sjmmarsh

I have put the results of my experience of building a foam seat up on a web page (not pretty as it is my first attempt, but it is functional) here Let me know what you think! Steve

Thanks BigYin I didn't need gaffer tape - the only help I needed was making sure that any surplus foam didn't spill out the top of the bag. It went over my shoulders, but as the bag reached the top of the roll bar that wasn't a problem. Steve

Jan Yes, the roads round here are very good for blats. I just made up a seat base, and am still using the S-Type back. I masked off the cockpit with cardboard and binbags (it wan't needed). I put the base in the bag with the underside masked off with a taped on bin liner. Reading the archives, it seems you can do it either way, but I thought that putting it inside would result in a stronger seat base and I could always dremel it off if I needed another go. I used a £2.99 survival bag from Millets as the foam bag. It is strong, so unlikely to burst and at 2m long, it is unlikely to overflow (the foam did come up my back quite a way and foamed over my shoulders as I am pretty wide, so the only place the foam can go is up). The bag is strong, so pealed off easily except where it was embedded. It struck me as a good bag to use if I had wanted a complete seat making. I haven't had time to try the seat out yet. Loads more head clearance, but I am lying down in the car more, with my knees nearer the wheel. Steve

I made the seat today - thanks to all your advice. In the end I used 500g of each mix, which turned out to be too much (it foamed above my shoulders) although as I had used a survival bag (2m long) this wasn't a problem. It was also easy to peel off, except where it had wrinkled and buried itself at the front corners. I had to mix another 100g as there were still a few hollows - I must have sat on the bag too soon. The top up was easier to do and I am pleased with the finished seat, although the silver duct tape I used doesn't look right - I will look for some black tape if the seat works out OK. I have photos of my attempt, so will put them up on the web when I get time. Steve

Getting close to making the seat now (while the weather is milder as I have to do it in the garage). Re-reading the advice it struck me that there are two ways of making the seat - with and without the existing S-type back. I intend to keep the back and just mould the seat squab - what volume should I be aiming for? 1/2 litre of each mix may be a bit OTT, so I will try a smaller amount first. Also, does the plastic bag peel off easily from the foam once it has set? Steve

Tony Thank you - my cheque is on its way. Steve

At 6'4", I am looking to build a foam seat in order to get sufficient clearance between the top of my helmet and the roll bar. I have read the FAQ and now have all the parts I need to proceed: 1 large sheet of plastic to protect the car 1 Strong plastic bag to put the foam in 1 seat bottom from Oxted trimming 2l of 2 part foam. Before I take the plunge and mix the foam up, I'd appreciate some advice: 1) The archives talk about two methods of making the seat; you can either put the seat bottom in the bag with the foam, or keep it outside the bag. Is there a preferred way to do this? I can see that putting it in the bag will result in a stronger bond as the foam will stick strongly; the downside is you only get one shot at this . (Can you dremel it out once it has set?) 2) If I put it in the bag, is there a way of keeping the foam off the bottom of the seat? (vaseline? cling film?) 3) what volume of mixture should I be aiming for? It looks like I don't need much padding round the sides as I can only just get my fingers in between my hips and the sides of the cockpit (it is an SV as well. 😳) - but there is a gap between the small of my back and the seat that is quite large as I am not sitting upright in the seat - my height is more in my back than my legs. Those are my main questions, but I'd appreciate any practical tips from anyone else who has done it for real! Steve

Yes please.

I spoke to CC technical helpline today. They said that the mix is 50:50, and what I had done was OK. Interestingly, they weren't concerned about airlocks - their comment was 'you'll know if you have one by the temperature reading'. I overfilled the tank a bit when I topped it up. Once the water was up to temp it started coming out of the pressure cap. Mind you, it did help me track down the leaks at the hose/pipe junctions. There were three in total! Is it normal for the coolant to go from the 'max' line to the top in the expansion tank when running at temperature, or is this indicative of air in the system somewhere? The heater works OK (well, as much as you can expect) and there was no air in the top of the radiator, so everything seems to be OK. Steve

And me.. Steve

I need to top up the expansion tank on my SV. It has red coolant in from its last Caterham Service, which I think means it is Comma Xstream Red. I have managed to get some coolant, but it is concentrate, not ready mix. Is it a 50:50 coolant:water mix, or is there a recommended mixture? I couldn't find this covered in the manual, or by searching the archives or FAQs, so if this has already been covered I apologise. Also should I be using distilled water, or is tap water OK? I haven't tracked down the leak yet, but it looks like it might be between the metal pipe and rubber hoses as there was some residue there. Any tips where I should look? Steve

When I picked up my (second hand) 1.8VVC SV last month from Caterham Cars, they advised me to used super unleaded as it gave better results. I followed their advice, but have noticed that the manual does say that 95 RON is normally sufficient. What is the group wisdom on this one - is it worth the extra 5-6p a litre? Steve

Rob - I'd be interested in the spreadsheet as well. Steve

Thanks for the prompt responses guys. If I hire a meter, how do I know where to take the reading from? Steve

All the trackdays I have seen have a noise limit- typically varying from sub 98DbA and 105DbA (max). The problem I have is that I have no idea of the noise my 7 will make until I get there... I realise that the noise level will vary with the temperature, track surface, etc, but can you give me some idea of what noise my 7 (1.8K VVC on an SV with 16" ZZ1 204/45R16 tyres (I know I should have 13" or 15")) is likely to make? Steve

You say it has just been built - Does it have a concrete base, and how long has it been down? It takes at least a month in warm weather to dry out an inch of concrete - preferably two. There is a lot of water in liquid concrete! I agree that you need to get a dehumidifier (and empty it frequently) Steve

I bought one of these at the weekend after reviewing the archives. If it does the job at half the price, then it works for me! I have one question - there is a green LED on the transformer. It seems to work as: off = not connected to battery on = charging Is this all it does? (or does it turn red if the battery is low)? Steve

As a new member I was wondering how you find out about trackdays organised by the club - will they be advertised on the website or Low Flying at the appropriate ? If so, when do I need to look out for them? Steve

Everything turned off now. B*gg*r*d if I know what is causing this!

test3 failed. Zone Alarm switched off. Now turning Pest Control off

test3 failed. Zone Alarm switched off. Now turning Pest Control off

test3 failed. Zone Alarm switched off. Now turning Pest Control off

test2 failed. Zone Alarm switched off

test2. Zone Alarm switched on

Test