Self Build Se7en

[Minesapint2]

Hi everyone, very new to the forum, joined to pick your brains! Am seriously thinking of purchasing a Caterham as a self build project. Have read a lot of self build diary's over the last month or so, & interesting as they are in following the build process, none of them seem to tackle some of my queries. When carrying out a new build there are "things" which can be done to the components which once constructed are much more difficult. eg
What protection to the frame & panels would members recommend to counter, electrolytic action frame/alloy panels, protection of the frame itself (external & internal), condensation in sandwich construction, so called "grot trap", road salt. Obviously easier from new.
What other advice would you give in preparing components to get the best build possible.
I only intend this as a fun summer car, but want one that lasts.
Any other advice on overcoming problems/pitfalls would be much appreciated.
Cheers

[Risky]

Go along to Local meeting of Lotus 7 Club and chat to members. You'll get help from them on choosing the right spec. Help with the build, loan of tools etc. Joining the club is the best money you'll spend.
Your local meeting is LADS see:- http://www.lotussevenclub.com/AreaMeetings/AreaPag...
Also see LADS website:- http://www.lads7.co.uk/
Next meeting is 7.12.11 - details on LADS website.
Area rep is Paul Richards - nice helpful good looking chap who has built, rebuilt, part built a number of 7s.

Edited by Risky on Friday 18th November 09:37

[V7SLR]

As Risky suggests a trip along to LADS would be an excellent start (don't agree about the good looking bit though ). Also, there's probably some local cars being worked on over the winter that you could take a look at to familiarise yourself better with your project choices.

[Risky]

V7SLR said:

don't agree about the good looking bit though.

There are a couple of projects planned. The first is Nick Addy's engine and gearbox removal next week.

[Domus]

When is Nick doing the job? I seem to be out of the loop. Or are you all trying to tell me something?

[V7SLR]

IIRC the weekend of 26th/27th.

[downsman]

I think you'll find the following links to pages on blatchat interesting:

http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=62766
http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=182706

It is so much easier to seal the grot traps and apply Dinitrol (or similar) during the build.
I sprayed inside the De Dion, and up around the fuel tank/rear shocks etc

Caterham now use self adhesive heat shield to seal the grot traps on Duratec cars, but my Sigma still had the open. I sprayed in loads of Dinitrol and then put heat sheild on (obtained from ebay). The black powder coated footwell panels soak up heat, so even with a 1.6 you'll have very hot feet without shielding.

Edited by downsman on Friday 18th November 20:29