davey_b Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Hi guys, I've wanted to build a seven replica for a few years and I'm edging forward to being in a position where it might be possible. I've looked at several different companies and I like the look of the Dax Rush and the Westfield Sport. Dax is up for sale and I'd like something with as much support (both from the company and fellow owners) as possible so Westfield is the obvious choice. I'm not going to be building for a good while as life is a little busy with young children and I think my wife would kill me or divorce me if I did this just now but I'm looking to play the long game and start planning so I know as much as I can ahead of build time. I don't want a track car, I just want something to blast about the country roads in the summer and leave most cars behind should the fancy take me. Having looked at the options I like the power and upgradability for the 2.0L duratec and I would want a car that has a windscreen and is able to have wet weather gear if I got caught in the wet here in sunny west of Scotland. I've spent a bit of time looking at what Westfield offers in the way of kits but I've still got a few questions that I'm hoping you guys can answer. I'm fairly capable having built a house (granted with help from builders but I did a lot and was hands on with the build) have done a reasonable amount of tinkering with cars before (used to have a pickup that I converted to run on vegetable oil). I really like a challenge and learning how to do new things so the thought of getting a complete kit and then just bolting it together isn't really what I want. However, I'm not looking for doing something really custom that's never been done before and will mean lots of fabricating and adjusting parts. I'm not quite sure from looking at the kits that are available what you need. If I got a starter kit and went down the route of MDV and put a 2.0L duratec in it would I need to get the completion pack? If not, do you just use bits off donar cars for a lot of things and then buy some thing from Westfield that you need/want? Is this a sensible route to go down? Do others do this? What are the costs associated with this? I'm not in a rush to build and building it and the experience of that will be as important to me as using the final product. Hope these are sensible questions. Thanks Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterg Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Firstly, welcome to the club, in my experience you won't find a better, more supportive club than this hence why I'm still a member 10 years after selling my Westfield, just be prepared for the p*sstaking as well Others will be along soon and are better able to answer your questions regarding which kit is suitable for your needs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey_b Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 Firstly, welcome to the club, in my experience you won't find a better, more supportive club than this hence why I'm still a member 10 years after selling my Westfield, just be prepared for the p*sstaking as well Others will be along soon and are better able to answer your questions regarding which kit is suitable for your needs Thanks Pete, I was a really active member of a vegetable oil diesel forum (let the pi$$taking commence!) and missed that when I got rid of the old girl so hopefully I'll be able to be involved at the same level here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rory's Dad Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 ...and remember there is no such thing as a stupid question - only a stupid answer. Now get yourself signed up for full membership asap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Colonial Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Hi Dave, Good to have you on board! All the info on your situation and preferences are welcome, helps us to help you. Since you're playing the long game, my best suggestion to you is to come to the National Kit Car Show at Stoneleigh (Warwickshire) on Sunday the 4th of May (first day of two and the busiest). I know it's a long way from where you are, but there will be hundreds of Westfields there with our members (plus the factory) and you will get no end of advice, ideas and directions on the day. I really think it's a good idea for your situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SootySport Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Hi Dave, A visit to the Westfield factory should be on the cards for you, you can drive their demo cars for a small fee. The guys there would be more than happy to discuss your Kit options if it's the Duratec route you want to take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey_b Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 Yeah, I'm thinking of going to Stoneleigh but I'm a little concerned it will whet my appetite a bit too much given my timescales. That said I talked to a mate over the weekend about going down so it might well happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Colonial Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Really advise you do so - it will at least give you some direction before you start, whenever that may be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawrie Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Remember the 6 Ps. perfect preparation prevents p1$$ poor performance. You had a stage by stage plan when you built the house, and the same applies to a Westfield. Buy a build manual, talk to people and have a good poke around at Stoneleigh etc, and work out what you need to buy and what you can source from donors. To be honest, if its going to be a quick one, you're better off buying new/reconditioned parts, especially things like brakes. If money is a factor, then ask about build costs, and consider a SDV etc. If not, go for the better bits to start with, like four pot callipers, to save you having to discard "ordinary" but unworn components in a few years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey_b Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 My mate texted me this afternoon to say he's keen to go to Stoneleigh so it's looking more likely. I'll need to work out the details with family but will hopefully happen this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Colonial Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 If that plan comes to fruition, I'd suggest a few weeks beforehand that you email Simon Westwood from the factory and make an appointment to meet him at the show so he can listen and help you, and at least that way you know you'll get some quality time to help you make your choice. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey_b Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 If that plan comes to fruition, I'd suggest a few weeks beforehand that you email Simon Westwood from the factory and make an appointment to meet him at the show so he can listen and help you, and at least that way you know you'll get some quality time to help you make your choice. Sounds like good advice. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickmaster Andy Lowe Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Welcome aboard Can I put a cat amongst the pigeons I was looking to build a yacht about 20 years ago with a time scale of a 10 year build I bought an old one done it up sold it Bought another one based on my experiences and needs after sailing the first one for two years So what I'm saying is What you think you want now Might not be what you do want after experiencing it I bought an old 1995 xflow powered car setup perfectly for back lane blats Over the last year and a half the only bit not to have been removed or replaced are the front wishbones and steering rack If I built from scratch now it would be a very different car to the one I would have built 2 years ago Get to Stoneleigh it's the best show on earth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Welcome Dave. The factory is only 40 miles from Stoneleigh - given your long distance trek might be worth visiting the factory on the Saturday? Assuming they still open Saturdays of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark (smokey mow) Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Welcome Dave. The factory is only 40 miles from Stoneleigh - given your long distance trek might be worth visiting the factory on the Saturday? Assuming they still open Saturdays of course.These days they only open twice a month on a Saturday. According to their website in May that would be the 10th and 24th. it doesn't suprise me they're not open the same weekend as stoneleigh though as it's a fair assumption that most of the staff will be tied up either with the running of the westfield stand, the drift experience and the ferrying of cars to/from the showground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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