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Contact with Raw
Rich J - 15/12/20 at 09:36 PM

Anyone been in contact with the guys at Raw lately?

I realise there's been 4 weeks of lockdown but I've been trying for 9 weeks now - numerous phone calls each week, left voice messages and sent emails but no reply.


MikeS - 16/12/20 at 12:54 PM

Hi Richard

Am having the same problem myself. Have damaged the chassis of my Striker beyond repair - incident at Harewood late September. Too much speed into Quarry and not able to match the speed with talent. Ran out of road, flew gravel trap and hit tyre wall. Third hit in 18years on this corner so decided that a full chassis replacement was in order.

Paid Jeremy Deposit of £1500 in mid October with a verbal agreement for delivery 1st or 2nd week of December but now calls, emails and what's apps are ignored. As the old saying goes "Not a way to run a Welk Stall !!" and this in a time when Caterham have had their best year ever.

Not sure where to go next. Tempted by an MNR Vortex in CDS tube like the Reynolds 531 tubing on my bike as a teenager.
Such a shame about he Striker really as I had set a time in the mis 62's. Never been that fast at Harewood for 10 years and was not even on Extreme super softs.

Back to RAW I know they are missing Martin who has been off with back problems but did not realise he had such a fundamental role. I really need the replacement chassis soon if I am to complete the rebuild by next season and be ready to go all set up for GWS at the end of March.


Rich J - 17/12/20 at 08:14 AM

I heard about your indiscretion Mr Smith from our mutual friend

It looks like we're both in a similar position as what I need is supplied by their offsite fabricator rather than Raw itself.

I'm now looking at getting it made locally but not sure I can help with a complete frame though

There's always the option of using mine if you get stuck for the GWS


MikeS - 17/12/20 at 11:32 AM

Finally got a reply from Jeremy yesterday after pestering him on Whats App. Delivery is to be after Christmas (hope he means this year). Our Down to Earth friend has said he will come over to assist but the way things are going I think Boris might have a say in that.
Thank you for your kind offer for GWS. Bob has offered the Riot as well. Still looking forward to not needing either offer.

What do you need for yours? I might have a bend one left over!!

Merry Christmas and a Slow New Year

Mike


Rich J - 17/12/20 at 12:01 PM

That's good news Mike.

I'm sure you'll get it together in no time - with or without Mr Worthington

All I'm after is a new threaded boss for the front upright to take the Metro ball joint.

Not a difficult part to make so have asked for a quote locally.

Stay safe my friend


Mr Whippy - 17/12/20 at 12:31 PM

If you have the old bent chassis, even if its a write off. What's stopping you cutting out the sections that are damaged and just replacing them? If it has to be crushed as some categories do require then I would have not expected you to get it back. Considering many make their chassis from scratch it seems a waste not to either repair it, sell or offer it to someone who will.


MikeS - 17/12/20 at 04:22 PM

Hi Richard

Have had a problem with these joints in the past. I suspect the threads are distorted during the welding of the ring to the escort uprights. Mine would screw in and bind before the Metro joint face met the upright.

I looked at buying a British sourced tap to clean out the threads but decided against the second mortgage to fund it. Bought one for about £30 which arrived on the slow boat from China weeks later. M34X1.5 from memory. If that is you problem feel free to borrow it. Our mutual friend is scheduled to bring his favourite Elise driver and the new dog to meet our dog Blade in the new year. I can give it to him? If it will solve the problem the tap is used to travelling slowly so I could post it after the current celebrations get out of the way.

Have had to source new Metro joints for mine as one on the ball joints popped out on impact. Made it fun to get the car in the trailer. Had about ten blokes to lift it in. When I got back home tied the Striker to a fence post and drove the trailer forward.

Mike


Rich J - 17/12/20 at 10:31 PM

Where there's a will there's a way

I'm actually making up some new uprights, with redesigned wing stays, to accept different profile front wings so had 2 new bushes from RAW.

Unfortunately one of them did distort with the welding so, had I known, would have taken you up on your offer rather than chop it off and wait 9 weeks plus for the replacement.

However I would be grateful if you would pass it on to the courier please - just in case I cock this one up