Damian_R Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 .....I've been surfing the cars for sale on here and a couple of other websites almost every single day for a good period of time as well as even going to look at one yesterday and the one thing that is becoming clear is that to get a second hand (more than) decent car with very few previous owners, low mileage etc etc for is going to be very hard/expensive..... So, my question to anyone out there that has experience and a moment or two in order to reply is .... how long did it take you to build your car did you buy it as a full kit or a module kit was there any unforeseen costs in addition to the kit/module purchase costs how much room did you have or then wish you had to do the build Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.. Damian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonjh1964 Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 how long did it take you to build your car - I picked up the kit from the factory on the 9 May 12 and passed the IVA on 10 Oct 13 - about 250 hrs work did you buy it as a full kit or a module kit - Full Kit was there any unforeseen costs in addition to the kit/module purchase costs - I'd suggest about £1000 to cover tools, consumables etc plus £500 for a full geo and rolling road mapping once finished how much room did you have or then wish you had to do the build - the majority of a double garage for info at my blog http://2js-westfield-build.blogspot.co.uk/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarmanUK Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Not a Westfield, but the GBS Zero is a similar beast. Mine took a lapsed time of 15 months from picking up the chassis to registration. I bought the kit as a starter kit and then bought parts as I needed. Unforeseen costs pretty much like Jon above, with tools and consumables etc. I built mine in a single garage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhett Turner - Black Country AO Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 I started my build on the 25th of November 2011 and it was registered at the end of May 2012. It was ready for the IVA mid April 2012 though. Total build time in the region of 285 hours. (and I really enjoyed it). I went for the full kit. The Kit covered all you really need though a little bit of upgraditus did creep in almost immediately. Though it is easier to make sure changes during the build rather than afterwards. I also sent my back to the factory to have the Geo and Engine setup correctly and for a pre-iva inspection (circa £600) The cost of tools really depends upon what you already have, I was lucky I had quite a few of the basics (good socket set, spanner set, compressor, power drills etc) but there were more required. Most were sourced off ebay at a reasonable cost, probably a few hundred pounds in total. I have a double garage but the Westi lived on one side though I did use both at times. For me building the car was part of the desire behind it. I also have a build blog http://rhetts-westfield.blogspot.co.uk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Dastardly Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 I was about 18 months and 400 hrs not sure why I'd taken so long, but I'm not experienced. I bought full kit as it just wasn't practical to do modules due to the distance from the factory. If possible I'd get your bodywork when you need it not in advance as it is more flexible. Mine was 9 months old and possibly not as easy to make fit as it could've been. While in theory the kit is complete you will buy all sorts of stuff. I was happy to buy all sorts of tools as I'll use them at work sooner or later and they'll last a lifetime. So I wouldn't disagree with John's estimate as a guide anyway. And remember you're something like £700 for IVA and registration too (and £90 a retest) I had a single garage and wished for more many times, especially once the body was on. But it was quite possible and I've seen photo's of others garages with less space than mine. Great experience all in all, but I really wanted to build not buy, and bear in mind your built car will probably be worth less than the cost. If you weren't enthusiastic about building there will be plenty of times when things don't go well and you really need that enthusiasm to get through it. It's not the easy option, but the right one for me at least. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johngill Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Hi ordered April 2007 Registered June 2008. Bought modules as we wanted to vary spec. Could buy, IMHO, better bits for same cost as Westfield charge for std bits with patients and research. Westfield bits, chassis, body, suspension, brakes and electrics. Other bits Cosworth, Quaife, BGH, Demon Tweaks, Burton Power,Racetech, Alnwick Tyres and EBay. Additional costs about what you budgeted apart from upgraditis. Built in double garage and dining room (parts store). We really wanted to build one and fun was sourcing parts. Was built as a new car 08 reg with new bits. Advantage know every bit. Since 2008 cosmetic upgrades with some tech changes to sort out weaknesses. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory's Dad Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Bloomin'. softies - built mine outside! Rory's Dad 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted October 20, 2013 Share Posted October 20, 2013 Bloomin'. softies - built mine outside! Rory's Dad Me too. And outside is where it's lived all it's life too. Have had to clear snow off the car before I could work on it before now! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff oakley Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 There are so many variables to be honest. I met a guy, who shall remain nameless, and told him anyone could build a Westfield and I would give him help and guidance. When he got it home I asked him if he had a "G" clamp. "Whats a G Clamp" was not the response I expected and I realised that this would take a bit longer as he had to learn basic skills as he went along. The car passed SVA first time and he has gone onto develop the car much further. This was built in a single garage. If you buy a full kit it is easier, as you have no looking for parts to delay you. If building say an MX5 based one you take longer as cleaning and painting the bits you remove takes time. For me the building is all part of the journey so I never set a time just did what I did and finished it when it was right. Setting targets is fine for some but why push so hard? If you don't look forward to the building buy one that is ready built and save the money and be on the road quicker. I have built three now and the quickest was probably six months the longest 12, but I have an advantage working in the parts business so I had no delays. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 I'd echo Jeff's words completely. Build because you've always wanted to build a car, any other reason will tend to lead to disappointment, it's about the dearest way, (short of buying a brand new factory build) to get a Westfield, for instance. but if it's something you've always fancied doing, it's a great experience; but building it should be fun, don't make it into a chore by setting deadlines that are too hard etc. Remember the minute it's finished and on the road, you'll only start missing the build stage. I'm convinced its a big part of the reason most immediately start pulling them apart again to "upgrade". The truth is, if you're building one because that's what you've always wanted, you'll find a way. Yes, a double garage, or large shed, workshop etc would be ideal. But many, many cars get built in single garages. You just need to plan a bit more and think operations through if space is tight. And of course, a handful get built out in the fresh air As for time, that's really a tricky one. Please remember, (if you've not built a kit before), they are NOT like building a larger version of a Tamiya (or Airfix) model kit! Westfields are amongst the very best of what the industry has to offer, and it is possible to simply bolt/rivet most bits together and have a car, but many parts will benefit so much more from a bit of fettling first, to improve the fit, or give a better final finish etc. This is all part of the fun! And lastly, there are lots of jobs to do to finish a kit. Put together, it can all seem daunting. It helps tremendously to break it down into a series of mini projects, (the build manual is almost written like this anyway), that way you can mentally tick off the mini projects as you go - it really helps you to feel like you're moving forward. You may also find that some jobs particularly tricky, or frustrating. Don't be afraid to step away from those, go do one of the easy, satisfying jobs and come back to the tricky one later, or another day. Try to always down tools for the day on a competed, rewarding task, even if you've had to leave an awkward one. It will do wonders for your moral. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooch Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Hi, Damian, I went down the MX5 SDV route, taking the engine and drive train out of a donor vehicle and fitting this into a Westfield kit designed for the job. Ably helped by the wonderful chaps on this forum who answered questions almost by return e-mail. I work from home, and ended up spending almost all my time in the garage building the car with a smart phone next to me - clients had no idea I was not in a suit sitting attentively at my computer rather than in my overalls up to my neck in grease and rivets! It was great fun, nicely challenging and very satisfying to do. Timewise, I started stripping the donor car in Feb 2011, picked up the starter kit in April and the completion kit (and bodywork) arrived in May. Car first ran under it's own steam at the very end of July, IVA in early October, registration took another couple of weeks and it's been smiles all the way since then! I found the whole thing rather addictive. SWMBO was hacked off that I did it so quickly - she thought she's got rid of me for a couple of years! Additional costs can be what you want them to be, but I built the standard kit with no expensive upgrades or add-ons save for a new set of wheels and tyres rather than the donor ones. However, with donor vehicle cost, IVA (£450), tax, new wheels and tyres plus bits and bobs I got the car on the road for just over £11,200. I reckon the route I took is about the cheapest way of building a new Westfield and you can certainly buy a second hand car with pretty good spec for much less, but the satisfaction I get from knowing I built the car is part of the value of a project like this. I have a 'Built Not Bought' sticker on the back, and it's a great way to start a conversation when people ask 'did you really build this yourself?' and I'm rather pleased to say I did! I'm lucky enough to have a large detached double garage which made for a fantastic space to build the car and store everything, but many of us have built in single garages and sheds. Bodywork etc can be kept outside under a tarp if you are careful. Where there's a will etc So, not the cheapest route into Westfield ownwership, but very rewarding. Hope this helps 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dombanks Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 .....I've been surfing the cars for sale on here and a couple of other websites almost every single day for a good period of time as well as even going to look at one yesterday and the one thing that is becoming clear is that to get a second hand (more than) decent car with very few previous owners, low mileage etc etc for is going to be very hard/expensive..... So, my question to anyone out there that has experience and a moment or two in order to reply is .... how long did it take you to build your car did you buy it as a full kit or a module kit was there any unforeseen costs in addition to the kit/module purchase costs how much room did you have or then wish you had to do the build Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.. Damian 1.about 18 months including the wait for SVA (IVA) would have been quicker but se the next answer 2. Essentially a module kit. i did a sierra SDV kit so bought the starter kit to get the chasis/bodywork then i bought all the other bits as and when i needed them. i wasted quite a bit of time waiting for stuff but as it allowed me to do as i pleased and not follow a norm. the downside was going off the instructions meant some stuff was more difficult to understand the plus was i really know the car inside out. 3. yes always get a budget and ad half again. if i'd listened to the forum more then some would not have been so high. my experience is dont try to bodge it unless your sure research and buy the right bit fist time. you know the old saying measure twice cut once ... it apples with some stuff 4. built mine in a standard prefab concrete garage. elecy and a radio is a must. i added a beam for a chain block wich was handy. i made a trolley out of wood with casters on it which was handy to move it about till it became a rolling chassis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralphy Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Lord knows how long it's going to take me to build mine! No garage, a shed that the chassis will only just fit in, a dis-assembled early SEi in hundreds of bits, no prior knowledge of building a Westfield... But then I'm not setting a time-goal on this, despite having a rather impatient nature I've taken the mindset with this job that it's 'a journey not a destination'. So I'm just going to carry on doing what I can and when I can, meanwhile learning a lot about these cars from this forum and my own trial-and-error. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Algar - Competition Secretary Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Built my first Westie a MegaBusa in about 4 months and 200 ish hours, took about 6 weeks to SVA & get registered. BUT this was a full kit less the wheels and engine. Aeroscreen and no heater etc made it easier. I would echo the other guys comments, build one if you REALLY WANT TO, doesn;t matter why, but you have to have the bug. otherwise it's quicker, cheaper, easier just to buy a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damian_R Posted October 21, 2013 Author Share Posted October 21, 2013 ....what can I say but thanks to all of you who have taken the time to share your build experiences with me. I have wanted to build one for many years (at least 12+ for sure) and was really thinking about buying as at this time as I have now got the cash funds to do so ..... I guess it's time to think hard and decide about buying or waiting a bit longer and going for a build.. Drive safe Damian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.