Rob J. Posted April 30, 2022 Author Share Posted April 30, 2022 10 hours ago, Vovchandr said: Any updates? @Rob J. Sadly no. I was able to get it pretty clean and the rear wheels are finally turning, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten outside of getting some parts in from RMC. Unfortunately, it’s getting into areas where I just don’t have the knowledge to move forward on my own. It’s likely going to have to get sent somewhere for an overhaul as I just don’t have time to dedicate to learning how to take engine components apart and assess for damage. In addition to a new job, my wife and I are looking into relocating to DE, so my spare time is too limited to tinker. 😔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MV8 Posted April 30, 2022 Share Posted April 30, 2022 I would take a six inch piece of steel 3/8 rod (or whatever rod is a little bigger than the lock opening), a bench grinder to slightly taper the rod end, a hammer to drive it into the lock (which will also help loosen it), then a couple a vice grips to rotate the rod while pushing it into the lock. Don't try to crank it. It needs a tear down, cleaning, and reassembly of the same parts unless there is a glaring issue. Consider you could probably sell it for more than 10k as-is and avoid the headache. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob J. Posted April 30, 2022 Author Share Posted April 30, 2022 44 minutes ago, MV8 said: I would take a six inch piece of steel 3/8 rod (or whatever rod is a little bigger than the lock opening), a bench grinder to slightly taper the rod end, a hammer to drive it into the lock (which will also help loosen it), then a couple a vice grips to rotate the rod while pushing it into the lock. Don't try to crank it. It needs a tear down, cleaning, and reassembly of the same parts unless there is a glaring issue. Consider you could probably sell it for more than 10k as-is and avoid the headache. I’ve gotten the wheel locks off, so that’s a start. The front brakes are seized and after a few hours of messing with them, I gave up. The next step is to have someone else work on it. I just don’t have the knowledge to go any further by myself. Selling it has crossed my mind, but it’s something we want to keep in the family. It just might be a few years before it’s road-worthy again. It’s too awesome to let it go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vovchandr Posted February 1, 2023 Share Posted February 1, 2023 Bump. Even if it sold I'd love to follow the story of the rebuild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmustang Posted February 1, 2023 Share Posted February 1, 2023 16 minutes ago, Vovchandr said: Bump. Even if it sold I'd love to follow the story of the rebuild To the best of my knowledge, the OP still has it. Bill S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob J. Posted February 1, 2023 Author Share Posted February 1, 2023 4 hours ago, mrmustang said: To the best of my knowledge, the OP still has it. Bill S. Hey there. I do still have the car and it's still with a local mechanic who has been picking away at it in his spare time. After a thorough fuel system cleaning, the engine miraculously started and ran for about 10 minutes before completely seizing. We found a donor motor and he's swapping out the bottom end. He thinks it'll be drivable by the spring! Still a few other issues to sort out in terms of general upkeep (seat slider frozen, front brakes frozen, etc.), but it's coming along. RMC has been great finding me parts and it's getting some goodies along the way. It needed all the rotors replaced, a headlight replaced, new steer wheel, and more, but it's coming together (very, very slowly). Hopefully I'll have a significant update in March/April with the hope of actually driving it for the first time by the time the weather starts to warm up! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDreamer Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 It has been awhile, what's the latest news? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmustang Posted September 2, 2023 Share Posted September 2, 2023 8 hours ago, theDreamer said: It has been awhile, what's the latest news? I've spoken with him elsewhere online, he had an issue with the shop he choose and very recently rescued the car and as much parts as he could find from their clutches. Bill S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob J. Posted September 3, 2023 Author Share Posted September 3, 2023 19 hours ago, theDreamer said: It has been awhile, what's the latest news? mrmustang is correct. The local mechanic that had the car essentially disappeared back in May. After getting the police involved, I was able to get the car and all of the parts back a few weeks ago. Sadly, in the 10 months that he had the car, he did almost nothing. So, it's currently sitting, waiting on the next mechanic to be available to take on a new project. At this rate, I'm just hoping it'll be roadworthy again by spring of next year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDreamer Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 So very sorry to hear this. At least you got everything back and only lost time. Hopefully you'll find a better shop that will be able to get stuck into your project right quick. Keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmustang Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 1 hour ago, Rob J. said: mrmustang is correct. The local mechanic that had the car essentially disappeared back in May. After getting the police involved, I was able to get the car and all of the parts back a few weeks ago. Sadly, in the 10 months that he had the car, he did almost nothing. So, it's currently sitting, waiting on the next mechanic to be available to take on a new project. At this rate, I'm just hoping it'll be roadworthy again by spring of next year. I'm almost ready for it, but can guarantee "you" won't be getting it back once it's done Bill S. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MV8 Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 You may be better off time-wise by doing this piece-meal, with a focus on the mech-of-the-moment being tasked with one thing only. Once a task is complete, you can tow it home or talk about the next one generally in this order: (fuel/clutch/brake/normal engine maintenance/tires&align. This is a very old car, so expectations and the inspection requirements of your location have an impact. I'm sure you could be driving in a month in a less blue area, but there are always bad apples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob J. Posted September 3, 2023 Author Share Posted September 3, 2023 1 hour ago, MV8 said: You may be better off time-wise by doing this piece-meal, with a focus on the mech-of-the-moment being tasked with one thing only. Once a task is complete, you can tow it home or talk about the next one generally in this order: (fuel/clutch/brake/normal engine maintenance/tires&align. This is a very old car, so expectations and the inspection requirements of your location have an impact. I'm sure you could be driving in a month in a less blue area, but there are always bad apples. Safety inspections in my county are minimal and easy to pass. With someone putting dedicated time into it, I'm sure it could be up and running in a fairly short period of time. But, until someone with more knowledge looks it over, I just don't know. I can't trust anything the previous mechanic told me so I'm essentially starting completely over. I did find another mechanic on the recommendation of a fellow Caterham owner and he may be taking the car over the winter. If that doesn't work out... I don't know what I'm going to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vovchandr Posted September 3, 2023 Share Posted September 3, 2023 It is so unfortunate that it sitting outside caused it to get to that state. Between this one and yellow one in NYC it's crazy to see people give into entropy and let the cars become one with the earth. With that said, a restoration of this one would be one of the greatest come back stories for a 7 I've seen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob J. Posted September 3, 2023 Author Share Posted September 3, 2023 4 hours ago, Vovchandr said: It is so unfortunate that it sitting outside caused it to get to that state. Between this one and yellow one in NYC it's crazy to see people give into entropy and let the cars become one with the earth. With that said, a restoration of this one would be one of the greatest come back stories for a 7 I've seen It’ll get there and we are determined to bring it back to life. In our situation, my FILs health played a big role. We ended up moving into his old home 18 months ago and we are still undoing the damage from a decade of neglect. It’s a shame the car and house got this bad, but with some time and effort, they’ll be great again! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamScotticus Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Ground up restoration. Complete tear down, alu removal, have the chassis inspected for integrity, repaired and treated for rust prevention. Then every part is restored, tested or replaced. Bag and tag. Then reassemble the car. Unfortunately painted alu isn't taken off and replaced without paint damage, so a repaint is probably on the list. You should be able to obtain the build manual somewhere on this forum. It would be fun and you'll learn a lot. Just have to compartmentalize each separate project until completion. Like brakes. When it's time to do the brakes, do all the learning and get the tools and don't think about the other stuff till your done. "These cars go together in a certain order", says Chris @ Sevns&Elans. Get that order and get it done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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