Ruadhd2

The Rotus has 4 inches more width than the Caterham. The actual seat width, though, is 17 inches. Are there any other suggestions for seating? The original Rotus seats have individual bottoms with a shared bench back. They are cool looking, but they do not offer whiplash protection and are probably not the best track seats. Other reasonably priced options?

Not my project but interesting. Look at the price. Won't last long. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300425841072&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AUS%3A1123

I am restoring a 1984 Rotus, which is 4 inches wider than a Caterham and 10 inches longer, less tight to sit in than the originals. It needs bodywork and paint. Mechanically it is coming along. It has a raspy Harley Davidson muffler that I'm not sure I'm crazy about. Anyway the mechanicals and electrical all work. Engine and transmission are strong. It has new wet/cold weather gear. It is rough but fun. You are welcome to give it a try. Call Steve: 240-271-8964. I am in Silver Spring and this is my toy project and not a daily driver.

Ordered them. Looking forward to it. Steve

I am thinking of putting racing seats in the Rotus, which has only 17 inches of room per seat. Any favorites and places to get them? Thanks for your patience with this newbie but I need just about everything for this restoration job.

Any idea where to get replacements or improvements for these? They clip on with four clips to my Solex Carbs.

Looking for general daily use for an all season radial. I'll use the old panasport wheels for track maybe, even if they aren't the lightest. Maybe to help with ground clearance can I go to a 15 or 16 inch wheel? Will that mess up my speedometer/odometer? Not a tech guy.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep them coming. Worst case scenarios, will probably leave it alone or go for a mat black paint job on the frame.

Great stuff. Thanks.

Want new wheels or info. on good wheel source for 4 bolt 14 inch wheels to fit new Yokohama 195/60 R14's

My Rotus has just two rusty clamps holding the bonnet on. I was wondering what variety of hold-down systems are easiest to use and install. I was going to go with one forward and aft on the bonnet on each side instead of just two. Also, I want to get these chosen before going to do the bodywork and paint on the car.

Can anyone recommend a deep aluminum cleaner that is more effective than Mother's? I have stubborn discoloration and wear on the windshield frame and rear fender protectors.

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and the help. Lots of little projects now. Steve (Ruadhd2)

Anyone figure out a way to secure the bonnet in an aesthetic and efficient manner?

I just took delivery last week of what has been described as Rotus #3, but I can't prove it yet. I hear there were only 60 of these made. They are 4 inches wider and 10 inches longer than a Lotus 7, which means you can actually sit in one. As soon as I got it the car went to a my mechanic for basic stuff. Now all the electrical is working as well as the handbrake and a choke has been installed under the dash. My car has the Corolla 2T-G engine and a Supra rear end. Pics are coming soon. So as I begin the journey I have specific, nitpicky Rotus questions for other Rotus owners. I hope I am posting this in the right place. 1. What is the best way to attach a front license plate as required in Maryland? 2. Do others seem to need to run their fan all the time? My car heats up quickly. Anyone install an automatic thermostat driven fan? 3. Where can I get a replacement and maybe more modern headlight? Mine have pretty big rust pits. 4. Anyone have a working tonneau that I can borrow to copy the pattern and have one made? 5. Anybody know a good upholstery person within 200 miles of DC where I can get nice carpeting and the tonneau made at a reasonable price? 6. Any favorite body work and paint shops within 200 miles of DC? 7. Can you recommend a portable jack to carry in the car's boot? 8. Any favorite rear view mirror setup for those who have a top and side curtains? 9. Any cheap and reasonable mods that you've made to the Corolla engine? Thanks in advance for your consideration. Steve

Hi. I just bought what I have been told is Rotus #3. I am the third owner. It only has 10,800 miles on it but needs electrical, paint, upholstery work done. The engine, clutch and drivetrain are great. It just need to be cleaned up and sorted out. I see there is at least one other Rotus owner on this site. I am a 67 year-old psychologist (semi-retired) and jazz drummer, who has always wanted a 7 replica and now I have it with all the assorted challenges related to it. I'm still excited about the project. I bought it from Dan Owens, who some of you might know. So, I am anxious to learn about where to get 7 accessories and parts and gizmos. Here's pics he sent me: [url=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=DanODNC&target=ALBUM&id=5456373475143790593&authkey=Gv1sRgCNrYs4zZ487MjgE&invite=CO-Hu7YN&feat=email][/url]http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=DanODNC&target=ALBUM&id=5456373475143790593&authkey=Gv1sRgCNrYs4zZ487MjgE&invite=CO-Hu7YN&feat=email

Hi. I just bought what I have been told is Rotus #3. I am the third owner. It only has 10,800 miles on it but needs electrical, paint, upholstery work done. The engine, clutch and drivetrain are great. It just need to be cleaned up and sorted out. I see there is at least one other Rotus owner on this site. I am a 67 year-old psychologist (semi-retired) and jazz drummer, who has always wanted a 7 replica and now I have it with all the assorted challenges related to it. I'm still excited about the project. I bought it from Dan Owens, who some of you might know. So, I am anxious to learn about where to get 7 accessories and parts and gizmos. Here's pics he sent me: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=DanODNC&target=ALBUM&id=5456373475143790593&authkey=Gv1sRgCNrYs4zZ487MjgE&invite=CO-Hu7YN&feat=email

Great pics. Thanks for sharing. Looking for Rotus pics and Rotus people too

I think I bought Rotus Production Model #3 which is to be delivered between Monday and Wednesday. It has the Toyota Twin cam engine. I need to learn about Rotues fast. There aren't that many. Have wanted a Lotus 7 replica for around 50 years. Looks like I might get my wish.