Taber10

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

Many years ago, I traveled from northern Ohio to northern Maine, towing a TR6 through parts of Canada. I was thoroughly grilled by Canadian Customs about my intentions to return to the US with my TR6. I guess I can expect the same thing when I tow the Caterham to Red Deer. I may have to inquire sometime before the trip. Passport is no problem; unfortunately my work visa for Canada has expired, but I don't intend to work and won't mention that at the border. My only worry--and this fits another recent USA7s thread more appropriately--is if US Customs will search my car trailer for any cigars of indeterminate origin when I try to re-enter the USofA. Several of those small islands south of me produce cigars, and fortunately only ONE of the islands has legal restrictions.

Duane, Count me in the Brotherhood of the leaf--I have four humidors, and try to get in a cigar three, four, five, etc. evenings each week. I enjoyed the summer I worked in Canada in 2007 as it allowed me to get Cubans, but actually, they are best when you are more accustomed to the full-bodied "robustness" of the Cuban taste. Plus, they are expensive down here and often counterfeited. I have found Dominicans, and others, to suit me equally, especially as I tend toward a medium bodied smoke. Taber

OK, I'm pretty sure what the OP means, but can I say I'm still "Pushing DOWN on 60...."? Taber

FTD, I doubt I can relay much that will help you with your decision, but it seemed like it would be fun to reply: Background: I had an MGB in the 80s as a "DD"--while waiting for my TR6 to be shipped to me. Of the two TR6s I owned, both '73s, the first was my DD and my only car for about seven of the 13 years I owned it. The Caterham is light weight, like the bike, and as such can lose traction quickly on rain and snow. I picked mine up from RMSC, Inc in October 2007, and took a "shakedown cruise" in the CO mountains, before driving it home to Fla. The weather equipment is good, way better than the B. In fact,' it seals so well, and the heat inherent in the Cat interior was a much bigger problem than you'd imagine. I never locked the TR6 cause someone would slit the top, and I had lost the trunk key. I can't imagine the places we've parted the Cat, unattended with full touring luggage, electronic gadgets, tools, etc. inside. Often as a previous poster alluded to, there will be a small crowd watching over it when we return. Speaking for a new, professionally assembled Caterham only, you will be amazed at the reliability vs. any MGB I've ever driven. Again of no help to you, but I drive mine nearly "daily" but I never have the top up--except the bikini top in the hottest part of summer, and I only drive to the Post Office, grocery store, restaurants, etc. and I LIVE IN FLORIDA, so many of your issues don't apply to my situation. Good luck in whatever you decide, but if you like driving the B, you will certainly love driving the Caterham. Taber

While I'm sure that Ian7 is correct as far as lighter unsprung weight and tire temperature, I often wish I had a larger diameter rim/tire combo ON THE STREET because of the clearance issue. I recommend you check what that does to your sump clearance before downsizing. Just a thought. Taber

Thanks to the "Stalker" community for inviting other LSISs to the "Ambush!" I would like to join for the driving experiences and have made reservations at the North Forty Lodge. I will arrive Sunday afternoon. Are there plans for a "non-track" drive on Wednesday for those NOT signed up for the "Track Day"? Taber

Croc, Thanks for showing. Really "unique" esp. that solution to "behind dash wiring!" Taber

Guys thanks for this information on the Sutars "flush mount" sockets. I got a socket over a year ago, and can't bring myself to drill a 1 1/8 inch hole anywhere in my Cat! Taber

Skip, I don't know much about working on Caterhams, but I am qualified to offer this input: Your stock gasket may have been (probably was!) a synthetic "plastic" material, and a rubber fuel safe gasket material will be better. Recommend you cut/punch the bolt holes to just match the size of the bolts/screws. I used either .380 or 9mm empty cases.... There is a sealant "Marine 5200" that works great also. Just my input! Taber

Hank, Thanks also for the link and for sharing the pictures of your cars. Taber

Glenntwincam, Thanks for the info--I've learned something about my Caterham SV today that I didn't know before!

Z3 Stalker, Great story--Thanks! I'm also pretty much retired, and often inclined to give answers longer than necessary! Taber

JohanO, Welcome to the US and to the USA7 community! Please do not think that the Northern VA/Maryland and esp. the Metro DC area is "typical" of the US, and not typical of use of the LSIS cars in the US. I lived in Fairfax County, VA, for eight years, and actually took a sports car there. While there is some great driving out from DC, in every direction, I feared for myself and the car most of the time in the immediate area. That area has a lot of traffic, congestion, and drivers who are not typical of the US. I was very happy when I got to leave. Perhaps telephone conversations with owners in other parts of our country would help develop your article? Taber

Skip, THANKS! Great video, great message. Taber (USAF, Retd)

Joan and I took the Caterham out for a short drive yesterday! Kept threatening rain, but was certainly warm enough. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and lots of good drives for 2012! Taber

I ordered my first Miata in Oct of 1989, and picked it up on 12 Jan 1990. In Feb of 1991, I traded it in on a BRG "Limited Edition" because of the leather interior. I still have that one, and I'm not considering myself in the Miata "closet" but the Caterham is more fun to drive! The Miata was purchased in Florida, and has lived in Louisiana, Virginia, North Carolina and New Mexico, but now has been returned to Florida. Taber

Aidan, As said, yes, it looks great! Sorted by Arch sounds like a dream to me. I don't want to sound pessimistic, cause I'm sure you know more about it than I, but importing a Seven for other than track use can lead to a very frustrating and lengthy registration process, to say the least. Hopefully MA is more receptive than other states have been. Good luck, Taber

Guys, Thanks for the "vote of confidence" in myself and Joan, however, I became President of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Memorial Foundation in May, for a year-long term. That, added to my Director position on the National Association of Explosive Wastes Contractors (NAOC) another national organiztion, and my "day job" I am really busy. I've had to tell my boss that I must cut back on his hours for these "volunteer" jobs, but to me memorializing our EOD troops--two more died yesterday--and fundraising for our scholarship program--we are giving out $106,000 dollars in scholarships to children of EOD techs this year--I am too busy to even keep up with the nominations. Thanks, Taber

Klasik-69, I know of at least one Cat SV in the part of Florida we lovingly refer to as "LA." If you're ever up here, you can see how much bigger the SV is....

I'm still trying to remember when I had a 32-33 inch Waist!!