1995 Bone Stock S3 lands in NC

[IamScotticus]

@gde31ff seriously, in my non appreciated opinion, of which is very biased towards the "classic" Caterham era, I think you have a great car there. It's one of those 7s that, once someone had learned enough about the variations and narrowed down a 7 to the best of the bunch, that's what you got; an imperial DeDion 5 speed crossflow.  Not the most wickedly powerful,  but then guys are crashing from the car getting away from them.  Why people think they need race cars, and Cat is more than happy to sell them, idk. What you have there is a good balance of fast roadster that will go to the ragged edge and stick to the road. And the 13s you want will help that. Fun manageable and serviceable roadster that you can grab the rear wheel from the seat in. Fun fun fun. And you got clams! Well bought. Have ear plugs/muffs for you and passenger. Long hair needs tied back.  Always be ready to adjust the clutch cable with two (1/2"?) Spanners. It does stretch out.

There's an excellent book to have by Tony Weale:

https://www.allbookstores.com/Lotus-Seven-Preparation-Restoration-Maintenance/9781855321533

Another great reason to have the 7 you got, there is a great book like this  written for it.

Edited Saturday at 01:52 PM by IamScotticus

[gde31ff]

I'm poking around the "new to me" 1995 Caterham and it doesn't look like any of the base Bilsteins are height adjustable (via typical threaded collar, etc.). Given that, I guess I'll poke around the web for info on how to adjust ride height (once I figure out my wheel search - which is probably going to start w/ me just purchasing 205/45 R16 tires for the wagon wheels as the old tires are truly ancient).

 

Any tips for the best choice for upgraded threaded collar coilovers?

[JohnCh]

@gde31ff see this ad @rcollum just posted.  If decent rubber is still available in 14" fitment, these are a much better option than new tires for your 16" wagon wheels, and at the price (free for pick up), they might be worth the drive:

 

 

[rcollum]

BTW, I am having the new wheels & tires installed tomorrow morning (7/27/26).  Speak now, and I can have them leave the four x Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec Tires mounted.

The tires are date coded 4115, but still sound, since they are always garaged.  

[gde31ff]

9 minutes ago, rcollum said:

BTW, I am having the new wheels & tires installed tomorrow morning (7/27/26).  Speak now, and I can have them leave the four x Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec Tires mounted.

The tires are date coded 4115, but still sound, since they are always garaged.  

I just sent you a PM.  I would LOVE to land these wheels / tires to replace my old 16 inch wagon wheels. I'm in NC, so not an awful drive either!  

[IamScotticus]

Make sure of your lug PCD. Most DeDion are Ford 4.25 but some early (80s) DeDion were still Triumph 3.75. Chances of you being 3.75 are very slim. But with all thigs Cat and Lotus,  and POs mixing parts, I never say never. 

Edited Sunday at 08:12 PM by IamScotticus