Caterham Newbie Questions
Discussion
Just bought an old 1600 X-Flow Caterham and will be taking it to the track as soon as possible. However, before then I need to do a bit of work on it - brakes, clutch, temperature sender, etc. Can anyone let me know where I can source the parts from?
Also, does anyone know of a decent garage near Guildford/Surrey?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
John
Also, does anyone know of a decent garage near Guildford/Surrey?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
John
Aaaah a local with a 1600 X-Flow 
I got my temperature sender from Camberly AutoFactors, if you want new discs then get those from the factory and get some EBC Green Stuff pads from Demon Tweeks or something.
Can't help on the clutch unfortunately.
Can you not do the work yourself?
Saves on labour and is good to get to know your car 'intimately' 
I don't know of any garages in the area that would possibly be familiar with Kit Cars, if I was to use anyone it'd be my local family run garage who I trust.
(I'm in Farnham)
The parts shouldn't be a problem to source though.
Hope this helps,
Graham
I got my temperature sender from Camberly AutoFactors, if you want new discs then get those from the factory and get some EBC Green Stuff pads from Demon Tweeks or something.
Can't help on the clutch unfortunately.
Can you not do the work yourself?
Saves on labour and is good to get to know your car 'intimately' I don't know of any garages in the area that would possibly be familiar with Kit Cars, if I was to use anyone it'd be my local family run garage who I trust.
(I'm in Farnham)
The parts shouldn't be a problem to source though.
Hope this helps,
Graham
Caterham themselves do mail order parts: www.caterham.co.uk, 01322 625804.
You could also try Redline (located in Caterham): www.redlinecomponents.co.uk/
Finally, try posing the question regarding local independent garages on blatchat; they are a very helpful and friendly bunch there.
And finally - enjoy!
>> Edited by jeremyc on Tuesday 27th May 17:35
You could also try Redline (located in Caterham): www.redlinecomponents.co.uk/
Finally, try posing the question regarding local independent garages on blatchat; they are a very helpful and friendly bunch there.
And finally - enjoy!
>> Edited by jeremyc on Tuesday 27th May 17:35
Graham,
Thanks for the reply. Strangely enough, I'm based in Farnham as well. You weren't tooling around near the Bourne in a BRG coloured 7 at the weekend by any chance - just before the heaven's opened?!
On the DIY front, I could probably do a lot of it myself. However, time constraints (and a certain lack of faith in my own abilities where vital equipment is concerned!) mean that for some things I'd rather hand it over to a pro. I know, strange thing for a kit car owner, but there you go. I'm more interested in driving it than building it...!
I tried the Caterham site for parts, but it seemed very basic and I couldn't find what I was after. Maybe I just need to mail their sales staff.
As a complete newbie to these cars I could be asking a lot of questions...
John
>> Edited by jboult on Tuesday 27th May 17:46
Thanks for the reply. Strangely enough, I'm based in Farnham as well. You weren't tooling around near the Bourne in a BRG coloured 7 at the weekend by any chance - just before the heaven's opened?!
On the DIY front, I could probably do a lot of it myself. However, time constraints (and a certain lack of faith in my own abilities where vital equipment is concerned!) mean that for some things I'd rather hand it over to a pro. I know, strange thing for a kit car owner, but there you go. I'm more interested in driving it than building it...!
I tried the Caterham site for parts, but it seemed very basic and I couldn't find what I was after. Maybe I just need to mail their sales staff.
As a complete newbie to these cars I could be asking a lot of questions...
John
>> Edited by jboult on Tuesday 27th May 17:46
Even better give them a call: they are friendly and helpful, and certainly know their stuff.
jboult said: I tried the Caterham site for parts, but it seemed very basic and I couldn't find what I was after. Maybe I just need to mail their sales staff.
I've had excellent service from them (parts arriving next day).
Hi John,
No it wasn't me in the BRG 7 but I think I've spotted him about before. I have a BRG Westy but it's not road worthy yet, and I'm yet to sort out insurance for me (won't be pretty as I'm 17)
Where abouts in Farnham are you? The garage that I would use is a family run place in Heath End. I have used them with both of my Land Rovers previously and they're quite 'up' on old cars so old X-Flows should be second nature to them.
As for Caterham, you'd best give them a ring or you could borrow my Westfield parts catalogue for discs et al (they're all the same), I ussume you're running Cortina bits and bobs on the front if it's an old one?
HTH,
Graham
No it wasn't me in the BRG 7 but I think I've spotted him about before. I have a BRG Westy but it's not road worthy yet, and I'm yet to sort out insurance for me (won't be pretty as I'm 17)
Where abouts in Farnham are you? The garage that I would use is a family run place in Heath End. I have used them with both of my Land Rovers previously and they're quite 'up' on old cars so old X-Flows should be second nature to them.
As for Caterham, you'd best give them a ring or you could borrow my Westfield parts catalogue for discs et al (they're all the same), I ussume you're running Cortina bits and bobs on the front if it's an old one?
HTH,
Graham
Graham.J said: Hi John,
Where abouts in Farnham are you? The garage that I would use is a family run place in Heath End. I have used them with both of my Land Rovers previously and they're quite 'up' on old cars so old X-Flows should be second nature to them.
As for Caterham, you'd best give them a ring or you could borrow my Westfield parts catalogue for discs et al (they're all the same), I ussume you're running Cortina bits and bobs on the front if it's an old one?
HTH,
Graham
Over in South Farnham (Wrecclesham area).
Thanks for the offer of the catalogue, I may take you up on that sometime. The problem I keep coming up against is I'd like to just go to a motor factor place, but without knowing what the original parts (and numbers) are it's difficult to figure out what the replacements are. The running gear looks like old Cortina stuff, but I have very limited knowledge on that score.
Cheers,
John
jeremyc said:Even better give them a call: they are friendly and helpful, and certainly know their stuff.
jboult said: I tried the Caterham site for parts, but it seemed very basic and I couldn't find what I was after. Maybe I just need to mail their sales staff.
I've had excellent service from them (parts arriving next day).
Jeremy,
Thanks for your replies. I think I'll take your advice and give them a call - I just had the feeling that sourcing direct from Caterham could be an expensive way to go!
Cheers,
John
John, I know Wrecclesham reasonably well, just a quick blat up the Farnham by-pass (never thought I'd see 'blat' and Farnham by-pass in the same sentance )
Well, if it's any help I may have similar parts to your Caterham in my Westfield with it being a 1600 X-Flow, what year is your Caterham?
There are plenty of people about who will know what parts you have, so if you ever get stuck, whack a picture of it up on here or on Blatchat or something and no-doubt some bundle of knowledge will tell you
Graham
) Well, if it's any help I may have similar parts to your Caterham in my Westfield with it being a 1600 X-Flow, what year is your Caterham?
There are plenty of people about who will know what parts you have, so if you ever get stuck, whack a picture of it up on here or on Blatchat or something and no-doubt some bundle of knowledge will tell you
Graham
I love that colour Mike, looks gorgeous. Mikeh - where you out in your Se7en earlier today? (about 1:30pm) I think I saw you, I was waiting at Hickleys corner in the green Corsa with 'L' plates and PH sticker on it
and you turned left up towards the Station. My favorite colour scheme if it was you
Jeremy,
I took your advice and gave them a call and I can confirm that they are very helpful - although they don't seem to have much stock in!
I managed to get a radiator, but I still need a set of front disk pads, rear shoes and a rocker cover gasket. Any ideas where to get them - and what exactly to ask for when I get there? It's easy when you say 'and a set of pads for an Ford Eurobox' but as soon as you say Caterham the questions start...!
Talking of the rear shoes, how do I determine what type I need? The chap at Caterham asked me if it was a Ford or Vauxhall(?) axle (don't know, but suspect Ford!), or alternatively whether it was short or long cockpit (!? never even knew there was a difference, such is the depth of my ignorance). How do I tell?
Last thing - the car will be used on the track as much as time and the wallet allows, which means a few times a year. What are the thoughts about competition pads Vs standard pads? I ran Mintex pads on my MG, and they were fine when warm but never gave a great feeling from cold on the road. Anybody have any comments?
Thanks again!
John
I took your advice and gave them a call and I can confirm that they are very helpful - although they don't seem to have much stock in!
I managed to get a radiator, but I still need a set of front disk pads, rear shoes and a rocker cover gasket. Any ideas where to get them - and what exactly to ask for when I get there? It's easy when you say 'and a set of pads for an Ford Eurobox' but as soon as you say Caterham the questions start...!
Talking of the rear shoes, how do I determine what type I need? The chap at Caterham asked me if it was a Ford or Vauxhall(?) axle (don't know, but suspect Ford!), or alternatively whether it was short or long cockpit (!? never even knew there was a difference, such is the depth of my ignorance). How do I tell?
Last thing - the car will be used on the track as much as time and the wallet allows, which means a few times a year. What are the thoughts about competition pads Vs standard pads? I ran Mintex pads on my MG, and they were fine when warm but never gave a great feeling from cold on the road. Anybody have any comments?
Thanks again!
John
I'm afraid you've reached the limits of my knowledge as well John.
jboult said: I managed to get a radiator, but I still need a set of front disk pads, rear shoes and a rocker cover gasket. Any ideas where to get them - and what exactly to ask for when I get there? It's easy when you say 'and a set of pads for an Ford Eurobox' but as soon as you say Caterham the questions start...!
Talking of the rear shoes, how do I determine what type I need? The chap at Caterham asked me if it was a Ford or Vauxhall(?) axle (don't know, but suspect Ford!), or alternatively whether it was short or long cockpit (!? never even knew there was a difference, such is the depth of my ignorance). How do I tell?
Last thing - the car will be used on the track as much as time and the wallet allows, which means a few times a year. What are the thoughts about competition pads Vs standard pads? I ran Mintex pads on my MG, and they were fine when warm but never gave a great feeling from cold on the road. Anybody have any comments?
These are all questions you should get many knowledgable replies to by posting on the Lotus 7 Club forum, www.blatchat.com. They are probably the most helpful and enthusiastic community you will come across: get posting in the 'Tech Talk' section!
>> Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 29th May 11:21
Mike - I got the lights from M&P (08705 703030), the order code 500 391, they're Black and are £30 each, obviously, you'll want 2 (they're sold individually as they are for motorbikes).
They should easily fit the Cat. they just screw on with a bolt underneath the mounting plate.
I can get a picture if that doesn't make sense.
And yes, they have dipped, high and main beam.
John - Get your pads from Demon Tweeks a sete of EBC Green Stuff is what you're after.
You want to speak to Chris, his direct number is - 01978 663043. If you have the pads out and can see them it'll be easier, as you don't know what they are for he'll ask you what they look like - he did this with me as I wasn't sure myself.
For the rocker cover gasket I highly recommend Ferriday Engineering, Mike is a first class chap and is more than willing to help, give him a ring on 01785 621710.
Hope this helps,
Graham
They should easily fit the Cat. they just screw on with a bolt underneath the mounting plate.
I can get a picture if that doesn't make sense.
And yes, they have dipped, high and main beam.
John - Get your pads from Demon Tweeks a sete of EBC Green Stuff is what you're after.
You want to speak to Chris, his direct number is - 01978 663043. If you have the pads out and can see them it'll be easier, as you don't know what they are for he'll ask you what they look like - he did this with me as I wasn't sure myself.
For the rocker cover gasket I highly recommend Ferriday Engineering, Mike is a first class chap and is more than willing to help, give him a ring on 01785 621710.
Hope this helps,
Graham
go to the Phoenix on the A30 for the local meets and find steve foster.
they meet the 2nd and 4th tuesday i think.
check www.lotus7club.co.uk for club meetings, etc.
and WELCOME !!! to the 7s family..
they meet the 2nd and 4th tuesday i think.
check www.lotus7club.co.uk for club meetings, etc.
and WELCOME !!! to the 7s family..
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