Leaderboard

After two long years of kidding myself that I was ever going to be able to get him back on the road myself, I faced reality and called Grizlee and had the following conversation... "Whose fault is it that I have a 75% road worthy Westie in the garage, OK I accept the fact he's in a terrible state is my fault, but whose fault is it I even have a Westie..? The answer is, its yours. So like it or not it is your duty as a decent human being to help me sort this out..." Grizlee was a little bit taken aback, not by the responsibility but by the fact he'd been called a "decent human being", I don't think he'd ever heard those words before. "Let me get back to you" he said. A few days later it turns out that BollockyBill was now an accomplice and they would do the spannering I wasn't able to do any more. And if I could get Mr Grumpy up to them, they would fix him up. Apart from the fact we now have evidence of there being two certifiable lunatics in the North West, operation 'Find a Trailer' sprung into action. A few phone calls to mates who knew mates who knew people and two spiffing lads turned up with the most offroady Disco I've ever seen and a trailer to take Mr Grumpy away for fettling. So after pushing him onto the trailer, something the chaps said they had never seen done before - All the cars they normally move tend to weigh more than a packet of potatoes - he was strapped down. The boxes of bits (including a gearbox) was thrown into the Disco he and taken away to be cared for. I'll update this thread now and again with news on his recovery. So a massive thanks to Grizlee and BollockyBill for helping me out and it goes to prove "It's not what you know, but who you know" Their help is so typical of the members on this forum...

So this was to be my first time racing at Silverstone and I was really looking forward to this race. We were to use the International circuit including the new ‘Wing’ facility (the F1 pits and conferencing facility on the floors above). The race was also to be my first with a standing start (other than sprints). All my previous races were rolling starts. I got to the circuit on the Saturday afternoon as I had a friend racing on the National circuit over the Sat and Sun. I ‘negotiated’ my way into the BRSCC paddock (with the CSCC pass) and watched his race. At 6pm I was then to move the car into the allocated garage of ‘The Wing’ for storage overnight. Annoyingly the bloke at the entrance to the paddock would not let anyone in until 7pm. The queue of race trucks, trailers, cars and vans stretched half way round the Stowe circuit. I took the opportunity to walk the pit wall and have a ‘nosey’. When we were let in I got the car off the trailer and generally set up for the following day. As I was one of a few not drinking in our group, I ended up driving most of the group out for a meal in Towcester. Was a nice night albeit, a late one. The hotel was at Newport Pagnell services and after dropping many a drunk back at the paddock I then had to drive to the hotel. It took much longer than I thought. As is normally the case, I didn’t sleep well at all. I last checked the alarm clock at 1.30am and I think it was another hour before I dropped off. The alarm went off at 6.15am…. I got up and collected my pit b1tch/friend to drive to the circuit. The rain looked like it was going to stay away as it was a beautiful summer’s morning. I got to the garage and went to sign-on. It turned out scrutineering was also at 7.30am, coinciding with sign-on and I nearly missed it! Luckily my friend managed to sort most of the process, only a larger ‘E’ sticker was required on the new passenger tonneau cover. I attended the obligatory drivers briefing and we all enquired about the rules for track limits, racing (within the 60kph speed limit) in the pit lane etc, etc. Quali was at 9.15am and after managing to remember which way the circuit went (I had not driven the circuit since 2011), managed to get in some consistency in my lap times. I was hoping for the 1.18’s and I managed a 1.19.019. I was happy enough with that and the car felt balanced as always (thanks Adam R once again). This put me 23rd out of 28 and this was what I was expecting in a sea of Caterham 420R’s, barmy 2.3 litre Duratec Caterhams, and some more normal machinery. I was the only Westie and only an M K Indy was there to keep me company in the field of Caterhams. I then had a wait until the race at 3.00pm. I took the opportunity to go watch my friends last race on the National circuit and then got back to find my race had been bought forward…bu44er. This was now tight on time. To cap it off, my Brother had just called asking to be collected from the gate (I had his ticket) and so I set off in the car to grab him. ‘Apparently’ I was a little too keen and got a ticking off by the bloke at the gate (yes – him again!). I managed to get back just in time to fuel up and check pressures etc as I had parked the car up after Quali and just left it. Lesson learnt I think. I then sat in the assembly area for what felt like a lifetime, although this did give me opportunity to get in the correct frame of mind prior to the start. We then set off out of the assembly area and round to the grid. I warmed up the tyres and got plenty of heat into the brakes. We made our way round to the grid and were shown our grid positions by a fast moving Marshall prior to the 5 second board going up. This was it – race time and don’t blink as the lights come on… A few seconds later the lights went out and we were racing. I had an acceptable start but my lack of practice showed as I could have dialled in a few more revs. Before I know it I was right in the middle of a group of cars going into Abbey. I battled hard for the first few corners and went wheel to wheel with one car and just managed to get a nose ahead into the corner prior to Hanger Straight. I then seamed to drop the following pack of cars and got myself a bit of clear air. I was able to get into a rhythm for the first 10 laps or so prior to my pit stop. Annoyingly, I out braked myself going into Club and missed a good opportunity to pass one of the Supersports. Better luck next time mike. When the pit board came out saying ‘PIT’ I went round only to be lapped by the leaders at precisely the wrong moment. I went round for another lap to ensure no problems/calamities. I entered the pits and waited for the minute to pass (the minimum time I have to wait). My friend Bob was attending this race having not seen me race before with the CSCC. He counted down the 60 seconds and waved me out. I could see a car close to me when I set off and thought not much about it…. After all, we are allowed to race in the pits. I went out for the second part of the race and managed to get up to 17th. Then, a few laps later, I just caught the sight of a black flag on the pit wall. I had never seen a black flag served on a competitor in my entire Club racing days. Much to my gut wrenching horror, I then noticed it has my number next to it… What had I done now? I was completely mortified, was this race over? I went into the pits and looking back at the video, I had missed that under the flag it stated ‘Stop and Go’. I duly served the penalty and got straight back out there with the bit between my teeth. Damn. My first black flag…. The rest of the race went as well as I could expect and I managed to break the 1.18 barrier and post a 1.18.731. I don’t think there was much more time to find so I was happy. I came back into the pits happy with my performance at least and finish 20th. I packed up my gear and headed to the awards ceremony. Turns out, even if you are the only person in your class that you still get a trophy? Well like Mutley from Wacky Races I accepted it and got a copy of my times. At the bottom of the sheet it stated ‘Car 14 Black Flag for unsafe release from the pits’. I was gutted as this cost me approx. 23 seconds and that would likely have gained me at least one and possibly two positions. Well that’s life I suppose. My friend who was ‘helping’ with the pit stop timing is now known as ‘Bad release Bob’ or maybe that should be ‘black flag bob’? Roll on Pembrey on the 23rd of June with the WSSCC. This racing lark is great fun, even if a little frustrating at times. (Vid to follow)

You might need to Google Econoseal, forgive Alan, it's just the ECOboost taking over As he said though, they're not Ford specific, just a generic and quite common sealed connector able to carry reasonable loads in automotive use. They're used for headlights, indicators, tail lights etc. The contacts are so much more easily crimped with a crisper using Econoseal dies. Plus importantly, it doesn't flatten and distort the body of the crimped contact - something regular crimpers tend to do. This can make them not only tricky to indpsert into the plastic shell of the connector, but make the retaining mechanism very weak, and even in extreme cases, foul the little yellow anti-back out inserts. The end result if not careful, tends to be loose connectors that push out, when plugging the plugs together.

So when @Geoffrey (Buttercup) - North Yorkshire AO wanted to share a chip I wasn't expecting this in Portree harbour with lots of Japenese tourists watching and taking photos and all the locals! @Garyt was nearly choking and I think Gail just thought great, get a room I get a night off There are some more very incriminating photos but I need some real bribery to post those. I did give Geoffrey fair warning when he had the idea and I said "You do realise I spent 12 years in the Armed Forces and am an ex rugby player so there arn't many things I haven't done or would not do for the crack, I don't get embarrassed" Enjoy the results if your that way inclined. Love Monkey and Midge (aka Ali & Gail)

So, Mrs D was going through some old photos and came across this little gem of myself and the aforementioned Mrs D in my first kit car - a Ron Champion Locost. Took me 3 years to build at a grand total of about £1100! Mk2 escort running gear (1300 cc) with hand made aluminium panels and surprisingly effective fly screens! Would be nice to know what others out there had as their first kit car and if you have any old photos kicking around, please share!

Well, I'm all excited now as it's only one more sleep until 12 "sevens" depart for our tour around the North West Highlands. I'll post pics as and when I can - and you never know, we might bump into @Geoffrey (Buttercup) - North Yorkshire AO and gang while we are there. Can't wait!

What a truly fantastic day. Glorious sunshine reigned supreme. Started our day before breakfast and got in at 10.15pm. I was woken by a text at silly o clock....do you want to go for a walk. Had breakfast and then set of for the north of the island. We took the hotel owners son with us and he had a brilliant time and he said that he loved every minute. Went to Staffin to look at the cliff waterfall and the dinosaur footprints. Then it was over to the Quariaing via the Old Man of Store and the views where magnificent. Then had a great explore at the Fairy Glenn and this is a wonderful place where all the fairies and the King of the Elves live. Because of the hot weather we where going to go to the Fairy Pools but decided to head for the Skye Ferry and Eilean Donan Castle. The Ferry was closed again due to repairs so it was over the Skye Bridge to the castle. After there we ended up in a pub where we had tea and listened to three chaps, just sat at a table playing two fiddles and a guitar. There has been so much happen today and we have had so many laughs, I just don't have the time to write it all. I am with a great group of people and the places we go, the things we do together and the banter and the way everyone just helps each other.....I wish I could tell you all how great it has been today. Tomorrow we have a long drive as going to Durness via Applecross and Ullapool. Pictures will follow when I get a better internet connection.

Diesels and xflows both smoke the same and rattle, so you may not even notice

You'll get used to asking that question

You have to be careful with these Redtops, takes skill . Good you've come back again though

I don't think that was your only drama yesterday Ali. The chip kiss will be talked about for years to come. Get a room, you two lovebirds!

The usual breakfast meet is at Curborough Sprint Course, Lichfield, Saturday 10th June, 8.30-11.30. There is a motorcycle sprint organised by National Hillclimb Association on track for you to watch, while eating your bacon sandwich and admiring the cars that will be there. For those that are not sure where it is, if you are travelling south on the A38, take the junction after the sex shop, easy peasy It is the GBS open day in Ollerton on the same day AND it is stage 4 of the womens tour cycling event in Chesterfield, which comes right past the end of our road. Glen seems keen to go and watch a lot of women in lycra, uh.

Oh no not the curse of Ceroli ... mine is yellow to

What a day indeed, for once I'm speechless.

The perseverance was the main problem I found. It helped that a mate of mine was building a Locost at the same time as me, and we bounced ideas of each other, much like many of the members of this forum do now, but in the days before the www was as commonly used! I wonder if its a common thread that most wscc members are on their first kit car. I always aspired to own a Westfield, but as a youngster I couldn't afford any kit at all, let alone a Westie. I quickly realised that the only way I could enter this hugely entertaining world was to buy "the book" and do it as cheaply as possible. It also helped that I worked in an engineering workshop at the time. . I, also do not intend to ever part with my Westie. That also seems to be quite a common attitude amongst owners.

MHROTD Andy, welcome to your sixth decade, let's see if being chairman has the same effect on your appearance that it did on mine!

I am impressed you built a "book" Locost. Takes a bit more skill and perseverance than a "kit" I reckon! My first one is the one I have now. May be my last too as I have no intention of ever selling!

Ideal, I will do John

I think you've caught the Ceroli syndrome, he had a yellow Westfield as well.

That Sir was genius, the beer spat out all over my keyboard is evidence of that. But my engine is supposed to behave like that - it's called character. It's engineered in. DERVs can't help it Considering I named my car after you - that was uncalled for...

My first kit car... Mind you, it was only 2013 when I stepped into this fantastical world

You'll have to catch the Injected Wench first, so you'd better pray that diesel is sporty.

Judging how it is on the back of a trailer, I suspect not

They've made a good start already, solved a big problem by removing the massive nut behind the wheel. Best of luck to all involved, it really is a testtiment to the amazing nature of the club and its members. I'm sure Mr Grumpy will be back to fitness before you know it.

Welcome back and the DVLA said the old car passed an MOT last month so is still alive.................

Main tasks will be... Swap the gear box (currently no syncro on 2nd) New springs and shocks (more road compliant) Fit Electronic Ignition Fix anything as they find it (which will be quite an extensive list)

I'm trying if I get the car finished and mapped to make this or the next meet but sh*t keeps getting in the way...........

Im on the Cornwall Devon border where are you? Mine 'should' be on the road in September all going well. Would be good to find owners near by for some blatting. John

Nice to see your Morgan apprenticeship paying off still, Dave

Sorry to hear about the old car. The important thing is, you were OK, and not put off!

back...

Ecoseal are a type of sealed connector used on the Westfield loom, to connect lights etc. Also used to connect Can signal to Aim dash. If you Google Ecoseal you can see the connectors. After recommendations on here, I bought some spare pins and seals from EBay to practice with, well worthwhile for a mechanical engineer I can assure you!!

I have one based at wf8

3 and 4 even better will be having nightmares about that tax woman

Least it's not the gulf pants you posted up.........

It's common knowledge that red is always faster As above its a hugely personal choice. The electric blue is lovely. The white is super clean looking. Black is stealthy and mean looking. Orange not as popular as in the past but looks really good with black/carbon accents. Yellow again looks excellent with black. I agonized for ages before settling on the best colour.......

We used the socket set today just as we entered Portree on Skye, @Garyt wheel hub adapter sheared 3 bolts, lucky he didn't loose his wheel as we spotted it wobbling like crazy while driving behind him. Could of been very nasty. So glad I bought it, thank again for the heads up.

And a few more.

I think the guys have said it all for today, we were back by 5.30 having been a midge smorgasbord and getting mildly moist! Heres a few more pics from today

What a brilliant day. Up at 6 with a walk before breakfast. Then it was down Glen Etive where we met the most interesting biker. He stopped and asked, "what made you buy the worst of a motor bike and the worst of a car" He then just drove off, so we didn't get chance to reply. We did the full 14 miles of Glenetive at about 10mph and the road is absolutely beautiful so if you get the chance....do it. We even saw a few deer which was lovely. The to Fort William for coffee before going to Glenfinnan. Ben nevis looked brilliant and was shrouded in mist but its always great to see. The rain was in by this time but we stood for nearly an hour, on a hill in the pouring rain to watch a steam train go over the viaduct complete with billowing white smoke. Now from here we continued and we went down the most breathtaking coastal road I have ever been on. I didn't get any pictures because of the rain but if you want to know where it is then come with us next year and I will show you. We had mile upon mile of traffic free roads and we didn't get in until 9.15pm tonight. Wet and a bit cold, but so very, very happy. Going to Skye tomorrow.

So up this morning had a walk to the glencoe massacre memorial then off we jollied away down glen etive then to glenfinnan then around the ardnamuchan peninsula, a wee bit moist but absolutely stunning , yes wet, but atmospheric bring on tommorow

To get more than one sensible answer

Get booking. Both Steve, Tigger and your are in

Well it wasn't entirely dry yesterday. We had a dry first session, and then it rained on and off most of the morning. Fitted wet tyres and had a couple of good sessions chasing after Mike in the blue car. During the lunch hour the sun came out and dried it all nicely until about 4-15, when it started to rain again, so called it a day. A very enjoyable day, with a few little incidents.. last session there was nearly a large incident when I found the gravel trap at Clark corner, but managed to avoid the tyre wall. A couple of pics, and will get some vids up soon.

The Injected Wench, Lady Colonial and I went out for a blat today, the first real blat in genuine anger since the upgrade from carbs to throttle bodies. Last Sunday's blat was a test run, but today's blat was a proper thrashing. Leamington to Stratford on Avon via the back routes, lots of opportunities for overtaking, mixed speeds, and a fair amount of blitzing and then posing outside The Dirty Duck near the theatres, then back via a different route on the A34, where there's a 1.5 mile straight road and uphill climb where you can really push the motor. What a difference the throttle bodies have made to the driveability and performance - the car is transformed. Power is instant and progressive, cruising at low revs effortless without dramas or kangarooing, smooth idling - it's like driving a totally different car. Temperatures held steady even in traffic. I was blessed with plenty of overtaking opportunities, simple gear down and whoosh, off we went. I've put 40 miles on a full tank and the fuel gauge has barely moved as well. A flawless, wonderful blat. I am so pleased and happy with my girl once again, and she feels like she's enjoying herself again as well. I'm a very, very lucky man. When I was on committee, I frequently told members they could make a difference, something many people go through life without accomplishing. @Kit Car Electronics, @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary, @bunje, @Chris King - Webmaster and Joint North East AO, @Northampton Motorsport - you made a big difference to me - THANK YOU.

You'll all be pleased to know that I've just finished my last official Administration duties, and I'm now back to the WSCC Member user group on the forums. This means my reign of terror within the forums (naughtily changing member profile details and mailing addresses, etc.) is officially at an end, and you may now climb out of your bunkers, breathe fresh air and see daylight once again. Enjoy your freedom!

Thanks, hopefully I'm sorted now, Ben has some spares!