NOT be happy to find this out after the seller had left with my money. In the case of the Caterham, it's obvious California didn't pay attention when they issued a title for the car. As I understand, Caterham didn't make any cars until 1973, and S3's started production in 1974. Hmmmmmm----------- Anyway, if you have, or know where to find a serial number list, I'd sure like to have access to it. Thanks!!!!!

Correct. It's not the turn signal switch. It's a two position switch that goes up and down. I think it's time I try to trace the wires.

Thanks for the response! It's close, but no cigar. There is a rocker switch to the left and at the top of the dash that turns on the rear fog lights. Does anyone else have an idea what this switch is for?

I purchased a Caterham Super Seven, allegedly a 1984 model, recently, and have gradually been figuring things out. With one exception, it was easy to determine what each dashboard switch does. The exception is a toggle switch on the dash below the windshield wiper and washer switches. This doesn't appear to operate anything. It moves in the up and down positions. One pole has a yellow wire attached, and the other pole has both a yellow and a white wire attached. I owned two 1965 Super Seven's years ago and recall there was a manual switch that turned on the radiator fan (no thermostat for this) on these cars, and that it was in about the same location on the dash. The fan in this car has a thermostat switch on the radiator, so that's not what it's for. Any insight on what the switch does would be appreciated! Thanks!!!!!

Want side curtains for a Caterham. Believe it is a 1984 Super 7 S3. I've had a couple of Lotus 7 S2's in the past and think side curtains from any series will likely fit the car. Even if you have some old ragged ones, I'd be interested in them for restoration or to use as a pattern to make new ones. I'd pay cash, or do have some Sprite/Midget parts to trade, or might take a partial trade on an open car trailer I have. Your choice. Cell phone: 919-649-5635. Thanks for looking at my ad!!!!!