Bster13

What do you consider basic safety stuff? The car completed a 2500 mile road trip home from the seller: http://usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5443 And other than some teething problems, it ran very well. But...the car does not have bumpers, covers over the exhaust, windshield wiper, safety glass for the windshield, or mechanical parking brake. These are the things I am worried about, but is it "safe?" Just as darm safe as the next Lotus 7 Replica with exceptional build quality: http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/bster13/Freds_Stalker/?start=all

I believe the inspection/registration process as changed over time: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=2214 (I should not have to go through emissions regardless as my engine was purchased prior to August 1st 2008) What the inspector was inferring (to me) in the conversation I had with him was that "yeah, it's a kit car, but it was built out of state and is titled as a 1962 Lotus....so in effect they treat as a 1962 antique Lotus, not a composite, so no safety inspection." *shrugs*

for CT registration?

Here are some more of the Stalkers on the Gap during our yearly Ambush: Xtreme Sports Photography http://www.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=7106042&g=0QAK00S800 (The Dragon Sept. 1st Wednesday 2010 9/1/2010 -> Cars -> Page 24) Killboy.com http://www.photoreflect.com/store/ThumbPage.aspx?e=7115190&g=04RK01A901 (Deals Gap - Wednesday - September 1, 2010 9/1/2010 - Photos were taken from 9.20am to 5.14pm -> Cars - Trucks -> Page 4) Zee Photo http://www.photoreflect.com/store/ThumbPage.aspx?e=7105577&g=0HH601H900 (9-1-10 Deals Gap--Jedis Fall 9/1/2010 - A couple turns south of m.m.6 -> Cars -> Page 9)

Thanks Brent & Brenda. For everyone else on the thread, they were the folks who got up at the crack of dawn to troubleshoot my brakes as well as drive me to the autoparts store for an alternator and various other things. Couldn't ask for anything more....well except that they move a little closer to CT. haha. They also made it on to Killboy's blog at Deal's Gap, they are near the bottom of the page, @ 1:55 PM. Way to go! http://killboy.blogspot.com/

I drove the trailer on the highways and unhooked in at Helen, GA to play w/ the other stalkers. The car got progressively better MPG w/ the trailer while doing about 70mph. Worst was 19.4mpg in the beginning, best was 24.9mpg at my last fillup. W/out the trailer and doing more sane 65mph, I expect to see 30mpg. 900 miles in one day is my record too....in a stalker no less. Won't be doing that again any time soon. Haha.

Croc, u got it right. There was no radiator fan w/ the car and that will be one of the first mods.

Yeah I would say so Steve. The previous owner has some incredible fabrication abilities, so in the end the few teething problems were just part of the experience and let me get to know the really helpful owners who were more than willing to go out of their way for me. God knows I could not of built something to that high a standard and the thing goes like stink!

I thought I was home free with my last Gas stop for the evening as the sun set: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs429.snc4/47181_568941669346_17506531_32894430_5210406_n.jpg ....but of course, there had to be some more construction in PA where the road crew almost had to tow my car for safety reasons: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs627.snc4/58778_568948211236_17506531_32894691_129951_n.jpg Made it home a little before 12am after ~2500 miles in total and boy did I sleep well. Thanks for following along....now I begin the long process of going through the car further to learn all it's inter-workings and preparing it for CT kit car inspection *groan* Unfortunately I won't have the Stalker owners by my side (though they will be online and on the phone) to help out as they did time and time again with my car. If I didn't have them to troubleshoot some my my car's teething problems, I wouldn't of made it. They really are a great group of drivers and mechanics, but most of all just enjoyable people to be around. They were awesome and I can't wait for next year! Til next time!!!!! :seeya:

7am on Thursday I set off for my near 900 mile trip from Helen, Ga to Norwalk, CT: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs424.snc4/46751_568930192346_17506531_32894368_7795375_n.jpg The trip took me a little less than 17 hours while playing w/ 18 wheelers: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs210.ash2/47299_568912427946_17506531_32894208_8300671_n.jpg And steering clear of oversized loads: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs410.snc4/47346_568934848016_17506531_32894401_6561466_n.jpg

I'd like some stickier rubber for the beast, but they were good enough to get the job done and really see how awesome this car handles. It was like glue on Deal's gap, and sportbikes were merely in my way. haha. No good pictures because there was some traffic that did not lend us to great photo staging, but we had the usual batch of motorcyclists come over and inquire about the cars. Here we are at the overlook at the bottom of the Gap: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs375.snc4/45851_568795751766_17506531_32892056_2584443_n.jpg

The next day involved a trip to my old stomping groundson the bike, Two Wheels Only. The Stalker owners have a special deal with the owners, as we're the only 4-wheeled vehicles allowed apparently. Pretty special eh? The place is awesome to walk around in and the local roads are top notch: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs198.ash2/46125_568666316156_17506531_32889051_2075683_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs408.snc4/47114_568666415956_17506531_32889052_2869300_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs428.snc4/47137_568666475836_17506531_32889053_2022554_n.jpg We also staged the cars for some pics: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs292.snc4/40935_568670627516_17506531_32889312_7059461_n.jpg

The next morning I came out to a puddle underneath my car....coolant. Turns out the clamps on the silicone hoses were lose and eventually I sprung a leak. Some helping hands from some Stalker owners, and I was on the way with some Poland Springs water for the day. hehe. The day also included twisties (of course) and a stop at the local racing hall of fame. We stopped for a few photos: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs408.snc4/47169_568567324536_17506531_32885242_5672401_n.jpg We also stopped at a very tightly packed used/antique motorcycle shop: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs375.snc4/45773_568570817536_17506531_32885311_8230907_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs201.ash2/46376_568570907356_17506531_32885313_2129388_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs298.snc4/41262_568571381406_17506531_32885366_1434354_n.jpg

Sunday morning I was supposed to head North to Helen, Ga, but thought better of it and detoured 120 miles round trip to McDonough, GA Summit Racing's warehouse. My car has Aeromotive fittings and fuel pump, so I couldn't just run to the local automotive parts place to get new filters just in case: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs421.snc4/46406_568493482516_17506531_32883198_8202635_n.jpg The place was like a toy store for motor heads. Sunday afternoon I arrived at the Riverbend Motel to what I like to refer to as "heaven:" http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs435.snc4/47868_568499061336_17506531_32883321_7744540_n.jpg The place was very accommodating for all the trucks and trailers as well as noisy cars. Nice place by the water where u could float down in a tube if you wanted to relax. Next I got some major help in troubleshooting my weak brakes. We noticed a leak in the hard line and I braced for the worst...having to trailer the car home. But in the end it was just some loose fittings, and once tightened we used a little improvisation to refill the reservoir: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs376.snc4/45918_568549709836_17506531_32885007_5805885_n.jpg

I spent 1.5 hours w/ "Jean" the 70 year old night watchman from Louisiana who was watching the construction trailers while I waiting for the traffic to lighten up. He smoked a pack an hour, was NOT fond of the current President, talked of methamphetamine he used as a trucker, working oil drilling rigs, and his pacemaker. Not the best company I had for 1.5, hours but he was interesting to say the least, and not a bad guy: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs159.ash2/41312_568384091736_17506531_32879690_3154466_n.jpg I made it to Woodstock, GA at 1am and went to bed at one of my bud's house from HS. I spent the rest of the wknd with him and his wife doing things other than the Stalker, but I did give each of them a short test drive the morning I left. Big smiles.... http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs157.ash2/41169_10150245692910068_677345067_14426538_7236452_n.jpg http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs157.ash2/41169_10150245692930068_677345067_14426542_712340_n.jpg

Turns out the fuel filter between the tank and the suction side of the pump was gunked up: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs435.snc4/47871_568381057816_17506531_32879570_1667091_n.jpg It prob. had some old gas in it, or I got it from a station along the way. The little flecks u see are the foam from the fuel tank. I think the foam is good, but the filter probably caught the few flecks of foam that were shaved off when the foam was installed. We pitched the paper filter and took the 100 micro filter from the outflow side of the pump, cleaned it with some carb cleaner and installed it on the inlet side of the fuel pump. Running with one filter to get me to Woodstock, GA, but not before the worse sunburn of my life. I kept checking each gas station for sunblock, but no dice and I was too stupid to divert to a Walmart, so that plus the long time by the road in the hot sun got me this: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs427.snc4/47066_568391706476_17506531_32879932_7665742_n.jpg Between Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA, I ran into some nasty construction traffic. The car has no radiator fan and this was the first where I wish I had one: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs201.ash2/46420_568380823286_17506531_32879564_2165949_n.jpg

Alright, I got lazy with the updates because either I was troubleshooting a trouble here or there or out having Fun...so here goes. I left everyone off in Conway, AR for the night. The next day I was to travel to Woodstock, GA and stop by the Barber Motorsports park along the way. I merely passed by the exit and shed a tear as I puttering along. :cuss: But....I did enjoy the early part of the day, with people waving and snapping pictures. Once interested guy owned the same car as me, an EVO IX: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs187.ash2/45013_568343677726_17506531_32878425_1958745_n.jpg We goosed it for a bit and the GPS registered 118MPH while pulling a trailer and suspect fuel system. Not bad! We were both laughing. Near Hamilton, AL to car began to cut out, and would not accelerate, finally it died by the side of the road in the baking sun in the middle of no where. After checking some vacuum lines on the engine, and the check valve to make sure the gas tank was venting properly, I suspected the fuel filters as the fuel pump was hot enough to fry an egg on it: http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/bster13/Freds_Stalker/26600024.jpg I did not have the tools to inspect fuel filters, so I gave myself a good sunburn and hoped the fuel pump cooled off enough to nurse myself into town. When I rolled in, I went to the first place I saw: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs299.ash2/57939_569068779616_17506531_32897320_2243045_n.jpg

Hey Bob, Incredible roads....highly recommended to all. I had a great time tearing it up with you as well. I'd drive with you any time....seeing as how the Stalkers were both new to us, I suppose we did alright.

I prob won't have time to go into the place, as I'll be getting there late but I'd at least like to see the outside and get a pic or two. An observation I forgot last night, but you all knew this already..... damn this car is an attention getter. I've never had my picture taken so much in my life, haha.

Got in a few minutes ago and have been uploading picture from my phone as I go to Facebook... First gas stop, 19.4 MPG pulling a trailer at 70-75mph. Not bad: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs296.snc4/41157_568302086076_17506531_32876300_5164640_n.jpg Some of my friends think I'm cool, others think I'm nuts: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32876300&l=f0d4659389&id=17506531 Here I am running with the truckers in the night with a near full moon....was pretty cool, but I was watching for deer: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs407.snc4/47037_568307430366_17506531_32876476_3765793_n.jpg And here is the SS asleep for the night in Conway, AR: http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs205.ash2/46799_568314461276_17506531_32876873_5752873_n.jpg Random comments: -I am glad I brought my watershoes, as there is NOT a lot of room in the footbox w/ the pedals. -Need to add some lumbar support, otherwise, comfy seat and ride. -It goes like stink. -Glad I had earplugs and a helmet, or my hearing would be gone. As it is I may want to quiet down the exhaust later on. Tomorrow I pass through Birmingham, AL...can anyway guess what museum I plan to stop by late in the afternoon?

Rob, come crash the party! haha I'll be staying the wknd w/ friends in woodstock, GA. If you are near by, PM me!

Sitting at the airport for a 6:10 flight....got through security @ 4:27am, hrmmmm I guess a bit early after getting up at 3:10am haha. Oh well, I guess I'll take the time to program the Garmin GPS a bit.

Thanks very much guys...you have no idea how much I've missed this type of trip since I hit a deer on my touring bike in 2007....riding may be gone, but Driving is certainly here!

So tomorrow I fly from CT to OK to purchase a Brunton Super Stalker from a great builder: http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b50/bster13/Freds_Stalker/?start=all The builder also put together a HF trailer I bought to bring home some spare parts. He also fabricated an accessory shelf for the hitch, for later use. This trailer will connect to the 1 1/4in hitch on the back of the SS. The plan is to drive from Tulsa, OK straightline to some friends north of Atlanta, GA. On Sunday the 29th, I'll drive to Helen, GA to participate with the rest of the Stalker owners in the annual Stalker Ambush. I'll unhitch the trailer and spend a few days having fun in the twisties and then reattach the trailer to slab it home on the highway by Sept. 2nd. At any point in time, you can see where I am here: http://brycestripblog.blogspot.com/ I want to thank the forum for leading me to this point. I was known as "the boy of a thousand questions" when I was younger and I fully lived up to that name on this board when evaluating which was the best 7 replica for me. This is a great knowledge base and I hope to contribute more over time as I learn my car. Many Thanks! Bryce

Can any current Stalker owners comment on the removable rollcage? Pricing? Pics? Thx.