Taber10

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!!

Ian7, Yes, I visited them in their shop about a year ago. They were very friendly and helpful. But, they were trying to "sell" the last of the previous shipment--one car kit left from apparently a "container full" that had arrived some time back. They were definitely more focused on the new project, which looked like a homebuilt Atom Ariel. I should say, it looked like an Ariel as much as the MK Indy looks like a Lotus. Both kits were "inexpensive" and the cost cutting "compromises" seemed way too apparent to me. Other than the quality of the kit, I would have had no problems dealing with Paul or his team. Of course, it is only a short day's drive for me--and I was on a business trip totally reimbursed by my employer at the time. Taber

OK, I can agree that they might have been developed for motorcycle riding, but they have been PERFECTED by years of HMMWV riding...... Even on their own website, "tactical" is listed before "motorcycle" or any other use.

MNLotus, I can't help but add my two cents, since I replaced this gasket three times on my 2007 when it was just over a year old. I recommend a homemade gasket cut out of a suitable (fuel resistant) material, using smaller holes than the "factory" gasket. Also, I recommend a sealant called "Marine 5200" liberally applied. After my third attempt, using these two steps, the seal has held for two years, including LOG 29 and LOG30. As mentioned, yes, replace the "crush" washers on the Banjo bolt. The tank (on an SV) will come out through the bottom, but with everything--hoses and elect--disconnected. I had to undo some wire ties on the fuel pump wiring to get "room" to work, but they are easily replaced. Good luck. Taber

I also felt compelled to post in this thread--I picked up my first Miata in Jan 1990, then traded it in on the '91 BRG in Feb '91 which is still parked in the garage today. When I lived in the DC area, 92-96, 98-2001 and 2004-2005, I felt intimidated--no, not on 14th street as Hank would imply--but by the large SUVs, beater full size yank tanks and trucks on the beltway. Of course, I was also worried about protecting my limited edition Miata. Other than that, the car was/is outstanding. Small trunk, but we often managed to hang two bikes, pack clothes, helmets, pump, water bottles, etc. for weekend bike trips into VA, MD and PA. Just my thoughts.... Taber

glenntwincam, Plus one on that leak. My 2007 Cat SV was harder to fix, probably because of my mechanical aptitude. After trying two new "factory" gaskets, I cut my own gasket, with only "bolt size" holes vs. the larger square cutouts of the factory design. Also put in a backing plate to keep the factory plate from warping, and sealed everything with Marine 5200 sealant. Hasn't leaked in 1 1/2 years since the third fix.