Croc

I agree with the others. When I bought mine, it had done 1500 miles in 4 years, built by a well respected race shop and Caterham dealer and it looked like it was still running the original fluids :ack: . Some fettling was clearly need to make it top shape (corner weight, painting of rusted suspension pieces, fluids, alignment, exhaust, hoses, etc). This should not be underestimated. But it is fun since it is making the car yours. As for the parts sourcing, I will admit I was nervous too. But having access to at least 3 good experienced mechanical shops locally and the very friendly guys on this forum providing guidance (Hi guys :seeya: ), the learning curve has been very steep but manageable. I also have the Caterham build manual, which, while not entirely logical or accurate. helps me think through problems (it is also available for free download on their UK website). I have seen a Birkin build manual once waved around by Dick Brinks of Birkin America so I know they have them. Westfield is similar as I have a copy of their build manual for the Miata kit from Manik Tech when I was making my purchase decision. So there is literature out there to support you for the major choices of Seven kit manufacturer. For parts I have found the following to be my primary sources over time: - my local Napa Shop (for example, hoses for a Ford Focus Zetec) - Caterham UK http://www.caterham.co.uk/ (its easy to buy from UK direct on the internet plus I bought a new nose cone and grille and carried it home) - Caterham US http://www.uscaterham.com/ (they may not be as quick delivery or as cheap as the UK but I will support them as they help me think through the problem so I learn for next time. Also, I find they are a bunch of great guys to chat with). - Rock Auto http://www.rockauto.com/ - Morgan Spares http://www.morgan-spares.com/ Saved me on a Friday afternoon with a brake light switch - McMaster Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/ This place is brilliant for finding solutions to problems you did not know you had. Plus there are any number of UK based specialist shops selling Seven related goodies for those infected with upgradeitis - Carbonmods, Soft bits, etc. You will always have an answer when you wife asks what Christmas present do you need There are also the Seven Specialists who sell parts like Catracer (a member on this site), Sevens & Elans or MidAtlantic Caterham with George Alderman, or Dick Brinks for Birkin America. Manik probably does the same for Westfield. At first glance it appears there is no support but once you get in deeper I found there is a lot of support from areas you just dont expect.

No affiliation or links. Found this on the Hemmings website: http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super_seven/897917.html A HS Engineering Sabre Seven. Perfect for the person who cannot drive a stick shift. 3Lt V6...hmmmm Bob's Classics in Florida is the original dealer - the ad at their site is at http://www.bobsclassics.com/89ss.htm

Hi Chrenan A couple of Caterham websites to check out: http://www.super7cars.com/ http://www.7cars.ca/ No affiliation with these sites but they are 2 I had bookedmarked when I was in my research phase. The problem expressed by quite a few members is the lack of supply of cars and the high cost as seen by looking in the above websites. I am not sure if it is possible or not but maybe consider buying a kit directly from the UK to save some money? I am sure one of the many Canadians who inhabit this website will be along to chime in.

I agree with Alaskossie - it is a stunning Seven photo!

That engine looks spectacular. Does it run on varnish?

Interesting - entrants selected at the sole discretion of GM. That helps to stack the odds in Cadillac's favor. As a small hijack - anybody ever been to Monticello? Do they allow spectators? This could be interesting...

I also got out for a drive for a couple of hours. I decided to head north on the Palisades Parkway towards Bear Mountain, West Point, Storm King and then a double back across Route 6 to Central Valley and Newburgh NY. About 60 degrees - little fresh - but beautiful sunshine. Some pics: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/DSC_2751_edited-1.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/DSC_2752_edited-1.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/DSC_2757_edited-1.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/DSC_2756_edited-1.jpg Just in case anyone wants to note - I did put the phone down as my inspection sticker wants me to do! It never said anything about camera. I now have a nice shiny red face - some light sunburn to wear around for a while!

Geez...it looks like a paddling pool out there!

That is just brilliant! I love it! :smilielol5:

Hi Kiwi Thanks for the video. It brings back nice memories of exploring Christchurch and it surrounds many years back. You have a nicer car to do that in than I did 17-18 years ago! Cheers

She is looking good Alaskossie! My projects - pretty small since I have already replaced all coolant and fuel piping this year, new metal toggle dash switches, new battery, new oil, usual fluids & filters, etc: 1) reattach a popper base on the boot cover 2) replace the faulty oil temp gauge with a new mocal one 3) install a voltmeter I will also explore installing new seat harnesses but no urgency here as current ones are still in date to mid-2010. I also plan to drive it as long as possible - aiming to get 8000 miles achieved before winter sets in.

Have you thought about giving your car a nice clean and polish? :D:D

Isn't nave plate the British term for a hub cap?

Damm this is not fair. I have a so so summer in NJ and now I am in the Bering Sea checking out crab boats at Dutch Harbor just in time to miss the spectacular weather Tom is enjoying back home. It is good to hear you guys are all out enjoying your cars! I am having major withdrawal symptoms from cars up here

Congrats on the new Seven. Yellow is a great color! Oh course I am somewhat biased.... I love the Barber pic. Slightly O/T - maybe it is me but does it look like the Seven and the Lotus behind are both smiling? Probably because they are about to catch the Merc...

Hi Al - was this your new Seven acquisition? :seeya:

Gert - It is interesting that you say the oil and water temperature is the same. I installed the mocal oil temp gauge at the same time as the mechnical oil pressure gauge. Reads about the same as water when pootling around town, back roads, slowly, but becomes very inconsistent when I get on an interstate and boot up to 70mph. Readings go from 80C and spike upwards before settling and then spiking up and down from then. I even had the gauge clocked at one point - 140C. The sender unit is one of the sealed capiliary action type - very reliable - I have used them in past cars before without an issue. On Friday I went back over the line and made sure it was not touching anything that could transmit heat. Now I know a mechanical temp gauge should not spike or rapidly change temp - it should be a slow or measured progression - up or down. Engine is fine per water temp/oil pressure so I do not believe the readings Trying to diagnose this, I think it comes down to one or more of the following: - faulty gauge - vibrations of the car/road quality (on NJ's finest rubbish quality roads) - engine thrash/sender unit becoming momentarily uncovered by the oil (because of vibrations/lack of road quality) Any thoughts of wisdom?

My mechnical oil pressure gauge is up and running now with no leaks. As a comparison to Brad's Zetec SVT my oil pressure stats are: Cold start 75 PSI 4000 RPM at 60 degrees Celsius 80 PSI Warm idle 35 PSI 4000 RPM at 80 degrees Celsius 70 PSI I have the stock 195 degree F unit in what is a perfectly stock crate (brand new not used) SVT Zetec motor with 5900 miles on the clock. On a long cruise on a 90 degree summer day I find the oil pressure drops to about 60-70 PSI (depending on the revs).

I joined the LEO Group's Spirited drive in the Catskills today. I have been on their drives before and found them a great bunch of people. Today saw the usual Exige and Elise's but also had a smattering of V8 Esprits (lovely look and sound), some beautiful Elans and a Europa or two. We started in Pine Bush NY and weaved our way around the Catskils for 80 miles ending up at the Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner NY. It was a great routing with lots of fast uphills, stunning views from mountain tops and nice tight twisties through valley floors. I will be making a note of the roads we went on as it was one of the best drives around the NY region that I have come across. There was this white Europa which had a glorious engine soundtrack. From nearly 1/4 mile away ahead of me in the convoy I could just hear this Europa drown out every other car and nearly mine as well. Had to be straight through pipes :drool:. Before we started I was introduced to Ron from northern NJ who recently bought a very nice looking red and aluminium vauxhall engined caterham from Sevens & Elans recently. He said he is signed up here as a member but not sure of his signon name. He would have joined the drive today in his car but his Seven was misbehaving (I can sooo relate!) - so he joined the first half of the drive on a lovely Ducati. Its great to have another Seven on the east coast. I told Ron to post the problem on the forum - someone here must have a vauxhall engine Seven and can probably help troubleshoot the issue. Some pics for those that are interested: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/LEO%20Catskills%20Run/DSC05716.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/LEO%20Catskills%20Run/DSC05723.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/LEO%20Catskills%20Run/DSC05724.jpg When I took the last pic the kid was going along saying "Dad....I wanna that one and that one and that one and...." Excellent taste in cars!

:rofl:....As the token Aussie on the board driving a funny little British car with metric gauges...I automatically forgot that there was such a thing called Fahrenheit! :blush: Ok so 210 F to 220 F equates to about 100 C to 105 C - so I am in the range. Now if I can get the blasted thingy to stop weeping oil at the connection.... Thanks Guys!

I am installing an oil temp gauge and at this stage of the installation are getting some inconsistent readings between 85 and 110 degrees. I am pretty sure this is an earth/loose connection issue on the installation that I can solve by fiddling around today. However, for a stock standard 2L SVT Zetec, what oil temperature operating range should I expect to see?

Lovely looking car! Congratulations. Here is to a long summer and dry weather for you. It has come up on the board in the past http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3408&highlight=raceline&page=2 It was definitely identified as being in MD on the ebay ad. Just in your backyard.

This was an entertaining read - for many different reasons. The automated translation service provides for a version of "minglish" that is highly amusing. Some excerpts and my (tongue in cheek) views of what I think they mean: Quote: "Something in years, but sprightly and adventurous Lord of slender shape looks hardy and fun-loving person" Comment: Well I am not slender, thats why I have an SV! Must be referring to Al or Mazda? Quote: "the driver must be in closed canopy but only once with acrobatic contortions in the bathtub-sized cockpit fit." Um...yes....especially if the hood is up! Quote: "For the actual wheel then makes a wild rattle while driving." Ah no....actually thats the driver cackling away with sheer enjoyment. Quote: "The noise disturbs any softies." I dont think we have any softies in our club? Do we? Maybe the odd Kia driver.... Quote: "So prefer the raindrops can slap in the face." He would love Franken7 or Steve's S1 then - no hoods for them Quote: "It is the Englishman with the long nose is always enough power and pressure are available" Don't tell my girlfriend that my nose is not long enough, let alone about my technique. Hang on...whats this got to do with a Seven? Quote: "The extremely narrow and closely spaced pedals requires some Fußspitzengefühl." You bet it does. When I am diving down into a corner and my size 14s simultaneously get both the brake and the accelerator before I have had a chance to put the clutch in, I fubspitengfokall through my pants too. Quote: "In tight turns, it is therefore recommended that Muckis earlier times in the gym to steel and the brake pedal to engage with Schmacke." If you do not schmacke the brake pedal then you mucki up the corner?

Well it could be true. I have this problem where all this new Se7en related parts/accessories/stuff just magically appears on my door step and the better half (ok g/f) gets upset. Oops! My problem is that I do not have a cat to blame - can I borrow someones? Here Kitty Kitty...... Man blames cat for downloading porn August 8, 2009 http://images.smh.com.au/2009/08/08/670679/cat2-200x0.jpg Florida investigators say a man accused of downloading child pornography is blaming his cat. Keith Griffin of Jensen Beach is charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography after detectives found more than 1000 images on his home computer. According to a sheriff's report Friday, Griffin told investigators that his cat jumped on the computer keyboard while he was downloading music. He said he had left the room and found "strange things" on his computer when he returned. Griffin is being held on $US250,000 bond in the Martin County jail. AP

No idea if this has been posted before but I just received the link from my father. Having flown Aeroflot before I can believe this footage of an Antonov - world's largest cargo plane having a close take off at an airfield in the State of Victoria in Australia. [/url] The commentary is priceless...