Ainsley Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 Assuming you can twirl a set of spanners and have no time constraints - how long would it take to build one ? I can put in 8 hrs on a Sat and 8 hrs on a Sun. Plus say an hour or two an week night. So, 2/3 weeks ? What was your experience ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 21, 2023 Member Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) I had very little relevant experience. It took me five weeks of evenings and weekends. Missing parts can be a big problem. Please let me know if you'd like an Assembly Guide. Jonathan PS: This used to be a party-piece at motor shows and similar: but was it 12h or 24h? Edited October 21, 2023 by Jonathan Kay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Posted October 21, 2023 Author Share Posted October 21, 2023 Id love an assembly guide if you have a spare one. I can do my homework while waiting for the kit to turn up 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 21, 2023 Member Share Posted October 21, 2023 Please send me a Private Message with your email address and the model. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 21, 2023 Member Share Posted October 21, 2023 Register of Equipment for Loan. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Hutton Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 I guess it depends on how much you want to enjoy the process and agonise over details. I took just under 120 hours total to build mine. Could've done it quicker but I enjoyed all of it. I built it with my 12 year old son over a period of 3 months and it was wonderful! All of it is doable on your own apart from when putting the engine in. Also really good to have some help for the diff too if you can. Enjoy yourself!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) Recall the Northern Ireland club members used to work as a team of 6 (?) and build a car in a single weekend ! Edited October 21, 2023 by SM25T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 I took between 100 and 120 hours about ten years ago though that included fitting the weather gear that a. I never used and b. is fitted at the factory these days I believe. My modus operandi were contrary to the norm and how you suggest - I only worked the garage when the Speedlimiter was out of the house which at the time was most folks’ working hours. My advice would be don’t rush it - to ensure attention to detail but also, it’s great fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Golf Juliet Tango Posted October 22, 2023 Area Representative Share Posted October 22, 2023 Assembly guides are available on line: http://www.caterham.dk/Assembly_Guides/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrightpayne Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 It took me 7 days to build mine (10 hour days) with occasional help from a mechanic friend and dad on catering! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 Caterham built mine but countless hours over the last 3 years by myself and others upgrading and changing components to get it to how I like it. Do you ever finish ? 😆 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David White Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 108 hrs over 8 weeks or so. My advice would be to not go too fast as it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience that’s over all too soon. There’s a list of blogs within my blog, that may be of interest: https://cat310s.wordpress.com/category/references/ Latest assembly guides can be downloaded from the Caterham Cars website: https://caterhamcars.com/en/for-owners/guides-and-manuals Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 Seems it could be a case of taking your time and enjoying it balanced with eager anticipation and a rush to get in and drive it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 22, 2023 Member Share Posted October 22, 2023 (edited) 17 hours ago, Ainsley said: Assuming you can twirl a set of spanners Is it still two sets of spanners? ; - ) Jonathan Edited October 22, 2023 by Jonathan Kay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 Actually I lied about the spanners. I only have an adjustable and Im trying to remember if its Imperial or Metric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 22, 2023 Member Share Posted October 22, 2023 : - ) Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leecurthoys Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 It took me approximately 100 hours, but I did it over about 4 months in the winter. I have limited mechanical knowledge and experience so learning on the job took extra time. Plus as others have mentioned, my kit was missing parts (some caterham informed me of and some I had to figure out for myself and request from caterham). Added to that was the fact mine was one of the first 170 builds, so the manual was lacking in some areas. I’d suggest going through everything Caterham has sent you and reading a number of blogs (mine or Jon Martins are good) to see what order to do it in (the manual’s order is inconvenient and even impossible in same cases, especially in relation to the roll bar / rear suspension fitting). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 I've just dug out my build diaries. 1999 1.8K: 2 weeks, 100 hours (I had an Easter holiday deadline to meet, plus I had a day job) 2008 R400D: 5.5 weeks, 170 hours (I was being really picky, and having retired I was happy to take my time) Good luck with your build. Take your time -- it'll be a memorable experience. What model are you going for? JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCol Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 2 hours ago, Ainsley said: Actually I lied about the spanners. I only have an adjustable and Im trying to remember if its Imperial or Metric. You’ll need both…. the 7 has a mix of imperial and metric fasteners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 22, 2023 Member Share Posted October 22, 2023 A bit more about Assembly Guides for newcomers: the old style contained a lot more text (and IMHO information) than the current pictorial style. I'll send the appropriate version of both types and Owner's Handbooks and wiring diagrams and Factory Notices to any Member who asks. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiddy7 Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 You never actually finish building a seven, you can do it in a few days but I highly recommend taking it slow and enjoying the experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 (edited) Took me a year to build this in 1997. Still on the road today as its taxed and Mot’d though I don't know where, was not far from me. The guy bought it on ebay and drove it down from Edinburgh. He came round to show me about 5 years ago. Edited October 22, 2023 by Beagler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ainsley Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 I've ordered a 420 R. I love the way Caterham's website lures you in with a price of £41,990 and then by the time you have finished with the Configurator you can easily add another £4,000. Then I made that worse by visiting Premier Power. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 38 minutes ago, Ainsley said: I've ordered a 420 R. I love the way Caterham's website lures you in with a price of £41,990 and then by the time you have finished with the Configurator you can easily add another £4,000. Then I made that worse by visiting Premier Power. Had mine recently in Northampton Motor Sport. On jam and bread now and not sure can afford jam 🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 40 minutes ago, Beagler said: Had mine recently in Northampton Motor Sport. On jam and bread now and not sure can afford jam 🤣 Good news! We’re small scale jam, pickle and chutney makers and artisan bread and cake bakers. If any destitute 7 owners are in the Snetterton area they’re welcome to call by for freebies😀 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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