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Evening all. Yesterday morning, the first lovely Sunday in a while round my area had been forecast; so up early I get to take the Westfield for it's first proper spin of the year. Got my bits together, wife not expecting me back until lunch, no jobs around the house, super. Key won't go into the ignition barrell. I decide there's either there's some debris in the barrel, or the first pin is seized. So anyway, some hours later and a trip to the shops, the key has been pounded flat with a wooden mallet. The ignition barrell has been WD40d, Graphite Powdered, blasted through with air and generally probed like an Alien abductee. It's too late to go on my trip, and the key still won't go in. Locksmiths have been googled. I debate trying to pull the ignition barrel off the car, but that's a giant PITA. And then I stop trying to use the boot key to start the car and just put the ignition key in. Starts first time, of course. So, anyway, I was wondering: What's the stupidest (safe) thing you've done with your car recently? Make me feel better about how I wasted my Sunday 🙂 Si

Finally some drier weather........

Found an hour today to make the most of the weather

The temptation to go backstage and knock 10 off your count is quite strong at the moment…

With the Speed Series having some local events this year, I had been really keen to make sure we show our support and get some members along to watch. Hopefully, some of our enthusiast spectators will turn into competitors! Amazingly through the day, excluding the guys competing, I counted 8 cars and about 20 members (plus partners, friends and family) spectating. Lee had come across from Lichfield and joined by two new local members Martin and Julian (with partner Clare) in their respective cars. Martin had only joined last night and Julian about 6 weeks ago, really good to meet you 👍 Word had also got out to our friends at Burton Car Club so we also had two Ferrari replicas and a stunning Mclaren 570. A quick 20 min convoy and we landed at Mallory where we were joined by Nick (in his new Striker) and then Dale shortly after. Alex, Hedley and Tony had come in their tintops, and Ben had turned up in the VW Caddy so he could bring his cute grandson Hunter (what a great name! 😂).@Garry Bunn - Derby & Notts Joint AOalso joined us after lunch James's lovely Mazda engined car Del's TR6 Wandering the paddock we bumped into more and more members like Neal and Dave who we hadn't seen since our last Huggys meet. We also met Dan and Del while admiring John Loudon's Force TA. Some more amazing machinery in the paddock 😍 A fantastic day all round, I'm definitely fancying a go at it myself!

I hope you defrosted the rabbit before making the casserole @ianali 🤣🤣🤣. Easter Bunnies beware if the Wesfield club comes out next weekend!! We met at Cupola, a stunningly designed building in a stunning setting, reflecting the lead processing history of the area. Inside the cafe we tucked into breakfast Back outside everyone had parked together We went on a run which was full of twisties and new roads to keep the drivers happy and amazing views to keep the passengers happy. Thank you to Ali for capturing a snippet of the views, you are nearly as good at photography as your husband😁 Arriving at The Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale just in time to raid the cake counter. Ian had us rolling with laughter as he had not operated a real, non phone camera since he was about 10, so it's not a bad photo considering. In the car park After deciding that we perhaps should not be allowed to keep pets it was time to leave. Brilliant day out all round with great venues, great cars on roads made for driving and the best bit was the people, the fun and laughter we had, it's good for the soul. Next weekend is Easter 🐰 so stay posted for which of the 4 day break we are gathering, the route will be carefully chosen to avoid any Bank Holiday traffic x

I had to deliver something I had sold to a place called Thurloxton near Taunton today, and decided to take Winston because the weather was so nice. Some cracking roads and some dull roads, but really enjoyed the drive. Stopped on the Coombe Farm approach road on the way back for some pics. On the way out on the A30, I exchanged waves with a BRG and yellow Westfield, not sure if it is anyone on here? Also had a number of chats with people who were interested in the car when I parked up, plus a ‘That’s a really cool car’ and a thumbs up from a young girl out with her mum 😊.

When I was building my first Westie 20+ years ago I had just fitted the steering rack for the first time and connected it to the uprights, and so I plonked myself into the driving seat for the obligatory "pretend you are zooming round Brands Hatch" moment. Almost immediately, the steering sized up - I could not move it at all. I was incensed.... "what useless quality control.... how dangerous..... what if this had happened on the road?!?" I was all set to ring Westfield up and give them an earful.... when my other half gently asked.... "does it have a steering lock?". Ah, yes, that'll be it then. Put the ignition key in and of course it was fine. I was so glad she asked before I'd phoned....

This was a long time ago and wasn't the Westie but never mind. There I am in my one car lock up, doing some welding on my buggy. There's no power in my lock up, so it's gas welding. Tum te tum, getting on great here..... Hmmm, my leg's getting a bit warm, I'll move it away from the heat a little. Tum te tum ............ Hmmm. leg's still a little warm - better move it further. Tum te tum ............ Still hot - a bit further then. This continues 'till my leg was against the garage wall and I cannot move it any further. At this point I decide that I'd better flip the mask up and have a look. SH*T! Leg's on fire. With remarkable coolness I pat out the flames. At this point in the story I think that maybe I'd better point out the condition of my overalls - old and really really grease stained. Plus, with gas welding all day I guess that the atmosphere's pretty oxygen rich. So. Pat the flames out. So what happens? Whoomp! Leg bursts into flames again. Hmmmm. Pat the flames out again. Whoomp! Leg bursts into flames again. Hmmmmmm. There's a pattern developing here. Luckily I notice a bucket in the corner of the garage. I grab it and rush round to the standpipe at the end of the block, my leg an impressive mass of smoke and flames. So there I am, standing at the standpipe, leg on fire, waiting for the bucket to fill. Finally!!!! Leg goes into the bucket up to mid-calf. There's a loud hissing and the flames finally go out. I leave it in the water for a while to cool down. Much to the amusement of the kids hanging round ................... Had my thick leather Redwing boots on so no real damage other than to my overalls and my dignity. David

Traced this morning to a loose hose connection on the concentric slave cylinder. Engine out job, or at least forward, in order to get a spanner on it. At least I've not got to get parts in in a hurry in time for Anglesey. Had a lovely day despite the setback. It was lovely to meet old Westfielding friends and new. Also had friends from outside of the community visiting which was a bonus so it was a really sociable day. Will probably do the June event as well, as I'd like to get a few more laps in next time!

Opps. I only paid attention to what the signed actually said after I'd already parked up.

I am selling my stunning Westfield SE narrow body sports car with a 2 litre Pinto engine. The car was registered 25th May 1993 at Westfield and was featured on the front of Kit Car magazine, I have a copy of the magazine which will be passed on. The car has been loved and upgraded since her first build and looks and runs fantastically. Westfield SE narrow body sports car Registered 1993 Ford 2000cc Pinto engine modified. Ford type 9 5 speed gearbox Live rear axle with limited slip diff Protech shock absorbers Vented front disks. Aluminium radiator Electronic ignition Dropped floors. Lockable boot Doors Bikini roof Engine spec Cylinder head has been ported for optimum flow. 1.75” (44.4mm) 3 angle inlet valves 1.5” (38mm) 3 angle exhaust valves Bronze valve guides and unleaded valve seats Piper camshafts 285 complete with valve springs, rockers and spray bar Carbs 45 DCOE type 152 on inlet manifold with bore size to match the cylinder head. K & N filters Since buying this car no expense has been spared to make it the fantastic car it is today

What an image! Patiently waiting for the water to fill the bucket and put out the flames Thanks for the story!

And, in fairness, my lock has never been so well lubricated (oooo Mrs, Behave)

On a positive note I bet you don't do that again. 😊

whoops

Mrs J and I very much enjoyed the meet up and drive over. Had a good chat with fellow newbie Martin which was great. We left around 2-30 as it was bitterly cold !

You're correct it is 6cm taller than a standard RAC type bar, TBH i'd rather have it that way as it gives you better protection, i've seen several RAC type bars with added hoops above the drivers head!

I got over there as well, with Mrs H., just to say hello to some of my old speed series mates. Sadly Howard's clutch packed up, but not until he'd put in a good T1 time. Very cold tho',so we left after the timed run following lunch.

Flash,bang,wallop! What a picture!

Not sure yet but I've not ruled it out.

Great day as usual. Beautiful blue skies, dry roads and fantastic company. Home now and the rabbit casserole is simmering gently.

Are you gonna be along to any of the meets with that monster car you have? Would love to see it on the road

A great run round and I hope Craig with his nice bike powered MK comes out to play again too. His 13750rpm rev limit sounds delicious! I did get a drink on the way there- Craig didn't want one, though- There was one or two bikes in Matlock-

Fabulous, it's great to see the East Anglia area taking off, well done everyone!! If you are an AO and you are reading this PLEASE DO THIS IN YOUR AREA and the very important bit afterwards is to post some photo's of the day. It's good for you and good for the club 👍

@Benrobson2999 - Kent AO I know I harp on about this a lotwhenever I see a pic posted on the forum, but your passenger's harness is woefully mal-adjusted. In an accident, she would 'submarine' under the belt and down into the foot well, and the cross-strap/buckle would wreck havoc with her chesticles/armpits/throat/neck. Most lay-passengers aren't clued on the intricacies of harness adjustment, so it's up to the captain to ensure the passenger is safe and instructed. You probably already do the following yourself self- consciously, but loosen off the shoulder straps fully and get the passenger (and help if necessary) to tighten down the hip straps first. For the first seating of the day's run, it maybe easier to sort the passenger before you climb into your side. Folks, notice I said hip straps, and not waist or stomach straps. Only then, once the hip strap is snug and tight, are the shoulder straps adjusted snug against the chest but not too tight that they are trying to hoick the hip strap up. If you have multiple passengers, they are all different shapes and sizes and the procedure needs to be followed for each. I'm an ex-Airforce flight safety tech dealing with ejection seat and parachute harnesses, so this stuff has been drilled into me - and I wish everyone in any kind of harness the best chances of survival when s*** happens.👍

Build myself a reverse jigsaw table using some 3D printed blocks to keep the jigsaw in place.

Time for a related confession… Years ago now, a member who shall remain nameless was publicly obsessed with his point count and hitting the next level, posting a load of nonsense just to hit target. Those of you who know me will understand why I did what I did next…😇 I went backstage several times in the space of three hours and kept knocking 10 off his post count, so that every time he got near to target, he suffered a setback. Now most of you would have smelled a rat at this point, but not our friend. He was furious and contacted the webmaster (at my suggestion). Sadly for him, the webmaster was in on it too, and claimed nothing was amiss. Our friend’s fury was most amusing indeed, and he finally did hit his target the next day, although he fumed for several days that he had been cheated. Wrong - he’d been robbed. 😇 (I added the points back in a week later.) The lessons: > Point levels on member accounts can be fiddled by motivated admins > Never show your weaknesses in front of me > I don’t kick people when they’re down - just when they’re not looking > I’m more devious than you ever realised 🤣

Set of LED lights fitted , thanks to ALI Express ..... best £15 spent in a while I reckon !

Rear end Thursday! Finally completed all my planned mods to the back of my car. AJM Designs carbon boot cover AJM Designs rear diffuser Hella high level brake light - many thanks @jonjh1964 for 3d printing my mount LED Autolamps 82 rear light conversion - many thanks @Quinten for all your 3d printing assistance Cartek FIA Rainlight as fog light Black Newton Equipment Aero 300 fuel cap I have a set of adhesive reflectors to stick in come MOT time….. Pretty happy with the much cleaner look.

New Art commission for my toolbox! Supplied by Zen Graphics

me too! Birthday treats for Jo and me! Love it here. Food is outstanding!

Chilling out 😁

Just finished working on my roll bar covers. Fairly small pieces of CF but they reminded me of my build days and how nervous I get cutting up bits of bodywork! Not perfect but happy with the outcome. Before: After: