minimallyviable

I've been looking for tires for my 1998 Caterham. Thanks to all that have posted information about their requirements and searches. I thought it would be valuable to get information on where people do their research. I've been using tiresize.com for many years. There are many tools to compare and contrast tires, wheels (offset/backspace) etc. Then, before proceeding, I check on the manufactures site to validate what I've found. Hope this helps someone doing the same research. If you have a favorite go-to site, please add it.

I finally received the parts. After speaking with FedEx it appears this is similar to what @mrmustang and @Marek suggested with the exception that this seems to be a Customs initiative (at least that is what the documents show) rather than a FedEx audit. Ultimately the parts were received. This is the first time in about 25 years or so with international (primarily German and British) parts shipments I had been asked for additional information such as this. Thanks to all who replied and for your help.

I wanted to let you know what I am encountering getting parts from the UK. I placed an order with Caterham - for K-series cooling system parts - on April 30 or May 1. It was quickly filled and picked up by Fedex on May 2. It arrived in Memphis, TN on May 5 where it sat until May 12. Calling Fedex (800-463-3339) twice I learned that there was a form - Customs and Boarder Protection form CFR 24.5 to be completed. I was told by Fedex that it would take 24 hours to review the form. The form was sent to me via Docusign and I quickly completed and returned it. Not hearing anything for two days I called Fedex again where I learned that they needed an EIN. I've long since closed my business and so do not have an EIN. This was pointed out to the CS agent who agreed that I had indeed checked the correct box and provided my SSN as requested . Two more days pass (its now Saturday May 17. Not hearing anything back I called again on Saturday since the package was still in Memphis. I was then instructed to call Fedex Trade Network (800-249-2953) who coordinate with customers with international shipments. Although the agent assured me the office was open on Saturday, it was not. Today I learned the agents who review the forms are backed up due to additional documentation required. Speculation is there are new processes and procedures Fedex needs to follow due to new executive orders. There may also be an issue with the dollar value of the shipment (about $700 usd) that flagged it as well. The agent would not commit to a timeline for review and information regarding any updates on the package status. I'll be calling on Wednesday if I don't see any movement on the tracking web site. So, after all that: Expect some delays. Whether it's Fedex and their lack of communication or new customs processes, shipments are delayed. I don't know the real issues involved with international shipping these days. To me blaming various parties does no good. We just have to play the game and inform your local representatives of the obstacles you encounter. So my advise is to just keep calling Fedex, UPS, DHL etc for updates. Get a case number assigned. I've included two phone numbers above.

Thanks. I missed that!

Thanks I appreciate it!

Hi. Yes it does. Ardent Red with Magnolia leather and factory LSD along with Sport and Touring. 1 of 1 in the US.

Hi, New 1998 Caterham owner. 1.6 K-series, de Dion, 5-speed w/25k miles. Currently changing fluids and building a list of "need to have" before driving any distance. This car was imported from the UK in about 2022 by the prior owner and not driven. Tires are from 2006, so good for pushing around the garage but not much more. I'm looking at the Kuhmo TA11 in 185/70R13 @ $86.00 plus mount and balance at Discount Tire. I've also decided to replace the two metal tubes and all rubber hoses in the cooling system since they look a bit suspect. Finally the brake fluid has probably never been flushed so that's on the list as well along with engine, transmission and diff fluids. About me: Retired from 38 years of IT industry experience to Northern NM. Long time HPDE instructor and former SCCA Regional participant in a '70 BMW 2002 ITb. Currently Lemons 24 participant in an 86 BMW 535. I've performed a nut and bolt restoration on a '73 3.0 CSL and a 67 Elan S3 SS. This car joins my '06 Elise. With all that I'm starting from scratch on the Caterham. The tires seem to hold air for a couple days at a time :). That's about the only thing I can commit to "knowing".

Thanks for that. Interesting. I've had Hagerty on my (currently owned) Elise along with a 67 Elan and a 73 BMW. None of those had any issues with insurance or titles so this issue is very new to me. I'm gathering more info from the current owners of the cars I'm looking at and as I get that I'll be able to ask better questions of the DMV. I hope I'm not hijacking a thread with my questions here. Maybe a thread on the forum for questions about insurance and titles would be appropriate. I'm willing to help with that if it goes forward. Thanks again for all the input.

Hi everyone. I’ve been in lurk mode looking for a 7 and have a couple of prospects. The issue is the title. As discussed above there may be no issue with not having a “clean” title. In New Mexico it seems that a kit built car (factory frame and other components) but assembled by someone other than the “factory” will have a “rebuilt” tootle, not “salvage”. If the car has a normal title from another state, the title status would follow. I’m tempted to pass on at least one of the prospects for one with a title that more accurately describes the car. I was wondering what thoughts you all might have Thanks!

Hi John Thanks very much. Yes it is an IRS car.

Hi, I'm negotiating the purchase of a 1992 Westfield. There is an Assigned ID number from the state it was originally built/registered in. There are also Data Plates indicating the model (92 WSE i-2952) and what appears to be a gross weight plate as well. Is there a Westfield ID or serial number stamped into the frame somewhere? If so, what general location could I find that in? Thank for any help on this,