martiki6 Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Hi there, I'm new to the forum and just getting started on the process of getting my first seven. I'll have plenty of questions which I hope you all will be kind enough to help with. But I wanted to ask something simple first: Can you fit the more traditional flare wings to a Birkin instead of cycle wings? If I understand correctly, there is a different set up at the front suspension to mount them on. Does Birkin manufacture that or does Caterham? (Also heard that Caterham is no longer making flare wings. Is this true?) And do flare wings clear the exposed carbs on a birkin? Sorry if this seems trivial, but I have both performance and aesthetic interests about a seven. Thank you all so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martiki6 Posted September 11, 2011 Author Share Posted September 11, 2011 Oh, and I did try searching first for this answer and didn't see anything, so I am sorry if this has been covered somewhere! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Try searching using the word "clam" as that is typically how the traditional fenders are described. AFAIK, Caterhams all come w/cycle fenders now (sadly, as I am a big clam fan). Most posts heareabouts are how to convert clams to cycles. So there mite be a nice supply of unused clams out there. I can not think of any reason clam to cycle fenders wont work: the cars haven't changed, just the fenders. Of course, you could simplify things and just buy a car w/clams. Mine is for sale:). Hopefully will have the official for-sale post up tomorrow, been waiting for the rain to stop to take some photos. Mike M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martiki6 Posted September 11, 2011 Author Share Posted September 11, 2011 Thanks for the info! Sorry about the terminology mixup- I'll dig around again for clams. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 You might also look for clamshell or clamshells or clam shell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pi7ot Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 The clam shells bolt to the tub and not to the suspension. They will clear any induction system as they mount below the bonnet line, then sweep upwards and away from the Tub. The cycle style guards bolt/glue/attach to brackets which are in turn bolted to the front uprights. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wemtd Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 martiki6 It is definitely worth your time to call the assorted principal importers (Birkin & Caterham, and the domestics like Brunton). They may also know about second hand clams or other cars (shameless plug... Kitcat's caterham is a great!). Another resource to check would be the locost folks. If you can't buy it, these guys usually know how to make it. If you have not yet, I strongly recommend getting a ride in as many sevens as you can. You may find the car is not to your liking, or (like me) it'll be the final nail in your coffin. Regardless of what you end up with (lotus, caterham, birkin, brunton, locost, westfield, etc....) do what makes you happy! cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHKflyer52 Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 If you have not yet, I strongly recommend getting a ride in as many sevens as you can. You may find the car is not to your liking, or (like me) it'll be the final nail in your coffin. Regardless of what you end up with (lotus, caterham, birkin, brunton, locost, westfield, etc....) do what makes you happy! cheers. Best advice you will ever recive when looking to buy a 7 of any type and have fun while looking as their are a lot of them out their you just have to find the one that makes your day and that you just have to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martiki6 Posted September 17, 2011 Author Share Posted September 17, 2011 Thank you everyone for the feedback! I will consider all the options. I am really drawn to the aesthetic of the clam, but I understand the problem of lift. I know that they're bolted to the tub along the side- but I thought there was some sort of rod that held them in the front that was attached to the frame near the front- I guess I was mistaken. It does seem a big committment to drive bolt holes into a tub that doesn't have them already, should you change your mind. What I wonder is...has anyone ever tried to custom fabricate a "quck release" system that would allow you to switch them fairly quickly, so you could make a change if you were switching between a track day and touring day for example? Maybe I'm the only one who thinks this is a good idea. I've got some hot rod friends who I might ask about this. What if the clams were some how suspended from the lip of the tub beneath the bonnet? It would have to be rigid or it would be a vibration/noise disaster. Yep, I've only driven a Birkin once, on some California back roads, and I was hooked for life. It's pretty special when something you've lusted after for decades turns out not to disappoint in any way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiBirkin Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Martik6 I can tell you that Birkin don't do a clamshell car but have seen clamshells retro fitted to a Birkin so it can be done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine7 Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I have a Birkin and am in the process of fitting clamshells. The Caterham brackets althought close, do not fit the Birkin. The clams are bolted along the side panel with rivnuts and you will have to fabricate a brace for the front of the clam. The Caterham bracket is a pretty good design as it integrates the headlight mount into the clamshell bracket and connects to the upright wishbone for support. With a bit of welding, the Caterham bracket shouldn't be too difficult to modify. (that's the point I'm at present) good luck. One final note: When initially locating the fenders, dont forget to leave a bit of room for the bonnet latches. (dont bother asking me how I know :banghead:) Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbanker Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I mounted Caterham clams to my Stalker and used the Caterham front clam/headlight mount without any problem at all. I did have to remove the existing headlight mounts that came with the Stalker. I am very surprised that you can not mount the Caterham front clam mounts to the Birkin. Dimensionally I would think that the Birkin up fit would be easier than the Stalker up fit. The Birkin and the Caterham are very close to the same dimensions. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine7 Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Jack, It's true the Birkin and Caterham are very similiar in major dimensions, but they are slightly different in many many ways. For example, I'd looked at some caterham doors to fit my car (or more specifically cut down to half doors) but the body lines are very different. I'd also looked at using the alternator mouting system from Raceline for the zetec motors that is designed for the Caterham on my Birkin. The Birkin has a frame brace where the Caterham does not, and thus the alternator mount will not swap between the two. The clamshell brackets are different in that the tube that serves to hold the headlight (via the pinch bolts on the frame) is 2" too short. The arms also foul the upright A-arm under compresssion. so in the end, its nice to use the Caterham bracket as a general guide, but fabricating a new one is probably easier. I love the way your stalker looks btw. Brooklands, clams and beautiful paint scheme! Well done. Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now