700newtons

The steering rack went in this evening. Before I started I taped card to the outside paintwork for protection against scuffs. It seems that I am missing a few components from Caterham (IVA covers and RH lower wishbone). I'll ring up on Monday. Tomorrow's job is LH front suspension.

I waxed the shell with Autogym for protection - I figured that this might be easier while the car is still in pieces. It also might give a bit of protection from the masking tape I am about to put on around the front suspension area. The powder coating on a little of the bottom of the frame was scuffed so I sanded it and painted it with Hammerite. I also gave the engine bay a coat of Dimitrol to hopefully reduce the rate of corrosion; especially between the steel and aluminium joints. before after If the Dimitrol looks Ok once dry, I may go and coat more of the underneath. (NB I'm making this up as I go along - don't trust me to get it right)

I had to do something while I was waiting!

Pentangle, glad to help! I didn't look that hard for insurance though; you might get a better quote. Adrian Flux was much cheaper than REIS but didn't include track day cover. I actually rang AF twice; I got a much better quote the second time. It was cheaper and included a longer build period. By the way, i didn't get a fully complete kit delivered. The wheels are coming a bit later. The same might happen for you. There are some supply problems. Other than that, no problems. The fellow that delivered it was very helpful.

It arrived today... looking good! For build/road insurance I went with Adrian Flux: £250 for 3000 mile limit (but relatively cheap to add more miles).

Hi folks, thanks for for your replies. It is good to know that there are at least 4 of us. Apologies for the delay its my reply. I didn't realise I was getting comments on my blog! looks like I'm the guinea pig then... I think my first job is to wax the car, Dimitrol the inside and cover the paintwork for protection. Simon

Delivery date 25th November

I learnt my car is ready for delivery today... final payment sent..... Can't wait

I ordered my 160 in April 2014. Here is my blog. I hope it maybe useful and interesting to others. Caterham 160 Expected delivery November 2014. Full Screen and weather equipment, carpets, lowered floors, push button start, leather seats, Momo steering wheel, heater, Race 4pt harness, Track day roll bar. Ballistic orange The lowered floor provides the driver with a clearer view and the 4pt harness and track day roll bar are for improved safety. I understand that access the Lotus 7 club track days is only possible with a track day roll bar too. Why did I go for a 160? I definitely wanted to build my own car, I was impressed with my test drive, reviews and friends were very positive about it, there are significant savings over a Roadsport and it can be driven to capacity at road legal speeds. Tools and Equipment (so far!) Strongman Tools Trolley jack and axle stands (discount with L7club membership) Halfords Socket set, prof torque wrench 8-60Nm, prof torque wrench 60-300Nm. Birzman deadblow hammer Maplin Garage alarm

Great driving. A nice day out for us as spectators too.

Quoting Paul Deslandes: Lidl have a reasonable multimeter on special at the moment ("Once they're gone, they're gone!") for £8.99. Not the best but well featured and good value for money. Also claims to measure AC current if that's of use to you - quite unusual. Thanks for this. I picked one up today. As you say, not the best, but great for basic car stuff.

Quoting Myles: What kind of fuel pump problems? A classic build issue used to be (probably still is) to accidentally connect the fog lamp to the fuel pump connector and vice versa. No not that... It was just a blown fuse. We have ignition!

Sadly now we have some fuel pump problems, but progress has been made.

Ah ha, We took the starter motor out, tested it, put it back. Then success... Your earth comments might have been correct or maybe the starter motor was just stuck. Edited by - 700newtons on 24 Jun 2014 23:40:42

Ok tried a different fully charged battery. When ignition turned we had a large spark near the starter motor. No fuses were blown, no relays damaged. However, solenoid no longer clicks. Dammit.

Ah no, at rest the car is at 11.5v and drops to 4v once the ignition is engaged and the solenoid is oscillating on and off. To me, this implies current is passing through the starter motor (but we have got something wrong). Any more ideas ( thanks for your help by the way). Edited by - 700newtons on 24 Jun 2014 16:45:52

Quoting Jonathan Kay: Battery voltage at rest and when you try to start? It drops to 4v...

We are just at the end of a 125 Roadsport build and trying to turn he engine over for the first time. The solenoid seems to engage and disengage rapidly (rapid on and off sequence) without turning the starter motor. Grateful for any wisdom.....

Quoting Pugwash: When I built mine Caterham did a starter pack containing all the oils and fluids that were needed to get it going. Needs to be ordered separately. Not sure why they don't include it with the kit as it was extra cost. Ah yes, all the fluid packs are out of stock at the moment though. There is not a dedicated 160 fluid pack either. Nearer the time I'll enquire with Caterham.

Hello folks, I wonder if there are many others waiting for 160s to arrive. I expect mine to arrive in October (hopefully) I'd welcome any advice about building. I have some knowledge, but I would class myself firmly in the novice category. First question. I hear Amourfend is worth considering. It looks like it is about £600 for rear wheel arches dogleg, sides and nose. (This includes l7c discount and it is applied in the caterham factory). Any advice? Second question. Caterham recommend the following fluids in the build manual: Engine oil Shell Helix Ultra AVL 5W-30 Gearbox oil Shell Spirax S4 AT 75W/90 Differential Shell Spirax S3 AX 80W/90 Brake fluid Comma DOT4 Engine coolant Comma Xstream red anti-freeze Any comments about this would be welcome. Where is a good place to order them Opie Oils? I wonder if some of these oils have been replaced by newer versions as I can't seem to find them using searches.