Getting closer
Discussion
As I edge closer to buying my first Caterham (it shows a level of optimism that I regard it as my 'first'), my list of requirements becomes more precise. This of course is at odds with many of the cars currently available. Therefore, I have to either compromise my needs/wants or find a car which ticks most of the boxes and make the changes to it, which will cost time and money. Obviously, if I'm going to go for a car I can afford, then spend money on it, one could argue I should simply wait until the right car comes along. But I have to say, impatience is a monster!
A couple of questions therefore:
Is taking care of bare aluminium as much a pain as I'd expect considering I'm not a fervent polisher?
and, since most of my driving will be off the track, are Tillets uncomfortable long term on regular roads and for touring?
A couple of questions therefore:
Is taking care of bare aluminium as much a pain as I'd expect considering I'm not a fervent polisher?
and, since most of my driving will be off the track, are Tillets uncomfortable long term on regular roads and for touring?
S1X OK said:
since most of my driving will be off the track, are Tillets uncomfortable long term on regular roads and for touring?
Some people prefer tillets while others prefer the "normal" seats. I think it just depends which ones you fit. Mine are the normal leather ones and I find them very comfortable. Both supportive on track and no complaints over long journeys.Best advice I can offer is to sit in a few cars and see what suits you.
I've sat in plenty of cars and I was surprised how well I fitted the Tillet seats, but it was stationary. I remember a few years back doing some karting. The composite seat felt really comfy when I first climbed in, but after a few sessions, the skin around my spine was rubbed to bits, so I'm concerned similar might happen again.
S1X OK said:
As I edge closer to buying my first Caterham (it shows a level of optimism that I regard it as my 'first'), my list of requirements becomes more precise. This of course is at odds with many of the cars currently available. Therefore, I have to either compromise my needs/wants or find a car which ticks most of the boxes and make the changes to it, which will cost time and money. Obviously, if I'm going to go for a car I can afford, then spend money on it, one could argue I should simply wait until the right car comes along. But I have to say, impatience is a monster!
A couple of questions therefore:
Is taking care of bare aluminium as much a pain as I'd expect considering I'm not a fervent polisher?
and, since most of my driving will be off the track, are Tillets uncomfortable long term on regular roads and for touring?
Unless you want to be cleaning and polishing the car every time you put it away, i would always advice against bare aluminium, it looks great but its a nightmare to keep clean.A couple of questions therefore:
Is taking care of bare aluminium as much a pain as I'd expect considering I'm not a fervent polisher?
and, since most of my driving will be off the track, are Tillets uncomfortable long term on regular roads and for touring?
Also i have had cars with Tillets and Leather seats.
Tillets are surprisingly comfortable, but after a while they can cause you problems on a longer journey. Even with the additional quilted and padded cushions added them on my previous R500, i used to get a dead leg and pins and needles on anything more than a 50 mile drive.
I have no gone back to leather seats in my current R500, and don't have that problem any more.
Although to be fair, I am an old decrepit fudddy duddy, your whippersnappers will be fine!!
Nigel, thanks for confirming the feeling about bare aluminium. I'll leave well alone.
Thanks also for the everyone's input on the seating. Those GT seats do look lovely but with my budget being a little restrictive, I doubt they'll be part of my initial outlay.
Incidentally, I project my budget will be between £15K and £18K and should be able to make the leap in about a month or so.
Thanks also for the everyone's input on the seating. Those GT seats do look lovely but with my budget being a little restrictive, I doubt they'll be part of my initial outlay.
Incidentally, I project my budget will be between £15K and £18K and should be able to make the leap in about a month or so.
S1X OK said:
Nigel, thanks for confirming the feeling about bare aluminium. I'll leave well alone.
Thanks also for the everyone's input on the seating. Those GT seats do look lovely but with my budget being a little restrictive, I doubt they'll be part of my initial outlay.
Incidentally, I project my budget will be between £15K and £18K and should be able to make the leap in about a month or so.
No problem, they are very valid questions.Thanks also for the everyone's input on the seating. Those GT seats do look lovely but with my budget being a little restrictive, I doubt they'll be part of my initial outlay.
Incidentally, I project my budget will be between £15K and £18K and should be able to make the leap in about a month or so.
A few people have said tillets are fine, some have said they are rubbish, so you can tell it's each to their own.
They are great race oriented seats, but that's the point they are really intended for short bursts of useage.
So it depends what you really want from them as a driving style.
I do have issues with my back due to an accident many years ago which causes me problems with my Lowe back and sciatica though.
Also I am 6ft 2 inches in height, and ( ashamed to admit ) almost 15 stone too, I should loose some weight( a lot ideally) but my middle age spread is well on its way, so I can't do much about that now!
Why not go along to one of the local lotus 7 club meets and ask for a ride in both types of cars with the seating options, we are all quite approachable you know.
Good luck!
I'd like to attend a club meet but it's not the best time of year to get much of a selection of cars. I'm a stone's throw from CC Midland and I'm planning on trying a few cars on for size in the first week in March. They've graciously agreed to let my boy have an accompanied drive - he'll be having the car for his 25th in 4 years and I want him to be involved in the selection process. I've called in on several occasions and tried a few on for size. The SV feels similarly spacious to my other car, so it needs to be the glove-like fit of an S3. Once we've tasted a few on the road, a decision can be made.
A Tillett seat will fit like a Bell helmet, or any other specific brand. If it fits you, it's great. If not, well...
I have Tilletts in my 7, with no supplemental padding, and have enjoyed many long days of driving (200-400+ miles/day) without issue or complaint. I love them! Some find them comfortable only in short bursts, and for others they are nothing more than implements of torture. Only one way to find out for sure if they will suit you.
If you do get them and find them uncomfortable, I believe finding a buyer and selling them on should not be difficult, or so I have read.
I have Tilletts in my 7, with no supplemental padding, and have enjoyed many long days of driving (200-400+ miles/day) without issue or complaint. I love them! Some find them comfortable only in short bursts, and for others they are nothing more than implements of torture. Only one way to find out for sure if they will suit you.
If you do get them and find them uncomfortable, I believe finding a buyer and selling them on should not be difficult, or so I have read.
As per other advice really...if it fits...it will be fine.
My 1st 7 had leather seats...very comfy...but I sat a little high (6'1") .. but it's the relative body / leg length that also matters.
My current 7 has lowered floor and tillets set a little at an angle.
It's good for ~ 1 hour then I start to get a stiff back...I've made a thin cushion which sits in the small of my back and it makes a big difference for long touring (eg I've been to Le Man and the Tillets was fine on that run)
...try them and see....and as you've already gathered..stay clear of bare Al unless you love polishing :-)
My 1st 7 had leather seats...very comfy...but I sat a little high (6'1") .. but it's the relative body / leg length that also matters.
My current 7 has lowered floor and tillets set a little at an angle.
It's good for ~ 1 hour then I start to get a stiff back...I've made a thin cushion which sits in the small of my back and it makes a big difference for long touring (eg I've been to Le Man and the Tillets was fine on that run)
...try them and see....and as you've already gathered..stay clear of bare Al unless you love polishing :-)
TeflonT said:
Or the offspring of two Trumpton firemen.....
Oh well done buddy!For those that don't know the reference, or are not as old as us:-
" Pugh, Pugh, Barney, Mcgrew, Curhbert, Dibble and Grub,"
http://youtu.be/s6YE4PCRNwc
Edited by nigelpugh7 on Friday 31st January 20:19
First car had lowered floor and leather seats. Second car, again lowered floor and tillets.
When "on it" the tillets are great and surprisingly comfortable. Problem I found was when cruisinh and not using clutch that often, I started getting pins and needles in my left leg with the tillets, basically the leather seats support the underside of your things better.
Next caterham I will get leather seats, as use my cars on the road rather than track use.
Just my 2p worth.
When "on it" the tillets are great and surprisingly comfortable. Problem I found was when cruisinh and not using clutch that often, I started getting pins and needles in my left leg with the tillets, basically the leather seats support the underside of your things better.
Next caterham I will get leather seats, as use my cars on the road rather than track use.
Just my 2p worth.
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