Tips on what to look for in terms of a pre-purchase inspection?

[twobone]

I test drove the car I want to buy (1990 Caterham 30,000 miles - 1700 crossflow -Webers - 4 speed - solid axle ) and all seems nice and tight.

Engine idles nicely once warm and revs with gusto.

Tranny shifts well and clutch is fine.

Brakes are a bit spongy, but my reference point is a 911.

 

All the visible areas of the frame and suspension components appear clean and rust free.

Engine bay is clean and all pipes look solid.

Did not do a full electrical component check, but will do before I buy.

No clunks in the suspension.

Fiberglass is not cracked.

 

Overall car looks well cared for.

 

Car will have to pass safety and smog by the seller.

 

I will check for broken rivets.

 

Any other areas I should poke around in?

[Ruadhd2]

I understand that a review of stress points in the frame should be eyeballed.

[BrunnyS1]

Has this car really ever passed smog in the past?

This could be a huge issue to get through with this engine and carb set up, if the seller has previous smog test result sheets I would take a look and see if that would clear your current local requirements.

Edited July 23, 2010 by BrunnyS1

[slngsht]

look under the passenger side dash where the fuses and relays are. Pull a couple of relays and check for corrosion. If you see any, don't let it stop you from buying the car, but be aware that electrical gremlins will show up. I've never owned a caterham, but am aware of at least 3 of them that have had corrosion in fuses and relays cause minor problems.

 

Popped rivets are not big deal. Look at the oil pan for signs of any big hits...

 

my .02

[Kitcat]

Things I replaced on my 10 y/o, 13K Cat, within 1 year after purchase 3 years ago: Tires, hydraulic clutch slave cylinder, water hoses (upper and lower), did radiator flush, tune up, new spark wires, new spark plugs, changed diff oil. All this prior to extensive upgrade-itis.

 

Is it the long cockpit version of the S3?

 

I can not imagine what smog test my cat-less Kent engine wld pass. Not even the "sniff" test, or even the "laugh" test:).

 

Good luck-it seems to be a beautiful car, assuming its the one noted elsewhere here in the For-sale section.

 

Mike

Edited July 23, 2010 by Kitcat

[Hank]

Check the fluids. If equipped with harness belts when do they expire? Are the tires cracked anywhere? Are they worn?

 

How old is the air in the tires? 

[Croc]

Look for obvious signs of chassis rails being repaired from a hit.

 

Did you take the nosecone off for your inspection of the engine bay area? Very easy to do and gives you good view into that area.

 

As Slingsht notes, electrical gremlins are common....but sortable. There are lots of loose connection types of issues that should not stop you purchasing but you should expect soon after purchase.

 

Expect to need to fettle the car after purchase.... anyway that is half the fun of owning your new toy - setting it up just the way you like it.

 

Good luck!

[solder_guy]

I bought a big tube of electrical grease from NAPA to apply to all my electrical connections and bulbs .. to prevent corrosion ..

[snookwheel]

How old is the air in the tires? 

 

Good point. In addition, pay close attention to where was the air from. I had two tires partially filled in Florida with a significant amount of humidity vs. the original dry Arizona air. It was not really an issue until I hit speeds over 60mph. then a severe tire wobble/balance situation occurred due to 1/3 of the tire being full of denser moisture laden air. Fairly easy fix once the problem was identified. The original owner shipped me a tank of AZ air (not cheap!) which I used to displace the Fl. air.:ack:

 

Best of luck on your purchase and expect to have to tweak some things to make it your own!:cheers:

 

Scott

[BrunnyS1]

Good point. In addition, pay close attention to where was the air from. I had two tires partially filled in Florida with a significant amount of humidity vs. the original dry Arizona air. It was not really an issue until I hit speeds over 60mph. then a severe tire wobble/balance situation occurred due to 1/3 of the tire being full of denser moisture laden air. Fairly easy fix once the problem was identified. The original owner shipped me a tank of AZ air (not cheap!) which I used to displace the Fl. air.:ack:

 

Best of luck on your purchase and expect to have to tweak some things to make it your own!:cheers:

 

 

I have a cousin that lives near the Caterham factory in England and can collect some local air, or for a little more he can drive to East Anglia an "can" some real original Lotus local air.

Edited July 25, 2010 by BrunnyS1

[BrunnyS1]

Good point. In addition, pay close attention to where was the air from. I had two tires partially filled in Florida with a significant amount of humidity vs. the original dry Arizona air. It was not really an issue until I hit speeds over 60mph. then a severe tire wobble/balance situation occurred due to 1/3 of the tire being full of denser moisture laden air. Fairly easy fix once the problem was identified. The original owner shipped me a tank of AZ air (not cheap!) which I used to displace the Fl. air.:ack:

 

Best of luck on your purchase and expect to have to tweak some things to make it your own!:cheers:

 

Scott

 

I have a cousin that lives near the Caterham factory in England and can collect some local air, or for a little more he can drive to East Anglia and "can" some real original Lotus local air.