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Croc

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Everything posted by Croc

  1. Croc

    New Build

    Good to hear you got underway again fairly quickly and that you had John nearby to pitch in. Not to scare you but you will have a few of these glitches in the first year as everything settles in then everything becomes more reliable. I call it fettling. I would be having a follow up chat with AAA to find out what their problem is. They have been my lifeline to get me home when the results of my mechanical adventures are terminal. The top membership gives me 300 miles free towing allowance. You just have to ask for a flat top truck. I expect I will be using them again shortly knowing my luck. No chance. I was working on car restoration research and parts hunting online. A few hours later... Yep - still do. If you do carry a full tool bag, make sure it is extremely well padded. Rampaging tools inside the boot area make for many dents in the sideskin. I seem to remember someone in the PNW discovering this after a vigorous blat. Quite. Did you know I have a self cancelling indicator stalk? I also use moisturizer.
  2. NEW Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2009-lotus-caterham-super-seven/ REPEATS Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/201216-nos-caterham-sv-roadsport/ Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/2000-caterham/ Caterham https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1363082/2004-caterham-seven-for-sale-in-newport-beach-california-92660 and here https://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-Lotus-Super-Seven/293652102221?hash=item445f077c4d:g:sugAAOSwIMtfEfEM Wharton 7 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1299993/1978-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-cadillac-michigan-49601 Lotus 7A https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7a/2388210.html Lotus 7 S2 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/2409828.html and here http://www.motorcarcompany.com/1963-lotus-seven.html Lotus 7 S2 http://thesmiekelcollection.com/1967-lotus-super-seven/ Lotus 7 S2 https://www.fantasyjunction.com/inventory/1964-lotus-super-7-series-2/overview Lotus 7 S2 https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/lotus-7-america-vintage-race-car/ Caterham https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/2013-caterham-seven-480/ Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/caterham/2416012.html Mitsuoaka Zero https://www.ebay.com/itm/1994-Mitsuoka-Zero1-Roadster/373095246805?hash=item56de35abd5:g:PNoAAOSwuhZeo4he and here https://www.duncanimports.com/used/Mitsuoka/1994-Mitsuoka-Zero1-cb265bd50a0e08b907465681642548f8.htm Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Stalker/303603879185?hash=item46b0338d11:g:FwsAAOSw4dxeD8lq Westfield https://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-Westfield-Seven/254646188757?hash=item3b4a187ad5:g:OpYAAOSwjZ9fA58n Lotus 7 S2 http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1583269377/1583269377ss.htm Stalker http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1437589044/1437589044ss.htm Westfield https://nmi.craigslist.org/cto/d/traverse-city-westfield-speed-sport-1800/7152504660.html Diva https://prescott.craigslist.org/cto/d/prescott-1962-lotus-roadster/7154367078.html Lotus 7 S2 https://slo.craigslist.org/ctd/d/san-luis-obispo-1962-lotus-super-seven/7158619394.html Birkin https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/los-angeles-birkin-s3-lotus-7/7156433986.html CANADA Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/oshawa-durham-region/fast-and-fun/1507773740 Birkin https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/calgary/fs:-birkin-s3-super-seven-1700cc-ford-kent-twin-weber-rocket/1505046257 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/mississauga-peel-region/lotus-7-clone-locost-mcc7/1508864078 Dutton 7 https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/barrie/lotus-7-spec-dutton/1509455253 MCC 7 Project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/mississauga-peel-region/mcc-7/1432118799 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/lotus-7-replica/1508403000 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/portage-la-prairie/lotus-supper-seven/1510217779 Caterham https://7cars.ca/cars-for-sale/super-sprint.htm
  3. Croc

    New Build

    Well done Greg! Great to see. How big was your smile afterwards?
  4. Yes - there was a photo of documentation during the auction but the details never were readable and it was vague. Even if it is not a stage 1 Swindon then its relatively cheap to add the camshaft yourself and re-tune. I think the car will be happier at sea level. Swindon should have. BTCC cars got Swindon engines and they had an identifying mark so they would know it was theirs when it came back in for rebuild. Yep - done that many times myself. :rofl: Headrests and seats still come up for sale on the Lotus 7 Club UK from time to time. Those older style seats were better quality than the current Caterham S-type seats. Sure is. It is in October this year - we caught a lucky break by deciding to hold later in 2020. You are very welcome to join us - all owners or enthusiasts who want to own a seven are invited. Track is open again. They are looking forward to us coming back. Social distancing is working quite well. The breakfast and lunches are working ok as outside services by the pool area given there is still a ban on inside dining. Side by side instruction is banned in enclosed cars but I am working for approval for sevens on the basis we are totally open. Only thing we are still trying to work out is how to hold dinners - may end up catering at Garage Mahal as we can social distance some tables in there plus keep it warm at night. Details for now are here: http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12584-Save-the-Date-2020-Annual-Sevens-HPDE-Event-at-NJMP-October-8-10-2020
  5. Yes those spoked wheels are what I call 'wagon wheels'. They weigh a ton. Personally, I think you would be better off on the smaller wheels with thicker sidewalls. Less rotational mass, forgiving ride plus better communication through the seat of your pants when you are on the limit. Try them back to back and you will feel what I mean - its quite noticeable. Interior is correct for an HPC. Seats are the correct one. The headlight switches have been upgraded from plastic toggle to a better quality metal toggle but thats a good thing. The wheel has been upgraded to quick release Racetech probably when Rocky Mountain/Caterham USA did the Titan dry sump as the owner moved into track usage around that time. It looks fairly recent vintage Racetech. Gear knob was also upgraded from the black plastic Ford Capri knob. The engine was imported to the US from the UK. It would have been easy for Swindon to add the upgrade package and then ship it to the USA. Most of the stage 1 upgrade was just a more aggressive cam and a better tune. The base VX engine out of the Vauxhall Astra was done at a basic tune - it was not hard to get bulk hp out these engines, 320hp+ in BTCC racing. Paperwork will give a guide. Hopefully that paperwork will show a recent dyno plot which will confirm it is higher than a standard VX and that you have a Stage 1 Evo. George Alderman of MidAtlantic Caterham is still around and I could call him on this but he's in his 90s now and while he is as sharp and still a damn good driver, I doubt he would remember one car all that time ago. You have a great package in this car - will be good for backroads, track and autocross as you choose. Where is its new home going to be?
  6. Hi Sander Congratulations on your new acquisition. I think you will have a fun time with your new Caterham. I went and looked at what I have in my notes plus referred to the L7C archives and the Chris Rees book. There are 4 separate Caterham HPC releases to be aware of: HPC 1700 = 1986 HPC 1700 which was a 1.7L Ford BDR with twin Weber 45DCOE for 170hp (claimed - it actually was 160hp when tested independently). 62 produced in total. The BDR was an official option until 1995 in the UK HPC VX = Launched 1990 but first delivered in 1991 HPC with a 2L VX on twin Weber 45DCOE carbs with 175hp. Red spark plug cover. Available as an option in the UK up to 1995. Chassis numbers within sequence 5253-30521 (not all of these were HPC its just they were interspersed within the sequence) and a VX code within VIN. Model had 16 inch KN ('Wagon Wheel') alloys, LSD, 7 logo on grill from 1993, leather seats, Motolita wheel, heater, spare tire/tire cover. Engine has VX and 4 digit suffix. Dry sump was an option. HPC VXI = 1991 HPC with a 2L fuel injected VX (Bosch Motronic) with 165hp. Red spark plug cover. Available as an option in the UK up to 1995. Chassis numbers within sequence 5416-21149 and a VX code in VIN. Model had 16 inch KN ('Wagon Wheel') alloys, LSD, 7 logo on grill from 1993, leather seats, Motolita wheel, heater, spare tire/tire cover. Engine has VX and 4 digit suffix. 337 of the VX and VXI produced in total. Dry sump was an option HPC Evolution = I think this was 1992. It was a 2L VX with Swindon Racing having upgraded them based on 3 levels (stages) of performance. Stage 1 was 218hp - identified with a blue spark plug cover. Stage 2 was 225hp and identified by a green spark plug cover. Stage 3 was 235hp and black spark plug cover. Available as an option up to 1998 in the UK. Supposedly only 20 of these engines were sold, mostly as aftermarket upgrades. Engines have VX and 4 digit suffix. Dry sump was an option. The really valuable HPCs are the BDR and the Evolution. Yours is neither. The next thing I would observe is not all VX-powered cars were HPC specification. They also got VX label in their VIN. So a Vauxhall HPC package was more an option pack for performance than a specific engine package. You could have a VX engined car which was not an HPC but had identical engine/gearbox and hp performance. The chassis type options post 1990 for Caterham were: S = Factory Built A = Alternative C = Clubman H = HPC L = Superlight O = Other R = Race chassis (or sometimes Road chassis) My observations: Both your car and the car auction close after yours have chassis numbers that fit within the VX HPC sequence. If you tick the boxes on your car you purchased you do have 45DCOE WEbers, heater, correct leather seats, red spark plug cover, spare tire mount, LSD. But you do not have a Motolita wheel (its a more recent Racetech quick release - steering column was likely replaced for a quick release as the Motolita's were not quick release?), the KN alloys (no great loss to be honest - smaller wheels are better), or 7 in the grill (but that could be explained by you not having the original nose cone too - its a later shape plus later grill insert). Dry sump (Titan brand - not the original but installed in 2008). None of this is conclusive by the way. I would also add that my experience with Caterham VIN numbers has shown them to be arbitrary at times. The chassis type field is always a weird one with a lack of logic. A lot of US market Caterhams are designated A for Alternative and look how R can be both Road and Race! My suspicion which I cannot prove is that the HPC chassis type was reserved for the 1700BDR which was still available as an unmarketed option up to 1995. Where I come out from all of this is you have a VX HPC spec car. The fact that it does not have HPC in its VIN is likely explained by non-UK market export cars not being subject to the HPC sales option package at the UK Caterham dealerships although you could buy the pieces and create an HPC anyway. I'd call it an HPC. Don't get hung up on models. Just get out there and bounce off the rev limiter while going sideways and destroying another set of tires. Cheers mike
  7. Croc

    New Build

    Ta da!!!! Well done! Driving video or photos today please!
  8. Don't worry - I was not reading your comment as a criticism - just confused. My usual state you know! :seeya: I do get puzzled by people who struggle with driving LHD (left hand drive) cars when they live in the USA. But then again I just described 80% of the population of NJ.
  9. Errrr...why is that a problem? Lots of talented people live in LHD countries. Me for example.
  10. I am relaxed about you BeerCat - it’s just Kitcat’s stalking of me that freaks me out.
  11. That sounds nice and simple for easy access - exactly what you want.
  12. That looks nicely done. This may sound like a dumb question but I cannot remember the interior of a Birkin boot but what are the side pieces of the rear end? Vacant space or occupied by rear suspension or gas tank?
  13. oh but go on then.... I am not saying it is a bad set up like you have it but I find a square set up in a lower hp car produces less understeer. I am thinking road more than track usage admittedly. Then again I do like throttle steering! :devil:
  14. Hi Hal, Depending on your hp level, a square set up (i.e. 6"x13 all round) is actually better if you have less than 180hp. The wider rears work better with higher hp as the engine can overpower the 6" wide rear set up. cheers mike
  15. If you go the Bringatrailer route then you should think through a few things: - photos add to the appeal - a fun video of backroads driving goes a long way - Spend time laying out all the options - Buyers seem to like turn-key cars and less like projects or those needing work - its a fussy audience based on people not necessarily thinking about our types of cars but suddenly exposed to them and liking them. - convenience also helps - no issues at the DMV to get their new toy out and play - BAT will want a realistic reserve - they want to sell cars. - developing a thick skin - some of those BAT commenters are keyboard warriors, ready to flame innocent sellers, kittens, children and fellow enthusiasts One thing not covered here, is what is the title showing as? Vintage Lotus? Assembled vehicle? Probably 2005 Caterham 7 if it is one of George's cars? That dents the CA market for you on Bringatrailer as the "whim" crowd could not be bothered with SB100 although the true enthusiasts will not be fazed by the extra steps this entails. If you were selling on this forum, I would probably not bother fixing the sideskin issues. Lot of money for limited return. If you go Bringatrailer I think you probably want to fix it as the first auction commenter will bring it up, then the second, then the fifth, then the sixth...you get the idea
  16. I’m a bit late but best of luck to you Andy!
  17. A lot of new cars surfaced this week / Most I have ever seen in Canada NEW Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-caterham-hpc-super-seven/ Caterham https://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-Lotus-Super-Seven/293641349257?hash=item445e636889:g:RFMAAOSw2SxfBkaD and here https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1363082/2004-caterham-seven-for-sale-in-newport-beach-california-92660 Pre-lit Westfield https://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-Westfield-Seven/254646188757?hash=item3b4a187ad5:g:OpYAAOSwjZ9fA58n Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/caterham/2416012.html REPEATS Lotus 7 S2 http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1583269377/1583269377ss.htm Stalker http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1437589044/1437589044ss.htm Lotus 7A https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7a/2388210.html Dutton project https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Lotus-Super-Seven/184353963484?hash=item2aec5a3ddc:g:PtMAAOSwE4NfATEX Stalker https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Stalker/303603879185?hash=item46b0338d11:g:FwsAAOSw4dxeD8lq Caterham https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/2013-caterham-seven-480/ Lotus 7 S2 https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/lotus-7-america-vintage-race-car/ Lotus 7 S2 https://www.fantasyjunction.com/inventory/1964-lotus-super-7-series-2/overview Lotus 7 S2 http://www.motorcarcompany.com/1963-lotus-seven.html and here https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/2409828.html Lotus 7 S2 http://thesmiekelcollection.com/1967-lotus-super-seven/ Mitsuoka Zero https://www.duncanimports.com/used/Mitsuoka/1994-Mitsuoka-Zero1-cb265bd50a0e08b907465681642548f8.htm Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/201216-nos-caterham-sv-roadsport/' Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/2000-caterham/ Wharton 7 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1299993/1978-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-cadillac-michigan-49601 Westfield https://nmi.craigslist.org/cto/d/traverse-city-westfield-speed-sport-1800/7152504660.html Diva 7 (not new, just back again after a break) https://prescott.craigslist.org/cto/d/prescott-1962-lotus-roadster/7154367078.html Stalker https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/d/frisco-lotus-super-seven-brunton-super/7157272608.html Birkin https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/d/los-angeles-birkin-s3-lotus-7/7156433986.html CANADA Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/oshawa-durham-region/fast-and-fun/1507773740 Birkin https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/calgary/fs:-birkin-s3-super-seven-1700cc-ford-kent-twin-weber-rocket/1505046257 Locost https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/kitchener-waterloo/locost-7/1511019628 MCC 7 / Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/mississauga-peel-region/lotus-7-clone-locost-mcc7/1508864078 Dutton 7 https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/barrie/lotus-7-spec-dutton/1509455253 MCC 7 Project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/mississauga-peel-region/mcc-7/1432118799 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/lotus-7-replica/1508403000 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/portage-la-prairie/lotus-supper-seven/1510217779 Caterham https://7cars.ca/cars-for-sale/super-sprint.htm
  18. Croc

    New Build

    John is right - it usually takes a few days to sort out in our heads if we like things or not. These cars can be so personalized for our taste that I encourage you to try it out. Finish putting it on and finish the car off and then you can see when it is all together outside in sunshine. Its vinyl so it will come off without a mark if you think it was a wrong idea. I have always liked the idea of a contrast painted noseband as its distinctive and it makes it easy to repaint just that section from all the nose chips you pick up after years blatting around backroads or trying to overtake Mike (Kitcat) on track. Personally, I am not sure about the side vinyl but I think thats because the rear wing is not on to complement the shape of the vinyl. Changing the color of the central strip from black to silver between nosecone and bonnet will get nearly everyone asking if you had an accident and its a replacement nosecone. Cars have come up for sale on this forum with that look and people ask that exact question. However, don't let it stop you - your wife controls the color of her kitchen and you should control the color of your car!
  19. Dyno runs are always exciting. Still remember my BMW CSL dyno run where the dry sump pump failed and metal bits were being shaved from camshaft, bearings, etc. The video is exceptional - once of my best. Too many swear words to be allowed on YouTube sadly. That was a $30k and 2 year delay oops. Can we see a live screening of your dyno run? Maybe we could take bets on hp levels or a meltdown?
  20. Croc

    New Build

    Yes there is a phone number on the Amazon website. I am not sure “customer service” is the right description. My wrists have since healed from the experience. It was nice knowing you.
  21. Its an upgrade kit which essentially added new front wishbones and a different antiroll bar to your Caterham. Here it is here https://www.demon-tweeks.com/us/caterham-widetrack-front-suspension-kit-241883/ A wider front wheel stance should make the car feel more planted with better turn in. The real question is whether you can feel it or not. Some people can and some people cannot. Personally, I never noticed it in the many Caterham drives on road over the years or all models. However, I did notice the difference between the S3 and SV chassis' on track - the SV is a wider front track than the S3. My conclusion on the wide track kit is that it is an upgrade that really is only noticeable on track. Interestingly, I cannot tell if that Bringatrailer car actually has wide track - not enough photos. The only way to tell is the spring end of the front shock has a metal extension piece to extend the shock to allow for the wider track. You can put clamshells on the car. Tom (Yellowss7) has a S3 with clams and widetrack.
  22. Don’t have any Trump 2020 stickers. I never felt the need to wind you up on politics as I thought you were fairly balanced in your views. Left wing but not completely loony. By contrast, Tom never got a free pass. I think you recall several years of Hillary for President stickers that accidentally fell on his car at the NJMP sevens event, so securely they remained on at 80mph as he went down the Lightning circuit straight at top speed. Some of those were chosen to provide maximum provocation for Tom and maximum smirk for the rest of us. He may be a right wing redneck but I give him big kudos for being a very good sport. I owe him drinks for that. The sticker I was going to put on your Caterham was “Stay back 100 Feet. Vehicle frequently spins and stops”
  23. Yeah but you are from Arkansas so you are used to it - everybody is a stepchild there.
  24. Me too! Its more than the Porsche club. BMW Club is the same. Snobbish until they found out I have a CSL racecar then they were trying to suck up and be nice. Then there is the F$%kwit Club...sorry Ferrari Club. It does not matter that my Fiat has a genuine Colombo V12 with genuine Pininfarina body, it is viewed as an undesirable because it is from the 70s and 80s. :banghead: I like my Holden Club though - only two of us in the USA Chapter and the other guy is in Los Angeles! :cooldude: I go where I am welcome and there are like-minded guys who don't get hung over on pretentious bullshit. My observation is that he has flounced off a number of car clubs or internet forums in short order because he pisses everyone off by his attitude and his unorthodox personal views. If he comes back a third time on USA7s then a reminder from me, you have the power of the almighty - ban him! :devil: We forget but this is so important. Each to their own style of individuality but create a broad welcoming umbrella for everyone. And no pompous gits - a well developed sense of humor is essential for good social interactions. No marque exclusive views. And ban all politics.
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