Timothy Keith-Lucas

I love it, JB. I'm hearing impaired, and wear hearing aids. I added a muffler to SB1160. I found one to a Ford tractor that fit. She had a straight pipe for racing. In the usual case, once I accelerate my hearing aids identify a noisy environment (yeah!) and become ear plugs.

Hey, thanks, guys. That's both informative and reassuring. I was not looking forward to pulling the tranny. I've done that on other vehicles, but it's a long slow process.

Here's a simple question that reflects my ignorance. Thanks in advance. The non-synchronized first gear in my seven (1962 S2 America SB1160, Austin A engine) whines, the same sound I'm used to hearing from a reverse gear in which the gears are cut in only one direction. I don't expect to hear that going forward. Is that normal for this gear box? Am I looking at a worn bearing? The box appears to work smoothly, it just whines. Thoughts?

Where do I find John Watson?

That's an old racing tire that belonged to the first owner - it's there for show only, given there is a rack for it. It's not even inflated. Good eyes, man.

Here's a strange one for Lotus 7 trivia fans: My frame number is on a small tack welded tag on the cross frame in front of the passenger seat. The number is either 1601 or 1091, depending on whether the top of the numbers is toward the front of the car (1601) or the back (1091). The numbers are symmetrical, and the 6 could just as well be a 9. Which is it? I'm betting on 1601, top to the front.

Thank you, MV8. Aside from answering my question, you have put me onto Mr. Painter and the Lotus Seven Registry. Everything on SB1160 matches the registry specifications except the red carpet on the tranny tunnel.

Here are mine. Parallel sides. I gather these are Wingard 1055 lenses?

The tail ight lenses on my 1962 S2 America SB1160 are cracked and ugly. Moss motors has a 159-210 reproduction lens for an AH bugeye Sprite that from the picture appears to be the right one. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks. --Tim.

Wow! I came to the right place for help. Thanks soooo much! --Tim.

Oh, and add, she has two SU carbs.

Hey, folks. My data plate (1962 S2 AMERICA SB1160) lists the engine as AEA 17RS 19576, and the valve cover is labelled "AUSTIN", as in A-H Sprite. She was used for club racing (FB class) so I can't be sure that the engine was not changed out. Can anyone tell me more about my engine from that information? Displacement, HP, where to look for further engine information? Thanks a bunch.

Thanks so much for both the site and the installation tip. I wrestled mine out of the panel, and yes, it is one that their board fits. That's a better price and a simpler installation than the other boards I've been able to find. I've ordered one. I appreciate the help.

As a temporary solution while I work this out I'll install one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VBBRSJQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I used one on a motorcycle that lacks a tach. They have their own button battery, and connect by simply wrapping the end of a sensor wire around a spark plug lead. The screen is big enough to read in motion, and you get engine hours when it shuts off. Damned convenient.

Nisonger stopped doing repair work after their shop was flooded by hurricane Ida. The $250 is the quote from D&M Restoration. Nisonger does have new tachs, but they don't post their prices.

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.