Steve Fleming

Caterham 7 Superlight 1997P (Chassis Number 0007). Fantastic road and track car. Reg Number M1 7VEN (My Seven – geddit?) Full Superlight spec in aluminium with bare carbon fibre wings and nose cone. Minister Power engine with high compression head, cams, bigger valves. Six speed Caterham ‘box with comp clutch. Wide track front suspension, adjustable roll bar, quick rack steering, detachable Motolita, vented discs with big callipers. Saturn oil de-bubbler. Plumbed in fire extinguisher, battery master switch, six point harnesses. Leather S-type seats and trim, with full weather gear and tonneau. R500 type (ACES) sequential shift light system with programmable CPU. 13” Minilites with Yokos. One of the best handling cars around and very quick. In excellent condition and always very well maintained by Caterham. Price £ 17,750 ono. Car can be viewed in Tunbridge Wells by arrangement. Phone Steve Fleming in France on 00 33 5 53 61 69 04 or e-mail seefeig@hotmail.com

Thanks for suggestions so far. I'm living in France so I'm afraid my local Halfords is not going to be an option. The last time I spoke to Caterhams about starter motors they said the starter for Superlights was a Skoda part. Is this correct? Steve

Have I finally cooked it? Have had trouble with starter motor on my Superlight over last few months due to overheating but I think it has finally died. It is heat wrapped and the manifolds are insulated but all it now emits is a 'click' when asked to perform its service. Battery is fully charged. Any suggestions that it might be other than the motor itself before I pick up the phone and order a new one from Caterham?? Steve

The 'pick up stick' sounds a great idea. As I will be living in France on a permanent basis with the Seven I'll try a get one as it will also be useful for car parks etc. Thanks one and all for all the comments on this thread! Steve

I'm VERY disturbed to hear that some disinfectant trays might be 8" deep!! That's above floor level, isn't it? The ordinary pads would be OK as there're at most places out in the country now anyway. As suggested I'll check with the companies before I go. For the motorways will certainly use credit cards but doubt I'll be able to reach across even without belts. Looks like I'll have to get out and run around, or pick up some blonde hitchhiker!

Thanks guys for the comments. Seems it'll be alright but it will pay to be careful. Any suggestions for collecting tickets and paying at the peages? I won't have a passenger and undoing full harness and gettimg out of the car each time will be a pain. Some type of mechanical arm perhaps? Steve

I am taking my Superlight with 13" wheels to France in a few weeks. Am I going to have ground clearance problems anywhere on the ferries, or for that matter, on the trains in the tunnel if I go that route? Appreciate advise from all you guys who have already done this. Steve

Thanks for info, Arnie. The solution looks elegant and robust at the same time. Nice photos; came out crystal clear even on black and white printer. Have placed order with Jessops! Steve

Thanks to all for suggestions and in particular to those who offered to make one for me! A couple of points still worry me: 1. Presumably if the camera 'hangs' below the level of the top strut of an FIA roll bar then it is out of the airstream and will not require any separate protection? I don't fancy a stone going through my grand's worth of camcorder! 2. How 'vibration proof' will the fixings be? The Caterham is in any case full of vibrations, and I don't mind if the camcorder vibrates in harmony so to speak, but too much vibration will result in worthless images. Steve

I am looking for the easiest and safest way (and not too expensive)of attaching a camcorder to a Seven. Position: on the roll bar would seem the best bet, thus capturing the images of the road ahead, the instruments and steering wheel, and gearchanges etc. Method: elastic bungees are definitely out - I would'nt want to do it, and scrutineers for both sprints and track days won't let you anyway. Would prefer some type of proprietary, ready made 'box' which can be clamped to the roll bar. So, any suggestions for a secure attachment method that also protects the camcorder from a potential 125 mph airstream? Steve

Thanks Andrew, I will go ahead on Saturday using standard K series replacement gaskets. I will remove the starter motor whilst I am there and get it looked at to see if there is any permanent damage. Might have to take you up on your offer of a replacement one. Steve

The starter motor on my Superlight is gradually being fried by the under bonnet heat, mainly from the exhaust headers, despite having an insulation blanket on it. I have some insulation tape and ties from Demon Tweeks which I intend to put on the exhaust headers this weekend. I am sure that there's somebody out there who has done this before, so answers to the following would be very handy: 1. How easy is it to wrap the headers if they remain in situ? 2. Or, is it easier to do it with them off? 3. If 2, what is the procedure for taking them off the head? 4. Can this be done without taking the engine out? (car has four into one non cat) 5. Do I have to remove the diagonal chassis strut? 6. Do I have to remove the water pipe that runs just above the headers which means presumably draining and refilling the water system, radiator, etc.? Any other pointers, helpful suggestions much appreciated. Steve

The R500 sequential shift light system is from ACES Ltd and is programmed for the R500 only. However ACES do a very similar programmable set-up using the same little gizmo on top of the dash with a 'box' to put under the dash that you can programme. Can set first shift up light and last shift up light and others are calculated automatically. Has also a low light that tells you you are below best power band. Also keeps max revs hit in the memory. This can be quite interesting to read if you've missed a gear!! Have used it for last few months for sprints etc and it is excellent. To fit to top of dash you need to buy the bracket from Caterham, or it can be velcroed. ACES' contact details are Julian Adams on 01206 395324. Might give a discount to L7C members.

Don't remember offhand the picture that you refer to, but there's a motor accessory shop in Tonbridge, Kent that will make you any type/size of number plate you want for about £20. They are illegal, of course, although, touch wood, I've never been stopped so far. If you want to know the 'phone number of the shop let me know. Steve

Don't know whether it's true or purely anecdotal but there was a story that Caterham had achieved better results in a wind tunnel by mounting a large number plate as low as possible on the nosecone thus creating some kind of effect under the car. Might be worth a few more mph! Steve