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Me 👍

Count me in and Maybe Vicki if i can get prize her from our bed 😆

Meet at McDonalds, Bakewell Road, Matlock, DE43AU for refreshment's and a chat before going on a run out around the Peak District, finishing with lunch. Who is joining us?

Definitely Spax - calling @DamperMan to the thread please…

Troy is a legend! He remotely via Team Viewer diagnosed my car issue (a broken throttle position sensor) and helped me set it up when the part arrived for no charge! I bought the new sensor from NM and he was happy with the profit on that I guess. I soooo want to get my car on the dyno at his place. He did it for the previous owner and the car is just amazing to drive. Hopefully this year ill be able to get it to him.

Depends on the finish vinyl. Chromes vinyla do show through. But there are 3m products that would cover some imperfections.

Yes, you will get a membership pack, including a copy of the Club magazine. However, the next, Spring edition of the mag only started production this week, so is currently being edited and set, prior to printing and distribution. Long and short, it's probably going to be two or three weeks absolute minimum before the next back of membership packs go out. However, you are a "full" member from the moment you sign up and pay, there's no membership cards or anything to wait for, so that means side benefits like insurance discounts from some of the specialist Kit Car insurers like A Plan, AIB etc are available for you from the get go.

Hi Steve, Caveat! the only thing 100% absolute with kit cars, is that there are no absolutes! Almost all Westfield (seven style cars) supplied by the factory were supplied with self-coloured grp. A very tiny number, for at least one special occasion, were supplied painted over the top - the Silver Jubilee saw some models with silver paint details, for instance. But from the factory, this was very rare. Owners, over the years, tidying up older or much modified cars have had them painted. It's a little trickier than painting metal, but can be done very well. But once started, I've always felt you're then committed to periodic resprays, if you plan to keep for the real long haul. But the majority of cars are "self-coloured" GRP; what does this mean? Well to make a GRP body part in a mould, (simplifying greatly) it's first given a good coat of gel coat, this will form the shiny, hard, protective outer layer. But as it's not structurally very strong, there is then a thick layer of "chopped strand mat" reinforced Polyester resin applied to it. This is the very uneven surfaced layer you see inside the panels. On later cars, a layer of black "flo-coat" is often applied over the top of this to even it up a bit, and dress the surface. It is normal, for both the gel coat and CSM reinforced structural layer to have the body colouring pigment mixed with them, so they are the same colour all the way through. Because the gel coat is the same colour from top to bottom, and is thicker than paint, you can do more wet sanding and cutting than with paint. BUT you absolutely do not want to break through to the mat layer, as this is not easy damage to repair.

DA polisher. The yellow one with racing roundel and white racing stripe is my old one, now belonging to @Rozmondo

Some of you may recognise this car, it used to belong to another WSCC member. I've had it for almost 2½ years now but it only feels like months thanks to covid Mine is the orange one - the Flying Carrot. In the 1st 2 pics I have no idea who the other two yellow Westies belong to, they were already parked up when I got to the AV8 cafe at Cotswold Airport and fate left a space for me right next to them! Anyone recognise them please say hello! The 3rd pic was on a blat with a mate in his SDR V-Storm on the way to Sweets Tea Rooms near Glastonbury for a Sunday morning meet up and the last one was at Tintern in the Wye Valley Wales last year at a kitnet evening meeting.

Watching paint dry would be more exciting than last weekend.

Other colours are available 😂

A cracking day out to the Racer Cafe , 270 miles of fun, leaving just before 8am with a lovely sunrise behind us, we met Barry at aviemore then across laggan to spean bridge onto Ballahulish and then to the cafe where we were joined by Gordon and his family. We were welcomed by wayne who showed us his westy and then took care of us as we warmed up in the cafe. This really is a definite visit in the summer , Suitably fed , watered and warmed up, and a few pictures taken we said our goodbyes and headed for home refuelling at fort William , at spean bridge Barry headed north whilst we headed back over laggan to aviemore and home, getting home just before 5pm. Thanks all who made it today 👍

I’ve been desperate to get out in the car for a few weeks, but have been avoiding it largely due to the salt. I ran out of patience today and decided enough was enough, remembering that I had my new car cleaning kit to try out (Christmas present 😊) Cold starting twin 40s with no electric fuel pump has been a bit of a challenge in the current weather, so I’ve rigged up a heater in the bubble which I can turn on remotely to pre warm the car a bit for 30 mins or so before attempting to start it. Seems to work, although a fair bit of turning over is still needed, to prime the carbs I assume. An electric fuel pump is on the list of mods. It still ran fairly roughly for a while, missing and backfiring but it smoothed out and ran really well for the rest of the trip. Initial thoughts were around heading up to Cheddar Gorge, but it’s quite a way on dual carriageway and with plenty of grit still on the roads (thanks for the info Andy). So I opted for a circuit heading to Sherborne, then down the A352 to Dorchester and the plan was straight back to Crewkerne from there. In the end though I headed for Bridport, and dropped into West Bay before heading back. About 67 miles in a couple of hours. It was slow going in places but great fun in others. I enjoyed the A352 Sherborne to Dorchester most I think. The car sounded fab through the tunnel North of Beaminster 😀. The roads were quite slick in places, wheel spin in third a couple of times and the odd wag but all good 👍. It was pretty chilly, around 1 degree C when I left and about 4 when I got back. Wasn’t too bad. The shorts were probably a poor decision 🤪 but silly hat and scarf kept me fairly warm, and gloves were mainly a success although the fingers did start to go after a while. Got back and warmed up for a few minutes before washing the car down thoroughly. Looks great now. The only annoyance is losing one of the centre caps on the driver’s side front wheel. Need to try to source one of those now which is a pain. Great to be out again and it certainly blew the cobwebs way. Decorating this afternoon as penance 😕🤣.

Hi all, Just bought my first Westfield - my knowledge of these cars (and mechanics/cars in general) is very basic but I want to learn more and try to do most of the work on it myself! It was bought with track days in mind as have done a few of these in MR2s and MX5s. It's a 2L Zetec with twin webers, my first question is about the throttle response, I've noticed that if I 'floor it' at low RPM it sort of stumbles over itself and then kicks in, after which it revs fine and can go through the gears with no issues. Is this normal for cars with carbs? Any tips and info on driving cars with carbs would be greatly appreciated - especially the start up procedure where you need to let them fill up with fuel for a few seconds(?). Thanks!

Excellent work Stu but it's a rubbish route for a Westfield 'cos it misses the Beaminster Tunnel

Personally this is what I'd get if I was to buy now. https://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc90b-90-litre-air-compressor-14cfm More money but worth it. I orderd an engine crane/host from them came no problem.

Sealey is a top brand. I have seen lots on Facebook market place (belt drive). But never followed them up to be honest.

If your not bothered about noise your ok,but the difference is like night and day.

Unfortunately have to agree with Stuart, SGS customer service p—- poor in my experience!

Yeah definitely Spax. Everything looks very clean and tidy down there have to say

Belt,belt,belt.

I don't know if the product is any good but from personal experience SGS customer service is absolutely diabolical. I'll never go near them again.

I had a new ECU, loom, injectors etc fitted in October by Northampton motorsport and hadn't used the Westfield since other than driving it home. I was hoping to get it out over Christmas but noticed non of the lights worked, other than brake lights and indicators. The horn still worked as did the wipers but no lights or dash lights. I checked the fuses and any connectors behind the dash that may have come adrift but it all looked okay. I contacted Northampton motorsport to see if they could shed any light on the issue (pun intended 😁) and they suggested bringing it back to them. I was concerned that it had a been a few months since they had worked on it, they may think I had used it in the meantime and created the issue myself. But they couldn't have been more understanding. So last Friday I drove up to see them. It was great to be back out in the Westfield. I sometimes forget how enjoyable it is, although I did feel a little vulnerable on the motorway without my headlights on. It transpires that the issue was due to the original loom rather than the loom that was fitted by Northampton motorsport. It's thought that when the dash was pulled out to fit the new ECU and loom etc it disturbed the original loom in the car. Although all the wires were intact and connected there were breaks in the wiring and some soldering which resulted in the lights not working. I had booked it in with them and they saw to me as soon as I turned up. Super friendly, welcoming and helpful. Periodically they came out to the waiting area to chat to me and even invited me into the workshop (wow what a workshop with some amazing cars) to see how it was going and show me the issues. It took about 2 - 2.5 hrs and to top it off they offered the work free of charge as a good will gesture. I really can't express how happy I am with them and the work and can't recommend them enough. An absolute pleasure to deal with and I'd certainly use them for any work in the future. Many garages and motor dealers could learn a lot from them about how to treat customers and offer customer service.

I was given a couple of past magazines with the car so am really looking forward to getting an up to date one.

I recently replaced an odd wheel centre cap on The Flying Carrot. When I bought it it had 3 Team Dynamic ones and 1 Westfield one so I got a new set of TD ones. I'll see if I can find where I put it. Have you sourced a replacement yet Stu? Assuming it's the same diameter and fit of course mine may be available

Mine hasn't arrived. I signed up 3 hours ago so come on where is it? 😂😂 Kidding of course. I actually have no idea what or if I'm due anything now I'm a fully paid up member?

Hi, have you figured out how to set waypoints on Google maps then? I can't find any way of doing it on my mobile. I did hear that it can only be done on a non-mobile device, any idea if it's true? I use Google maps with my Beats Flex ear plug thingies for when I'm out blatting around but not being able to set way points makes it a joke tbh. I cannot believe that Google maps would have a function so crucial missing!

That's a fair point. There is a slight 'snob' element to using V-Power I suspect. It does definitely colour people's opinions when you tell them you use it. I plan to try Tesco this year and see if I notice any improvements, if so then I'm happy to switch, shame I don't have a really close Tesco fuel station.

We have some great info on the forum when it comes to looking after grp, for anything from a light tickle with a microfibre and sealant, through to full on gel coat repairs. As well as plenty of recommendations for materials etc that members have found to work well.

We did it last yr. Picked a quiet time when kids were at school. Roads were relatively quiet. Locals fabulous, brilliant campsites. Was last there 45 yrs back. Many memories and a brilliant holiday then and now.

Personally, I use a rotary, but I know plenty of owners getting reasonable results with a DA. Hand is perfectly possible too, but it can be a long slog. Westfield have used many different makers for the GRP over the last twenty years, and there’s much variation in its qualities, too. Some eras of gel coat are really hard, and pretty much take everything you can throw at them, from light wet sanding (even down as far as 400 grit - you can go beyond, but that’s a topic in its own right), right the way through machine polishing with very aggressive compounds. On the other hand, the gel coat from some suppliers was quite soft and thin, and needs a lighter touch when dealing with any marring. I find it’s quite different to painted steel/aluminum, not necessarily much better or worse, just different. Heat management needs care.

@AndrewBClarke will it be as exciting as last weekend 🤣

Meeeeeee!!!!

One thing I've noticed when selling any high performance vehicle is I'm normally asked what fuel I use. When I say "Shell V Power" (which I solely use as the Shell garage is only 1/2 mile from home) it seems to reassure people. If I said Tesco's 99 I wonder what the response will be ... even if it is the better fuel?

I’d expected a bigger difference on a Highly turbo charged car between 95 and 99.

The other day I ordered some 40mm hose tails from a pipe fitting supply company for the 40mm hose I have. The hose has an exact internal diameter of 40mm. The hose tails arrived in quick time, and a test fit was like blocking the Dartford Tunnel with a Mars bar. The hose tails are embossed ‘40’ but at the widest point of the barbs, they are 37.4mm! I took a photo of my digital micrometer measuring the hose tail and sent it to them and asked for a refund. They came back and said a refund was no problem. But they also said… “These should still work, because a jubilee clip will help to create a seal” Z** D**** (Key Accounts Executive) I doubt the wee desk jockey has ever held a screwdriver in his life!

I think people tend to use the Mondeo workshop manuals for the engine, but for normal servicing, I'm not sure it's really necessary? Asking on here will get you all the variations on peoples favourite oils to use, spark plugs etc. As for things like brake pads, you need to work out what brakes you have, if you're not sure, (and this applies to any part of the car) just grab some good close ups showing plenty of detail from different angles and post them up on here, someone will be able to ID them for you. One tip I would give; particularly when it comes to things where a range of options will suit. Sometimes, after asking for recommendations on here, you can feel like you've got so many alternative suggestions back you're no closer. BUT, this is rarely truly the case, you just have to do a bit of filtering - go with the suggestions of those that mostly use their cars in a similar way to you. If your heavily into track days, and almost no road use, pick the oil recommended by someone who practically lives at the circuit. Likewise, if you like to just tour, and are asking about brake pads, go with the suggestion of someone who like to tour, too. and so forth. It really helps make sense of the diversity of the answers you get, when you factor in how those owners drive/use their Westfields.

My first Westfield was a Zetec on twin 45 webers and it was the same. Modern fuel injection allows you to just plant the throttle at any revs and the electronics sort the fuel/air ratio for you. It's a little less sophisticated with carbs... As others have said, there are things that can be done to smooth the power delivery but carbs tend to be set up for an optimum rev range. My old car was set up for sprinting (huge chokes etc) and was never happy below 3500 rpm but went like a stabbed rat after that, I just had to learn to ease the throttle on gently at low revs (the webers sound amazing though!) Not sure where you're based, but Alan at Carbcare (in Lichfield) as @Andy Westwood recommends is a great guy who does an amazing job at a good price. Lots of us have used him 👍 Love the car BTW!

Great! The key thing is, do question stuff like this! I can't tell you how many times at local events, shows etc, you get chatting to someone new, that's owned their car for years, but perhaps didn't build it, when they casually mention some little niggle or other, that they've just ignored "because it's a kit car" so bound to have issues, and the shock when you say, no that's not right, it's perhaps not set up right, or set up for some one else's driving style, or sometimes even just build slightly oddly! I always recommend just sorting out basic servicing, once you get the car, so you know for sure when it was last done, and can plan to that date in the future, then, once you've had some time to settle in with the car, find any little bits that need sorting etc. Get the geometry set up done by someone that knows these type of cars and how to get the best out of them. Then just get to know your car, live with it before delving too far into personalising it, you'll soon start to get an idea of what you like/need/works for you!

Welcome to the club. I had a similar issue as I run a 2ltr zetec with twin 45 Weber's. After speaking with Alan at Carbcare when he serviced and set up the carbs, he said to keep a bit of throttle on as you change gear and he also increased the idle rpm. It's much better now.

Welcome! Getting Weber set up right with Zetec engined Westfields is always a little tricky, usually with a compromise or two, being made somewhere. Modern fuel injected cars are so thoroughly sorted, that it can come as a shock to drive traditional carbs. And it's difficult on an internet forum to know to what degree something is happening, if you see what I mean. So it may just be that it's not something you can do much about, BUT, it's always worth getting all the basics right and working well together, and them perhaps getting the carbs jetting etc checked over. One thing I do remember with Weber/Zetec set ups, is that they can be very sensitive to the "progression" drillings, I think Zetecs should have five holes, but four is standard on most Webers? (These are a set of holes drilled in sequence, so that as the throttle snaps open, it uncovers progressively more of them, which it uses as a signal to squirt in extra fuel.

Welcome. I can’t answer about throttle lag but I do have a carb engine and have learnt how to start without choke. Turn ignition on. Slowly press accelerator to the floor 3 times. Turn key and activate starter with another press of the accelerator. Rev to keep running till steady. This also acts as a neighbour annoyance programme. Have fun.

Best looking car on the ferry today... But bl**** cold!!! Brrrr

I don't know why I haven't done this before as it turned out to be fairly easy to do, but I finally used the 3M Perfect-It Medium Cut & Polish compound on the rear of my car where the previously fitted spare wheel had left some very visible marks Before After

When I put my glasses on it was simple as you said. @fatblokestu

Slightly different take on this. Can you spot the Westie in this picture? Not terribly difficult I know! 🤪

Presumably you’d still need to do some kind of repair to the cracks to stop them showing through the wrap? Highly recommend ‘Wunderseal’ from CBS to protect the underside/inside of the arch to prevent further damage. A good thick stippled coat works wonders.