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Georgia 7's?


AKING

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hey all,

 

I have had my lotus elise for about 9 months now and have really grown to love the less is more platform. this brings me to the what is next question... I have been looking into Caterham/Westfield/Birkin for a few months and would like to check one out if i can find one locally (atlanta, ga) area. In order to pursue this more seriously, i need to figure out if i can fit in one. I am about 5'10'', 200lbs, and wear a size 12 shoe. Is SV an/only option?

 

thanks,

Adam

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hey all,

I am about 5'10'', 200lbs, and wear a size 12 shoe. Is SV an/only option?

 

 

Shoe size is your big issue here - height and weight are pretty normal. I have size 12s too. I think a Caterham S3 (classic chassis) is out of the question because of the shoe size - at least I cannot drive them without using bare feet. An Ultralite would work for sizing as would a Stalker - I fit in both comfortably. A Birkin with its adjustable pedals will definitely work. While it has been a long time since I sat in one, I am pretty sure you could make a Westfield work with driving shoes. An SV will definitely work but as you can see it is one of many options open to you.

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"Atlanta area" is a pretty big place! Me and my car will be at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the morning on April 17th for an Atlanta Region SCCA Autocross. If you live in that area, or just want to come by, I'd be happy to show you my car. Otherwise, I'm in Athens and can arrange a time to have the car handy at my business if you want to come by.

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Shoe size is your big issue here - height and weight are pretty normal. I have size 12s too. I think a Caterham S3 (classic chassis) is out of the question because of the shoe size - at least I cannot drive them without using bare feet.

 

Suggestion: have you tried something like this?

OTtaichiBLK.jpg

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guys,

 

how difficult is it to get one of these registered (if it has been before) and covered by insurance? is there anything i need to know going into this?

 

AK

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From a previous thread:

 

Start here on page 99:

http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/motor/MV_Vehicles_Titles_Manual.pdf

 

You'll need one of these:

http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/motor/MV_Affidavit_of_Assembled_Veh_Inspectiom_Form_MV100.pdf

 

You'll need one of these:

http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/motor/MV_Rebuilt_Vehicle_Inspection_Request_Form_T22R.pdf

 

And one of these:

http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/forms/pdf/motor/MV_Labor_and_Parts_Certification_Form_T129.pdf

 

All titling is handled through the Salvage Section of Georgia's Department of Revenue/Motor Vehicle Division. It's a pretty straightforward proposition these days, since new a new law was passed in 2008. The car will carry a branded title, but the brand is "assembled vehicle" and wholly appropriate, unlike "rebuilt" or "reconstructed", which implies previously wrecked. The inspection can be done at your home or office, as well as at specified inspection stations (usually body shops). If you live in an emissions county, the car will have to pass an emissions test for the motor (likely based on the year of the motor-I don't live in an emissions county). This can be a little sticky if you don't have full OBDII equipment; you'll have to find a shop that will do a tailpipe "sniffer" test.

 

My Seven was purchased new on an MSO (Manufacturer's Statement of Origin). The level of paperwork on this type of car is likely higher than if you buy a previously titled car. A car with an existing title, from Georgia or another state, won't typically need the supporting build documentation. WARNING: your local tag/title office probably won't have anyone who knows the ins and outs of this process. Call the toll free number, wait forever, ask for the Salvage Section, and give them your cell phone as the contact number. When they call you back, you'll have a direct number to the Salvage Section for future use. The main office in Atlanta will have people who know the drill, if you have the stomach for going into the belly of the beast. It is possible to do almost all of this through the mail with the Salvage Section.

 

A word about taxes: casual sales (between private parties) in Georgia are non taxable, so if you buy an existing car, there will be no sales tax liability. If you are buying a new car from a dealer, get them to split the invoices; one for the drive train, one for the kit, and one for assembly. There is a good chance that Dept. of Revenue will only tax some of the car.

_____________

 

I posted this a year ago, but the laws in Georgia have not changed since, AFAIK. The problem in Georgia is that the head of the Department of Revenue has the power to make administrative policy through the Motor Vehicle Title Manual, so processes can change even when laws don't. I took a minute to review the relevant manual section and update the form links and I see a few changes in the manual. Don't listen to the local tag office, go straight to the Salvage Section in Atlanta (they have authority over kit cars). I insure my car with Hagerty and have had no issues with them, either on my 7, or the Beck spyder I had previously.

Edited by athens7
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I haven't seen Paul in years..

 

Saw him last August at the Stalker Ambush in Helen, GA. Have heard from him two or three times since then. I'm sure he still lives in the Alpharetta area. I know he travels quite a bit with his job.

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thanks for the feedback. i hadn't thought about the brunton. how common are they? is there a builder this the SE US?

 

I am not sure of the total number built to date, 150 + I think. Well designed, dependable and built with easy to find / afford parts. Here's a link to their site: http://www.bruntonauto.com/

 

We have really enjoyed ours.:driving: Scott

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and built with easy to find / afford parts.

 

That really is a plus .. to walk into any (discount) auto parts supply and get a part for your seven. as opposed to paying britian pounds and shipping from the UK.

 

that's one of the reasons I bought my Rotus which is Toyota based.

 

Rob Mitchell (I-85 at Clairmont, exit 91)

Atlanta

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