Jump to content

Newbie Questions


Mutt

Recommended Posts

Okay, I shook hands on the '84 Caterham kit, so lots more questions ran through my head last night (and very early this morning.)

 

 

 

1. Is this car metric or Imperial? I'm guessing Imperial bolts.

 

 

 

2. It has a close ratio 4 speed "Bullitt" or "bullet" box. What's that?

 

 

 

3. The live rear axle is from a Cortina, and was upgraded by "Lotus Jack(?)" from California, with an aluminum case. Who and what's that?

 

 

 

4. It has Revolution 14x6 wheels. Does anyone have any info on those?

 

 

 

5. What do I do with the TR 4A I parked in the garage two years ago?

 

 

 

TIA,

 

 

 

Mutt in Asheville

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My 2000 Caterham came with both imperial and metric fasteners. Mines a dedion and a 6 speed so I can't comment on the other questions. As for the TR4, you might as well sell it, because it will feel like a truck compared to the seven, a slow poor handling truck. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gifyellowss72007-01-12 08:29:35

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Okay, I shook hands on the '84 Caterham kit, so lots more questions ran through my head last night (and very early this morning.)

 

 

 

1. Is this car metric or Imperial? I'm guessing Imperial bolts.

 

 

 

2. It has a close ratio 4 speed "Bullitt" or "bullet" box. What's that?

 

 

 

3. The live rear axle is from a Cortina, and was upgraded by "Lotus Jack(?)" from California, with an aluminum case. Who and what's that?

 

 

 

4. It has Revolution 14x6 wheels. Does anyone have any info on those?

 

 

 

5. What do I do with the TR 4A I parked in the garage two years ago?

 

 

 

TIA,

 

 

 

Mutt in Asheville

 

 

 

 

1. ur vintage should be entirely imperial.

 

2. no clue

 

3. probably refered to as the Ital sizing for the PCD dimensions.

 

4. get it running and enjoy it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2. It has a close ratio 4 speed "Bullitt" or "bullet" box. What's that?

 

 

 

Any chance it is a Ford 4 speed top loader transmission as used in performance Mustangs back in the day? This would be the predecessor to the Borg Warner T-5 used in the Fox body Mustangs.

 

 

 

If it is then the spelling "Bullitt" is likely correct. It's a reference to movie with Steve McQueen that has a nasty chase between him in a Mustang and a Dodge Charger full of bad guys.Darth V8r2007-01-12 11:08:31

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The bullitt box was from the Lotus Cortina. Istr that it has 4 speeds, close ratios, dog engagement. Very cool!

 

 

 

Donno a thing about Lotus Jack, but the ali casing can't hurt (can it?).

 

 

 

I'd contact Caterham w/ questions, particularly about the final drive ratio. I don't doubt that they'd be happy to help (as they can). From 84 you're going well back into the Graham Nearn days.

 

 

 

Imo you've scored on this one. You're building a car that qualifies as an antique, and it's a genuine 7. Very cool (again!)

 

 

 

Edited to add: If you don't want it, lemme know!

 

WwGreenFlash2007-01-13 09:15:12

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2. Here's a good link explaining some of the different Ford gearboxes: http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2/gearbox.htm

 

 

 

3. Don't know.

 

 

 

4. Are they 4-spoke like these?: http://www.revolutionwheels.com/classic_fourspoke.shtml

 

 

 

5. As an owner of a '64 MGB and a 2001 Birkin, I say keep it and drive it. They are two totally different cars. I've driven my MGB as far as 800 miles in a day. It's a much better cruising/traveling car. The Birkin on the other hand, is a LOT more fun to drive but on much shorter trips!

 

 

 

PS: You're a lucky dog!!    11Budlite2007-01-13 10:26:43

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Olymar,

 

 

 

The Caterham belonged to James Wilson, who's decided to be satisfied with his Series One. The rolling chassis and engine is at Ned Gallaher's shop in Tryon, sitting between a Ferrari F40 track car and a couple of original Cobras. What a toy shop. If the wintry weather holds off, I plan to bring it home to N. Asheville this Friday.

 

 

 

Congratulations on getting yours done. Are these cars ever really done? How does it handle Ox Creek Road? Post some pictures and details on this list, so I'll be sure not to paint mine the same!

 

 

 

Mutt

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey,

 

It's a small world. James and his series one were the inspiration to start my project back in 1999. We actually used his series 1 and the caterham (now yours) as reference to build my frame. Ned and Rusty were instrumental in skining, motor and running gear on my car. It was all aluminum, with a Blue and yellow nose. But I just Painted it black with yellow nose, black front and rear fenders, hood and cowl. I still need to polish the aluminum ( need a cyclo polisher). I am planning to go to the dragon on 070707. I guess that will be my first event. I will get some pics up as soon as I get it back together, and the sun comes out!

 

Good chatting with you,

 

olymar7

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Rocket box replaced the Bullit box I think - both were 4 speed close ratio used in performance Ford's in Europe. Bullit was in Lotus Cortina and early Escort RS models, Rocket was in the later RS Escorts (I had an RS 2000 - late 70's model). Both were (are if looked after) great gearboxes.

 

 

 

It should be all Imperial bolts, but any later additions or upgrades may result in a few metric bolts.

 

 

 

Steve.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Stevet, Thanks for the info. I'm anxious to see if I can beat the synchros.........

 

 

 

Olymar, now that you've finished the Seven, and are waiting for the sun to come out, why don't you come race slotcars with us?

 

 

 

Mutt

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Mutt-do you run Scalextric/Ninco type slots or the hobby store banked corner jobs? Or perhaps HO scale? I love them all...and we're trying to coordinate a layout for the 7-7-7 meet for any down time people might have.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mutt-do you run Scalextric/Ninco type slots or the hobby store banked corner jobs? Or perhaps HO scale? I love them all...and we're trying to coordinate a layout for the 7-7-7 meet for any down time people might have.

 

 

 

I would like to see this! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/hurray.gif

 

 

 

Rob Mitchell

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, we have a small group of - uh- "grownup" guys who get together most Thursday nights to race 1/32 scale slot cars. There are 4 tracks, about 50'. It's mostly an excuse to drink and drive. Do I need to figure out a way to get a track over to the Dragon?

 

 

 

Drive like lightning, crash like thunder - the motto of the 83-35 slot race group.

 

 

 

Mutt

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I told you there'd be questions:   Where's the best place for bushings? The 20 year old rubber ones are showing some age, and I thought I might replace them with polyurethane...

 

 

 

Mutt

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...