700newtons

Another thing to know is that the retaining channels need to be positioned at the correct height using washers underneath - this is normal.

The knee panels should be fixed using self tapping screws. I remember that getting them in and out is a bit of an effort - so yes the retaining channels are worth it (unless you leave the knee trim off)

another thing... don't forget the windscreen wipers. They pull off with the help of a flat blade screwdriver twisted underneath.

Hello Tom,

I recently fitted one. Taking it on and off is a 5 minute job once you know how.

• remove the knee trim panels to access the windscreen nuts
• lay a old curtain on the bonnet (or I use an old foam carry mat)
• remove the windscreen bolts
• I put the bottom of the windscreen frame in polythene freezer bags to protect the paint as I remove it.
• gently lift the windscreen off and lay it on he bonnet (on top of the carry mat)
• if you have a heated windscreen you will now need to deal with the wires that connect under the scuttle. For ease of fitting and removal, I cut these wires and fitted small bullet connectors.
• Bolt on the aeroscreen and enjoy...

Redline and Caterham sell a useful retaining channel device, with captive nuts, so that you can take an aeroscreen on and off without removing the knee trim. (See below - sorry not a great photo)

Thank you to all involved in organising and marshalling  the event, and well done for preventing rain.

Thanks for sharing that - an interesting read (and video).

Yes, stoneguard has worked for me (and now at 10000 miles). I just brushed it on. Be careful not to get it on the gel coat - the solvent will eat into it.

Ah yes, lotus boy - that's us.

Caterham had a very good scheme where for a large refundable deposit school children (teenagers) could build a seven under supervision. The car is then sent back to Caterham and given a check over. My school have built 5 (although not your car from your description).

It was a terrific scheme and I can think of a few pupils that were very inspired. A few went onto study automotive engineering. 

Very sadly Caterham have stopped it, and we are just finishing our last car. I suppose the cost was too great and the benefits not tangible. However, it did generate a lot of interest from parents.

We are now thinking what to do with our little workshop. Restoring old cars raises more H&S issues and the kids get filthy. Building a new seven was ideal - everything was nice and clean. I'd like to think that he build quality of our cars was good - our lot took took it quite seriously. 

Simon

Thank you, that worked. The hardest bit was refitting the knee trim - it seemed a bit easier during the build.

Advice please - 

I picked up a couple of 'retaining channels' with fixed bolts for ease of changing aeroscreen and windscreen.

I think that they are meant to replace the existing aluminium lengths bolted behind the knee trim. However, if I do this the holes in the bodywork don't align with the bolts; they do if I place the retaining channels on top, but it doesn't sit comfortably.

What is meant to happen here? What was the purpose of the existing aluminium strip?

No I missed that... Yes, good idea about a TV thread.

...or... VW's cat - that has two states.

There were a couple of interesting physics programmes today. The Reith lecture about black holes and a BBC4 documentary about Maxwell.

Nope, go on then...

Well, I would be interested to try a few track days...  (But i would put myself firmly in the 'novice' class)

Hello Ned,

You might have forgotten (given our lengthy 160 conversations about all the issues we encountered) but my speedo also under read. I noticed it when comparing the drive back from the showroom with a friend.

see the discussions in the blog here: http://www.lotus7.club/blogs/collection-simons-160

apperently you can ’adjust' the speedo (for example if you change the wheel size).

in a nutshell this is what you need to know...

'An email from Derek confirmed that my speedo is on the wrong setting. You can press the speedo button in as you turn the ignition and a menu comes up. Apparently the code for the speedo should be 034187. Mine was not and I have since adjusted it'

Your badger encounter didn't sound much fun, but probably worse for the badger.

all the best...

simon

At the request of my wife I am going to dispose of some old windsurfing kit

• f1 discovery board (huge heavy beginners windsurf board - very battered condition)
• bic slalom board (good condition, but hard to learn on)
• 3 sails for different conditions (useable but disintegrating)
• 1 mast (the two bits have fused together but perfectly useable)
• boom

this would suit someone who is beginning - they could use this without fear of damaging expensive kit.

However, to get sailing you would also need the following:

• a UJ (about £15 from eBay)
• a mast foot (about £15 from eBay)

(eBay links for examples only - double check dimensions first!)

If this kit is for you, then please let me know. Buyer collects from Street, Somerset (all or nothing!). You will need a roof rack.

All I ask is a donation to NTL (pass me a cash on collection, say £40 or whatever you think it is worth).

Simon

I have have moved mine back too, and it wasn't quite as tricky as I thought. I have leather seats; I just shifted the seat forwards and reached down inside to change the hole.

The lap belt is not as easy to adjust as before, but I can get them tight.

I have thought a bit more about this. I think that my car has two available bolt holes on the tunnel. At the moment the lap strap is fixed to the foremost one. Does anyone have their lap strap attached the the rear hole and is this 'possible/safe/OK'

Yes, after reading that useful article in low flying (p8) I have realised that mine could be shorter too.

(and I'm not that much of a bean pole)

Ah we were in Portmeirion on the 27th (Orange 160).

We drove up on the coast road from Aberdovey (through Barmouth, Harlech etc). Wonderful twisting roads, and beautiful views of the coast. Not too much in the way of traffic either. A really good run, recommended.

Simon

Your post did not come across like that at all.

Good luck with the build. The last bit with the IVA and registration is definitely themost annoying.

Simon

Hmm... I was keen to run in mine carefully too.

I mostly did (sort of) but the temptation to push it a bit was sometimes too great.

The car seems to be running sweetly after 3000 miles.

Chris,

Caterham South did my PBC and IVA (twice, it failed the first one). From memory there was about 100 miles on the clock. I thought that getting them to do the IVA was worthwhile and saved a lot of hassle.

Simon

No, that is something like the noise it makes.

Thanks Simon. So I suppose that fancy fuel will just keep the engine clean at best.

How did you know this by the way?

I'm putting super unleaded in my 160 (with its Suzuki k6a engine). Any wisdom about choice of fuel appreciated... I understand that for older engines whether you use 95 or 98 doesn't make any difference.