Thanks! Virginia- there is a specific regulation for assembled kit cars, so here is hoping I don’t need a lawyer when the time comes. They don’t seem to care about build- just proof of ownership. Ah the Atom… mine was never street legal, nothing quite like that thing. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The two cars I regret selling most: my 330 and my fully equipped Brammo Atom 2. Matt Image Unavailable, Please Login
There was a rain tire- racing in the rain was just plain scary 90% of the time. Zero visibility from spray and very unforgiving balance…. Don’t miss that at all.
Minor update, been busy. I’ve mounted the plate for the expansion tank which was more involved than it should have been. Shape of plate didn’t match frame- grinder, primer, paint… drill a new hole. Can check off a bucket list/life skill: I have now riveted something. +2 man points. So far equal parts scavenger hunt, guessing at solutions and assembly. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Been a long pause. Big step- got motor in today. So far, spending more time trouble shooting directions/ figuring out how to build it in a better order than directions and searching for the proper hardware (I would guess by the end I’ll have 1/2 of hardware left over). Can’t overstate this: if you consider it, buy from Rocky Mountain Caterham, because they are super helpful working out problems. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Well, I’m supposed to install exhaust headers- before- installing dry sump (happily that was only sitting in place as I am sorting out finding some hardware to attach it to frame). So, out goes the sump, on goes the headers. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Had a day off, so I tackled the rear suspension, got it done. As seems to be customary- I seem to spend more time finding parts/ figuring out what to do as actually doing things. Roll cage had to go in first (despite being multiple, multiple pages later in the build manual); if you don’t install cage first, you would have to take off rear damper to get it in (no access to mounting bolt with damper installed). 1) I have still not sorted out exhaust header problem. 2) I have the wrong lug socket (despite ordering the 41mm socket as told- suspect it is 43mm). Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
43mm would be an odd size for the axle nut, or any nut for that matter. Almost every axle nut I’ve encountered has been 36 or 42. Not saying it couldn’t be 43 but measure to be sure.
You are correct - just got an email back from Josh at Rocky Mountain Caterham- it’s a 42mm (once again- to anyone considering a build, buy from these guys!)
Another day off, so steering column, airbox, air intake, plumbing the engine (both oil and water), oil catch can all done. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Left to do, in no particular order: Front wing fenders - glued in place- going to have to be very deliberate with measurements and looking carefully. Rear fenders- these bolt on. Electrical, including filling battery with acid (not something I relish- almost enough for me to go get a light weight lithium ion…) 4 point harnesses, seats Interior trim Brakes- bit of line, bleeding Top off fluids Quite concerned about trying to put the steering wheel on straight, as I have to drill the darn thing to fit hub… if I’m off even a tiny bit, I’ll know, even if no one else does. And…. Those exhaust headers before I can fit up the rest of the exhaust.
Discovered a new problem… the driver’s side axle nut was delivered with edges somewhat proud. Quite odd- filed down the edges to get the 42mm socket on the nut. The passenger side was no issue. Just plain weird.
Today: tried everything I could think to do to adjust engine position, all to no avail. Fitted accelerator cable, tightened oil lines, fitted rear fenders and lights. throttle cable- had to remove airbox/air intake to access pedals more easily (at first I did t even realize this was possible - so I was contorting myself into the driver’s footwell). Adjusted back stop to pedal, adjusted cable position to allow tiny amount of slack for throttle application to be a bit more gentle. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Rear finders required cutting them… not something I was excited to tackle. As I have the “R” kit and my control arms are in the lower of 2 positions, I have to notch around the lowest of the holes to clear the control arms. As is the case with such things, the second attempt was a bit more up to snuff (guess which one I am sharing now?). Then, trim is cut and notched to follow the counter of the fender. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Next- attached lights with 1 screw, applied a level, used a nail to mark the other 3 holes, drilled them out, fastened everything up. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Another day off, more progress- tunnel carpet, harnesses, rear wing protective panels, some interior riveting/trim, fitted fuel filler cover and washer bottle with rear carpet.
Tunnel carpet- taped off area to prevent over spray- then sprayed backside of carpet, then pressed in place (pic off carpet was after harness install) Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Riveting the tunnel cover, carbon fiber trim, knee panel. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Rear boot- installed fuel filler cover to which I mounted the washer bottle, then applied carpet over top. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Comic factory attempt to drill through the aluminum support rod at the front edge of the boot cover- had to remove this to open up holes…. Yes, the holes are still not big enough / aligned over the anchor points for the harnesses (got out the Dremel, made them even larger, good grief- I guess most people will never see this?) Last pic- harnesses installed, support back in boot cover which is installed. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Carbon fiber rear wing protection, before and after: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Another day off- basically done. Installed floor mats, seats. The composite seats with contrast stitching are great. Final big job was front fenders- these are glued on to the “ wing stays.” No great way to align them- they seemed a bit “akimbo” from out of the mall LT. Eyeball, some cardboard spacers, bead of glue and fingers crossed. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Fitted on the foul weather package for the hell of it. Not exactly air tight. Image Unavailable, Please Login
So, according to Caterham, the opening in the body should be 13.625” rearward from wishbone. Take a look at the pic…. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
