mdork

Tackled the prop shaft (easy) and diff today. As with just about everything so far - the diff carrier didn’t align particularly well so it was a rather long day with many moments of exasperation but the diff is in and torqued. Beer was extra tasty after. Thankfully have my dad as build partner as I’d have had zero chance without him. Progress.

Thanks @Pokey. Will take you up on that I’m sure. I generally have a dozen tabs of various build blogs open. The “detailed build blog” is my personal favorite and don’t think I’d survive without it. Happy to host any locals who want to stare at a partially built car and reminisce. I’ll also happily stare at your finished car and find motivation.

Slow progress continues. Caterham decided to ship my front dampers without the spacers installed - and of course I realized this well after installing the units. So out they came and spacers went in. Continues the theme of doing things more than once but glad to have noticed and sorted. As with many others, my roll bar install was hilariously challenging. 5 of 6 bolts lined up reasonably well. One of the bottom bolts was not particularly close. I am sure there is someone at Caterham HQ that would explain "look mate, it's built wonky on purpose to increase the tension under load, innit" - but for a random dude building at home, it just means a 20 min job turns into 3 hours of sweat and profanity. Thanks to some help from my pops/co-builder - we managed to get it in and everything torqued to spec. I also took the opportunity to test fit the upgraded parking brake handle which you'd expect to be a 5 min, simple replacement. But, as is tradition, the replacement part doesn't actually fit due to a fat weld on the underside of the assembly....some trial and error with my trusty dremel got everything cleaned up and it's now ready to install. In other happy news - Bruce brought over a new set of the LED tail light assemblies. Look amazing. If anyone is looking for traditional rear lamps or the clear lenses, I have an unused set now in a box... Hoping to get a few big build sessions in later this month. Weather in Seattle is so nice it's been tough to prioritize garage time...I'm enjoying going slow and having more fun than all my challenges would suggest :).

As expected, second assembly took 30 minutes. Got the front anti roll bar installed as well. Hoping to tackle radiator and some plumbing this weekend. Progress feels good.

Despite reading all the build blogs on the headlight process, it still took me 3 hours so get the first assembly done. Pure comedy as I repeatedly started over after getting the sequence wrong. Super happy with the end result. Second one will be easier!

Thanks - right now I’ve only done the steering rack exit and doesn’t look bad. Haven’t decided if I’ll keep going. Wish Caterham had done a bit better with the paint application.

My car is a work in progress but would love to meet up with the local crew.

Sorry for no updates. Making slow progress. Engine is in and learned some lessons along the way. Keep thinking how much easier this would be the second time but having fun bumbling along.

Look great to me. Are they available for purchase now?

Thanks Yogi - will take you up on that I'm sure. Another interesting discovery on the u-joint is that the build manual calls for an M8x40mm bolt whereas Pack A inventory lists the u-joint bolt as an M8x35mm. Grades are different as well. Decided to go with the higher grade 40mm just because. I have most of the front suspension in...making progress...the dreaded headlamp assemblies are up next. Good luck with the PBC!

Thanks for the links. Decided to just get started in the name of progress as I had my dad on hand for the day and the IVA trim can wait (or will skip). Got off to a slow start today and generally things were much more difficult than expected. The front upper wishbones were a huge challenge and for a bit made me wonder if they would actually fit in the brackets. Upper bolt for the bilsteins was also a bear but we made it work. I had seen reports of the lower wishbones being difficult due to minimal clearance for the washers but was actually really simple for me. The biggest frustration of the day was trying to fit the universal joint onto the steering rack. The rack just didn't have enough clearance for the M8 bolt and in the process of trying to get it to fit we managed to mangle the bolt so will have to sort a replacement and try a new strategy. It fits fine on the steer rod...just not enough gap in the steering rack for the bolt to clear. From build blogs it appears I'm not the only one to struggle but still a bit frustrating. Really surprised that things don't "just fit" given how many years they've had to sort the tolerances and perfect the design. Nevertheless... happy to have made progress and a fun day in the garage with my pops.

Any chance you have a link to what you used? Tried searching and failed.

Im thinking I’ll do it just because the paint work is iffy on the edges. Except I can’t find the trim in the box that says it’s in there. All part of the adventure

First (dumb) question. I know the IVA trim for the suspension/body openings are required in the UK but are folks in the US installing? What's the risk/downside? The paint isn't totally perfect on the edges so might make sense to add but curious what the prevailing wisdom is...

Thanks! It's not fancy but really happy to have space to build

After 9 months from deposit date, my 420R and all associated bits are finally in my garage and ready to build. It was rather special to have my family and my dad on hand during delivery. Special thanks to Bruce @ Beachman Racing for his help throughout the ordering process and of course for getting the kit safely to my house (and for responding to my inevitable questions during the build). Also a big thanks to some new friends in the Avants group for helping unload and lending me a pallet jack. I will be adding some pictures along the way and of course asking for help when I get stuck or do something dumb. For the Seattle-area crew....if you want to re-live the build process...send me a message and I'd be happy to have visitors to drink stuff and cheer me on. I'll be building the car with my dad and two kids so expecting to take my time and enjoy the process. Shooting to be on the road by September to enjoy some blats in the sunshine. Here's a first pic of the payload...

Thanks @yogi - think I’ll stick with basic stands as I have enough room to work. Boat landing in Seattle on Friday. Not long now

Looks like good fun. Thanks for sharing. Was indeed a glorious weekend in the Seattle area. While I don't have my Cat yet, I did spend Sunday morning karting @ PGP with my son and took the scenic way home along Green Valley / Black Diamond -Ravensdale / Hwy18. Did a Carnation Farms / Tolt Hill loop on Saturday as well. Look forward to meeting up with other local 7 owners for a blat soon. My kit should be arriving in the next few weeks!

Cool - glad to hear it. Thanks for the update.

What did you end up deciding to do? Would love an update. My kit should arrive sooooon!

Problem with an electric Caterham is weight. Much less of an issue for trucks and SUVs. I’m adding a Rivian to the driveway this year and it’s curb weight is near identical to the AMG GLS63 it will replace. Except it gets to 60 in 3 seconds vs 4.5 and has even more cargo capacity. I will miss all the fun noises of the big twin turbo V8 but have other fun cars to satisfy my inner 12 year old. Can’t imagine Caterham going full electric and also can’t imagine they will be forced to do so in the next 5 years.

Let us know how you like em. Have been looking at the adjustable version. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Portable-Adjustable-Sprint-Midget-Car-Chassis-Stands,403290.html

My present is going to be late this year (kit should be in production next week after second delay). Bring on 2021!

Can't wait - should be hilarious.

Lovely car and a great location to enjoy it. Best of luck with the sale. Hope to keep it local.