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Croc

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  1. Clearly, the VRM guys had common sense as they did not let you into the back room where the 8 figure cars are kept. Was that Byron in the drivers seat on the dyno?
  2. Truck bed liner paint also works well. Bedliner paint also works on the rear wings as stone guard protection.
  3. Volvo 144 wagon! Where is the love it smiley?
  4. I had a very enjoyable time browsing your blog of se7en adventures in Japan. Sensational photography. I am also a Nikon SLR user - film and digital - but I save that for my travels. I have to highlight some of my favorite photos out of the hundreds present. Love the color in the maples here If you have not had a chance to explore Dr Hasegawa's blog, I really recommend it! http://drhasegawa.com/prisoner6birkin/birkin-geo.htm#210320a
  5. I was as confused myself at the time. I have a reputation for blowing up auto electrics. For mine I could not get a matching replacement that way. Does your sender have any identifying marks on it? Does it look visually identical to a Ford Contour equivalent of the period. If yes then you may be able to track it down. If not then you end up doing like I did and chatting with the gauge manufacturer to source a correct sender.
  6. Was able to find my handwritten notes from when I last dealt with this in 2007-8 area. I had a SVT zetec at the time and got a replacement electric signal sender from Nisonger Instruments who are the US dealers for Caerbont gauges. Not sure where the original one that came with the car came out of but it had no identifying marks as a Ford part. Did me no good though. After 6 months the replacement sender unit stopped working and I ended up going for a mechanical oil pressure gauge from Mocal.
  7. Can you please post the link you found as there is a way to fix that type of broken link.
  8. Week Beginning March 21, 2021 NEW Ultralite https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/737807950185574/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/718882082175944/ DF Goblin https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2710750635903997/ Westfield https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/708006126772448/ Further detail on this car can be found here 1992 Westfield SE for sale on BaT Auctions - closed on December 23, 2020 (Lot #40,924) | Bring a Trailer Replica 1966 Lotus - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale (craigslist.org) REPEATS Locost project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/473501287118087/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1144381392678578/ Replica project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/854702805356702/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/837566123462897/ and here LocostUSA.com • View topic - For Sale: Stalker XL LS3 Replica https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/996900010834935/ Replica https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1036151403475501/ Westfield LocostUSA.com • View topic - 1992 Westfield SEI Westfield LocostUSA.com • View topic - 1995 Westfield SE For Sale Stalker LocostUSA.com • View topic - Brunton Stalker V6 #24 Stalker 1962 Lotus SuperStalker Spec Sheet (race-cars.com) Lotus 7 S2 1967 Lotus Super Seven | The Smiekel Collection Caterham 2020 Lotus Caterham for sale #2416012 - Hemmings Motor News Lotus 7 S2 1963 Lotus Super Seven for sale #2409828 - Hemmings Motor News Superformance S1 1969 Lotus 7 for sale #2456335 - Hemmings Motor News Stalker 2014 Lotus 7 for sale #2167534 - Hemmings Motor News Diva 7 1962 Lotus Super Seven for sale #2468993 - Hemmings Motor News Replica 1979 Lotus Seven for Sale | ClassicCars.com | CC-1382221 Wharton 7 1978 Lotus Seven for Sale | ClassicCars.com | CC-1299993 Lotus 7 S2 and Caterham INVENTORY (rockymountaincaterham.com) Caterham Caterham Inventory — Beachman Racing Stalker Stalker XL Sports Car - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org) Replica Lotus super 7 replica - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org) Dutton 7 project Dutton Lotus 7 project - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org) CANADA CMC 7 1967 Lotus Seven Replica (kijijiautos.ca)
  9. That turned out pretty well. It is interesting to see how the dimensions of a Birkin vary from a Caterham by the adaptions you had to make.
  10. Welcome NJMP Drivers Club has generously invited USA7s back to NJMP in Millville, NJ to run the Thunderbolt Circuit. This will be the 11th running of the USA7s' participation in the NJMP Drivers Club HPDE. Please take the time to read all of the following information prior to registering. As in prior years, the NJMP Drivers Club is fully responsible for operating the day. They have generously allocated HPDE sessions to participants that will be Se7en only. This is desirable as you do not have to be out on track with big heavy cars around you, and your momentum will not be impeded by some big heavy car slowing you down through corners. The NJMP Drivers Club rules and regulations apply for registration, technical inspection, driver qualifications and all aspects of safety in compliance with New Jersey laws. They will offer the registration site and collect all fees for this event. USA7s does not make any money out of this event. Please keep in mind that NJMP Drivers Club Member Days are not a racing event but rather a Driver Education Day. You will learn to handle and control your vehicle at high speeds as well as explore the capabilities as a driver and those of your vehicle. At no time will you be pushed or encouraged to go any faster than is comfortable for you. All participants are organized into run groups based on experience, skill, and type of vehicle. Even if you do not wish to drive then there are reasons to join us. It is a great social event to meet your fellow owners and share in the joy of our cars. If you are thinking of buying or building a Se7en then we recommend you join us. You can talk to a number of experienced owners and see a large range of cars in one spot to facilitate your building or buying experience or just get ideas for your car. Photographers have a ready made opportunity for pursuing automative photography and arrangements may be available to join the official NJMP photographer as he takes photos around the track. Schedule The event schedule is as follows: Saturday, September 18, 2021 Afternoon: Arrival at NJMP. Both days are being held on the Thunderbolt circuit. The Thunderbolt circuit is likely being utilized on the Saturday and so the pits may not be accessible until close of track operations around 5pm or so. If you arrive before 5pm then head to the either the Finish Line Pub/Clubhouse or alternatively to the on-NJMP property garages at 367 Corsair Drive (NJMP can provide directions). If there is commitment, then I will set up a karting event at 3pm. 5.30-6:00pm Welcome Pool Party at the Clubhouse/Finish Line Pub. Casual wear is appropriate. Sunday, September 19, 2021 7:30am Breakfast at the Clubhouse. Option to get grab and go box to bring back to pits 7:30am Registration and Tech inspection at the Thunderbolt pits area. 8:30am Mandatory Drivers Briefing near the control tower in the pits 9:00am Track is live 1:00pm 1 hour lunch break. Lunch is served at Clubhouse. Option for a grab and go box. 5:00pm Track is closed 6:30pm Dinner – Clubhouse/Finish Line Pub. Lighthearted awards session. Casual wear is appropriate. Monday, September 20, 2021 7:30am Breakfast at the Clubhouse. Option to get grab and go box to bring back to pits 7:30am Registration and Tech inspection (if not inspected prior day) 8:30am Mandatory Drivers Briefing near the control tower in the pits 9:00am Track is live 1:00pm 1-hour lunch break. Lunch is served at Clubhouse. Option for a grab and go box. 5:00pm Track is closed Dinner - We expect most will be heading home afterwards but for those still around I am sure something informal can be sorted out. The sessions times are subject to finalization and a schedule for that day will be handed out each daily driver briefing. Tuesday, September 21, 2021 For those hard-core track rats, I can arrange for a test session track day for a small number of you. Maximum cars would be 4-5. Please contact me via the details at the base of this post if you are interested. Registration This year, online registration for drivers and their guests is via MotorsportReg. Step 1 is to register as a user. Step 2 is to register and pay for the event using the links provided below. NJMP’s cancellation policy is outlined on the registration page. Late registration will incur a late fee. Drivers Club member' have a different HPDE cost to non-members reflecting their club subscriptions paid. Non-driving visitors are required to be registered by NJMP. If you are a driver bringing a guest, then there is space on the registration site to do this. The fee for non-driving visitors covers all refreshments during the day plus breakfast and lunch. If you are attending as a non-driver then we recommend you register on the day when you turn up as the registration site is not designed for guest only attendance. The following links should be used to sign up for each day individually. NJMP is going to modify the registration page to allow you to sign on as a USA7s member - This should happen next week. If they do not then by all means sign up as a Non-Member Guest in the white group and we will will work to move your registration into the right group later. Sunday Registration Link: Drivers Club Member Day Thunderbolt info on Sep 19, 2021 (834677) | MotorsportReg.com Monday Registration Link: Drivers Club Member Day Thunderbolt info on Sep 20, 2021 (669057) | MotorsportReg.com NJMP wishes to maintain the high quality of their Drivers' Club experience and they have limited USA7s to 20 cars. This will provide a quality experience on track for us. Event Requirements Safety: All safety requirements that are mandatory for all participants are specified in New Jersey Law – Chapter 62 here: https://www.njsp.org/divorg/operations/pdf/mvracetrack/20150709_racing_regulations.pdf Please read the section on HPDE as it will specify all safety and tech requirements you are subject to. Driver’s License: All drivers must have a valid Driver’s License and be at least 18 years of age to participate. You will be asked to present your Driver’s License at NJMP. Attire: NJ State Law requires all participants on the track wear long pants and closed toe shoes. No one in shorts will be permitted to enter the racetrack or pit lane. Driver overalls are perfectly acceptable but are not mandatory to those without them. COVID-19 Requirements NJMP has implemented COVID-19 procedures in accordance with NJ State Government guidance to ensure your safety. These are: Mandatory wearing of masks Indoor dining at 25% of capacity. Clubhouse dining is also outside by the pool under an open air tent. If the table set up is not to your preferred distancing then there are additional seating options around the pool for you to choose from although we recommend you bring some warm gear for that option. Also, breakfast and lunch have a grab and go box option to take your food back to the pits for extended social distancing. Outdoor drivers briefing Staff usage of Personal Protection Equipment Encourage socially distant interactions with others From recent events, our observation is that the new protocols for achieving a safer Drivers Club event have been working well and we have been enjoying quality event days. There will be PPE available (masks, antiseptic wipes, sanitizer) for those who have run out or forgot to bring any. While we remain hopeful that COVID-19 restrictions will have been eased by September given the current rate of vaccination progress, if you are traveling from another state, then the NJ Government COVID-19 information hub will answer all questions you are likely to have. https://covid19.nj.gov/ Some states are listed as requiring a quarantine period but given the event is 6 months away and great progress is being made on vaccinations, we expect that will ease before the event. The website also notes that “self-quarantine is voluntary”. Technical Inspection/Rules & Regulations You will be required to complete a tech inspection prior to the event. During the registration process, a link is provided to the tech inspection form. Please download, print and complete ahead of the event – bring the completed form with your car to the tech inspection. Please read the HPDE section of New Jersey Law Chapter 62 seen here. These regulations are yet to be updated for 2015 helmet requirements: https://www.njsp.org/divorg/operations/pdf/mvracetrack/20150709_racing_regulations.pdf Some essential criteria for being able to participate in an HPDE at NJMP: Helmet required: A Snell M or SA rated full face helmet dated 2015 or newer is required for all drivers and passengers on the track. Open face helmets are not permitted in Se7ens. Rental helmets are available with prior arrangement through the NJMP General Store. Arm restraints: NJMP requires these as mandatory safety equipment in open cars Open top cars: Must have approved rollover protection. No pop up roll-bars or detachable hard tops. Chapter 62 makes no mention of requiring a cage or an FIA/SFI labelled roll bar. Broomstick rule is applicable for roll over protection. Broomstick is from top of roll bar to front chassis tube (at nosecone) as the windscreen is not viewed as structural. Belts: Only 5 or 6 point belts are acceptable. Belt age must be on a label on the belts. No label – no driving. SFI belts must be 2 years or newer. FIA belts must be within 5 years or newer. No 4-point belts allowed. No DOT 3-point belts are accepted in open cars like ours. Numbers: Painters tape or vinyl sticker numbers on both sides of your seven are acceptable. Please don’t pick “7” as everyone does that and you will be asked to change it. Tires: Please anticipate tire wear and do not turn up with marginal tire tread. Consider that the track may be damp in which case slick tires are unsafe. If you are close to wearing out a set of tires, then consider ordering and bringing a new spare set. TK Autosports can mount these on your wheels at the Thunderbolt pits for a small fee. You will have to go through a tech line on the day and complete a tech form. These forms will be available from NJMP on the day of the event. Other Matters Getting to NJMP: The GPS address of NJMP is 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville, NJ 08332. If you are coming to Millville on Rt 55 South, then it is strongly recommended that you exit off Rt 55 at Exit 24 as this route option avoids trailers having to make a sharp right turn in downtown Millville. While the signposts on Rt 55 say you should use Exit 27 to access NJMP, we do not recommend this option because of the difficulty you will have making the turn. Participants, including Drivers Club Members and their guests, are responsible for any damage to NJMP property including on track and off track. This includes damage to the Armco and tire wall barriers or for the white powder to soak up oil and coolant spills on track. A layout map of the NJMP property is provided below: Fuel: NJMP houses fuel stations at the Thunderbolt and Lightning pits. The stations are open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The fuel station at Thunderbolt pits offers 93 & 100 octane (unleaded) and 110 & 112 octane (leaded). The fuel stations are permitted to fill containers in 5-gallon red fuel contains, as per NJ state law. Larger fuel containers of 10 gallons or more (any color) are permitted to be used as long as they are marked appropriately (stickers or writing on the container reading “FUEL”). General Store: NJMP has a convenient General Store open during Drivers Club days. Located at the back of the Thunderbolt pits, it sells refreshments, ice, driving equipment (helmets, boots, driving suits, gloves, etc.), oils, some tools, safety gear and other related items. It also does rental helmets should they be required (Please check ahead of time due to possible Covid-19 restrictions). Spares: Consider what may or is likely to break on your cars and consider bringing some select spares of known frequent failure items that will keep you mobile during the weekend. Prior events have shown a need for bearings, throttle and clutch cables, TPS, brake pads/fluid, duct tape, silicone tape, Hylomar (for making fuel seals). Millville does have a Napa Parts outlet and Advance Auto but beyond this, specialist parts suppliers do not exist. Pit Set Up Location: We normally set up in the big barn-like garage in the center of the Thunderbolt pits. There are also garages underneath the Pit Suites complex. You are entitled to use of a garage during the daylight hours of the event. You can also choose to set up on the pits outside if you prefer a more outdoor setting. Overnight garage rental is available plus there is some storage space at Garage 367 of Exotic Car Garages on the Thunderbolt pits access road, in prior years we have had as many as 12 sevens in there plus a selection of other automotive money pits. Seating: We strongly encourage you to bring a folding chair or other seating as there is no seating in the pits provided by NJMP. Accommodation: There are a lot of preferred options available. NJMP has pit suites at Thunderbolt and Villa rental options available. Note the check in time is 7pm and the check out time is 3pm. This allows you use of the lodging during your day at NJMP. On-Site Accommodations – New Jersey Motorports Park (njmp.com) In Millville, there is a Fairfield Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Conventional check in/out hours. In Vineland, about 10 miles away, there is a Hampton Inn or Wingate by Wyndham. Conventional check in/out hours. Camping is available at NJMP by permit along with power hook ups for RVs with a fee. Showers and bathrooms are at the Officers Club at the back of the Thunderbolt pits. Those with RVs also have the option of parking outside my garage and hooking up to my power. Camping and Electric – New Jersey Motorports Park (njmp.com) Mechanics: TK Autosport has been our trusty mechanic of last resort when our cars have broken/melted/fallen apart. TJ (the little one) and Ian (the big one) are a fantastic resource during Drivers Club event days, usually saving the day when it has all gone wrong. Their rates are very reasonable given their experience. While they do frequently save the day, they are not miracle workers, so you are encouraged to take your preparation seriously. If you need help preparing your car in advance of the event, then TK Autosports can be reached at (888) 978-5506. They are located at Millville Airport, adjoining the NJMP site. They also have a tire shop located in the Thunderbolt pits. TK Autosports - Home Other attractions in the Millville area: There are other things to do around this part of southern NJ. The NJMP website has some suggested options: Around NJMP – New Jersey Motorports Park Contact: NJMP can be reached at (856) 327-8000. After hours, the main switchboard will not be answered. In this event, you should call the Main Gate security office on (856) 327-7255. Driving Format As we are participating in an NJMP Drivers Club event, we follow their practices for on-track behavior. We will have a series of exclusive Se7ens-only sessions. To accommodate the range of driving experience participating we follow intermediate HPDE group rules. Passing will be by invitation on. That is, a passing car will need to receive a point-by from the car being passed. No point-by, then no passing. It is courteous for drivers to monitor their rear vision mirrors and let cars past promptly. Passing zones are defined at the straights. You will be briefed on these at the Drivers Briefing or please ask and we can walk you through the track map. Passing in the turns is not acceptable. No passing in braking zones. Given sevens have such remarkable cornering and braking skills it is not expected that passing cars will be held up for any length of time if drivers of slower cars monitor mirrors and point-by promptly. These rules are intended for your safety and if followed should prevent car-to-car contact. In the past we have had no traffic issues or people being held up on track. I put that down to good drivers participating and our remarkable little cars. If you are new to driving on track, then we encourage you to participate in the “Green Run” group. This is progressive paced laps and includes classroom sessions to help you understand the best techniques for driving on a circuit. It introduces the concepts progressively in a way to maintain the safety of you and your car plus facilitates your learning of core driving skills. A number of NJMP Drivers Club members who will be participating in the event have done substantial time on this track since it was first built in 10+ years ago and we can coach you on specific lines and driving approaches to get the best from your car on this circuit. Driving the Thunderbolt Circuit This circuit is technical in nature. The first half of the circuit is fast, long straights, fast sweepers, where the key is to carry as much speed as possible. The second half of the circuit is tight, technical and quite slow in average speed. This part contains the Jersey Devil section, comprised of the most radical decreasing radius corner (Turn 9) of any racetrack in North America, then a heavily off camber slow left corner (Turn 10) which rewards experimenting with different entry points, apex points and exit lines. For an instructional look at the circuit, below is a 360-degree video. For those who have not used one before then: Click through this video into YouTube itself. Play the video Move the camera around by (a) the arrows top left, or (b) clicking your mouse on the video playing and dragging to look behind, up, sides or down If you move the camera to point down slightly you will see I overlaid a track map on the passenger seat below the speed. You may have to move the view slightly right to read the various captions anyway as the YouTube screen size is narrower than my video edit app. Sorry no sound as this camera does not have an external mic. Time: 0:00 Leaving the pits - where to line up to await going out on circuit 0:23 Pit lane and the turn onto the circuit 0:40 Leaving the pits and the blend line you should follow merging onto track 0:52 For the next two warm up laps I have added text commentary on some of the more tricky corners and what you should not do. 5:35 Some clean laps at a good moderate pace to illustrate the lines. I deliberately tried lots of different lines in the Devil section of the Thunderbolt track to show you what happens - the speed is relatively low. Experimentation will teach you a lot about your car in this corner. Just watch the entry speed on the decreasing radius right hand corner on entry into the Devil - it will catch you out first time. 19:19 I follow Tom so you can see the track lines from a different perspective. 23:50 Returning to the pits and back of pits For those that have never participated in this event then two videos of the event by Glen S, a USA7s member, Lotus Enthusiast and all-round good guy, will help you appreciate it. This is above all a social event. We do it to enjoy our sevens’ unique handling and performance capabilities in a facility that allows safety compared with doing the same on road (which would be illegal too). There will be no racing or timing of events. We want the atmosphere to be relaxed and social, above all, enjoying our cars as they were designed to be used, in a mutually respectful and safe manner. We look forward to meeting you at the 2021 event! Questions: Should you have event related questions, then you can post them via USA7s (either PM or on this event thread) or by email to sevensarefun AT gmail DOT com.
  11. If you want a sense for what an staggeringly good driver Sabine was, then watch this video. The car started in 30-something position. By the end of lap 1 she was third. By end of lap 2 she was leading. Its raining yet look at the speed she carries through the corners.
  12. Something like twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Sabine on my first visit to the Nurburgring. This was before her Top Gear fame in a Ford Transit van. She was my instructor for two full days to help me find my feet in a rented track prepared Alfa 75. So she takes me out in a BMW M5 and roughly a third of the way around, interrupts her narrative to kindly pull over on the side of the track to let me throw up so I would not redecorate the interior. "Don't you vomit in the car or I will make you clean it with a toothbrush!" Then we went out in the Alfa 75. Her TV persona was the her real one in her normal life - straight to the point. "Why are you there? You should be over there!" "Faster" "You are going to kill us!" "You idiot, why are you doing that?" "My grandmother drives faster than you!" were all lines I recall being said, sometimes more than once. It was never malicious and was always said in such a way that usually had me or more likely both of us laughing, once to the point where I pulled over on the side of the circuit and stopped to recover as I was crying so much with tears of laughter, I could not see. "You are quick to stop, why not quick to go?" She she managed to lift my knowledge up enough that I could strike out on my own and progressively build up adequate Nurburgring knowledge to keep a rank beginner out of trouble. Her personality was larger than life and welcoming of everyone. Brilliant driver. Wonderful kind person. She will be sorely missed. RIP Sabine.
  13. Hi Clive - My place there is on Bourke Street down towards Spencer street station. I know where Mooroolbark is! Been to the miniature railroad there. Welcome to USA7s @Geoffoz OzClubbies club members deserve huge credit for their efforts in traveling long distances to the National Meetings. You are in a great part of the world too. I always liked Perth and WA as the politicians knew their place unlike the eastern ones. Cheers mike
  14. Congratulations! Here is to your many happy miles of driving that lie ahead!
  15. Introduction Getting comfortable in your Se7en is essential to stay firmly located when driving vigorously - backroad blat, autocross or track day. This means you have to have a good seat. The standard offerings from Caterham, Birkin and Westfield fit the majority of the population well. However, they may not fit some drivers or be suitable to track days or autocross. Taller drivers may want to gain some leg/steering wheel clearance or get lower in the car by 1-1.5 inches to allow better roll bar clearance for their head. A resin bead seat may a solution for the needs for those drivers who need additional room or locational anchoring. This article is to take you through the basics of of making a resin bead seat for your car. Types of Seat Kits There are a couple of seat making options that you will come across: 1) Seat kits 2) Seat insert kits A seat kit is going to replace a seat. A seat insert is intended to fit within an existing seat like the photo below: If you need to replace the whole seat - base and backrest then a full seat kit is going to be what you need. If you wish to keep the existing backrest but replace the seat squab/base with a foam or resin seat then a seat insert kit is going to to be sized better for your purposes. The process described below is essentially the same for both seat and seat insert options. Then you will want to consider the different options of seat material available in kit form: 1) Bead resin seat 2) Two Part Foam 3) Expanding Foam Both have merits depending who you listen to: The bead resin seat is using similar shock absorption material to what you would find inside a motorcycle helmet. Proponents claim that it has superior safety in an accident than the foam, having been tested by IndyCar and F1. The foam seat proponents claim it is a better system as some kits achieve SFI 45.2 qualification The expanding foam proponents talk about how much easier and quicker is to produce a result than the other two I am not going to provide an answer to what is better. Various racing forums have debated this at length and never achieved a conclusive outcome. One thing I will note is that any seat subject to an impact should not be used again - its similar to helmet safety in this respect. Seat Kits Available for Purchase Some of the better known kit options available for purchase are below: Bead Seat Creafoam Bead Seat Kit - Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies Bald SPot SPorts Creafoam Bead Seat Kit - DIY Creaform Race Seats (discoveryparts.com) Bald Spot Sports | Providers of Performance Enhancing Foam Solutions Profi Seat - schroth.com | SCHROTH Safety Products Custom made racecar seating by ButlerBuilt – Bead foam insert kits. BUTLERBUILT Racing Seats & Motorsports Safety Equipment Foam Seat Pour-in-place urethane kits by ButlerBuilt – E-Z Sert | Race car seats. BUTLERBUILT Racing Seats & Motorsports Safety Equipment Expanding Foam Custom Seat Kits - Motorsports Southwest Motorsports Southwest (motorsports-sw.com) You do not even need to buy a kit. @yellowss7 made a seat base for his Caterham by buying foam bean bag beads, a space saver vacuum bag and a two part epoxy mix following a similar process to what I did below, before covering it in Nomex fabric. Amazon is your friend for these pieces. Making a Resin Bead Seat For the purposes of the remainder of this article, I will be using the Creaform Bead Seat Kit from Bald Spot Racing (also available for purchase from Discovery Parts and Pegasus). I purchased my kit from Pegasus Racing. Creafoam Bead Seat Kit - Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies Before starting I recommend watching the instruction video. I recommend you have a friend to assist you in this, especially since you may be stuck in your Se7en while the seat cures. My first lesson - the XL size of the Creaform seat kit is too big for the bathtub area of a Caterham SV even after removing everything in the seating cavity. Hindsight says it should have been a Large or possibly a Medium sized kit. My second hint for you is wear the clothes you expect to be wearing when you are driving. If this is a track car or autocross then maybe you wear race overalls? Your clothing for this fitting will memorialize your shape in the seat so you want a close approximation of what you intend to be wearing when you are driving. Step 1 is vacuum out all the gravel and debris from various drives. Step 2 is tape or cardboard over all the sharp protrusions in the space that would otherwise threaten to rip the plastic bag of beads and cause them to flow everywhere in the cockpit. So bolts, chassis tube ends/braces, belt buckles, etc Step 3 is trial fit of bead bag (no resin yet). You GENTLY sit in the car on top of the dry bead bag. This test showed pretty quickly that we had too many beads in the bag. So about 25% to 35% came out and we test fit again. That was a much better fit. Step 4 is prepare for the vacuum - there is a hose into the bag. You connect it to a vacuum and it keeps the bag under suction through the initial cure fitting. Some people talk about buying a cheap water valve to go between vacuum and hose so you can turn vacuum cleaner off but I doubt you can keep enough vacuum on it this way. Step 5 - at this point, take a bathroom break, cigarette break or whatever you need as you wont be going for a while. Secondly, wear long pants as the resin curing is quite hot on bare skin. Step 6 - mix the resin into the bag. We ended up using all the resin as the mixture felt too dry. You put the bag on the floor and gently knead the resin around the beads so there are no clumps, taking care not to break the bag. Step 7 - Bag with beads and resin into the car. Then lower yourself GENTLY into the bag. Squish yourself, butt, legs, shoulders, hips, etc. to get comfortable for a good driving position. Move the beads around to where they need to be. Once you are comfortable then stop moving and sit still. Vacuum is on. Your assistant can bring you a beer and you both take a break from while the seat cures. Maybe gaze around the garage, or in my case the TK Autosports hangar. At this point you contemplate the messiness of our existence. Jeff's @JBH blue Caterham awaiting yet another rebuilt engine (hint - don't use 10,000rpm on a Zetec). A certain blue Holden awaiting its rebuilt engine to go back in. A Corvette with a blown clutch. The already trashed rental blue Datsun 200SX for hackers to destroy further. The number 51 Mazda RX7 in for yet another new engine. Step 8 - Escaping from your "mould." After an hour I was allowed out. Less resin would have seen me escape at the 30 minute mark but the seat felt too "squishy" at the 30 minute mark so for caution I stayed there for the full hour for the seat to firm up more. At the time of my exit from the seat, the seat had firmed up enough that my butt impression was not going to move. Getting out was entertaining. I could not use my traditional hand holds to lever myself up plus I could not move my legs much given the beads. And my non-removable steering wheel was where I needed to be. Having your buddy assisting, collapse in giggles at your difficulties was never going to help me but eventually... Yes folks, that impact crater, is my butt impression. Its amazing where your body leaves divots - a love handle on one side, my leather belt line, a wrinkle in my shirt, a hole where I had my SUV keys in my pocket, etc., you get the idea. At this point we turned the vac off and left it to cure over the holidays. It only really needed 24 hours but we were heading out on holidays so not a problem. Step 9 - Removing the seat from the car to shape it. The seat has now hardened up fully. Using a hot knife you trim away the excess pieces of bead/foam so that it will come out of the car easily for further shaping and covering. It was at this point I discovered something critical: If the bag is too big then it bunches up and creates chasms of plastic in between the beads. The XL kit was too big a size for a Caterham SV - learn from my lesson If you mold a bead seat under the lip of the center tunnel then it will not like coming out. The hot knife is key. It makes life so much easier carving and shaping the seat for the space. You need to car space channels for the belts on the sides and underneath for the submarine belts. Need to carve a hole for the submarine belt to surface through the seat to meet crotch. A hot knife looks like this: Because of my errors, I cut my seat out of the car in two pieces which made it far easier to manage than one who seat. It was then trimmed neatly. Step 10 - Covering Your Seat While you can leave your seat in its exposed bead foam state, you will be abrading beads everywhere and it will be messy. A seat covering is recommended. You have a range of options to cover your seat - duct tape, nomex fabric, etc. I chose Nomex fabric and had the upholsterer do it in loose style so I can remove it for cleaning in case of any accidents. Step 11 - You need a head rest. By removing the original seat with integrated head rest, your head is now exposed to impacts against the roll bar. You have a couple of options: 1) Use roll bar padding like that in the photo: 2) Fabricate a head rest 3) If you have a Caterham then you can buy the kit that just bolts onto the roll bar. I upgraded the foam that came with the kit for some thicker "NASA" foam. End Result I am very happy with the end result and are now able to sustain higher G forces on track without fatiguing and find it much more comfortable on my back and neck. I am lower in the car which has reduced the level of wind buffeting I get. Hope your results turn out as well as mine.
  16. Bringatrailer - Caterham for auction 1992 Caterham Super 7 for sale on BaT Auctions - ending March 21 (Lot #44,934) | Bring a Trailer
  17. @TexasDreamer Welcome to USA7s! Thats a great story and it sounds like an even greater wife if she encouraged you to buy your Caterham. Love the classic color look of your new(to you) Caterham. I remember it coming up on Bringatrailer. There are a few owners in Houston, our brand new forum map is only just being populated now so not everyone is listed there yet but add yourself and others will find you. Forum member Cranky is just north of Houston in the Woodlands. To answer some of your questions: - Some owners can sometimes drop the battery through the chassis underneath instead of taking the throttle body off. - The alternators in these cars do not provide much juice unless you are actually moving a decent clip so it can appear they are weak. Maybe put the battery on a trickle charger overnight and see if that reconditions it enough. Enjoy your driving!
  18. Week Beginning March 14, 2021 NEW Locost project Marketplace - E46 BMW drivetrain and Partial LoCost chassis with build table | Facebook Dutton 7 Project (back again after an absence) Dutton Lotus 7 project - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org) REPEATS Replica Marketplace - 1974 Lotus Seven replica | Facebook Stalker Marketplace - 2016 Lotus Stalker LS3 Locost 7 | Facebook and here LocostUSA.com • View topic - For Sale: Stalker XL LS3 and here Stalker XL V8 Locost Lotus 7 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org) Locost LocostUSA.com • View topic - Completed locost for sale Westfield LocostUSA.com • View topic - 1992 Westfield SEI Replica Marketplace - 1995 HAND BUILT lotus 7 style replica | Facebook Caterham Marketplace - 1988 Caterham Super Sprint 7 | Facebook Replica Marketplace - 2022 Lotus Lotus 7 · Stainless steel | Facebook Replica project Marketplace - 1962 Lotus Super 7 | Facebook Stalker (ad notes pending sale) Marketplace - 1962 Lotus Super7 | Facebook Westfield LocostUSA.com • View topic - 1995 Westfield SE For Sale Stalker LocostUSA.com • View topic - Brunton Stalker V6 #24 Stalker 1962 Lotus SuperStalker Spec Sheet (race-cars.com) Lotus 7 S2 and Caterham INVENTORY (rockymountaincaterham.com) Caterham Caterham Inventory — Beachman Racing Lotus 7 S2 1967 Lotus Super Seven | The Smiekel Collection Diva 1962 Lotus Super Seven for sale #2468993 - Hemmings Motor News and here 1962 Lotus Diva Roadster - cars & trucks - by dealer - vehicle... (craigslist.org) Caterham 2020 Lotus Caterham for sale #2416012 - Hemmings Motor News Lotus 7 S2 1963 Lotus Super Seven for sale #2409828 - Hemmings Motor News Superformance S1 1969 Lotus 7 for sale #2456335 - Hemmings Motor News Stalker 2014 Lotus 7 for sale #2167534 - Hemmings Motor News Replica 1979 Lotus Seven for Sale | ClassicCars.com | CC-1382221 Wharton 7 1978 Lotus Seven for Sale | ClassicCars.com | CC-1299993 Stalker Stalker XL Sports Car - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... (craigslist.org) CANADA RM Eight Project 1985 Lotus Elan Lotus seven not Elan - Souris (autotrader.ca)
  19. Congratulations on your sale @skyoung When does your CSR arrive?
  20. Similarly nose bleed expensive. Rule of thumb is 4 to 5 times the price it would cost in the USA.
  21. I even know where that video is taken - outside the Conrad Hotel in the Marina District of Singapore. Prior to COVID I would spend 2 weeks a year in that hotel for work. Singapore has to be one of the worst places on earth for a Caterham. Swelteringly humid. Only 30 minutes before your next thunderstorm. All built up urban areas with traffic lights everywhere. Not a decent twisty road on the island. And that little jaunt around the Marina district probably cost him $7 in congestion pricing area tolls. The tolling device is that box thing on the windscreen.
  22. Version 1.0.0

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    Cats at Play in the USA - September 2016 Author: @Blokko
  23. Version 1.0.0

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    Duratec Assembly Manual 2002
  24. Version 1.0.0

    3 downloads

    Honda S2000 Engine Service Manual
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