7_Malc

I don’t think there is a synchro on the reverse gear, so I always select another gear while stationary, and then slide it smoothly in to reverse. Into ‘first’ , keep the clutch in, then into reverse.

These show the worst of the scraping. I chose to replace this with a new item from Redline, rather than risk another impact which might cause a failure.

Hertfordshire- but the on the Beds/ Bucks border. If I can get my car back on the road I’d be up for a blat over towards Bicester if that helps. Photos to follow!

Hi Matt, I have a well worn, but sound, wet sump pan you can have on loan if needed. I will send you some photos when I get home so you decide if it is suitable for your needs. malc

The planned blat from Baldock services is on Sunday. See calendar entry for full details and links to the MyRouteApp navigation files. All participants will need to book an entry ticket for Classic Nostalgia separately. The Caterham and Lotus 7 Club name can be selected from drop-down menu on the Club Bookings page. Half price entry until end of April!.

Tempted… what's the benefit of the alloy version over the plastic?

The RainExperts are a chunky heavy tyre, with meaty sidewalls. For the heavier golf they rumble along fine, but lack the finesse I want on the seven where the relationship between tyre and suspension is much closer.

I have newish RainExperts on my Golf Mk4, but I would not choose them for the lightweight seven. Toyo R888Rs are a fantastic summer Caterham-friendly road tyre, and they cope well with damp and wet conditions - while also encouraging you to take care. I have 14” minilites for most of my touring type adventures, and a set of 13” for the better quality roads.

Been chatting with another Caterham owner who is in Northampton, and he recommends https://www.aghtyresnorthampton.co.uk/ Alternatively you could give Nick Potter a call in Market Harborough (his advert is on this page somewhere). Both options are about an hour south of you.

Yes that’s a serious blat. Definitely worth chatting with some other local owners to see who they recommend. You can message your local AR for more ideas too.

Where are you based Neil? I’m one of those R888R fans that BigCol mentioned, and they can be sourced from a few specialists - including Adams & Page in High Wycombe who fitted my last set. Clearance on the rims / Caterham rears can be tight so you really need a fitter who knows this and the positioning of the weights to avoid clashes. A&P support a number of classic race series and understand the needs of a Caterham customer well. It may be worth seeking out recommendations of fitters from members in your area too.

Once you go aero, you don’t go back…

Cheers Nico, I have since ordered a new set of wings. Good luck with the sale.

Unless you always have a passenger, driving with the half tonneau in place is highly recommended - it really changes the aero on the car and makes the cockpit a calmer place to be on a blustery / damp day.

While I cannot comment on the Westermann Door fittings, I can confirm that a tonneau cover and the long nose tower cap are more than adequate protection when parked up. The tonneau effectively seals off the cabin area, and the shower cap adds an extra layer of rain protection - even without the windscreen in place. I just lay it over the Brooklands screens and loop around the mirrors as with the full screen. Yes, you might get a slight puddle in the shower cap if the rain is heavy, but this can be poured away easily before removal and then you have a dry tonneau cover underneath. If the poppers on the tonneau and doors are not aligned, you can tuck the tonneau inside the door and just rely on the 'top' poppers to hold it in place, but I would not recommend driving with it held so loosely. Or lay it over the outside of the half door, and cover with the showercap as usual.