Jim F.

Does this make sense to you? According to an ex-neighbor former OR State Trooper friend of mine when I described the Aeroscreen I have, but have yet to mount on my Cat, was told that the DMV requirement is to have operable windshield wipers but not necessary to have a windshield. Sounds real practical!

Bad, Bad, Bad! But soooooooo good! Just what I need....another food addiction. Here I sit not even having had breakfast yet, drooling down my t-shirt with my stomach growling. At 67 years of youth, 5'8" and currently overweight @ 204# with my semi-annual doctor's visit coming up up in 3 weeks, I don't even want him to know that I even know of such places, let alone would jump at the chance to partake. We're going to Denver via So. Ca. this summer on our annual motorhome vacation, so if Chandler, Az. is not too far out of the way I'll try to convince my wife that it's a must-see attraction........I'm sure she'll buy that!

The following ad is from my 3/09 issue of The Chapman Report (club publication) from the Golden Gate Lotus Club: 1963 Lotus Seven SB1503 frame #1818 completely restored with only a few modifications, in beautiful condition. Contact Tom at (408)247-9741 or email at Troderick4@comcast.net for pictures and info. Asking $18k. I don't know the owner or the car and therefore have no affiliation. Worth checking out if interested in a vintage 7. The GGLC is a Bay Area club that's been around for a lot of years w/ a large, varied interests membership. Lots of activities going on...http://www.gglotus.org

Boy, does this bring back some memories! A lot of us used to slalom on the lower parking lot of Santa Barbara City College (Calif.) on a very regular basis. The first time I saw Jim on a run in his Rotary I was in disbelief. I remember the widest set of Goodyear slicks I'd ever seen on a 7 and the patch of blue smoke he laid down as long as he had his foot in it. Both he and Judy almost assuredly took 1st in class (what competition?) and TTOD. Talk about intimidation! He was a fierce competitor on a mission. On slalom days before sign-ins we looked to see if the Gallaghers were there to compete , and if so, there was a collective sigh of "well, there goes TTOD and the trophys." I always slalomned with my buddies for the fun of it and if we took a trophy (any trophy) were always happy. A friend and I were racing asphalt sprint karts at the time and used to bring them out on occasion to run exibition but were never able to beat Jim's times. He not only had a fantastic car but he was one hell of a driver! No surprise that he went on to bigger and better racing adventures. The main memory I have of him is he sure showed us how to slalom! Well deserved accolades.

I like being able to click on "New Posts" and "View First Unread." Saves a bit of time for me as I check in 2-3 times a day to look at the new postings. As I said in a previous post, I've enjoyed the "other" 7 site (CCC) because of its simplicity and approve of our new format.

I'm pretty sure that plug's for an onboard battery maintainer. I installed one on my Cat a few years ago but did it differently...clamped the ring terminals of the charger/maintainer cord to the battery terminal clamps and ran the wire out so the charger cord end peeks out between the ITG air cleaners and the welting around the filter opening in the bonnet. I use either a 900ma or 1.2a Interstate Batteries Mini-Charger/Maintainer, whichever's available at the time. Simply unplug when off for a drive and join the male/female ends upon returning. Can't make a mistake as it'll only go together one way. Don't know how to do it any simpler.

Hi, Skip: I've recently been in touch with DB regarding Caterham insurance. Please don't take offense because it seems to have worked for you, but in talking to others about titling and insuring my new Caterham in '03, it was advised that I not bring "replica" up at all but rather use "continuation" in describing the heritage and progression from the original Lotus Seven to the acquisition and on-going production of current Caterham models since Caterham is the (or one of many?) "official" or "authorized" Lotus Seven manufacturers. It appears to have a lot to do with semantics and talking to knowledgeable people who can make the process easier. I got real lucky when the local Grants Pass DMV gave me erroneous, complicated, involved, and unnecessary instructions when first registering my Cat. I took it upon myself to call the Salem, OR home office and spoke with a DMV official who just happened to know about Lotus cars and especially Sevens. I went back to my local DMV office and asked for an obscure, single page form they had to find in a back room somewhere. They didn't know they had it or what it's purpose was. Very, very quick & easy registration process! "Continuation" also helped with the insurance process. Jim F.

Sorry for my negligence in not timely acknowledging receipt of the club membership packet, Al! Thank you for your time and involvement in all things "7" related. With best regards, Jim F.

To those of you in the know, any idea as to when we might start looking for the new USA7S member stickers in our mailboxes? I haven't seen any mention of the topic in several weeks. Just asking.........

Due to company coming during the C'ville meet, I'll only be able to minimally participate. Since I live in Grants Pass, I'll go to the time trials in White City on Thurs. and then "sneak" away on Sun. for the drive up to C'ville. A friend of mine from Sonoma with a Stalker called to say he was coming up and will call when he gets to his son's place in Merlin on Thurs. and then on to C'ville Fri. morning for the duration. I would expect there might be member or so from the CCC, also. The weather forecast is improving a bit day to day, so with a little luck we might not even have a "slight chance of light rain showers" on any of the days of the meet. Expected turnout is between 200 & 300 cars.......ought to be really something! Check the event at www.gglotus.org/

A few years ago it was suggested to go to thrift stores and find worn, washed many times over and over, old baby diapers (w/o the thick center pad) for polish application, removal of the black haze and the subsequent final buffing/polishing. I use the application pads that come w/ the Metal Armor kit but forego the microfiber cloth in favor of the diapers. Guaranteed to save you a lot of time w/ gorgeous results! Hope this helps and best of results to all of you!!!!!

Your wish has come true, Mazda. How could you have missed the extended coverage of the Bad- minton in prime time last night shown here in the PNW? And of course, we're cleaning up in Beach Volleyball! And there's more to come..........

On a related matter, any info yet as to when the club decals will be available to us? As I'm going to attend the Canyonville, OR gathering the first weekend of Oct, I'd be nice to be able to show my affiliation along with the GGLC of which I've also been a member for a number of years. BTW, the newsletter is well done and shows a lot of info in a relatively small space w/ the layout well conceived. Congratulations to all the contributors.....very well received!

How about "Se7en Heaven" or any of many countless variations on that theme?

Interesting! After living in Santa Barbara for 43 years, in Nov. of '99 we moved up here to Grants Pass and have no regrets (even weather-wise). Canyonville is only 40 miles north of GP and I'm definitely planning on attending. Granted, the cool temps. start to become apparent around that time, but generally not until the middle of Oct. onward. We live in what's called the "banana belt" and don't get the "drastic" weather that might be expected in the Ashland area. We love the experience of the four seasons. Lush and green the further north you go. Ask JohnCh about the beauty of Washington state! We (I) look forward to our annual trip to Skagit Speedway for Dirt Cup (sprint cars) in mid June and admire the outstanding beauty. We put the motorhome in an RV park in Anacortes, and I drive the 25 miles each day to the track. Sorry to "go on" off topic........ BTW, the Canyonville meet is expecting between 200-300 cars.

Racetech 260mm Suede Removable.

I was very surprised to get my 1st choice of plate here in Oregon when I applied in '03: LOTUS 7........thought for sure it was taken. The previous holder had neglected to renew, so it became available.

$581 for stand-alone Hagerty policy on my Caterham, $35K agreed value, $250K/$500K BI, $100K PD, $15K PIP, $250K/$500K UM, UM PD $10K per accident, $0 ded. on collision/other than collision (part D), no limit on mileage. When I was first looking for insurance in 6/03, as I was about to take delivery of my new Cat, I talked to a lot of classic car club members and had a list of about 8 insurers with whom their cars were insured, but only Hagerty had the best coverage without restrictions (aside from no on-track competition) so I went with them. My first year agreed value was at $51K and came with a price. Each year I reduce the agreed value and my premium will slowly come down. For what it's worth, hope this helps.

Bruce,Dave, and any others interested in what I've discovered as the closest to a "one shot easy miracle polish." I've used this product and use no other any longer. I could very easily go into a lengthy dialogue about it, but a simple phone call or email to them will say all that needs to be said. The product is called Metal Armor. Web site: www.metalarmor.net........email: metalarmor @ worldnet.att.net.......Phone #: (931)233-1542 in Crossville, TN. You'll probably be speaking with John Carter, the formulator/distributor of this excellent product. I have no financial interest or ties with John or his company, other than an avid user of his products. If you'd care to, mention Jim Fraser in Grants Pass, Oregon with the yellow/al. Caterham. He personally demonstrated the polish on the left rear bodywork, and after about 15 minutes of application/removing film/polishing I immediately bought the kit and still swear by it. It may appear to be a little spendy, but perhaps sharing at a gathering/workshop will give everyone a chance to evaluate the results. A little goes a long way! By coincidence, John relocated to Crossville after leaving Grants Pass and seems to be in the heart of eastern 7 country. PM me for my phone # if you'd like to talk any further. I don't think you'd be disappointed in the results of Metal Armor. BTW, the contact info I've provided was all valid about 4/5 months ago but have no reason to believe that anything's changed since. With best regards, Jim F.

I stand corrected, Gert! I had John's blue car confused with the yellow Zetec Birkin from another auction site on eBay. Sorry for the misinformation.

John Coombs is the owner and a registrant on the CCC. Perhaps you can track him down and pose your questions directly to him. He has apparently just relocated to Mariposa, CA from Culver City. I don't know him, but what I know about Birkins I think that's one hell of a deal. The motor and drivetrain alone are approaching the current price of the car. I came pretty close to buying a Birkin from Woody Harris in Vacaville before I settled on my DeDion Zetec Roadsport. Woody took me out for a demo drive at 135 mph over the twisties in the country around Vacaville. I don't have to say more. Best of luck to some fortunate new owner!

My watch is ticking right along, and I've worn it at least 5 days a week since its arrival. I'd order another if they're still available, and in addition I'd order one of the new design. How do we place an order for the stylized "7" decals being offered from Jean? Also, looking forward to the USA7S decals (stickers) when available!

Hi, Scannon; Could I ask a favor of you to measure the diameter of a wheel/tire combo since they're in a free state (not installed). I'm looking for a second set to fit under my cycle fenders. There seems to be enough clearance, but if it's doable, it'll be tight. Thank you! With best regards from southern Oregon, Jim F.

Hi, Mark; I just did a look through Chris Rees's 2nd edition "The Magnificent 7" and found the following: '61-'68 Ford 105E Cosworth @ 997cc, '61-'62 Ford 109E Cosworth @ 1340cc, and '62-'68 Ford 116E Cosworth @ 1498 cc. The Webers all should be 40DCOE. There should be a stamping on the block near the sump that shows the type. Also, if you could post the chassis serial # I might be able to narrow it down for you. Years ago, my first 7 was a '61 S2 with the Cosworth 109E and twin DCOE's even though by my serial #, that motor hadn't yet been installed in my early '61. I was the 3rd owner, so maybe one of the previous owners did an engine swap, possibly. Anyway, hope this helps and the best of luck on your find! You could have stumbled upon a real collector car with a 5 figure valuation. With best regards, Jim F.

Love the wheels in the lower photo, scannon! I have the 14" Minotors that came with my Roadsport, but am interested in a second set of a wheel/tire combo. Can you give me some info on them as well as the manufacturer and/or distributor? Website, perhaps? Thanks so much...... I'd really appreciate it!