Assistance - post decision....

[Glasgow2]

Going to get my first Caterham next weekend from CC south (2003, roadsport, 1.8 K-Rover, 140bhp, 5 speed, SV, 15 inches, standard floor, weather gear, leather seats). VERY EXCITED.... :-)

As this is my first Caterham and I don't have lots of DIY skills, I would value any advice regarding setup or anything I need to make sure it is "fixed" in the car before I bring her up north - putting in mind no near by "specialised" garage

She is for road use....

Thank you

A

[Steve-B]

Firstly, welcome to the most fun you can have on the road with your clothes on in Public!!

I'd make sure the car has a Build Guide as you're buying a pre-loved Se7en -- if things were to go wrong, it does help a lot to know where to look, etc!

If you're travelling on the train bring a torch, and a few tools just in case the worst happened.

And an anorak -- with a windscreen above 30Mph the rain almost completely flies by, except when you're stationary so bring a brollie.

If you're travelling 1 up, zip the tonneau on the pax side to reduce breeze in the cockpit.

Until you know your car better, fill up @ 1/4th left until you know her MpG

Overall, take a camera and have fun!

Lastly, remember in space no one can hear you scream, and in a Se7en no one can smell your bum

[Smollet]

The car should be faultless if you've bought it from CC but anything can happen so as said above bring some basic tools with you and maybe a funnel for aiding filling your tank with fuel. If you join the L7 club there is a technical forum which should help and I would imagine if you do join then you will receive this month's copy of Lowflying( the club magazine) which has just started a series of features of maintaining your 7. Good luck and enjoy your new toy.

[GetCarter]

The one thing I'd say is that these guys are Caterham specialists and are not far from you:

http://www.dreadnoughtgarage.co.uk/

I'm on my third Seven and know NOTHING. As long as you can do all the fluids - change wheels etc, you'll be fine.

Edited by GetCarter on Friday 13th August 10:00

[Colin Mill]

Have a look at all the rubber components as, in my experience, these are not long-lived on a Caterham. So check the coolant hoses (lots of people change these for silicone after the first rubber set start to crack) and the fuel hoses and steering rack gaiters. I have had to replace all of these in the car's first 4 years. Mine also went through a couple of heaters (leaks on the matrix resulting in coolant on the knees/in the footwell) until I got one of the new pattern that has been OK.

[Glasgow2]

Thank you all for your help

Not sure what "Build guide" is? Should I ask CC for that? do factory-build cars also have this guide?

Yes joined Lotus Club and awaiting the magazine.

[Colin Mill]

I'm fairly sure the factory built cars don't come with the build manual. There used to be a copy on the web somewhere but I'm not sure of the link. If I find it I'll post it here.

The current build manual is here:-

http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/showroom/ASS...

but obviously somewhat different to a K powered car

Edited by Colin Mill on Friday 13th August 13:28

[Glasgow2]

Steve-B said:

Firstly, welcome to the most fun you can have on the road with your clothes on in Public!!

And an anorak -- with a windscreen above 30Mph the rain almost completely flies by, except when you're stationary so bring a brollie.

Steve, at first i thought you were joking about the brollie, but I learned from a salesman at Halford the brollie was no joke. May be worth starting another topic

[sam919]

Glasgow2 said:

Going to get my first Caterham next weekend from CC south (2003, roadsport, 1.8 K-Rover, 140bhp, 5 speed, SV, 15 inches, standard floor, weather gear, leather seats). VERY EXCITED.... :-)

As this is my first Caterham and I don't have lots of DIY skills, I would value any advice regarding setup or anything I need to make sure it is "fixed" in the car before I bring her up north - putting in mind no near by "specialised" garage

She is for road use....

Thank you

A

Enjoy the drive up!! Im based in dundee but through in Glasgow quite a bit, if you have any issues etc give me a shout id be happy to assist.Ive been racing them for a few years doing all the work myself, plus recently been involved in an R300 full rebuild.My mate and racing buddy has been involved in caterhams for a few years building an academy car from scratch so betweem us we know a bit about them, glad to be of help if needed.

[Glasgow2]

Sam, thank you for your good wishes and generous offer to assist me in my first experience with 7. Great to know that help is there if needed.

Ahmed

[cambuscat]

Hi Ahmed, I'm in Cambuslang if you need any advice or fancy a Blat. Also have a look at Jock 7's for local postings.

David

[Glasgow2]

Thank you David... Sure will be in touch soon....

[johnvthe2nd]

just bought my first one from CC South on Saturday ... don't think it will be ready for next w/e though

[Smollet]

Looks like Caterham South are doing good trade going by the posts here.

[GetCarter]

The chap that delived mine said they couldn't make them fast enough (hence the increased production). He said most are sold abroad. Sevens are the 'in thing' in Germany at the moment.