AlanO

Thanks all. Battery is currently on charge so bit of a wait. BTW, this is the 2nd battery car has had . Went on road 'new' in May but by time I'd got home from CC battery was dead. CC replaced it. Starting to think it's alternator problem but will know more when I run it.

So I jump started and it fired first time. All good although at that point wasn't able to measure voltages. Went on good long run keeping revs up, no lights/wipers to drain power. Left for 24 hours with battery disconnected. Now able to measure voltages (drove home to pick voltmeter and stuff up). Battery has 11.8v, which drops to 11.4v when turned on (pump presumably). Engine won't turn over, starter just clicks (series of quick clicks). Battery now on charge (CTEK). Unable to confirm atm that there is a secondary earth strap to engine mount but earths that I have found are clean and secure and no difference between chasis and block voltage readings. My plan is to charge battery, start car, run and take voltage readings. Happy to hear what others would do in these circumstances. (yes, phone call to CC on Monday if not resolved is on my list). TIA.

Ahh, you may be onto something as I'm still running it in so keeping revs low. Will do some further voltage checks tomorrow and give a decent run above 3000.

Ahh, you may be onto something as I'm still running it in so keeping revs low. Will do some further voltage checks tomorrow and give a decent run above 3000.

Thanks. No, I can't be sure atm about voltages and will need to check.

Thanks for comments, which I'll take on board. I don't have an isolator and haven't charged the battery but I'm talking about the battery going flat overnight, although not on every occassion which could point to a dodgy earth connection perhaps? Ie. Went for good run day before yesterday, not used yesterday, wouldn't start this morning. I've been advised not to charge via 12 volt supply but content to disconnect battery and charge overnight, but cannot believe this is functioning correctly if this is needed. Could understand if left for a few weeks.

270R purchased 'new' couple of months ago (2019/20 car sold back to CC after self build and purchased by me). Have had battery replaced under warranty and still under warranty so will get in touch with CC. But in the meantime is there anything I can check? Had long runs always with sidelights but that surely won't run battery down? (Haven't left lights on etc) Next step is to jump start, long run and leave with battery disconnected? Also will check battery earth strap. Any ideas please as although under warranty would like to resolve. Thanks.

Hi Geester & Dan R. Another newbie here. I've found a wealth of help on these pages and the 'get to know your seven' essential reading. I treated myself to a low level jack recommended in other posts, and got hold of axle stands second hand. I wouldn't consider taking my car to tyre fitter, just the wheels. Enjoy you blatting!

Hi Phil. I knew that once I decided to buy 'off the shelf' I'd have to compromise on some elements and ideally would have gone for a 310, but an upgrade's possible in due course. The wait for an ordered car was too much to bear and was fortunate to see this available. Also with dealerships, it was a case of going where a suitable car was. Ditto with an SV vs standard chassis, and exactly for the same reason!!

"Teething troubles". Now that brought a smile to my face as I also have a few 'teething troubles'. Welcome to Caterham world I guess.

Not the best weather today to pick it up, but having received my V5 on Friday it seemed rude not to get it asap.

So I've taken the plunge and bought a 270 which should be on the road next month depending on those nice people at DVLC (hope you win your strike and get back to work asap) Just wanted to say thank you for all the help and advice which (mainly) I've taken on board. Special thanks to Stephen (Golf Juliet Tango) who convinced my wife of the virtues of Seven ownership. Feeling just a tad smug!!

Thanks very much everyone. That information has been most useful. Thanks.

Thanks all, much appreciated. Age of car Im looking at is 2017 -new.

I have a couple of questions please; Is the fitting of a track day roll bar replacing a standard bar pretty straight forward? ie unbolt old, undo shock absorbers, boot floor etc or are there serious issues? And I believe the track day bar is slightly taller - does this affect the size of hood required (if used!) And second Q. I see there are probably 3 different types of fitting for spare wheel & carrier, but assuming one has the correct parts for the car, is fitting straight forward. Ditto the high level brake light bracket that fits over the spare? Looking at a couple of cars I'd want to make these alterations to. (I appreciate I could wait and look for a car with these fitted, but summer's coming and my 'ideal' car might never be found). Many thanks.

Might be worth trying an 'easy out'. This is a link to the Hilka version, but there are others. https://hilka.co.uk/6-pce-screw-extractor-set-37855006.html

Piers. Haha, still going round in circles! And waiting for lockdown to unwind so I can give one or two a try. I'm thinking 2nd hand mainly to avoid the wait. Will be 270 or 310, road, no LSD, most likely SV as like the idea of footwell and general extra space. But then there are several nice SuperSeven 1600s around but more £££. Decisions decisions!! (I've made garage space though!)

That's a no, then. Care to expand? Thanks

People have been extremely helpful thus far and I wonder if you might offer your thoughts on the pros and cons on a couple of issues I have unresolved. Ignoring aesthetics, what are the pros and cons of having a bare alloy car vs painted please? Obviously cost if buying from new but are there practical issues? Or is it just down to looks? Also, and this time ignoring the obvious lack of performance between them, what are the pros and cons of a Suzuki powered 7 and a Ford? I'm thinking reliability, simplicity and costs to maintain etc. Many thanks

Thanks for the info p.mole1 My inclination is to stay more road use focussed. I'm hoping my days racing a Mini7 back in the day have gotton rid of a desire for track days. But.. Anyway, I'm interested in your comments regard set up, which I get. I guess even a short test drive won't identify some set up issues and perhaps I should factor in a proper post purchase set up session?? Or am I going entirely in the wrong direction (excuse the pun).?

Looks rather neat. Would you mind saying how much that was please? (excuse me if that's too rude a question)

Yes,thanks with you on all of that except perhaps the lowered floor (I'm too short), dry sump and LSD (very little if any track days planned although I appreciate that might change). For people's amusement I confess to already owning a CTEK5 charger as it's needed for our caravan (go on have a laugh).

I've ordered it via WH Smiths, 4th ed. £26 + p&p

Piers - I ordered the book yesterday!! Spent all this afternoon watching YouTube build videos and reading more build blogs.

Or substitute "another motorbike" with "another wife" ;-)