Taber10

MNLotus, I rarely post here, but there are times when I can't keep myself quiet: I have nearly 30 years experience as a Safety Officer, researching how, when and why things went wrong after the damage is assessed.... You need to go back to your other thread, and read scannon's advice again, this time with an open mind. And again, no disrespect intended, trying to be helpful, but if you can't pick out a hot wire, switched or unswitched, a proper connector, etc. you should be very careful working on your electrical system. And everyone else should be very careful trying to give you pointers that could lead you to a potentially expensive mistake. Good luck.

For those of us that were involved, we will never be able to say "THANK YOU" to John often enough, so I'm taking this opportunity. Not only is the museum "top notch" whether your interests are restoration, autos in general, Lotus or the two wheeled machines, it has something for everyone. But during their busiest weekend of the year, no doubt, John was able to arrange special introductions and tours for us. Absolutely amazing--the museum, the hospitality and the weekend!

Guys, When I used to live in Albuquerque, I did the "Tour of the Inner Loop" in the Gila Forrest, a two day bicycle ride sponsored by Twin Sisters in Silver City. Wonderful road for USA7s, and none of our route was dirt. Some loose gravel, some horses, but really overall great riding. Taber

I don't know what you call it, but it certainly looks great--esp. compliments that polish job on the bare metal. Taber

My daughter, a former employee of Digital Image of Savannah, GA, completed some graphics on my trailer.

Derek, Thanks for the pictures! I first sat in a Caterham in '78 and your driver footbox looks justr like what it felt like with my size twelve boots on! Anyway, I would also vote for the Softbitsforsevens half top. I got mine just before Log 29 and really enjoy it. Doesn't affect the "originality" but really improves the comfort. Even though I have the "zip out" rear window, that option isn't as breezy as with the half top.

John, Already looking forward to my next trip UP there! Your last tour will be hard to beat, even if you were to show Paul Newman in "Winning" at the theater! Taber

Yes, after less than a year, and around 1200 miles, my exhaust cracked in the same place. I took it to a nearby local welding shop, and got some interesting stories, "...I used to race my Corvette against these things in the '60s....." and a $20 weld, that has held up since with no problems. I can't remember the rattle sound, but I don't think anything else was loose.

Now that this thread has been hijacked, does anyone know where can I find a high quality power outlet? I need to put one in my Cat for the nav unit I've got. Taber

breezy, The mirrorsforseven gives me visibility for at least one whole lane over to my left. As Bob told me before I bought it, my face appears between the first two panels on the left, and the bulk of the furtherest left panel allows me to see to merge into the "passing" lane--yes, I am old enough to remember when that is how you were taught to drive--stay to the right except to pass! Of course, I have been driving with NOTHING but the Caterham "inside" mirror, so the improvement seems incredible to me.

During LOG 29--when I put 515 miles on my Caterham in three days, despite being "parked" for most of Saturday--I realized driving on I-459 to Barber MSP that my vision to "lane-change" to the left was inadequate, since I hadn't packed the side screens with mirrors. I discussed mirrors and options with several fellow LSIS drivers there, and did an on-line search for some options and opinions. Bottom line--I got my multi-panel Mirrorsforsevens installed today and took the car out for a test/adjustment ride. I think the Mirrorforsevens is an excellent product in terms of increasing my driving safety. No, I haven't driven at night, and it will probably be some time before I do. I've only had the car out at night twice in the 19 months that I've owned it. Also, I will probably discount any serious worries about shattered glass in a crash--I hope to avoid any impact--and if I worried too much about crashing, I'd have to drive something bigger with air bags. Anyway, just my opinion, FWIW! Taber

I also would like to thank John for his help in organizing the Barber Museum Tour, and for his participation in LOG29 in general. While I'm at it, thanks to John's friend Diana, who helped with the Birmingham British Sports Car Club's "Sports Cars in the Park" and helped "guide" us on the first stage of Sunday's drive. Joan and I really enjoyed meeting everyone, and seeing the cars that were there, and discussing some of the cars that weren't there! Taber

I don't know if you guys are trying to confuse me or what--I don't claim to be an "expert" since I only lived in the UK from '78 to '81 and many pints have gone by since then, BUT OFF SIDE is the side away from the curb, and it is the "driver's side" and NEAR SIDE is the side nearest the curb and it is the "passenger side" regardless (irregardless?) of whether you are discussing the English car in England or the American Car in the States. Of course, if you bring a US specification Triumph TR6 to the UK, as I did in '78, you confuse the issue somewhat... If I am confused, please let me know! Taber

Chaz, I can't say I paid just a little more for my Cat than my second Miata (pictured in attached photo) but I can say that I really enjoy it also. Taber

Scannon, Of course, you are right--any separately sourced motor would work. BUT, as stated, I was commenting on Chaz' question, which was "ford dealer or Caterham USA" in his original post. Sorry if my answer was confusing. Taber

Chaz, Just want to comment on your questions: You MUST buy your Duratec from your Ford Deader. This is one way of establishing your vehicle as a "specially constructed vehicle" and NOT a "new automobile" manufactured by Caterham USA. Previously, the same situation existed between RMSCI and Caterham USA. I doubt seriously that Ben Wofford of Caterham USA would mind your questions. First, he is a great guy with a great personality and lots of patience. Second, he is in the business of selling the Caterham, and no one is going to put down that kind of money until all of the questions are answered. Personally, I probably pushed the envelope on questions--except for looking at a few eBay listings, I hadn't shopped for a Caterham since the late 1970s--when I asked Ben how hard it was going to be to adjust the Weber Carbs from Denver's altitude to my sealevel home in Florida! Good luck with your quest.

DB6, I first sat in a Caterham in southern England in 1980. I got back out--I had asked to try the one with the full weather equipment--and removed my boots, got back in, and couldn't operate the pedals with my size twelves. then I weighed about 160, but was 6'3" and now I weigh 212, still same height and shoe size. I figured the SV was my best option! As far as handling, I can't remember that first drive well enough to comment. But the SV is all of the fun I expected, and since I don't race/autoX/etc. it is great for my purposes. taber

Yellowss7/Tom, Are you asking for a count? I'll start it. Of course, I'm not sure if I qualify as an "active" poster, but I'm on, and have a 2007 SV. Taber

DB6, I'm afraid your point is not well made: I "drove off" in a fully assembled car from RMSC, Inc. in late Oct 2007. The issue is not in "driving off" in a fully assembled car, but the subsequent REGISTRATION of that car for legal road use. In order to assemble a "kit car" in the US, you must be able to "prove" that you sourced some major components separately, in order to qualify for special construction registration, and not be forced to meet all of the requirements that an auto manufacturer would have to meet. Since the current law does not specify how much of the assembly you must personally perform to slip into the special construction category, all that is required is that you can prove you assembled it from separate parts. By Caterham USA and RMSC, Inc. or currently Caterham USA and Ford selling you separate parts, you are more easily able to prove that you put together a kit. IF another manufacturer sold you a complete vehicle, he would be doing you no favors. You might recognize that only when you tried to legally register it for the road in your home state. Does that clarify anything? Taber

I know I am getting anxious, very early, but I mailed my check for LOG 29 registration. Without the dinner, it was still over $200, and I didn't sign up for any driving events that cost money. I know early registration doesn't end until April, but I think if I am committed financially, I will be able to take a harder line when my Boss decides I should work that weekend! Hope to see you all there. Taber

Hank, Congrats on going "international" and font size doesn't detract from that accomplishment in my opinion! Hope that is just the start of your UK/Seven/other international accomplishments. Must be tough in this economy. Taber

I'm migrated. Thanks. Taber

The you tube video shows the obviously more experienced second guy supporting himself with a hand on the rear wing. I have avoided that, thinking that the fiberglass would not be as strong as the car body itself. Does anyone know if there is a problem putting pressure on the rear wing? Advice would be appreciated. Taber

My wife and I will be going to LOG29. Made reservations and completed the registration today. Yes, we had planned on both Birmingham and Branson before the change of venue. Looking forward to meeting everyone.