TorqueSpec Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Hey all, In the process of building my 360R SV. It's been something I'd been thinking about doing for ages, and with my oldest kid entering his senior year in high school, it was now or never! I bought the kit from Rich at Kampena Motors in Sonoma CA (Rich is fantastic, by the way) and started the build this fall. We're about 50% done by my guess (engine in, front and rear suspension done, but lots to do on the exhaust, interior, etc.). I've got the full family involved (3 teenage kids and my wife) to assist with labor. I've learned that the build manual is a decent foundation, but online build blogs have been invaluable (as have frequent texts to Rich). Specifically, I've leaned on these blogs: https://caterham420detailedbuildblog.co.uk (great for pretty much everything) https://www.caterham7diaries.com https://purplemeanie.co.uk Below are some photos from the build. I'm late to joining this community, but looking forward to leveraging it! 4
Gene_W Posted January 2 Posted January 2 Congrats. I am also building a 360R. Maybe just a bit behind you as my adult son and I are only working when he is off work. We are also about to a point where are stymied due to the fact that Caterham did not mount or send our roll cage. Still waiting to hear when it will be here. Don't want to mount stuff then have to take it off to get roll cage on.
TorqueSpec Posted January 2 Author Posted January 2 Thanks! Just caught up on your build - looks fantastic. You can't really install the rear suspension before the roll bar (it bolts in where the rear springs go), but you can install the differential (which is quite a bit of work). And you can definitely install the motor/transmission - that's a bit of work and will keep you busy while you wait for the roll bar.
ashyers Posted January 2 Posted January 2 Looks like you're having some fun! I'm in the East Bay if you need any assistance. You guys are going to have a blast driving it when you're done!! Andy
TorqueSpec Posted January 2 Author Posted January 2 I may take you up on that, Andy - I’m in Fremont. Great to learn there are others nearby - I’ve never seen a Seven on the roads here. Adam 1
empti Posted January 5 Posted January 5 Congrats on the new build. I think you are more than 50% for sure. Some mechanical part took me quite some time to install (e.g. diff cradle) Rich is awesome. He knows every detail of it. 2
TorqueSpec Posted January 18 Author Posted January 18 Made some progress today installing the cycle wings and the windshield. The car came with the wind deflector, so installing the full windshield required drilling holes in the skin for thr stanchions and windshield heating wires (measure twice cut once!). Next up is tackling the rear wings… 1
TorqueSpec Posted January 22 Author Posted January 22 Rear wings on with the help of my son. I really value all the online build blogs - they have been invaluable! 3
TorqueSpec Posted January 27 Author Posted January 27 Exhaust primaries installed and some more body work, including the tail lights. Getting closer… 3
TorqueSpec Posted February 2 Author Posted February 2 Exhaust fully installed. Almost ready to get the motor started. Planning on tackling the rest of the interior next… 5
jmaz Posted February 5 Posted February 5 How did you manage to get the crates lined up so neatly in your garage? Were the delivery folks able to use their forklift to assist with that?
TorqueSpec Posted February 5 Author Posted February 5 3 hours ago, jmaz said: How did you manage to get the crates lined up so neatly in your garage? Were the delivery folks able to use their forklift to assist with that? Yes - they delivered with a forklift and placed them carefully. They had delivered Caterhams before, so recommended that order of crates. It worked out well - the biggest challenge was disposing of the crates after breaking them down. 1
TorqueSpec Posted March 16 Author Posted March 16 Lots of kid commitments over the last several weeks, but made some big progress this weekend. Engine almost ready to start, interior mostly done. Home stretch now… 3
JohnCh Posted March 16 Posted March 16 It's great to see your kids are still involved with the build. Are they enjoying it, or was a little bribery required to keep them working? Any major issues along the way? From the thread, it seems like it's been surprisingly uneventful.
TorqueSpec Posted March 16 Author Posted March 16 7 hours ago, JohnCh said: It's great to see your kids are still involved with the build. Are they enjoying it, or was a little bribery required to keep them working? Any major issues along the way? From the thread, it seems like it's been surprisingly uneventful. My oldest (17) enjoys it the most, but they all are having fun. Hardest thing is finding time amidst all their activities to find a good amount of time to work on it! Broadly, it's been a straightforward build, though Rich at Kampena Motors (who I bought from) has been incredibly helpful with all sorts of questions. This forum and a few build blogs have also been invaluable. That said, we'll see what happens when I try to start it up for the first time! 3
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