New member (who is looking for Westfield friendly garages).

[Spacedoggy]

 

Hi all,

 

I’ve recently bought a 2008 factory built Westfield with a 1.6 Sigma engine.   Whilst it looked as though it has been well looked after, having only had 1300 miles on the odometer and quite a bit of money spent on various things, service history is practically non-existent.

 

Therefore I’d like to start by getting a full service, time belt/water pump replacement, fluid change etc but I’m finding it hard to find a local garage that is willing to touch it.

 

Can anyone offer any recommendations that are near Wisbech?

 

I realise that this is probably not the car to buy for someone with little mechanical experience, but I fell in love with it since nothing I’ve driven previously really compares!

[Richard (OldStager)]

welcome,

whilst i can't help you with finding a suitable garage near you, may i suggest you have a go yourself, if you feel out of your depth there are loads of folks here who will talk you through it.

a westy really is a very easy car to work on and you can take the knowledge and apply it to production cars as well.

 

 not only will you be saving a fortune in garage charges but learning as you go.

 

good luck anyway.

[Spacedoggy]

@OldStager Thanks for your reply.  That's probably the right answer and I'd love to learn more about car mechanics: I'm pretty practical in most other respects. However, I think a timing belt change is a bit much for me at the moment and I'd also love to spend some more time driving it before I start taking it apart (although I've started tinkering with the interior) !  

 

Given that it is quite an easy car to work on, I'm a bit surprised that the local garages seem so reluctant?

[Richard (OldStager)]

many garages won't even know what a westy is, let alone entertain working on one. what i would do at this stage is ask on here who has a sigma powered car and have they changed a cam belt and take it from there. i have changed many belts over the years on may different cars and once you get the jist of it and the method of lining pulleys up , you will wonder what you were worrying about.

[snowy892]

Hi,

Tiger Racing are based in Wisbech, have a chat with them. I've been to their open days and always seem very friendly. 

[Spacedoggy]

@OldStagerI did see that someone kindly posted some instructions on changing a Sigma timing belt. I had a good look at it, but honestly I wouldn't trust myself not to do serious damage at this stage.   

 

[Spacedoggy]

@snowy892 Thanks for the suggestion - will definitely give them a call on Monday!  

[Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO]

The core plugs under the spark plug cover are worth checking too. @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary has replaced them on his and wrote it up.

 

[Spacedoggy]

1 hour ago, Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO said:

The core plugs under the spark plug cover are worth checking too. @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary has replaced them on his and wrote it up.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.  I've found the write up and I think I should be able to check these myself - probably a good job to Christen the socket set on!

 

Are there any other things that I should check out on an elderly car whilst I'm at it?

 

[Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO]

20 minutes ago, Spacedoggy said:

Thanks for the suggestion.  I've found the write up and I think I should be able to check these myself - probably a good job to Christen the socket set on!

 

Are there any other things that I should check out on an elderly car whilst I'm at it?

 

Check all things that should be tight are and all things that move are free 😉

 

Just get to know your car and take pics/ask questions here.

 

I'd suggest changing all fluids (engine/gearbox/diff) coolant, brake (clutch if hydraulic), then at least you know when they were last done.

 

Have a good look at discs & pads to see how much life is left in them. 

 

Check date code on tyres and consider changing if older than 6 years.

 

Check what each fuse does and label. Much better to know in the dry and light, rather than on a wet dark night in the middle of no where.

 

 

[Rory's Dad]

I'd give Tiger a call and visit them for a decent chat. If you make an appointment, take a list of things you want to know. They will be armed and ready to answer your questions!! And, as Snowy says, they are friendly people. Good luck and welcome to the club!!

[GaryD1971]

from Walpole Highway! I have used a garage in Terrington St Clement for work on mine. He seems to understand the kit car ethos. As has also been mentioned, Tiger Sports cars are very helpful too. 

Whereabouts are you in relation to Wisbech? 

[Spacedoggy]

@Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO Thanks for the tips.

9 hours ago, Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO said:

Much better to know in the dry and light, rather than on a wet dark night in the middle of no where.

 

Ha.  I'm starting to feel like a bit of a shandy drinker: my car has no wet weather gear and the wipers look to be purely decorative.  So hoping to avoid rain and darkness for the time being.  Will be sure to label the fuses though, and maybe I can identify the mystery light under the dash at the same time.

 

 

[Spacedoggy]

@Rory's Dad Thanks, I'll do that.  The list is growing longer all the time.  Not sure how I missed these guys when I was searching, but it would be a great find if they're will to do some work on the car, check it over, and give me some confidence that it's in proper shape.

[Spacedoggy]

@GaryD1971 I'm just a bit down the road from you, near Tydd St Giles, so not far away. Great to know there's another Westfield owner nearby!

 

 I'll make an appointment with Tiger and let you all know how I get on.  Cheers for all the helpful suggestions -  I really appreciate it!