IamScotticus

I noticed the absence of a hand brake. Is something else taking it's place? I ask for the benefit of those who can't get a hand brake. Like me...

Side saddle bags?

Yes, do make a build thread in that forum. https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/41-build-threads/

Make sure of your lug PCD. Most DeDion are Ford 4.25 but some early (80s) DeDion were still Triumph 3.75. Chances of you being 3.75 are very slim. But with all thigs Cat and Lotus, and POs mixing parts, I never say never.

Will, not that originality makes any difference in this case, but for future reference, is that serif style of stamp font typical of Universal?

You are correct, but I'm not implying poor prep work. Stone chips and cracks can create water ingress. PC has its place. Its a cost saving industrial solution for large production items where hand painting is cost prohibitive. But on a small chassis like this, one can affordably do a high quality coating by hand with rust retardant materials. Regardless, @randomDMZ Look at the 7s that pass through Bring A Trailer to see what they sell for. You will spend that same money refurbishing that car. Or you can buy one ready to go. I say pass on it. If you really want a 7, there are many good ones that go on the block all year. Just watch BAT and the 4 sale thread here. Just trying to save you from eternal project doom.

Hate powdercoat. It's a cheap way to do it that doesn't allow for blending in later touch-ups. It's a shell that will trap moisture and rust a hole before you see the bubble. POR15, Eastwood frame paint, there are better options. I really like those slot mag wheels. Get this book: https://www.allbookstores.com/Lotus-Seven-Preparation-Restoration-Maintenance/9781855321533 See this FB group. The Lotus archivists hang out there. Best place to get frame answers https://facebook.com/groups/641267452302116/

@gde31ff seriously, in my non appreciated opinion, of which is very biased towards the "classic" Caterham era, I think you have a great car there. It's one of those 7s that, once someone had learned enough about the variations and narrowed down a 7 to the best of the bunch, that's what you got; an imperial DeDion 5 speed crossflow. Not the most wickedly powerful, but then guys are crashing from the car getting away from them. Why people think they need race cars, and Cat is more than happy to sell them, idk. What you have there is a good balance of fast roadster that will go to the ragged edge and stick to the road. And the 13s you want will help that. Fun manageable and serviceable roadster that you can grab the rear wheel from the seat in. Fun fun fun. And you got clams! Well bought. Have ear plugs/muffs for you and passenger. Long hair needs tied back. Always be ready to adjust the clutch cable with two (1/2"?) Spanners. It does stretch out. There's an excellent book to have by Tony Weale: https://www.allbookstores.com/Lotus-Seven-Preparation-Restoration-Maintenance/9781855321533 Another great reason to have the 7 you got, there is a great book like this written for it.

No, it's not. I'm just being an azzz.

Or to prevent jiggle and sporadic opening? These DCOEs shake a lot. If all else is working, stiffer springs seems like an acceptable compromise so as not to go the deletion route.

These are perfect. Do they have any support shank? Or are they floppy as bath slippers? From Footlocker: Details Product #: 39884601 Supplier-sku #: 39884601 An icon of racing culture—the PUMA Speedcat OG is back to bring the excitement of racetrack right to your everyday rotation. Synonymous with speed, precision, and unparalleled performance for over twenty-five years, these silhouettes started as Formula 1 shoes but emerged as street-style icons in no time. Featuring soft suede and premium leather, these sneakers are reissued in their original colorways to keep you looking your best, no matter how fast-paced your day gets. The new PUMA Cat logo on the front keeps the classy style fresh, while the IMEVA material ensures a lightweight and comfortable feel. Bring a dynamic edge to your outfits with the PUMA Speedcat OG. PUMA Speedcat OG features: 99.06% leather/0.94% textile upper offers a sleek and durable fit. 100% textile lining provides a soft and smooth interior. 100% textile sockliner ensures step-in comfort. Suede PUMA Formstrip adds a pop of style. PUMA Cat embroidered logo on the toe brings brand rep. 100% rubber midsole allows a well-cushioned ride. 100% rubber outsole delivers superior traction and durability.

At the worst possible moment

Engine pics! Soften that suspension. Adjust the rear sway bar, if available, to softest setting and get the 1/2" front sway bar. https://caterhamparts.co.uk/anti-roll-bars/6793-narrow-track-front-anti-roll-bar-kit.html or https://caterhamparts.co.uk/anti-roll-bars/6792-front-anti-roll-bar-kit.html Loosen and re-tighten all suspension points on the ground. Replace the rear A frame bushes. Cable clutch, inspect the top eyelet cable for fraying, twisting & relieve any tension. Ensure lower cable end is secured to clutch fork so it won't dislodge. Order a clutch cable (Escort Mk 1 or 2) to keep in the car as a spare with tools to replace and adjust tension. Rust..Deal with it now. get a brush-on rust conditioning black paint. Prep rusty front and rear tubes and under steering rack bridge with steel wool to remove flaking powder coat and dab on the paint. Perfect, no. But rust isn't perfect either, it's damage that gets worse if left alone. It must be addressed now. Eastwood Rust Encapsulator is one option. Por 15 is another. If all you can do now is dab on a can of Rustoleum from Walmart, do that. Nobody's looking under there anyways Install a battery cut-off switch to prevent battery drain and electrolysis. Also, I remember much grumbling about those wheel center caps. Don't loose the key! You won't find another. And repaint the tyre carrier black...it's part of the chassis, which is black. My apologies..

Your best bet is: Wava Utt Motorsport Composites 1220 Falls Road or 2133 County Road W Grafton, WI 53024 262-375-1930 info@motorsportcomposites.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057251658811

This seems a tad excessive. Perhaps a PO was trying to solve a problem?

Wow... What great intellects firing on all cylinders can do!

I'm getting interested in the "choke" delete option...

Very clean. Isn't that extinguisher irritating being under your arm? Is the crash bar coming back? Could you try zip-tie the choke levers down to rule any movement and LUK if any improvement? Wheredid you get the Hepolites and HGasket from?

@BEN99WBEN99W very unlikely Birkin would have changed crank and pistons, too expensive. The most likely upgrades are cam, lightweight flywheel, carbs, exhaust, valve springs. The cam number should be visible on the end when, if, you inspect the timing chain, tensioner and coolant pump. Work I know. Better to know what you have than be sorry on a road somewhere. Three good places to learn about Kent engine is Burtonpower, Pegasus Racing and Dave Bean Engineering. For Bean, you have to order the Ford Engine catalog.. on Pegasus there are general guides and parts but the book by Jake Lamont is worth getting with any order fron them. The other builders book Kent specific is by Peter Wallage ISBN 1-85010-938-9. These two books stay within reach if the house is burning, they get saved. More info and support in the Ford Escort and Formula Ford sources. Other Lotus cars, Westfields, Morgans had Kents. Other builders like Ivey and Montune will build an engine but they don't support the DIY builder. You should have Haynes manual # 139 for Escort Mk1 1600 Mexico 1970-74 ISBN 085696-139-6 to get a good understanding of the engine assembly. See this too https://thekentlives.com/

Get one more car for 11 7s at 7-11 on 7/11.

A fake start button that sets off Fing loud alarm

I agree with the take possession, evaluation then execution approach. You should learn a lot more about the Crossflows before making changes. Remember there is much to pay attention to with the diff, axle and transmission. Know what you have and what cars used those parts. Don't be quick make engine improvements and neglect all else. It's the drive train you're looking at having the most difficulty finding replacements for. Get the car in hand, resist the temptation to run it before having a professional preparation check everything. I have seen someone destroy an engine as soon as he received it. Don't be that guy. The crossflow is a SMALL ENGINE. a little more power can be coaxed out of it with the spec you already have, but not much more. Going to the extremes the racers do gives them a few seconds off thier time, but it won't make that much difference on a road toy. You have a fun and reliable engine the way it is. Keep it that way. Put money into fiberglass spares.

I would keep the springs. These carbs move a lot from vibration. You need some tension preventing the CSU from opening.

Looks like he's gone the way of many small businesses, ditching the $$ storefront website host for (free?) social media marketplace hosting. Can't blame him. Especially the targeted exposure that comes with it. It leaves all the dial-up guys in the dust.

Thanks. These be Formula Ford at 5.5".