Board logo

Day to Day driving
Stuart_B - 15/3/08 at 07:44 PM

Hi, does anybody use the 7's as a day to day car?

If so what is it like?

thanks

stuart


paulmw - 15/3/08 at 08:26 PM

Not much help, but I used a VX220 as a daily drive for a year. Brillaint on small roads but not great for the 1hr grind to Manchester.

In comparison to a 7 the VX was luxury so I say avoid at all costs

Strictly a fun car only.....


Ivan - 15/3/08 at 08:37 PM

Years ago (30 ) I used to commute about 20 Kms to and from work. This was in Cape Town so winters weren't too cold (seldom less than 7 Deg C) but were wet so a canvas roof, perspex infill in roll bar and hardboard and perspex side screens were essential.

Despite the obvious discomfort the bends and view along Boyes drive and the rest of the drive to and from Simon's Town always made the drive worthwhile.

Tried the same speed in my Escort GT and wrote it off in a big way on Boyes Drive - thank goodness for full harnesses (Thanks Mr Brittax I owe you one ) Aaah the follies of youth.


Stuart_B - 15/3/08 at 08:49 PM

My indy will be my first car.


Hellfire - 15/3/08 at 09:31 PM

I'm sure that with good wet weather gear and a heater fitted, you could use it every day without any problems. Not sure that I'd want to though...........

Phil


zilspeed - 15/3/08 at 09:54 PM

Maybe not what you're exactly asking, when I had my first seven type car, I made a point of driving it pretty much the whole year out of sheer bloody mindedness.
It was always fun, but it was never exactly commuting. I think that's the critical difference.

Getting stuck in traffic, in the rain, is not something you want to have to do. Not unless you like getting seriously laughed at.

Use the car for fun and that very likely won't happen.
Use it for commuting and that is going to happen.

Not recommended IMHO.


muzchap - 15/3/08 at 10:26 PM

A friend of mine - Jonathan, built his car 7 years ago, has mini shockers (smooth ride) and full wet weather gear - he's used it as a daily driver for 7 years and absolutely loves it.

He's now building a second one!

In between restoring classic bikes - even has some kind of 1916 bike, whereby you have to adjust the air/fuel mixture as you ride, whilst controlling the 'timing' too - it's madness!

But yeah, get a roof, some side doors and definitely a daily driver


smart51 - 15/3/08 at 10:41 PM

Last month I did a weeks commuting in the seven when my other car was off the road. I had to set out earlier to get it out of the garage. I was lucky that I had a whole February week without rain and that it was fairly mild. Luckily, I work in a safe area where the car wasn't going to be nicked. I wouldn't want to use it as my main car.


Chippy - 15/3/08 at 11:34 PM

Built this in 1984, and used it as my daily driver till 1990. Not exactly a se7en, but had 3ltr V6, heater and full weather gear. Used to love it, not much could get near it for acceleration and road holding, great, great fun. Cheers Ray

Melos
Melos


onzarob - 16/3/08 at 08:15 AM

quote:
Originally posted by stuart_
Hi, does anybody use the 7's as a day to day car?

If so what is it like?

thanks

stuart


I've not used a 7 for daily driving but I have used a MG Midget. It depends on the drive really. Mine was 12 miles on A and B roads, I also avoided the Dual Carriage way. The worst time is as night and raining, cold wet and can't see


David Jenkins - 16/3/08 at 11:29 AM

Don't forget to check that your insurance covers driving to work - mine specifically excludes it. If I stay exactly to the conditions it imposes, I can't even drive it to work for just one day to show it off.


Stuart_B - 16/3/08 at 03:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
Don't forget to check that your insurance covers driving to work - mine specifically excludes it. If I stay exactly to the conditions it imposes, I can't even drive it to work for just one day to show it off.


I have not got a job yet, so it will be a daily drive to collage and back, which is about 5miles on street roads.


Simon - 16/3/08 at 08:40 PM

I think it's going to depend on how you build it, compared to your daily routine.

If, for example, you stick a bike engine in, and have a 40 mile motorway drive, then no, it won't be practical. You're building with a pinto, so it should be comfortable at motorway speeds and quite good fun on the twisties. You may need a screen and possibly wet weather gear.

You're only using it (for the most part, and to start with) for a short daily commute, so again, should be ok.

For college, I'd suggest a tonneau cover at least, and possiby wet weather gear (hood/screens) to keep unwanted folks out.

ATB

Simon


JimGTI - 17/3/08 at 11:22 PM

I've just purchased my Locost to be my only car, well sort of...

I'm lucky in that i walk to work and if i need to drive i use a company vehicle.

I am keep my current car for a month just to see how i get on with the Locost but as i struggle to do 3000 miles a year in my current tin top i think i should be alright )