R420 build in Evo magazine
Discussion
Toaster said:
I think that unlike the current generation some of us have had apprenticeships (old fashioned ones) and some mechanical sense as the 'old cars' from our generation did need home working. So a journalist or possibly the younger generation who have no mechanical back ground may struggle more.
Fair comment... I kept my girlfriend's (now wife) and my cars on the road through university (where I read engineering), so when it came to build the 7, nothing was harder than stuff I'd done before (albeit 30-odd years previously) and it was also a trip down memory lane (though putting new bits together in a dry garage is not the same as taking dirty/rusty bits apart and replacing in an ice-cold car park!)Sevdoc said:
I'm glad Caterham got it right sometimes since 2007!
The build "experience" for me was dire. NO manual, hugely incomplete kit and absolutely no interest or support from the factory (appart from in my money!).
It has left a bitter taste; I'd not want to deal with them again.
Thankfully the car makes up for it but glad there a good specialists around and I dont have to head south again.
You only have to ask for a manual and they will give you one, also its been downloadable for a number of years now http://uk.caterhamcars.com/search/node/build%20man...The build "experience" for me was dire. NO manual, hugely incomplete kit and absolutely no interest or support from the factory (appart from in my money!).
It has left a bitter taste; I'd not want to deal with them again.
Thankfully the car makes up for it but glad there a good specialists around and I dont have to head south again.
Caterham have always (for me) been accommodating polite knowledgeable and extremely helpful on my first build there was a couple of items I wasn't sure which way round they went one was dealt with a phone call the other I just visited the factory and had a look at a built car. I am sure that if I knew a local owner at that time I could have viewed there car.
BigCol said:
Fair comment... I kept my girlfriend's (now wife) and my cars on the road through university (where I read engineering), so when it came to build the 7, nothing was harder than stuff I'd done before (albeit 30-odd years previously) and it was also a trip down memory lane (though putting new bits together in a dry garage is not the same as taking dirty/rusty bits apart and replacing in an ice-cold car park!)
Totally agree with you, as a young mechanic I had to change the doughnuts on the rear end of Lotus Elan's its a hateful job with the bolts all corroded Sevdoc said:
Toaster,
Nice and easy that, just ask!
It was 2007, just taken over by venture capitalists, new metric chassis, new Ford engine, empty factory at Dartford, no cash flow; just get some sort of kit out the door and cash the cheque!
No manual, really. Don't get me going!
Ansar always had plenty of time for customers when I wrote to him he wrote strait back and took time to discuss issues when I met him at the factory 100% genuine guyNice and easy that, just ask!
It was 2007, just taken over by venture capitalists, new metric chassis, new Ford engine, empty factory at Dartford, no cash flow; just get some sort of kit out the door and cash the cheque!
No manual, really. Don't get me going!
clarkey said:
I built one in 2002. At that time, the manual was indeed pretty bad - fine if you are building a basic car, but lacking in all the specifics related to the R500. I found the missing parts very, very frustrating too.
Reading the EVO article brought back a lot of memories!!
I bet you're rueing the day when you sold your maritime 964RS given today's prices? I know I am!!Reading the EVO article brought back a lot of memories!!
clarkey said:
I built one in 2002. At that time, the manual was indeed pretty bad - fine if you are building a basic car, but lacking in all the specifics related to the R500. I found the missing parts very, very frustrating too.
Reading the EVO article brought back a lot of memories!!
I built mine in 2001, seemed pretty easy to me. Yes missing parts, but again not that hard to sort out. Perhaps my memory has dulled the pain. Mind you it only got painful when I started driving it. Reading the EVO article brought back a lot of memories!!
That was the very first engine I ever toasted! Done many since...in fact it seems to be my specialist subject now. Anyone want to loan me a caterham for the weekend?Bert
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