stevet

Thanks, Mazda, I did not realize the images I posted were not showing on the site as they did show up when I logged in. Oh well that means no one got to see my alternative seven, so here it is.http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20060901_062943_my_other_seven.jpg

Dave - pic attached (I hope). AS you can see, my footwell needs a clefile:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/steve/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/2006-08%20%28Aug%29/seven%20footwell.jpgan!

I drive a 99 Toyota 4 Runner - I carry a lot of stuff around and live at the top of a hill that is only accessible by 4x4 in snow. It doesn't go too fast which is good, because I tend to. I would look at one of the 3 series diesels - also the G35x. Enjoy.

Hi Dave, Mine overlaps the same as in your photo. However there is another small panel filling the space between the red panel (mine are red too...) and the front edge of the footwell - this is on the drivers side only, the passenger footwell looks the same as your pic. I'd never noticed this before, and don't know what purpose it serves - maybe it smooths out the surface there - but my feet don't catch. I'm headed out now, but will try to post a photo later if that helps. Steve PS: mine is not live axle

That's quite enough of that, Mazda.http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/leaving.gif

I've had one in Va in the seven - 74 in a 45, but it was very downhill, honest. I had one in the UK in my old seven (we're talking 10 years ago) - 38 in a 30, I thought that was pretty harsh.

No 6 here's my 0.02 cents worth... my first Caterham was a 1700 crossflow which I uprated to about 145 hp. Flared wings, Webers, classic look. I loved it - great to drive, great sounding engine. My current Cat has the Zetec engine - the cooking version, 147hp, nothing fancy like Al's - and cycle wings. It is probably more similar to the Birkin 'cos of the engine. It doesn't sound as good, but it has bags of torque and has been (so far) maintenance free for 8000 miles except for the usual oil, plug and filter changes which are easy to do. I have never driven a Birkin, but friends who have say it handles slightly less well than the Cat and is slightly less well built. I would stress that information is second hand. I'm sure there are well built examples around. Mazda has made the point about resale. Like you I would be torn. The Caterham will IMHO need more maintenance - it's in a pretty high state of tune for a 1600 - but may hold it's price better than the Birkin. On the other hand the Birkin will probably be easier to maintain and get better mileage. Two things: check with the Calirornia Caterham Club - there's some Birkin owners on there I think and you may be able to look at one closer thean Texas; also, have someone who knows their way around engines have a look at the Caterham if you go that route. Good luck, either way it will be big fun!

I too tend to roll my foot - maybe a function of size 12 feet (see Al's footwear thread). I originally learned it from a friend who raced vintage cars, most with no synchro so you had to double de-clutch on downshifts. A good way to learn how to match revs.

As my feet are a size 12, I have to wear narrow shoes. Boat shoes work, but my current favs are Puma Speedcats, which are not only very comfortable (and give good feel), but also have some street cred with my Teenager and her friends.

Sal, you might want to check the archives on blatchat. I don't recall there being a separate no on the frame, but it's worth checking. http://www.blatchat.com/

here (hopefully) is a pic os my 'other' seven. 3 inches, overall length.file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/steve/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/2006-08%20%28Aug%29/my%20other%20seven.jpg

I always do two thing with new passengers; show them how to open the belts (most have never used race belts), and tell them to put their hand on the bashboard if they are uncomfortable with my driving. Only one has bottled it so far. Must not be driving quick enough!

I think Tony has a point. - base membership around behavior rather than ownership (current or future). The fact is most people who join will have a seven of some sort - common sense really - those that don't are obviously interested or they wouldn't be here, and that's fine by me.

I agree with Al, the 'future owners' sentiment (whatever the wordage) is worth having - I remeber joining the UK club before I bought my first Caterham so I could get a better impression of the likely ownership experience, and the kinds of issues (and people!) I would be dealing with.

sorry Mazda, can't find a name on the site. It does include a lot of links to other useful sites for anyone planning a build BTW.

I enjoyed this site - build of a 2004 de dion - obviously not a CRS, and probably many differences, but might be worth a look http://www.thecaterhamproject.com/index.html

Having been a seven owner both in the UK and now here, I can confirm Al's earlier comments; The UK Lotus/Caterham community often looks down on other seven inspired marques as 'not the real thing' The arguement goes along the lines of 'Lotus was the original seven, the Caterham is a continuation of the original, and everything else is a copy of a seven.' Some folks - a minority I suspect - get quite vocal on the subject, others keep their heads down and just enjoy thier cars. Since moving to the 'States I have enjoyed the fact that this is not really an issue, and that the focus is on the cars, the drivers, the adventures etc., and not on provenence. Let's keep it that way. Steve. PS: not like me to dissagree with Al, but I'm not sure the 'build it yourself' thing was the key motivation for Chapman. The Seven was originally sold as a kit to avoid 'purchase tax' which was applied to sports and luxury cars back then (and was 50% on top of the retail price). As always with Chapman, he came up with a way to solve a problem that no one had dared try, and upset the governing body in doing so. I'm no historian, but that's what I was told.

Something for the ladies perhaps - or even those of us planning to drive down to the 777 weekend... my wife went down to meet some girlfriends for a 50th bash at a Spa near Bryson City recently. The place was pretty rustic but the treatments were excellent in her view (and she knows a bit about this stuff). They also ate at a very good restaurant in Nantahala called Ralia's where all the veggies were home grown, but you need to supply yoar own booze. Also, if you stop in Nantahala it's well worth getting some local sausage - fabulous. Details for the Spa; Aleen Whyte Contact Lakeview at Fontana at: 171 Lakeview Lodge Dr. - Bryson City, NC 28713 Phone: 800.742.6492 Email: >info@lakeviewatfontana.com >http://www.lakeviewnc.com/

Welcome aboard No 6 - are you at Wieden & Kennedy by any chance? I was an Ogilvy man. Hope the car comes through, you will not regret it. Steve T PS: Middlesbrough just beat Chelsea in the EPL - just had to tell SOMEONE!

I don't think you can rent the long circuit, it's officially a public toll road (hence the coach going round on the Cat vid). Last time I was there - mid 80's admittedly - there was all kinds of cars and bikes, plus Dunlop were testing tires for LeMans. So you had everything from Trabants going 45 mph, to LeMans prototypes pulling 180 plus. Good brakes and regular mirror use were the order of the day.

Very important client in reception, Al: off you go. While trawling through my list of seven related sites this morning, one is always the easiest to find; this one. The simplicity of USA7s is worth thinking about in terms of a club name. But it's Mazda's site, so he should have first say on whether he would want that considered. Just a thought. Steve.

Not sure I understand the last one 'Rob Mitchell' ? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif I quite like North America Sevens (maybe add Club to it? - NASC?). The good thing is it's more inclusive (morning Canada). Steve.

NIce looking car. There is a trick I've seen done where you line up an unsuspecting female in such a way as to 'highlight' the headlamps on the seven. All in the best possible taste of course... Steve.

I'm happy to get involved. Just don't ask me to do anything technical, computerwise. Not sure about 'United Sevens of America,' but then, I'm a Brit... Steve. PS: I think I just did that double post thing again. Bugger.