A few little upgrade's

After seeing the idea on blatchat fitting a high level brake light seem'd to be a very worth while addition, Keeping visible and maybe a bit safer can only be a good thing.

I've mounted it on the r/h side just below the level of the half hood which is on most of the time at the moment(english weather), You need the high level brake loom from caterham which fits easily to the connections already fitted to the r/h side of the fuel tank, just take out the plastic bung behind the wheel where the indicator electrics pass through and fit the new loom, you can't go wrong as they only fit one way.The light is a FIA approved led unit from car builder solutions picked up from the stoneleigh kit car show. I must admit so far i've been impressed with it and its certainly a lot brighter than the main brake lights.

Next up was to fit a power socket for my phone and sat nav which I bought from ALM electrical solutions at the classic car show, Once you have found the cables for the charger ,pre fitted by caterham hidden behind the other cables under the dash its just a case of a bit of wire and crimping on some male & female spade connectors and plug them in, easy.

I have fitted the unit to the passenger knee guard just drilled into the ally panel and screwed the charger in place a quick test to make sure that it works and job done.  :-)

Gaydon Heritage classic car show

I just had to smile at the hinges on this fantastic lotus 7 ss, 1969 and they haven't changed a bit!

These photos where taken yesterday at the classic car show near gaydon although there was a bit of rain around (it didn't stop us from going in the 160)it was a good morning out with plenty of great cars to see.

For a caterham/lotus fan it doesn't get better than this where it all began,

Out enjoying the country side

What a great weekend out and about in the 160 ,having fun is what it's all about.

The 12 volt socket cables

Ned your cars looking great now finished , I found this cable under the dash passenger side which I think is the one, one black cable the other purple and red, It may well be tucked under or behind all the other cables

I hope this this helps, Mike

First Drive!

After a 2 week wait yesterday my v5 came through from the dvla and i couldn't get to halfords quick enough to get the plates made up after a bit of drilling and some double sided tape they were on and I was off down the road!

We even had time to pop down to blue lias pub to meet the Bear 7's at there monthly meet it was great to chat with everyone see you all again next month

Grinning like some cheshire cat and having a blast around the country lanes. I can't wait for the weekend for another blat!

nb Not long back from a wet afternoon drive and thoughts of taking it easy(breaking the engine in)are out of the window with the 160 every minute seems to be at max attack speed! just fantastic.

1, The Oxted Thundersport half hood is worth every penny, it fit's well and looks good and keeps the rain off well even in heavy rain. 

2, The knee guard in the passenger foot well rattles all the time and will be removed this morning.I was thinking of mounting a charger to it but I will now be thinking of a different location.

3, At the stoneleigh kit car show i bought a high level FIA led brake light from car builder solutions ,you do need the high level wiring loom from caterham parts which is on order ,now realising how low you really are compared to other cars(i.e. eyeline is bumper height to most cars!) I think anything that helps being seen is a good thing.

4, The gearing seems quirky at first.1st is very low and most of the time 3rd and 4th is the gear to be in with 5th almost like an overdrive. And changing down to second for say a corner you soon realise that 3rd is the gear to be in as changing down to 2nd just sends the revs soaring. Anyway just listening to the little turbo spin which ever gear puts a good smile on my face:-)

At last it starts!

Well caterham have had the car since just before the Easter break I was getting frustrated that they had not been able to start the car, The ECU had been removed and sent down to the factory to be checked and was tested with no faults found re-fitted it still did not start(or so I was led to believe), After a new ECU was fitted and extended cranking it has drawn the fuel and fired up! It looks like the original ECU would turn the crank but wouldn't draw fuel through.

I'm so pleased that at last the car starts and also my z number has come through and an IVA test has been booked for next thursday, I might have have car back next weekend , I can't wait.

And off it goes

The garage is empty! It feels rather strange with the car not there, As today it was collected by caterham for it's post build check and IVA test. Along with a list of items that need sorting mainly down to either not having the correct parts or parts not fitting but nothing to serious. I think the main thing is the rear axle which is to be replaced due to the top hat brackets not being welded in place to mount the brake line, I ran out of time with trying to start the car which I was really looking forward to doing but I'm just going to have to wait until it comes back for that. I suspect may be the ECU either way just a bit beyond my abilities to sort out.

Out of the garage for the first time. Just rolled it out getting it in position to push it up the ramp was easier than i thought, Mainly due to it's lack of weight.

All loaded up.

The caterham van and trailer I'll be pleased to see it again soon I hope with the car all ready to drive, I can't wait.