Building a Caterham in a standard single garage. Am I crazy?

[pipnjones]

I have taken the plunge and ordered a Caterham 7 in kit form (Roadsport 125 SV, with lowered floor to help the more "jolly" owner to be comfortable). I want to build it in a single garage, and I think it is possible, so long as I can waltz the car around when needed, but I also think that people might think I have a screw loose.

The garage is 6m x 3m, and I saw wheeled supports sold online (one front, one rear) that I could use to allow the car to be moved around, and then put blocks under when I need to work. I think the only tricky bit might be the steering rack going in from the side, but with the car diagonal, I can use the outside for extra wiggle room.

So, how loose are my screws? I am really looking forward to the project, and especially the feeling of achievement that I will hopefully get on completion.

Is a single garage ridiculous or eminently possible for this type of thing?

Also, is 125PS enough? I am looking for fun on country roads without risking my license, and I am not bothered about track racing.

Pip

P.S. It will be orange (I have to put that in to keep my better half happy).

[BertBert]

I've built a caterham in a single garage. No idea if it was 3m wide though. Prob about right. If you can move it to one side so you can work on the other it'll be better. The longest thing to go in from the side is the DD tube! I can't remember how I did it, but I obviously did!

125ps, enough? For a first caterham yes, but it's poss you might just get upgraditis quite quickly!

Bert

[downsman]

I built my S3 in an Airchamber 4.5 x 2m so you've got plenty of room

I have the 125 Sigma engine and I am really enjoying it.
I've had it on track and it was still great fun even at a quick circuit (Goodwood), I just spent more time at full throttle

You can upgrade to get more power if you want in the future, but for the road, the torquey power delivery of the 125 is ideal.

[mic]

3m is no problem, I've have built lots in a workshop that wide.

[James.S]

RS 125 is a great choice for the road......still miss my Roadsport, cracking car for hooning around country lanes. Didn't need a Lsd or a 6 speed box.

[mch]

I used a pair of the CJ Autos mobile axle stands during my build:
http://www.cjautos.site90.net/mobax.html
I found them really useful.
The other thing it is worth doing before you start your build is laying some vinyl floor tiles in your garage, such as these http://www.paftektiles.co.uk/
Your knees will thank you after the build is done!
Good luck
Mike

[shaun fulcrum]

I built my car (not a caterham) in a single garage. It's not as difficult as you make yourself think although some of the positions you get in aren't very comfortable

Hope you enjoy the build and as said floor covering or carpet is a great idea.

[Aeroscreens]

I rebuilt mine in a single garage 15' x 8'. The chassis just stayed on the axle stands until until the very end. Don't remember any problems with steering rack, de dion tube etc...

You'll have plenty of room.

[RacerMDR]

i built mine from scratch in a single garage.......it was fine......cosy but fine

[sjg]

I know a few people who have and it's do-able. Makes it easier if you have somewhere to stash the parts you don't immediately need though so you're not tripping over them.

Take the opportunity now though to clear the garage of all useless junk, and anything hanging on the walls, get it up high so you have the full width available around the car. Worth painting the walls white and getting some extra lights up too.

[RacerMDR]

sjg said:

I know a few people who have and it's do-able. Makes it easier if you have somewhere to stash the parts you don't immediately need though so you're not tripping over them.

Take the opportunity now though to clear the garage of all useless junk, and anything hanging on the walls, get it up high so you have the full width available around the car. Worth painting the walls white and getting some extra lights up too.

yeah this

I sealed the floor

Built a workbench at the back for assembling parts

wired up some electics for lights

Then stored all the boxes in the lounge - parts are all clean as they are new.

THen just brought in the parts I needed to assemble the part of the car i was working on - good times.

[Incorrigible]

RacerMDR said:

yeah this

I sealed the floor

Built a workbench at the back for assembling parts

wired up some electics for lights

Then stored all the boxes in the lounge - parts are all clean as they are new.

THen just brought in the parts I needed to assemble the part of the car i was working on - good times.

Don't forget; then drove it like you stole it for 3 years and never looked at any of the nuts and bolts again

[pipnjones]

Well, this is ever so encouraging. Thanks for helping me to sleep at night on the theme discussed. It even sounds like there have been cars built in narrower garages than mine, but a short course in yoga would probably still help in the long term!

I shall also investigate flooring. My garage has lighting and mains electricity already and t'wife has said we SHOULD use the living room for storage of parts during the build. Wonders will never cease.

So now, apparently, I need to dream of driving like my car is stolen. Interesting....

Pip

[donwan]

I did it too, during a freezing cold winter with a halogen heater to trip over. Would do it again if the wife would let me.

[RacerMDR]

Incorrigible said:

RacerMDR said:

yeah this

I sealed the floor

Built a workbench at the back for assembling parts

wired up some electics for lights

Then stored all the boxes in the lounge - parts are all clean as they are new.

THen just brought in the parts I needed to assemble the part of the car i was working on - good times.

Don't forget; then drove it like you stole it for 3 years and never looked at any of the nuts and bolts again

[pipnjones]

Well, two months' waiting down and two long months left until the boxes arrive. I am getting very antsy now....

I suppose at some point, I should sort out insurance on the kit and my own car (it is insured, but I will be parking it on e street, and not on my drive, once the garage is full of bits). Now if only Caterham fed tidbits into the website a bit more frequently to keep the monkey off my back. (no, not that Monkey)

[RacerMDR]

the day it arrives.......in a Caterham lorry.........will be one of the best days of your life

oh, and the first day you start the engine........

and the first day it turns a wheel.........

fantastic experience.

I think it's a bit like giving birth (from what i've heard) - after a while you forget all the pain and just remember the awesome bits.......

must NOT build another, must NOT build another!

[Incorrigible]

RacerMDR said:

must NOT build another, must NOT build another!

I can deliver one to you in bits if you want mate

[RacerMDR]

Incorrigible said:

RacerMDR said:

must NOT build another, must NOT build another!

I can deliver one to you in bits if you want mate

i thought it was I that normally deposited them back to you, in bits

[Beverlonian]

Envy you. Given the opportunity I'd do it again tomorrow.

Best Regards
Andy