solder_guy

Well maybe if I can get my car together .. (If guys can get their cars from the UK and back for USA 2005, I could make it to Skyline!). BTW: The speed limit on the Blue Ridge Parkway is 45 mph. Rob Mitchell 10 TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY 1. Go slowly and enjoy the scenery. The speed limit is 45 mph. Although there are no stop signs or stoplights, this is not a freeway. 2. Stop at the overlooks to soak in the views. If an overlook is busy, take a short walk to find a more secluded spot. 3. Take a blanket and picnic. There are several picnic areas along the way, and many green areas along the drive to stop. 4. Take a jacket. With the elevation changes along the drive, the temperature may vary as much as 20 to 30 degrees. At the highest elevations, the hottest summer days only reach into the 70s. 5. Watch for hikers and bicyclists. 6. Be certain to take your camera and plenty of film. Ask someone to take a picture of you along the way. 7. Gas up before you get on the parkway. There is only one gas station on the parkway (at Mt. Pisgah). Gas stations are also located on intersecting highways near the Parkway exits. 8. Restrooms are located at major stops such as picnic areas and visitor centers. 9. Please do not disturb wildlife or plant life. Bear sightings are rare. 10. If you are into bird watching or wildflowers, be sure to take your guidebooks. 11. For emergencies along the Parkway, call 1-800-ParkWatch. solder_guy38743.0083449074

Only problem would be the weather ... How may 7s were on the road trip?? How many from the UK? Rob Mitchell

From The Color Brochure: 1987. ROTUS SEVEN GETAWAY~ IN A REBORN LEGEND. SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 97.4 inches Track Front/ Rear: 54.0/53.75 inches Overall length: 144 inches Overall width 66.0 inches Height (to cowl): 31.25 inches Height (to rollbar) 44.25 inches Ground clearance 5.25 inches Weight, dry 1237 lbs. Fuel capacity including reserve 15.6 gallons Tire size 185-70 x 14 standard (195-60 x 14 optional) CHASSIS Frame 1" square, 1" round. 3/4" round #1010 steel .065 wall tig welded Body sides-hood-cowl: #3003 aluminum .050 Body bottom: #6061 T6 aluminum .050 Fenders and nose cone: Reinforced fiberglass Pedal boxes, trans tunnel #6061 T6 aluminum .050 Paint: Purchasers choice MECHANICAL Engine (standard): 1800 c.c. "3T" Toyota "hemi" head Engine (optional): inquire Transmission: Toyota 5 speed manual Rear axile, live Toyota Corolla/ Celica Ring and pinion Ratio: 4:11/1 Drvie shaft: Modified Toyota Front brakes Toyota Corona disc Rear brakes: Toyota Corolla/Celica drum Front spindles Toyota Corona Radiator Toyota Celica Starter/Alternator/Wiper: Toyota Steering, rack and pinion Toyota (modified) Electical system 12 Volt negative ground ENGINE OPTIONS This vehicle can be fitted with virtually any four cylinder engine as well as some straight and V-6's and some V-8's. Mazda rotarys and D.O.H.C. 6 cylinder Supra engines will also fit, and we are currently in the process of fitting a chassis with a 1983 Cadlilac 4.1 liter Aluminum Block V-8. The Buick-Olds-Pontiac aluminum V-8 (currently sold in the Triumph TR-8 and Rover) is also readily adaptable to the Rotus Sevens's sophisticated frame. Rotus accomplished this adapatbility by enlarging the engine bay portion of the frame in a structurally sound manner. In addition, the steering shaft is located well beyond any areas of potential interference with cylinder heads or exhaust headers on the larger engines. By utilizing components from the Toyota family of vehicles, Rotus has been able to assure owners of proven reliability and ready parts supply. A Rotus Seven may very well prove to be the most trouble-free car you will ever own! Front suspension features upper rocker arm design with inboard mounted, coil-over shocks. This is a first for a road car, but common on the quickest of international racing cars. Radiator is from a Toyota Celica to provide more than enough cooling capacity for even the hottest weather or the worst traffic jams. Engines vary from the Toyota 1600-2000 c.c. trin cam 4 cylinder (shown) through other Toyota T series units and the 6 cylinder Supra to dozens of other manufacturer's power plants of the 4 ,6, and 8 cylinder design. Transmission are basically Toyota, combininb "bullet proof" reliability with excellent acceleration curves and fifth gear overdrive frugality. (Automatics optional) Aircraft construction techniques throught. From the Rotus Seven's ultra sturdy tubular space frame, to its riveted, structural aluminum body panels assembled by trained aircraft technicians. Roll bar made from 1 1/2 inch .120 wall steel tubing is standard equipment for your driving safety. Rear suspension is by four trailing links (Toyota parts) with lateral location of the live axle (also Toyota) by a panhard rod. Dual brake master cylinders complete with race proven "Tilton" balance bar for fore and aft brake bias adjustment. Hydraulic clutch actuation for light and postiive engagement. Pedals are fully adjustable for and aft as an assembly to suit variations in driver height and leg length. Koni dual adjustable shock absorbers can adjust ride height as well as dampening stiffness to suit any d

Wow! What a great road trip! smileys/smiley1.gif[/img] </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA</p><p> </p><p> </p>

What does your dash look like? Post pics here! What special features have you incorporated into your dash? Rob Mitchell (Waiting for my Rotus to be done)

As much as I appreciate automatic circuits .. I like to have control of what is happening. And being a traditionalist, I will probably go with a turn signal lever .. whether it be cancelling or non-cancelling. But I think that I will make my "back off" pushbutton flash all the lights and the mirror chevrons! BTW: Cool dash! Is it padded? Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA solder_guy38737.3546412037

Wow Jerry! So is this what is called "independent rear suspension??" BTW: I looked through your site about the evolution of your garage .. That is some setup! I am so envious! Rob Mitchell (I suffer in a carport which is always full of leaves and bugs!)

My gosh .. all polished aluminum and polished fiberglass too??? Or are the fenders aluminum too! Has the car been road tested yet? How old is it? My other car is a Celica convertible .. I have cheaper taste! smileys/smiley2.gif[/img]</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Nice article .. nice writeup .. and nice car!! I lived in Chesterfield for one year. St Louis is a great city! Rob Mitchell

My car has a UK Lucas wiper system. I'm going to update to a 2 speed with park in the future. That will allow for a delay too. Rob Mitchell

Do now! What do you think?? Will this work with your Rotus Mazda?? Rob Mitchell solder_guy38736.8203009259

They grow up fast don't they? Look forward to seeing your car running again! Rob Mitchell

I started looking at turn signal switches on eBay. There are several which can clamp to the steering column. One design has a light at the end of the stem that indicates that the turn signals are on. This setup is more intuitive than a switch mounted on the dashboard. >Turn Signal Light Switch Might this work with the Rotus? I'll have to wait and see about my car .. Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GAsolder_guy38736.3383101852

My Rotus had a single speed Lucas wiper motor cable drive (turned at 90 degrees which is not that efficientl) and didn't work well at all! SSSLLLOOOWWW. Plus I had to turn off the wipers at the right time to "park" them! Rob pic shows the original single speed Lucas motor at the right side of the car in front of the scuttle .. bottom of pic beside leaf .. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1691226406_wsw1.jpg

Welcome .. bring on the pics! Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA (gosh it was warm enough yesterday to enjoy a drive!)

Yup! Relays are the way to go! I really like the under glove box. I'll have to scour through my JC Whitney for that one. The "oh my god" bar can be had from many junk cars .. How robust are your windshield wipers?? Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

You mean a Yugo? You have a windshield washer? How did you set that up? How often do you use it? What is your "aux. driving light"? How substantial is the grab bar on the right? Nice JC Whitney item .. Do you have a part number for it? Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA solder_guy38732.4230902778

Nice! I presume that the square red pushbutton is the warning brake light button. What is the knob to the far right? Heater valve knob? The chrome light switch turns on the parking, headlights and dims the gauge lights? What do each of the rockers do? Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

There are some valve covers that lock in place. I like your turn / hi-low switch! Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

I've always enjoyed driving and camping along the Skyline Drive. Maybe my Rotus will be done soon?? Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

I see that you have the little valve covers too! I've seen them packaged as a set of 4 .. but not 5 which is what is needed! Nice details! Also I see that you have a headlight control to the left of the steering wheel. Does that function as a directional blinker also? If so does it reset after a turn?? Please provide pics of the rest of your dash!! Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

Dennis has it in his shop .. It is chassis #14 listed here on www.usa7s.com The head has been pulled off to redo / reseat. I own it .. but I have not yet seen it in person! Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

What would you like to change about your Rotus? What do you not like about your car? Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

I received my amber LED bullet lights in the mail the other day. Look nice and small! I will probably install them where the fender bolt holds to the fender bracket (and use the bracket as a ground). Price for the pair off eBay was $29 plus $6+ shipping .. much less than the above catalog price! Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA solder_guy38725.935787037

Thanks .. I would like to have that .. maybe add to my car ... I'll have to go look at your pics again. I look forwad to seeing more of your car! Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA