Andy - a15cro Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 I've been sitting for an hour deciding whether to post this. I've committed the biggest school boy error going, I'm embarrassed, I'm annoyed with myself, and I'm a bit gutted. Been looking at my pride and joy all day sitting in the unit covered up, too busy to do anything with it, so tonight while the lads were setting up the band gear for a rehearsal, I took our guitarist out round the block. But...............as we left the unit, on cold tyres, I got a little too excited (let's say) and clipped the curb on the near side, thought all was well but when turning all was not well. I've sheared the bolt that holds the 'L' shaped track rod bracket to the upright, and on closer inspection the lower wishbone has took a knock, as well as a cycle wing which I know I can repair temporary if needs be. So luckily I have access to a truck and transported it back to the unit, on inspection it appears that the upright has been helicoiled in the past. So I'm thinking new upright, new lower wishbone, and track rod bracket (correct me on the right name if needs be). I'm wanting it fixed by Wednesday night, as I've promised my darter I'd take her to the local car meet, tell me I have no chance he getting Westfield to do next day delivery?.?.. I'm at the mercy of the forum, I don't know the best place to get parts from, I'm assuming Westfield. There's a receipt in the file I got with upright etc on drivers side as the seller did disclose he popped a ball joint once clipping an edge. I just need to pull something out of the bag here. I should know better, I've had performance cars before, ride bikes, and associated track days etc! Just remember when replying my ego is wounded!!! Play nice............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Colonial Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Others will help with parts, but the important thing is you're unhurt, and the car can be fixed. A little lesson for you about just what a potent weapon you now own and must respect. Nothing but sympathy from me, you're hardly the first and won't be the last. I know your pride is hurt, but do not rush the fix to save your blushes, do it right. All will be well soon. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy - a15cro Posted September 7, 2015 Author Share Posted September 7, 2015 Thanks Scott, I should know better at my age! I did exactly the same thing on my Aprilia in 2013 at Caswell park, too hard too soon! That one hurt........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanspoors Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 I think your best bet will be Westfield for the parts, if they have the parts in stock WF can be quite good and can certainly do next day delivery. Maybe also try Luke at Playskool, in Crook, Durham. He may have some parts lying about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John K Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Sorry to hear Andy ... Got to echo what Scott said. We can unbend metal, bit harder to do that with people. I'm afraid all I can offer is genuine sympathy and good luck with getting it fixed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Everall Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 The L shaped bracket has 2 bolts that hold it in place and if its bent at all it will need replacing. One bolt is thin and long with a nut on the end and the other is threaded. I think Wednesday is unlikely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D7PNY Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 The L shaped bracket has 2 bolts that hold it in place and if its bent at all it will need replacing. One bolt is thin and long with a nut on the end and the other is threaded. I think Wednesday is unlikely If the steering arm is bent at all I have standard ones sitting in the loft before you buy from Westfield as They are not cheap from Westfield! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D7PNY Posted September 7, 2015 Share Posted September 7, 2015 Ps. I also have some standard track wishbones but have just had an enquiry about them. If that comes to nothing then will still be available. Echo the comments above...unlikely to be going again by Wednesday from my past experiences. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy - a15cro Posted September 7, 2015 Author Share Posted September 7, 2015 Thanks for the replies guys. I'll PM as required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy - a15cro Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 Well its stripped ready for the parts. Ive crawled about underneath and give it a good check and everything is fine. Although I didn't want to have to do this its a nice little project to cut my teeth on! Everything is so accessible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Wishbones on the way. The latest Westfield build manual, in two parts, can be downloaded from the Westfield Sports Cars web site, older manuals from here (Note, although the one on the WSC Ltd site is newer and shows FW bodywork, the suspension and chassis stuff is the same underneath, so it will be fine). One point to note, the replacement wishbones have metalastic bushes already fitted. When bolting these to the tub, you need to clean old grease off the UNF bolts and re-coat the shanks, where they pass through the bushes with plenty of copper grease. Then only do the nuts up loosely while the car is in the air. Only once the car is back on the ground and the suspension at the normal height should the bolts through the metalastic bushes be torqued up. Once all back together, you could really do with the cars geometry checking and resetting as necessary. If you take it easy you should be OK for a gentle trip out to the car show, (just do a shake down drive first, make sure it's not pulling to one side or the other and that it brakes in a reasonably straight line etc). Given where you are, I'd then be considering trying to get it booked in with Luke at Playskool for a proper geo set up, it may or may not have needed doing anyway - if it did, you won't believe how it can transform the car. Plus it will give you peace of mind. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dombanks Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 I wouldn't let your ego get too battered ... It's part of owning a Westy having your first incident no one was hurt and that's the main thing. I dumped mine backwards into a big clump of ferns and had to get pulled out by some one lol. We have all had little offs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingster Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 Agree with Dave, go see Luke asap. Mine was way out and was transformed after a geo by Luke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Colonial Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 The responses to the OP is just one of the reasons that make these forums and this club great. I can name a number of other club forums where the OP would have greeted with a shower of unkind, hurtful, nasty replies. But here, no one is doing that and in fact are doing quite the opposite, going out of their way to assist if possible. It shows what great members we have and an excellent spirit. We never kick people when they're down. Only when they're not looking. Well done all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy - a15cro Posted September 8, 2015 Author Share Posted September 8, 2015 Spoken to Luke, got some good advise on the upright, just needs new helicoil which I have now, there's no other damage to it. Get the wishbone done tomorrow along with the steering arm and then I'll give it a try, slowly! I'm going to get it booked into plays kool for a set up once I know I don't need to take it apart again.......for now!!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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