Timothy Keith-Lucas

Didn't state the problem. It reads 6,000 RPM at idle.

1962 S2 America I'd like to keep my original Smith tach, or keep the appearance similar at least. It looks like my options are 1. Replica tach that is mechanical while mine is electric. $35. Austin engine. 2. Buy the conversion kit, including positve ground. $100 3. Send it off to be repaired. $250 4. Add a digital to the dashboard. $15. Does anyone have experience with the first two options? Is there an easy route for a tach cable to the Austin engine? Is DIY repair doable or risky?

Got it from Mark IV. Installed (that was easy) and looks great. Thanks, folks.

1962 S2 SB1160 is coming along fine, but I need: Four point touring roll bar. I have a three point racing driver's hoop, which I will give away as soon as I can install a full bar. A tonneau cover to fit that roll bar and the S2 cockpit. I plan only nice days running, but around here you can get nailed. A 1 3/4 inch clear plastic turn signal lens. The one I got for a Caterham is much too big. Known source advice as well as items to sell are appreciated. --Tim.

She's here! I'm officially one among you. I won't get to drive her for a day or two while I work out insurance. --Tim. PS: In my photo, I'm the thoughtful one with the long nose and big ears. The other guy just feeds me and kicks me off the bed.

Thank you, MV8. SB1160 arrived last night about 11:00. I'm busy doing things like attaching 4-point belts. I won't get to drive her until the insurance goes into effect, but I'm in love. --Tim.

Got it. Thank you, CarlB.

I seem to be centering in on the Pirelli Cinturato CN36. Is it OK to go with the 165 rather than the 145 version with 3.5 inch wheels?

Thank you, slowdude, that's a very thoughtful reply. She'll certainly stay in racing plumage for awhile - I will take any plans for a change very slowly. Fortunately, she runs very well on the street now, so I'm not forced to make decisions like that in order to even enjoy her. Now I just wish she'd get her aluminum butt up here from Vero Beach.

Wow! That's alot of options to look at. I do need to see if those rims really are 3.5 inches - given an extensive racing history and very little road use, the first owner (I'm only the second, other than the dealer) may have switched them out. Thanks a bunch, guys.

My cousin Christopher has a side consulting business in documenting obsolete racing cars. He should know, having gotten his start by building replicas of the Jaguar D Type. They were so close to the real thing that he had to stamp them with "Lynx Engineering." Alex, thank you for the interest. I have bought, and am awaiting delivery, on 1962 America SB1160. Yes, after two elaborate hoax sales across the internet, I road tripped to Vero Beach Florida and examined it. By the way, Hayes Harris and his sons have been gems to work with.

Yes. SB 1160 is coming to me with left over rubber from a Mini, since it had worn-out racing tires on it and I'm going to use it for street only. A good assumption would be 3.5x13, the original, but I'll definitely measure before I order. I think that this is a real question. I continue to be leery of using racing tires for the reasons I've gotten into above, and I want the best performance available within street tires. Sidewall rigidity seems an important factor - even in a hard turn the load on any one tire is going to be way below that on, say, my Miata. I apologize for highjacking a thread on an only related topic. Thank you for sharing your expertise with a beginner.

Thank you. I appreciate your expertise. The Toyo 888R is a possibility, but I’ve got some reservations for my use. Standing water is a recognized hazard here, because hot asphalt gradually groves and the groves hold water. It rains unexpectedly. One of our deputies found out about hydroplaning at 60 mph on the straight. Spoiled his whole day. The boys in blue have no problem with my taking corners and curves at a bit over the speed limit, but drifting around a traffic circle is discouraged. Toyo says no street use for the 888R, and I‘m guessing from the design that it would hydroplane with enthusiasm. So, if I’m going to choose from among “real” street tires, what would you recommend?

Does anyone have street experience with the Vredestein Quatrac 5? It's the only suggestion Tire Rack makes for a Seven, and amoung street only tires, an AA traction rating is pretty good. They also cost $69 apiece.

Thank you, straightcut. I'm looking forward to delivery. We re-organized the garage yesterday so she will have a bay of her own. I'm chasing down a windscreen, and thinking about how to honor her well-documented racing history while making her civilian. I make no pretense to being a racer, so it seems fraudulent to ride around in a numbered and stickered 7. I'm thinking about all BRG, as original.

Thank you. Can you tell me whether it is bare aluminum or black? Quote me a price before I order one from Caterham parts? Best wishes, Tim.

I am joining you! Friday I road tripped to Vero Beach and bought the 1962 S2 that Wire Wheels had on the market. This is close to being a stock S2 barn find - rough paint, rotted rubber bushings, and faded red upholstry, but running just fine. The only non-origial part I or the owner could find is the oil pressure gauge, and I think I'll replace that with a Smith. She has an extensive and well-documented race history in the northeast in the 1960s. She needs a windshield and a muffler to be street friendly. Thank you for all your help. I do feel that I am among friends on USA7s.

Thank you, SENC. I'm really impressed, and thankful, for you and your cohort of owners/experts who are willing to take the time to coach me in this. It's a very supportive group that I look forward to joining. I'm looking at three now, each with advatages and disadvantages for me. You speak with wisdom - the cost of getting one from Europe may not be to much more than the cost of getting one from California, and there are a bunch of attractive options in Europe. I don't think it would be fair to ask my cousin who preps club racing cars in southeastern England to look for one, but it's tempting. One positive note: being cognitively as well as physically ambidextrous, good Sevens being right hand drive is in no way a negative. Best wishes, --Tim.

Thank you, SENC. Being able to put a full windscreen on a racer 7 widens my search considerably, although it looks like it will cost $1,000 to $2,000 depending on whether I would include windshield wipers. I continue to scrape up 7s for sale.

Thanks, everyone. I continue to pursue ownership. Knowing I can (for a price!) put a windscreen on a racer that only keeps the bugs out of your teeth is a big help.

I'm bound and determined to find my Lotus 7. My ideal choice is a S2 with an upgraded engine but otherwise stock down to the seat cushions. It will be street fun use only, so I'm leery of complex carburation. Anyone got one to sell?

Thank you. I have gone silent, much as I'd like to leave something truly rude. I'm searching for other options, basically looking for an S2 with an improved engine. but not much else. Street use only.

Related question, given that I am still without a solution to the problem: Can the S3 Caterham windscreen fit/be adapted to the S2 Lotus &? I note no side braces, but they are available, but I don't know whether the curve across the top of the body in front of the instrument panel is the same for the S2 Lotus & and the S3 Caterham. Thanks.

Thank you, MV8. That's good expert information you passed on to me.

Is there a route to a full windscreen, with the triangular side attachments and maybe even wipers, for an S2? The 7 I'm looking at was set up for racing long ago and has only a small bug diverter. It's otherwise close to original. Does anyone have one for sale, or is this going to be a construction project? The Caterham windscreen is available, but I'm doubting that is the same. Thanks a bunch. --Tim.