Thursday 3rd December 2009

PH Caterham Academy Racer In Build

Riggers get over-excited as our new racing car takes shape...

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Riggers's Caterham takes shape

As Garlick revealed on Monday, we're sponsoring the 2010 PistonHeads.com Caterham Academy and I'm the lucky blighter making my racing debut in the official PH entry.

As if enthusiasm wasn't running at fever pitch here in the PH office already, Caterham has sent us this pic of our very own Academy car in build. Hopefully, it will be the only time our racer will be seen without all four wheels attached...

Now, we know that about half the Academy guys and girls get stuck in and build the cars themselves but, since my spannering abilities are somewhere south of those of an inept toddler, we thought it was best left to someone a little more capable. (The last time I attempted any serious spanner work, my old 200SX had to be towed to a local garage as the result of my attempts to change the spark plugs...)

'This is a left turn, Riggers...'

For those with a little more aptitude with the toolkit, Caterham reckons a self-build on an Academy car should take around 70 hours.

After that, you can take your pride and joy into Caterham Midlands, or the factory itself down in Dartford, where Caterham will look the car over for you and advise a tightening-up here, or an extra screw there.

In fact, Caterham will make the adjustments for you, and then take the car off your hands and head off to the local VOSA for its IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test. Those with a masochistic streak can take their car through the IVA themselves, but Caterham heartily recommends letting them do it...

For me, though, I just have to sit tight and wait until January before I can pick up my car. I'm counting down the days already.

Meanwhile, tomorrow you'll be able to read about my first test drive behind the wheel of an Academy car at (a very greasy) Oulton Park.

[Joebristolgym]

If IVA is like the old SVA test, best to let someone else deal with it. The caterham doesn't look too bad to build though - not like the Tiger kit car I built years ago where nothing fitted easily without filing/modifying.

I'd love a caterham.

[KimZ]

You lucky, lucky so and so, Riggers - and to add insult to injury, I bet you even get paid to do your job!

My only consolation is that you must be going through severe pain w.a.i.t.i.n.g for it to be sva ready ...

Enjoy!

[TheRoadWarrior]

You lazy ba...



But seriously, best of luck- wish it was me.

[Alexywhite]

Building it is part of the fun!!!

However, the last one we built always had a shortage of parts, which got quite annoying.

[Thurtene]

I've just finished my build for next year's Academy. The build was a great experience - I'd do it again any time.

I put the car through the IVA myself and I was very worried beforehand. As long as you follow the manual and take loads of tie-wraps, rubber hose trimmings and tools, everything should be OK. Sadly, my speedo failed so I couldn't get it through the test first time.

The more annoying test was the DVLA inspection - I had to trailer my car just after my IVA for a chap to re-sheck the chassis and engine numbers against his paperwork.

[ArosaMike]

I'd agree with Thurteen. The IVA is relatively straight forward, but with a lack of trailer facilities at the moment, I got Caterham to do it for me. Actually registering the thing is the really tw*t though. It passed it's IVA last Monday, and I'm STILL waiting for the DVLA to return the tax disc and Reg Number! I was planning a trip to Bedford Autodrome on Mon, but that looks like it's no longer possible

Building it though was fantastic. Not really that hard at all, although you'll only do it in 70 hours if you've had experience building stuff before. I'd guestimate about 100 hours for a complete novice, but that's really not as bad as it sounds. It took me a little over 3 weeks with a little bit of prior experience building cars. If you can read and hold a spanner, you're 90% of the way there!

[Riggers]

ArosaMike said:

If you can read and hold a spanner, you're 90% of the way there!

Where does one out of two put me?

Seriously though, I have much respect for everyone putting their own cars together. Maybe next time I get a chance i'll be brave enough to try a self-build!

[turbo-ww]

As a Post Chief on the racing circuit I look forward to writing the odd report on you next year.

[pw75]

Academy rocks. Your going to have a great time. If you have the skills to build it yourself go for it....I definately don't.

Have fun... Look forward to hearing how you got on at oulton.

[williamp]

So what's the livery? I kniow it wont be all black due to the sponsorship (and wrong sport)

[RenesisEvo]

Suppose you were to sign up (and pay for) for the Academy for, say 2011, would you have to wait until mid/late 2010 to get the car before you could start building it yourself, or would you be able to start the build straight away? Reason I ask is that ideally I'd give myself many many months for the self-build if I were to attempt it. I really wouldn't want to have a tight deadline for something like that.

[Incorrigible]

Once the kit comes, you really can't stop yourself

There's quite a few ex accademy people on here, myself included

Excellent experience

[peter-2006]

the first kits normally start getting delivered about September time so plenty of time to get it ready for the next year.

[Thurtene]

I got my kit for 2010 at the end of September and it was registered last week.

Some people take a lot longer. As long as it's ready by mid-March (for the Academy Handling day), you can take your time. Get in for 2011 now and I think you'll be one of the first to get their kit.