andrew7

Pete, I sorry to say I didnt'. I'm getting over a bad cold and the weather this week has been 35-45 with rain and now their calling for 1-3" of snow. I've been working on the top. I understand your season is shorter than mine but here is what I'm doing. I wanted a modular system that could be added or removed as the weather dictated. Boxsters and Miatas have wind screens to prevent back blast of air on you neck and I've seen a couple seven owners do something similiar. A piece of plexyglass will go on the back of the roll bar; one, to provide a barrier for the wind and two, become the back window for the top. It will also make the cockpit smaller and less space to keep warm. I've change my design from a full top to a tonneau which can be rolled up and stored anywhere but still provide full protection from the elements. Last but not least I'm going to make clear vinyl side panels with industrial velcro to attach the half-doors, the top, the front upright and roll bar. I'll still have 360 degree vision and be completely sealed, well as good as it gets in a seven. If it works for tent trailiers and Jeeps, I think it will work well enough for me.

I've been thinking of your location and I'm not sure what I would do either. If you go full doors and top it'll be the warmest and dryest, probably. Could you remove them while your out and store them if the weather turned nice? If your out on a drive and hit a small rain storm. Can you pull your top and doors out and put them on? Those were my reasons for my decisions but personal location might have made a difference. Also, if I wanted a more practical convertible I would have bought a Boxster or Mustang. I hope to have the top done by the end of this week then I'll post pics and give a report.

I'm glad you like them, Pete. I did the same thing, looking at what everybody else used and trying to come up with what was best for me.

Its 3/16" rod bent around then butt welded. The material is a different kind of vinyl from a fabric store but it is very soft and no-gloss. It feels like a thin leather driving glove. I was going to make full doors but half-doors suit my purposes better. One hint, try using No-Sew

glue from GOOP, the first door was harder holding the material over the rod then trying to sow a straight line.

The passenger door worked out better. Glueing the material around the frame first then putting it through the Singer the next day.

My doors are flat and I thought my shoulder and arm would rub but with my +4" frame it fits well.

I first cut out a cardboard template then taped it in position for fit and looks to see how it would appear finished. That way you can try different designs.

I'm currently working on the top, the front with snaps is on. I've already changed plans half way through, you have to be flexible. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

They have 2, 1/4 turn snaps on each end and 2 interior snaps on the bottom. No hinges. I'm working on a top now. I didn't do full doors because of my mirrors and plexy wind diverters. I felt half-doors would be better for me and the way I use my car.

O.T.

I was watching a Fifth Gear video clip of Tiff testing the new R500. He surprised me at the end by saying, "The R500 is Caterham's flagship at over #30,000 but you can have almost as much fun in there basic model at #10,000." He's comparing a 230hp Rover to a 105hp Kent crossflow, which leads me to think it doesn't matter if your car is a BEC or has an LS7 or is Pinto powered. They ALL are a great drivers car to experience and own.

Mazda you could let it go and if it rained get a blue tarp and The Handymans Secret Weapon(duct tape). Remember if the women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif .andrew72007-04-12 16:58:30

Thanks Jeff,

The other side is finished and its going to be 50 on friday so I'll see how they work. Tomorrow we're starting on the top. I wonder how many seveners have a top for their cars in case 7-7-7 is wet? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cryin.gifhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/ack2.gif

Last week took my first ride of the season, it was great except the wind was cool and the sun very low. A ballcap would blow off but you needed one on for shade and to keep the head warm. After 2 hours Dad was miserable. He suggested a roof,doors and a tire change. The weather as you know turned back to winter and dropped snow. So we are busy making changes. The second door is almost finished, a couple hours for rivets and fitting but I couldn't wait to put pics up. Please excuse the quality its a Walmart webcam.

The frame is 3/16" steel rod

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_200428_7doors_002.jpg

Both ends have 1/4 turn snaps (Thanks for the idea, Al )

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_201714_7doors_004.jpg

overview of fit

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_202153_7doors_003.jpg

Practicing sowing on a 1923 singer with foot-treddle

(Grandma's wedding present)

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_202626_7doors_011.jpg

Drivers door

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_203206_7doors_016.jpg

I didn't want snaps on my polished aluminum so moved them inside.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_203700_7doors_019.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_204059_7doors_021.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070409_204402_7doors_022.jpg

The next step is the top. I am planning on carrying it and the doors with me all the time. The most likely spot is strapped down over the boot. I am also working on removable side window ideas that velcro in between the roof and half-doors. Hope you enjoyed the photos.

just a small update, the extra pockets are very usefull. I put the cell between the 2 seats and I could hear it ringing while driving down a back country road. Its very accessable for sunglasses and such. I don't have stuff rolling around in the passenger footwell. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/hurray.gif

Since it is a 4 wheel motorcycle has anyone thought about a tank bag on the drive shaft tunnel? They have a map compartment, hold on with suction cups so it doesn't slide, can be used for an arm rest and taken out and worn as a backpack. I was thinking for daytrips and such it might make it more comfortable. I have a hi-top conversion van that's picnic central, so this car feels quite bare by comparison.

I am, mine is low tech Sony 8mm clamped on the dash. Tested it on a 20 min ride, picture is good, sound is good, you can hear conversation clear until rpms are over 7k.

I wanted to shoot video of all the rides then clamp the camera to the dash and do the Dragon.

Can we borrow a vhs recorder from Tapaco,

then record the footage and play it at Saturday nights dinner? Get 2, we can copy for those that want them.

I realized a DVD with backgound music is great but I'd like to see all the different points of view everybody recorded and edit them at home later.

I'm not a vid hobbyist so I won't volunteer but you can copy the footage I take if you want.

Mazda, cool video of you and your Rotus. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

It's no wonder why you have BEC envy. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif

It was a beautiful day today, took the seven out for a couple hour ride. I just got done vacuuming all the stones out. The Yoko's stick so well they pick everything up and throw it in the car, kinda like momentos of where they've been. It accelerates better but at 55mph I'm at 7000rpm. I know the new Lotuses come with these from the factory but are they ever harsh. I'd like to take them to an autocross before I switch them back. 4" of travel and air ride were not enought plus they seem to wander more than my other tires. I know my car is hard-core but the 13" Yoko's pushed it over the edge. All the pavement around here is bealing up and I felt like I needed a kidney belt. I'm going to save them for special occasions. I think they are a great tire but not for street driving in a seven. I'm glad I went the cheap route.

I heard Al is trying to get a set of scales for the rally to balance the cars. If I built this tool and addded the camber angle gage, would it be worth it to bring down when I come? If no one wants to use it I won't bother. Just a thought.

Hi Mazda,

I tried half a half-dozen times to send this in a PM but it denied me. So I decided to do it this way. Its scanned from a book, if there is a copyright problem then delete it after you look at it. It is a usefull tool to help set up a suspension and I've heard many people use it. If you want to re-sketch and put the bump movements in a sticky in tech may be it would be usefull to other seven owners. Also an angle gage can be put on to show any change in camber, and if the front is square caster as well.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070401_083605_scan0001.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070401_083729_scan0002.jpg

I have to say my car is handling so well I haven't made this tool yet, but I going to build it.

I glad to hear you, your wife and the seven weren't hurt.

Yes, the controller and gas pedal trick would have worked and I've used them myself.

Larger trailers require vehicals with longer wheelbases. The trailer wags you. Short wheelbase suvs like Broncos, Jeeps, and Durangos have tougher times with swaying but if you keep the trailer short and put more weight on the hitch you'll be O.K.

My 30' travel trailer will move my van around at 55 if I'm not loaded correctly and wind gust will push it around also. In the last 10 years, the couple of close calls I've had were related to stopping same as big riggs. You find out you don't stop like a car but gradually slow down and eventually stop.

It tows like a dream even at three digit speeds.

Having had some bad experiences with single axle trailers

I hope you live and tow in Kalifornia and not anywhere near me!

I've slid into intersections at 30mph and that was with a small 24' 3500lb travel trailer with dual axles and brakes. Towing isn't to be taken lightly but it is safe provided you drive it like a big truck and not like a Corvette.

Cool product, those Brits are alot further down the road when it comes to BEC stuff. When I started looking for a shift mechanism the cost, reliability, and availability of parts made me decide to go KISS. Go to the post about paddles for pictures of my setup. Maybe someday I might go for an electric shift. Busa would be very interested in this setup, he's choppin at the bit for a set of paddles or buttons.

just kiddin http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

Thanks Mazda, mine started all bare just to get it on the road last year. Its some kind of vinyl but it looks and feels like the softest and richest leather you could buy. I was so impressed I bought a Cappuccino colored yard. Then Dad decided to use it for his Italian tractor seat. I decided to go black and glue it down. It helped that we added access panels during the build.

I dont' know if it is correct but the News were saying its a total loss. A 1.2 million crash http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/confused5.gif . Does carbon fiber completely fracture so the whole tub absorbed the impact? After the crash pictures didn't look that bad.

I know the 7 has limited area but I wanted places to put items for trips. The dash worked out well. I added a couple of pockets today. One is by the passengers leg and the second between the 2 seats, covering a bare aluminum section. If I don't stop soon its going to turn from a racer into a cruizer like Mazda'a ride. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070330_170552_7finish_003.jpg

The center pocket

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070330_170853_center_pocket.jpg

Passenger pocket

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070330_171024_passpocket.jpg

Hi Al,

Sorry no pics, but Kieth has "The Trailer". Mine is very similiar, 2' shorter and no tire bar, plus Dad added truck air bags they have 40,000lb cap. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/rofl.gif Single axle is the way to go for you and what Keith said about the Miata being max load is correct for a single axle. The Pilot or any similiar SUV in the future will have about the same towing capacity and will have the brakes to stop it. If you tow alot of miles over a 3000lb limit go duals w/brakes. The only instability you would see is if you have alot of weight behind the axle which lightens the hitch weight and "wags" the tow vehical. A rule of thumb is the hitch weight is %10-%15 of total weight. The moneys yours but a steel trailer will do fine, less expense and can easily be modified for future changes. Mig or A/O weld on brackets or boxes then later if you choose cut them off. An aluminum trailer is harder to modify. For small trailers like ours aluminum to me won't save much weight and you probably couldn't tell the difference driving down the road. A 8.5'x20' fully enclosed, yes. Most here would love the forementioned given to them but factor in cost, storage, weight, and manuvering. You will find smaller and cheaper is better, "Add Lightness". Be careful of "two-footitis", I don't want to see you stuck on the Dragon with a 40' box http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif .

Al,

Mine is a small cutom built. A 6'x10' box with removable sides. The wheels are outside the box and my wide 7 fits perfectly. Pa. law has #3000gvw no brakes or inspection and my #1000 trailer means I can haul a ton. It was loaded and pulled by a little 4cyl 4sp Ranger truck. 12' is a good lenght but 8.5' is very WIDE. I think a 7'-8' by 12-14 trailier is a good size. If you don't need a 8.5'x18' double axle w/brakes to haul a car,tools,tires its less hassel. I also use 6' long ramps because the fold up tailgate ramps offer a lot of wind resistance. Manuverability and storage should also be consideration.

It's possible to load Orange on a small trailer and back it into a small garage for winter storage, then come summer leave the trailer out for easy access and use. andrew72007-03-29 10:54:58

Neurological Flatulance i.e. Brain Fart http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif They are 185/60/13 on 13x6 rims 3" offset. Diamond said 11 lbs for spun steel rims. 1 scale seen 11, digital saw 11.8lbs. The tires weighed 16.2 hence 28lbs. I was looking at a 5.5" rim at 10lbs and Avon ACB10s at 10lbs which is a 15 pound reduction per wheel, 20lbs vs. 35lbs

I just did not want to spend $1400 to experiment. That's $200 for an Alum rim, $150 per Avon. I'm at $65 a rim and $45 for Yokos. Trying to keep with the Locost theme.

I know there is another place for this but since the BEC section is slow, I decide to put it here.

I got lugs and valve cores today, yesterday the rims and after a couple months sitting in the garage their finally on the car. I had 195/60/14 on the car and they were 35 lbs. I wanted lighter and stickier tires so I went to 13" and was going to get Avon ACB10s as the size weight about 10lbs. but found Yoko A048s. The total weight is not as light as I wanted. They are 28 lbs. but are they ever sticky. I took a 1 mile trip up to a neighbor who wanted to see the car, its all residential roads. I had a gravel pile between my legs both ways. I have to test drive some more because I'm not sure how long they'll last and how harsh they're going to be. They roll alot nicer as a figure its save 28lbs. in rotational weight. but I'm at 4" of frame clearance and less under the oil pan and exhaust pipe.

The old set

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_185630_7tires_002.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_185729_7tires_003.jpg

The new set

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_190008_7tires_006.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070328_190128_7tires_005.jpg

andrew72007-03-28 19:02:04

I was going to go with a bullet cam but my camera won't accept it. Until I decide what model to get, I made a little mount out of aluminum that slides under the cowl and is clamped down by the camera.

I tested it today and it worked well. I'm going to have to transfer to a DVD recoder then transfer to computer to upload any video.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_202025_7finish_019.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_202117_7finish_020.jpghttp://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_202449_7finish_018.jpgandrew72007-03-27 20:24:57

Thanks guys, they are held on with twisted wire. Those SS hose clamps weight too much. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

Thanks Mazda,

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_193730_7finish_003.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_193845_7finish_004.jpghttp://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_194330_7finish_002.jpghttp://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070327_194415_7finish_001.jpg

In order to get it on the road faster I left some things undone. This winter I tore the dash apart and finished it the way I wanted. Everything started out grey and silver then shifted toward black, other pieces needed changed. Cut out and installed glove box shelf and covered dash. I figure I can fit a couple of $5 for 5's from Arbys. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif I change from a 11" wheel to a 13" and like it a lot more. I thought the 11" which is illegal(didn't know) would help the car not feel like it was a big rig with the almost 4:1 ratio. I reversed the shift action of the paddles. I flipped the bell crank, upshifting was left hand now its right hand . Mentally it feels more natural. All last year I had to train myself to shift up with my left. Added pedal covers, it needed them along with small adjustments to the pedals.

The carpets were grey but fabric painted them black. I can't tell what color they used to be before, it turned out that good. If you use fabric paint remember, many dust coats 4-6 and stiff brush between coats. I also did the seats 3 cans/$15 but had the covers so I put them on for a while. The seat color is very close to the fender color.

The server says access denied. funny it worked for the guard pics http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/confused5.gif I'll try to add them later.