newbie to caterhams

[lambton47]

Hi Guys

I am not new to kit cars i have tried building a fisher and a phoenix but found them hard to build due to all the brackets and measuring for holes etc. Is the cateham a bolt together car? are the great majority of holes and brackets all ready done for you ready to bolt on?
Im thinking of building a 420 in stages is this possible? down to cost if i can spread it out it would be helpful how much relisticly will it cost?

many thanks duncan

[anonymous-user]

If you have decent mechanical skills and a good toolkit a Caterham isn't difficult to build. Everything's new and pretty much finished so it's just a matter of bolting together.

Caterham get a lot of stick, deservedly so, about the build manual though it's improved. I think the manual was hard work to make it more of a challenge. (!)

I don't think Caterham will supply a kit in stages and the costs are all set out in their web site.

[downsman]

I am sure you won't have trouble assembling a Caterham. I found it much easier than a Westfield I built 20 years ago.

I wouldn't buy a Seven in stages even if they let you. They seem to chop and change components all the time and IVA compliance changes too. I think a staged build would risk being compromised and complicated. For example during my build, they swapped from the Ford diff to a BMW one necessitating completely different prop and driveshafts.

[lambton47]

Thanks guys every little helps the last thing i want is another failed build lol is the wiring loom just a plug in effort? maybe some things i would have to get done by others but on the whole would love to build one

cheers duncan

[anonymous-user]

The kit arrives with the body painted and the loom fully installed and all instruments in place. Some of the metal brake pipes are in place.

So it's a matter of assembling and fitting steering, lighting, suspension, brakes, engine and transmission, wings, connecting everything up, fluids etc.

Wherever you live there will be plenty of people to advise and help, joining the L7C would put you in touch and they also have a register of any specialist tools that are available to borrow.

[bcr5784]

lambton47 said:

Thanks guys every little helps the last thing i want is another failed build lol is the wiring loom just a plug in effort? maybe some things i would have to get done by others but on the whole would love to build one

cheers duncan

Happy to help with the build (I've built one before) in exchange for a bit of driving if you are reasonably close. My son instructs in Caterhams so can probably give you some free tips on driving/setup. PM me if of interest.

[CraigyB]

I helped a good friend build his 420 R last year, and he's a bit of a wizz when it comes to blogs. Taks a look at this
https://caterham420rbuild.com/

[lambton47]

Where all you guys fro in the country? I'm from Newcastle As the kit is quite expensive what extras would you recommend if any? i can believe your mate built his car in 14 day wow pretty impressive i have a bmw m3 to sell first and probably my caravan by the looks of it lol but hopefully will be ordering soon

[Darumvej]

This could suit you need of building in stages to reduce cost. https://www.lotus7.club/forum/sale/brand-new-gravi...