1995 Bone Stock S3 lands in NC

[gde31ff]

I picked up a BAT auction car today & my first impressions are really good. The car is going to live in Piedmont Triad NC. Based on my limited knowledge, the car looks quite stock. I'm really no fan of 16" wagon wheels, but I don't have any $$$ at this point, so I'll live with them (unless you want to trade your 13" minilites!!!)

 

Want to hit me with some advice?? I need a top 10 list of items you'd think about addressing first just to get the car reliable for some Blue Ridge blasts. Things you wish you didn't put off when you became an owner? 

 

Somewhat related - gentleman who arranged sale regularly imports European cars in Durham, NC. He said it's about a $3000 project these days with tarrifs & fees. He's a TVR guy himself - but he had the car I bought imported a few years ago. 

 

Appreciate the help I've already received here. Looking forward to crossing paths out in the wild someday.

 

 

 

[Austin David]

Congrats!  That's a pretty car.  Personally I'd put an aeroscreen near the front of the list, esp for day trips.

 

Smaller wheels and stuff are great but until you get to know the car you may not know the difference.  For me I'd prioritize the first trip, then work from there.

[CBuff]

I would do a full nut and bolt check. I believe there are torque specs in the files here. Or I just saw mentioned @SimonRogers built an app that outlines torque settings by car 

 

bat listing says brakes were flushed in May 2026.  But maybe check other fluids. Trans, diff, oil, coolant. Replace if suspect or unknown.  
 

i am limited in my mechanical knowledge. And carbs are down right voodoo to me. But I would think going thru the carbs would be prudent. 
 

checking all hose connections and conditions.  
 

tires seem to be date coded 2012 so you should replace those even if you keep the wagon wheels.  
 

After the above are done just  drive it.  Other items will make themselves known.  

[Austin David]

21 minutes ago, CBuff said:

just  drive it.

this

[San Augustine]

When I bought my Caterham Seven last November I found this thread to be very useful. Especially, the info concerning the brakes, coolant, and fluid systems.  @NSXguy had a lot of good information on going through a new old car. 

Edited 11 hours ago by San Augustine

[IamScotticus]

Engine pics!

 

Soften that suspension.  Adjust the rear sway bar, if available, to softest setting and get the 1/2" front sway bar.  

https://caterhamparts.co.uk/anti-roll-bars/6793-narrow-track-front-anti-roll-bar-kit.html

or

https://caterhamparts.co.uk/anti-roll-bars/6792-front-anti-roll-bar-kit.html

 

Loosen and re-tighten all suspension points on the ground.  Replace the rear A frame bushes.

 

Cable clutch, inspect the top eyelet cable for fraying, twisting & relieve any tension.  Ensure lower cable end is secured to clutch fork so it won't dislodge.  Order a clutch cable (Escort Mk 1 or 2) to keep in the car as a spare with tools to replace and adjust tension.

 

Rust..Deal with it now. get a brush-on rust conditioning black paint.  Prep rusty front and rear tubes and under steering rack bridge with steel wool to remove flaking powder coat and dab on the paint.

Perfect, no. But rust isn't perfect either, it's damage that gets worse if left alone.  It must be addressed now.  Eastwood Rust Encapsulator is one option. Por 15 is another. If all you can do now is dab on a can of Rustoleum from Walmart, do that.  Nobody's looking under there anyways 

 

Install a battery cut-off switch to prevent battery drain and electrolysis.

 

Also, I remember much grumbling about those wheel center caps.  Don't loose the key!  You won't find another.

 

And repaint the tyre carrier black...it's part of the chassis, which is black. My apologies..

Edited 8 hours ago by IamScotticus

[IamScotticus]

3 hours ago, CBuff said:

Other items will make themselves known.

At the worst possible moment

[Croc]

Congratulations on your purchase!

 

First things are no upgrades initially - you want to drive it and feel it as it is - then you can select upgrades based on what you think is important.  
 

Do the basics first

- a good service - replace all fluids, including brakes, diff and transmission.  Change air filter

- flush radiator and fresh coolant.  
- inspect brakes but if pads have enough life then live with brakes for now.  Make sure your brake hoses are in good shape 
- check throttle, brake and clutch linkages, cables for wear

- hoses - they usually perish unless they are high quality silicone. Check hose connections are tight.  
- check fuel hose and filter - replace as needed. 
- spanner check on all nuts and bolts. 
 

This usually stops 95% of breakdowns in your initial drives. 
 

If alignment feels off then do one plus cross weight the front set up with your weight loaded up in the drivers seat.  

 

[gde31ff]

Thanks so much to all who have chimed in w/ your Hot Tips for (trying) to avoid getting stranded with the Caterham. Having a community like this makes it hard to imagine what getting this info was like back in the 1980s (despite living through it).