Taber10

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.

Croc,

....Only one SV at LOG30--yours.... Is that another jab because I wasn't at the picture? Autocross? Track Day?

Mike,

At least you didn't say anything like, "I could spot the SV owners/drivers because of their weight and girth...."

Taber

Well, I've made it half way to Gettysburg--Joan and I are in a motel in Southern VA. The Cat 7SV is in the trailer in the parking lot. I had to work on the TRAILER--it hadn't moved in over a year. Cat prep only included dusting off the regular top, the bikini top and putting them on the back. Packing--too easy when you have the truck and a trailer--you can bring anything you think of--wish I had thought of everything...

See you guys tomorrow.

Taber

Are we going to try for a USA7s meeting, or dinner, drive, etc. at LOG 30? Dean has well-advertised the "Lotus" events, but we could use this opportunity to meet, as we did at LOG 29. Any plans or ideas?

Plus one on that! Driving my brand new 2007 Caterham 7 SV from RMSC, Inc. home to Fla, I had problems in Alabama, about two hours from home. It seems that one of the caps had come off/been knocked off-lots of people were looking under the bonnet the whole way home. Ran fine at speed, but wouldn't idle at all. I was very relieved to find the problem and fix it for a couple bucks--package of caps and package of twist ties--which are still in the boot now nearly three years later!

Midlife Classic Cars "MidlifeClassicCars.com" has announced a pre-publication offer on a book titled Colin Chapman, Inside the Innovator by Karl Ludvigsen. Apparently the book is due to be released in October of this year.

My Fla License is "CAT 7SV"

It is the special "save the turtles" plate, with the sea turtle pictured between the "T" and the "7"

Taber

Croc,

I'd be interested in the driving tour of the battlefields, but I'm going to have to look at it beforehand--the Caterham does not have a CD player! Boxologist must have a pretty sharp 7 if it has a CD.....

I will be there, with the Caterham SV and my wife. I haven't actually registered, or decided what to participate in, but drives with other 7s are my goal. Also, I would like to encourage meals with the 7 group over the entire LOG group when feasible.

Taber

Biomax,

I'm sorry I have little advice to offer, but I think the rollbar will be painted black, but I really think the wife's opinion is an important step!

Good luck,

Taber