Taber10

Well, today I can say that the GBB "Recovery" is for the most part complete, as I took the reconstructed Cat out for a BLAT with my local Panhandle British Car Association. We did about 122 miles--including getting to and returning from the start location--through the Blackwater State Park. While the bonnet and nose are not aligned perfectly--in two of the axis at least, and I have "home depot" weather-stripping separating them, the car performed as if nothing had ever happened. I did have trouble with the MGBs (four on the drive) and TR6s (two of those) that didn't seem to know how to accelerate out of the turns, away from the stops, etc. There was a Morgan, a couple of MGTDs, two Jags, Cobra of some sort and a few "tag along" Toyotas, Fords, etc. But, I guess the skill of the drivers on the GBB has spoiled me for our "tame" club drives! No bears in sight, so I felt pretty safe.

Does anyone know if Polar Bears hit HARDER than Black Bears???? Taber

Terry, Joan told me to say that we are definitely interested. Do the cars come back on the boat? Thanks Taber

I have to say, it was a great Veteran's Day for us. She retired in 1994 after 21 years, and I retired in 2004 after 30 years, but yesterday was the FIRST time we took advantage of the many, many deals offered: We each got a free entrée from our local Applebee's! My thanks to them and all of the other establishments that recognized Vets yesterday with specials. Taber

I would like to offer a more positive view of Caterham USA's parts support than what is being put forth in this thread on bikes: I had a need for a variety of parts recently, and Caterham USA were able to come through for me in great style: bonnet, nose, right wing, cam cover, radiator, steering rack, lights, indicators, wing stays, fasteners, badge, etc. etc. Most parts (except three) were actually available in Denver, and the others were delivered from the UK through Caterham USA. They seem to have their own parts issues, as several cars were awaiting parts in the shop when I dropped by on short notice, so Caterham USA is neither unaware of nor immune to the issue. They do not have a "staff" to sit and answer the phone nor the emails--both of which I have sent many myself during my "recovery" efforts. I suspect that they aren't "playing" but working other jobs to allow to continue running the shop and pay the normal household l bills. No, it isn't easy to get parts for a limited production foreign sports car, but neither should we "beat up" on the people trying to keep our cars supported over here. Just as a comparison, I am having problems getting exhaust parts for a Ford F-150, one of the most common vehicles in the States. So, I don't think we should be too hard on Caterham USA.... Just my opinion... Taber

Skip, Thanks! I got the car back, but the nose and bonnet are both "loose" and the stripe on the nose does not align with the stripe on the bonnet, and the stripe on the bonnet does not align with the small piece of stripe beneath the windscreen on the scuttle. I have taken off the right front wing to get it "Line-X'ed" as the other three wings are. I need the insulation strip that separates the bonnet from the nose, and I must "tweak" the zeus fasteners so that the nose is "tighter" some way. Overall, I'm about "even" given I have the car back (a plus) but with the "issues" (definitely a minus) I'm not as thrilled as I expected I would be. I did get Steve's radiator in the mail to Terry today!

Well, I picked up my new nose and bonnet from the paint shop today--the respective stripes look great! Now, the car shop has to remove the four latches from the old bonnet and mount on the new bonnet, mount the four Zeus fasteners on the nose cone, and mount the "7" and grill on the nose. Does anyone have pictures of the original grill mounting from a Caterham? I don't remember looking at it and the zip ties used in the rebuild probably won't be the long term fix. I'm excited to be this close to getting my seven back! Taber

That's just too cool..... Now you'll want a "Classic" s3, so you'll have all THREE sizes....

Skip, Not to hijack your thread, but Caterham USA has all of my parts in now, so "shortly" I will be able to send you a picture to complete my part of the saga.....

This car looks like fun, and I personally have nothing against any interesting vehicle. However, the reference to 62 Lotus Seven, or for that matter any LSIS, Lotus, etc. has me confused. I haven't been able to make the connection. Maybe it is just my limited imagination! Taber

I've wanted to do Carlisle for years. I think next season is a long way off, but I'd be interested. Right now, my car also is not able to travel, but I'm optimistic that it will be on the road again sooner than later. Taber

Skip, Wish I could have been there--since my Cat is "awaiting parts" I could have driven my (the wife's?) 1991 (NA) BRG Miata (#174*). As it was, I attended a Car Show with the Panhandle British Car Association, but didn't feel right as I didn't think the Cat was in "showable" condition! Does one of the Miatas have Fla plates? Taber

Great pictures Skip! And again, thanks to everyone who helped get us back on the road! Taber 2007 Caterham 7 SV*

I'm not an expert here, but the subject has come up before...... As you state, you can't import a "modern" car into the US, if it doesn't meet EPA, DOT, etc. etc. requirements, which a "Seven" doesn't. BUT could an individual import say, a similar set of "auto parts" such as the sets that Westfield, Caterham, MKS, etc. import? In the case of the Caterham, the body, chassis, wiring, etc. are all in one "box" at the time of importation. You could source your motor in the States--I doubt the Duratec from Ford UK is much cheaper than from Ford in the States. Even if you bought a complete car in the UK, and disassembled it, sold the motor, etc. etc. there seems that there would be an avenue to import. Just a thought--good luck! Taber USAF 1974-2004 (UK 1978-1981, Germany 1986-1990)

My fantastic trip through Alberta and British Columbia in my Caterham is unfortunately over, but very fortunately, it will go down as one of the great Seven events. We can't thank Terry Johns, and his wonderful "staff" of Mark and John (and maybe Chris!) for the excellent job of planning, organizing and hosting the event. We had excellent drives, terrific hotels, great meals and out of this world companionship throughout. Also thanks to the participants, Angus, Guy, Steve, Mark, Ray, Phil, Skip, Gert, Andrew, Henry, etc. who helped Terry and Mark put my car back together after I put the "Bear" in Grizzly Bear Blat! Hopefully, we will be able to put a story together in the near future, listing all of the maintenance, the great sights, the mileage, etc. etc. Thanks again to everyone who participated! Taber 2007 Caterham 7 SV (slightly road worn!)

Xcarguy's post a couple of pages/months back lets me add this without being too "off post": I took my Seven to the local British Car Club's car show, not cause I am a "car show" type guy, but because that is what we as a club were doing that Saturday--and I was working as a volunteer there anyway. My 2007 Cat was in "Class X--The New Millennium" any British car produced after 2000, except Minis, who had their own category, and one of the new Morgan 3 Wheelers, in the Morgan class. I placed second in class; right between a McLaren and a Bentley GT. The rest of the category was very nice Jaguars, all sedans.

Like Seafarer, I now own both, and I won't give up the thrills of the Seven (2007 Caterham SV.) However, driving the Corvette (2013 GS Couple) is also a great experience, in a different way. My commonality is that in both cases, I wish I had bought both of them years before I finally pulled the trigger. I also drove a 1969 Spitfire that my buddy brought back from the UK in 1974, which led me into a couple of TR6s.

Martin, Welcome, and "+2" on the color. Another tip, I switched my mail delivery to the Post Office, so I have to drive there to check the Box for mail! Taber

I've learned that it is GOOD NEWS when the passenger is holding the camera/cell phone/other electronic device taking your picture. When it is the DRIVER you should beware. Taber

And his art work isn't all bad either!

Terry, Thanks for the update, and thanks for your help with this. Taber

I've had the "half hood" from Soft Bits--along with some of their other products, for several years. It is an outstanding option when the full hood is "too much" but I still want some protection from the sun. As a special (and maybe unique) feature from Soft bits, I got the top in a color combination to match my nose/stripes, and that really improves the appearance. I don't really "show" the car, but once parked with a bunch of other sevens, I did get more compliments on the hood's colors.

I had a set of coco mats made by Natural Auto Products (800) 461-3533 cocomats.com, for my Cat 7 SV. They were custom made to a pattern I provided, and have held up very well, esp. compared to the "carpet" that came with the car. Something about lowering my 210 lbs into the cockpit with my size 12 shoes was hard on the mat, esp. driver's side.

Terry, "Aero" cap is the METAL cap with a little lever in the center? I have the stock "plastic" cap, with a key hole in the center, and not the metal one, on my SV. Let me know if that helps, and I'll go measure it. Taber

Martin, Unfortunately, I am five hours away, and just into Central Time; however, your post piqued my interest, as I am 6' 3" with size 12 shoes. IF you were inclined, and your finances allowed, I would suggest a Caterham 7 SV--aka "Sumo Version"--as you would have no trouble with clearance in the driver's footwell. I don't even bother with weltless driver's shoes, such as Piloti, as I have not found a need for them yet. Good luck with your research and your search. Taber