Northwarks Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 Well guys - I thought I would update you on the first six weeks of ownership: This is my first Westfield and boy what a six weeks ! First off the weather .. how lucky compared with last year ?! I couldn't have had it any better, I've had the opportunity to take her out almost every day since I got her (only work commitments preventing a run) .. it can't last I know but certainly making hay whilst I can. Car has been a fantastic surprise and as an old git (relatively) its been a long time since I drove a car on big carbs and its been great fun, I thought I would share some thoughts of the first six weeks: First off - 2.0l on 45s, what great fun, back to basics driving and I'm loving it. Wasn't running all that well when i got her home on day 1 so I got myself a carb balancing tool, a good book and had a go at carb tuning with some great results, its a factory built car and from what I can tell has the wrong carbs (3 holes not 5) so suffers from hesitation between 2-3k rpm which with the gearing is cruising in town - but manageable, I think at the start of next season its going to have a trip to NMS and get them sorted properly. Noise - Yes its noisy, yes it pops and bangs sometimes - I love it, not sure of the locals Upgrades - Already fitted a third brake light and some TRS 5 point belts, decided to put safety ahead of 'nice to haves', next is a hood then shocks. To Do - Cam belt, car is low mileage but 16years old and has no service history, decided to wait till the weather turns and change the belts. Now for some amusing moments, when I collected her I was told there's a 'hidden' fuel cut-off valve under the dash, so for the first couple of weeks if I parked and left her out the front of the house I reached under and pulled the lever ... until I forgot one day and drove off a few miles down the road it hit me I hadn't thrown the lever and yet it hadn't spluttered to a halt - so decided when I got back I needed to get a mirror under the dash to see what the hell was going on .. turns out my fuel valve was a working brake bias valve : Issues - With 1.5 chunky monkeys and a tank full of fuel the suspension bottoms on poor surface changes, on closer inspection one of the rear shocks is leaking (badly) so I'm waiting for the season to end and I'll fit a new pair for the MOT next March, I may have to investigate springs and adjustment to improve things. So in summary - Where has this car been all my adult life, I'm totally hooked and find myself glued to the forecast and planning the next trip. Here she is: Quote
Young Pretender Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 Good little write up. .. and yes what fantastic weather you've had for your first weeks of ownership. Long may it continue! Quote
clansman Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 I know exactly how your feeling, I've had about 3 weeks of the same fun and thankful that the weather gods have been in a good mood. Your a bit braver then me with the carbs which book did you get ? I have had mine checked and adjusted by a local guru (Ricky Gauld) and what a change much smoother generally , still wakens the locals on over run :-) but all part of the car. Now I'm back at work and missing my westie. Happy motoring Quote
Norman Verona Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Having fun, that's what it's all about. Sounds like you're having a fantastic time, may it carry on. Quote
jak Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Glad you are enjoying the car. Don't bother with the hood, you'll only use it once - then store it, never to be used again. John Quote
SootySport Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Glad you are enjoying the car. Don't bother with the hood, you'll only use it once - then store it, never to be used again. John Very true and I have never used mine because it's a fight to get in the car with the hood on. Enjoy this good weather Northwarks. Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Er, see how you go with the hood. Plenty do use them all the time, they just don't shout about it (Though I will agree it isn't exactly water tight, but with a few mods its serviceable enough.) Half Hood is an excellent compromise though, also handy in the past few weeks when we had some days, where the sun was so intense being out in the car with no shade at all could be an ordeal. I did the two and a half hour trip to and from Blyton with the half hood up the other week or so. Much better, specially the motorway leg. Quote
Onliest Smeg David Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 "So in summary - Where has this car been all my adult life, I'm totally hooked and find myself glued to the forecast and planning the next trip." I'm the same, and I'm into my third year of ownership. I use my hood and IMO definitely worth having, but have to admit I tend not to set out in rain unless I have to. Getting in and out is about getting the technique right rather than having to be a contortionist! And it helps if your have a removable steering wheel. Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Don't think I could get in/out without the removable wheel when the hoods up Quote
Onliest Smeg David Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Don't think I could get in/out without the removable wheel when the hoods up There's not many as tall as your goodself Dave! Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Tall, yes that's it, that's the reason! Quote
clansman Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 Don't think I could get in/out without the removable wheel when the hoods up LOL Easy peasy !!! Had to "learn" this on the second day of owning mine as the heavens opened up while driving the car home Oh and fixed steering wheel too !!! Quote
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted July 28, 2013 Posted July 28, 2013 It's made trickier still in mine by JK style seats! Quote
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