I have a 85 PRE-LIT, curious about Nose

[Lotuss2]

Hey guys, I have purchased a 85 Pre Lit and I am curious if anyone can answer a question. The previous owner installed the grill at the top of the nose. I am not a fan and would like to buy a replacement. I email Westfield and I seems that there was no one who could say definitively that the current SE narrow body nose would fit.  Does anyone have a source? or know if the Westfield Narrow body nose works? 

[Simon Marks - North Oxfordshire AO]

Could you not remove the grill and fill in the hole - or have a fibreglass specialist do it for you?  It would probably be cheaper than a new nose and keep the originality of the car.

Simon

[Ross (Rosshbar)]

Nice car 

[Rusty Nuts]

What Simon Said. Very nice car.

[Mark (smokey mow)]

The narrow nose is very different to the pre-lit most notably by featuring two swadge lines down the sides so I'd be very surprised if it did fit or worked with the bonnet.

ive read suggestions in the past that the Caterham nose fits (hence the litigation) but I wouldn't like to say for definite.

In my opinion I would repair and work with what you have. The aluminium pre-lits are a rare car and the visual appeal of yours is the fact that it is so original so it would be a shame to change that.

[garytipping]

Hi,

I'm currently building a pre lit (chassis 35) I also think a repair to your existing nose would be the way to go. I did buy a grille from a narrow body car, which was too small for the opening in the pre lit nose.

Did you get in touch with @Westfield1 re the pre lit register?

Regards

Gary

[Lotuss2]

I have to say I agree with you guys as well, I in the end would have most likely repaired even if I had found a replacement. 

Keeping the car original is important to me. Would that grill come from Westfield? The car was a factory build and sent to Japan. I have been looking at other Pre Lits and 7's and have never seen a grill like that above the radiator. Thought appreciated.

 

[Lotuss2]

Gary, loved checking out your build. you do great work. 

[Mark (smokey mow)]

5 minutes ago, Lotuss2 said:

I have to say I agree with you guys as well, I in the end would have most likely repaired even if I had found a replacement. 

Keeping the car original is important to me. Would that grill come from Westfield? The car was a factory build and sent to Japan. I have been looking at other Pre Lits and 7's and have never seen a grill like that above the radiator. Thought appreciated.

 

It's not a Westfield part.  It looks more like an air ventilation grille from the local hardware store.

[Lotuss2]

I know who would do that!

   I hate it and want it gone, plan on changing that right away but also want to drive it as much as possible. That grill, the steering wheel and then add back struts and cross bar to the roll cage, and have a tonu made for the back.. She will be right. I most likely will paint the nose just yellow with no stripe. 

[Rhett Turner - Black Country AO]

If it was green, the same color as the nose it might make it less harsh to the eye.

[Captain Colonial]

As per previous comments - you would have to write to Westfield, but my understanding on pre-lits is that WSC can only supply replacement body panels for them if the damaged originals are returned to WSC for destruction.  Therefore repairing the nose cone (or any pre-lit body panels) is IMHO the best course of action.

Don't forget you have only 30 days or posts for free to decide whether or not to join us as a paying member! Judging from the valuable info and friendly advice you're getting, I hope it influences you to join us.

[Lawrie]

I'm wondering why that grill is there.  It looks to be directly over the radiator.  Perhaps it was overheating in traffic.  Otherwise, why ruin an excellent car.  Ah, Japan

And yes, mend the hole, as the chances of a replacement fitting well are slight

[Kevin (Mr T)]

30 minutes ago, Captain Colonial said:

As per previous comments - you would have to write to Westfield, but my understanding on pre-lits is that WSC can only supply replacement body panels for them if the damaged originals are returned to WSC for destruction.  Therefore repairing the nose cone (or any pre-lit body panels) is IMHO the best course of action.

Don't forget you have only 30 days or posts for free to decide whether or not to join us as a paying member! Judging from the valuable info and friendly advice you're getting, I hope it influences you to join us.

I can confirm that there is no longer any option for new parts. I asked about a bonnet two years ago and was advised that the moulds are a long time gone

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

Could a Caterham nose be made to fit?