Richard_420R

Hi - hope everyone had a good Christmas. Quick question regarding rear ARB - from the factory my rear ARB is set to the second rear-most hole (2019 420R). I found this nice and pointy for the track but on the road it can snap quite quickly. Would moving to the rear-most, softest setting be a better choice for the road? Also is this a simple un-bolt and re-bolt or are there some extra steps - thread lock? Cheers, Rich.

Yes from Caterham parts website - they delivery next day if they have stock - been very reliable for me.

Hi, I recently was looking for the little dome screws as I lost a door hinge on a track ... are they the same ones for the mirror? The ones I got were 30Z2036A and HW/1174 for the nut and bolt from the Caterham parts website. They were the right ones for the hinge. Richard.

Last bit of advice from me is get the programmable shift lights - the single change up light as standard isn't much use and the rev counter is a little damped too meaning it's quite easy to hit the limiter in low gears. However with change up lights in your peripheral vision it is much easier to get the max from the engine without mistakes. I had mine fitted recently and makes a big difference for me.

Oh and re the springs - I was thinking of race but glad I didn't - the standard sports springs are plenty hard for track and pretty hard on road - I think race wouldn't be acceptable on the road.

Hi there - few points from me: 1. I have the carbon seats and whilst they look like they should be quite hard are, for me, more supportive and comfortable than the leather. One of my favourite 'upgrades' 2. I've never used the full weather gear but don't regret ordering it - you never know when you might need it and then you'll likely really need it! I, like others, use a half hood - the Caterham one with zips to allow vertical space are brilliant. 3. don't know if you mentioned brakes - I was going to get the upgraded ones but glad I didn't - the standard ones are fine with upgraded pads and much cheaper to replace pads etc. 4. exhaust nose - I've never seen any problems with the 420 and the side exit re noise - I believe the 620 is marginal hence rear exit normally. I really wouldn't worry about it. enjoy!

Thanks Ian - yes I have something on order - hopefully it gets in the gaps.

Thanks - I'll try some of that later. I have the fixed carbon seats so you can't lift out any part to get underneath. I think the various flexible hose ideas should work.

Apologies if this is a dumb (noob) question but is there a generally accepted way of clearing debris from under the passenger seat without unbolting it? I have the carbon padded seats with some stones and a large metal washer hidden under there ... they are starting to rattle and driving me nuts. Any hints or tips? I was thinking a magnet on a stick or something for the washer and/or maybe a super thin vacuum pipe attachment .. Rich.

Well indeed - was thinking the same re my 4-point - although I guess there is some logic given most cars, and many Caterhams, have inertia belts. Seems easier and cheaper to just switch the QR gubbins from wheel 1 to 2 then and not bother with a separate QR boss + column. Thanks all - anyone have issues with the Momo suede rims and racing gloves? Suede feels great and grippy with bare hands but not always ideal with gloves.

Okay great makes sense. For info, do you need to fit the old wheel for MOTs or is it just the original SVA that require it.

Thanks Scott - so did you need to buy that part to simply get a new steering wheel boss or did you have to actually change the upper part of the column?

Maybe I'm being dense but why do I need to take off the top of the column? I have a QR boss currently so can't it just be moved to a new wheel?

Hi - what are people doing when replacing their SVA wheel on the QR boss? Do you unscrew the QR mount and move to the new steering wheel? I can't find just the wheel-side component on the Caterham site and ideally I'd want two interchangeable steering wheels rather than reattaching the mount. Does somewhere supply the correct mounting for the Caterham QR Boss? Cheers, Rich.

Mine is factory built so we're saying warranty is 2 years then? Funny how caterham doesn't seem to advertise - other than its low compared to 'normal' manufacturers.

Hi all - can't find a recent answer to this dumb question. I seem to remember reading that the Caterham new car warranty is now just one year - is that correct?

Thanks. Agreed - I think it is still sound so will leave the scarring and reprogramme my brain to go around objects higher than an inch or two!

Hi - got reminded today how low the car was and hit a large lump of something looking like tar or something. It hit the sump guard pretty hard. The surface is chewed up a bit but there seems no other damage so got lucky I guess. Question - should I replace the guard now it's a bit damaged or will it still do its job? It isn't too messed up and caterham want 90 quid for that bit of nylon!!!

Thanks. I've had a closer inspection and the play is all coming from the QR boss - it's pretty minimal and I've popped some grease in and it is nearly gone now. Once up and running you can't notice it so I think I'll leave it be

Thanks all. I will check this weekend - it is a QR wheel and kinda assumed it was that - it is a tiny bit of wobble that feels to be at the steering wheel end but will check. How much QR play is normal??

Having to line up perfectly has caused me some frustration and now I make sure the wheel is always precisely dead centre before removing the wheel - never had issues since.

Hi - quick check of something that's been bothering me. When stationary there is a little bit of steering play on my 420R. A slight movement and 'clonk' before the resistance. On the move I've never noticed it and it seems the same as any other 7 I've driven but thought I'd check if this was 'normal' or whether I should get it looked at? cheers, Rich.

Seems like the sort of DIY challenge even I might be up to! Where is the bleeper? Under bonnet or inside dash somewhere??

That looks very nice - very tempting for my 420R - can I ask how much?? Rich.

@Tommyp, it is pretty easy to tell if the fan is kicking in - just idle it and as you say the temp will rise to a bit over 100 then you'll hear the fan start and the temperature will start to fall. I have a new 420R too and was a little alarmed how hot it runs and that it can't seem to cool itself unless moving fast ... but I think it is all normal!