Al N.

Throwing my helmet into the ring for President slot, unless there are objections (I don't think Laura is a forum member!).

Guys, I have a route mapped out that I always loved in a Se7en that might work...I'll forward to Bruce (do I have your email mike?)...

Okay, my flights are confirmed...getting in Thursday 11 AM, leaving Sunday 5 PM. I'm hoping there is a shuttle to the museum or that I can snag a ride with someone (Tom G?!?) See you all there!

FYI, I'm considering flying in now. That way I can spend at least some of my 14th wedding anniversary with my wife! Tom and other NE folks, I'll update as soon as I confirm my plans.

Great to see everyone, and Laura was happy that I made it back to NJ in time for dinner. BTW, Dave W. (xflow7) of Binghamton, NY was the recipient of the club door prize — a publishers edition copy of Dennis Ortenburger's book "Lotus Seven & Independents"...for having traveled the farthest in a Se7en to attend. He just barely nudged out Mike (Croc), who traveled from Jersey City, NJ. I'm sure the weather kept some folks away, but it was nice to meet old friends and make some new ones. Though I'm sure that one Lotus-o-phile who stopped by thinks we're all jerks for slagging the Evora before it even hits US roads.

I've got to catch up on this thread, but I think my next Seven will have less power than Orange for sure. Skinnier tires, too. BTW, looking at some of the prices people are asking for used Superlights these days (including one in the Lotus Ltd. mag), Morgan made out very well.

Gents (I don't think we have any women on this particular thread)- Back from a business trip in Vegas. I'm picking up a new USA7s banner today and will be there relatively bright and early tomorrow, rain or shine. Note that the Club is offering a publishers' edition copy of "Lotus Seven & Independents" by Dennis Ortenburger as a door prize — probably as a very inexpensive raffle. I'll also have club stickers. Looking forward to seeing old and new faces! -Al

I'll be there...in and out for me, though...got a big concert at church the next day.

I only had half doors and liked the fact that it kept your elbows out of the spray. They use snaps to attach, but we modded mine so that it used quarter turn fasteners at the front end...they were prone to popping off due to the curve of the car...

Man, did I miss a lot of crap (which I would prefer would stay in the past) when I went dormant in Dec and Jan. Good pix, y'all.

FYI, I just booked my rooms in Cody and Jackson...I'm staying at an alternate hotel in Cody (slightly cushier to make the wife happy), but will be at Chico (booked a few weeks back) and the Ranch Inn in Jackson. FYI, the Ranch Inn only has the more expensive Tower rooms available at this point. Book now! This means I'm set for the legs of the trip we'll be joining. All I need now is a car, rental or otherwise!

KStier...post this up on the Se7ens.net list and I'm sure you'll shake some more folks loose. I don't know what my plans are for next Friday, but I might drop by with the family.

I will add that I've always thought that any of the officer positions might be a great fit for someone without the time constraints of A) a day job, and B) younger children. Also, note that the job of organizing meets, national-scale or otherwise, does not necessarily fall in the lap of the officers...

I thought you all (butespecially Tom of Manik, Doug of Autopro, and founding USA7s member John Ch.!) might appreciate this post by Peter Orosz: http://jalopnik.com/5225736/does-a-se7en-come-with-cupholders For more of Peter, go here: http://hyperleggera.com/

Much better than our encounter with the rangers in Shenandoah.

I'd love to drive 129 again and catch up with some of the locals, but it's going to be pretty much a sprint back for me on Sunday. I hope some of the others can join you and Claudia. BTW, is the interior of an S1 red lamiplate? If so, where did you source it?

Chaz- I think a write up would be good, especially for other folks considering the hobby/obsession. Perhaps we could finally get around to doing that "FAQ" section with write ups on various marques (by their various owners). Here's my POV on timing of buying: I used to be like you, with a different fantasy car every few years. But then I had a ride in a Se7en, and things changed. As for timing, three years after my first ride/drive, I was an owner — of the car that Mopho currently helms. And now, Se7en-less, I know that any other type of car would merely be a placeholder. My advice: The dealers know that the jump from tire-kicker to owner is generally a pretty large one. But try to be as respectful of their time as possible. I think you'll find that by and large, the dealers/mfg./importers are pretty cool and very consultative. Even though I didn't buy a car through him back in 2004, Dick Brink was a great counsel in helping me determine what it was that I wanted in a Se7en. At the time, I wanted the lightest, fastest thing I could (almost!) afford. Having done that and enjoyed it for years, I will probably take a different direction the next time around...even with Sevens, there's always a faster one out there somewhere (I'm looking at you, Mazda!) I will add that the group here and the many I've met in person, are really great people.

As long as he's cool with the 3000 mile annual restriction that comes with Collector Car status (it's checked every 2 years).

TG-I'll shoot you an email soon. I doubt I'll stay another night...already pushing the limits of my admittedly generous paid time off calendar this year — what with LOG and the Beartooth drive! As for the trailer, have you been reading my emails with various and sundry parties? Just kidding. But, if a fellow Sevener wants to spare him/herself the interstate time, I'll bring the trailer. Otherwise, I'll just have the Pilot.

My check is in the mail. Thursday Night, Friday Night and Sat Lunch. I'm planning on leaving after the auto-x (got to cheer on my Philly region SCCA pal Tom G.) on Sunday afternoon, splitting the trip back into an overnight. I'm still open to caravaning down. BTW, if someone from the Northeast wants to tow, I have an open trailer and we can split gas for the Pilot. Planning on leaving Wed, sleeping over somewhere, rolling in to Birmingham midday on Thurs...enough time to clean up and meet everyone at the Egan thing. Maybe I can sneak in some go-karting, but I didn't register for that.

Bruce, I saw that Tony V. is parting out not one but two crossflows...one is Jay Ivey built/tuned. So you might want to reach out to him and buy one of those for the basis of a hot motor. According to Ted Wenz of MWE, you can get 145 out of a reasonably reliable crossflow stroker.

Better yet, get a Texas title that says it's a vintage car....then QQ it up here, no inspection — IIRC. Jiminy, with all these new Garden State Sevens, I better get back in the saddle soon!?!?

IIRC, if you have the 6 speed, you push the knob down (towards the floor) and forward when it is lined up on the left side of the gate. I also remember having to make an effort to pull it up out of that gate or be stuck in R... As for all the buttons...worthwhile to buy a manual from Cat USA (if only to try and figure out the British-isms). One of them is for the brake warning sensor (I assume when pads and/or fluid are too low).

Sans Carbs?

having met Dave in person on my trip to Montana last summer, I can vouch that he is very tall (though very lean!). If someone of his height can make a Birkin work (and I know he drives the car to auto-xes, not like us trailer queens), then I'm confident that anyone shorter can make it work. In terms of sizing the footbox, I will say that it may be a case of getting used to it. I can't really comment because I'm 5' 8" with 8 shoes. I've driven a Seven in workboots. Although I am a former Caterham owner, I will say that the IRS Birkins look like a great value.