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Oh dear


bhouse

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There's an MG / TR spares dealer and specialist parts supplier situated at the M5 Junction 2 turn-off - loads of stuff  :D  ;)
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Any idea of their name? Not sure I fancy scuffling about under the pillars of the M5 in brum saying "have you got any gear".
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I'm also seriously considering an Eleven, but can't decide whether to build myself, or have it built for me.  The build manual is not a great encouragement, as it has virtually no useful info such as build sequence, etc.  I guess you could argue that if this deters you, then you shouldn't attempt it, but Westfield could try a little harder here.

Any comments from previous self-builders?

Thx - Tony

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Tony - having now received my kit I'm beginning to wish I'd had it built for me.

At present, I'm simply trying to identify which bit is which, as most of the parts are simply grouped together by type and supplied in plastic bags - eg a bag of assorted nuts, bolts and washers.

They don't seem to have supplied any means of fitting seats to floor (which is odd for a comprehensive kit) unless that's what the otherwise unidentified 2 x 1" self tappers are for ). The optional anti-roll bar kit is supplied as a plastic bag of hardware plus the roll bar itself with no instructions whatsoever.

Certainly, a lot of the work required is obvious if you arm yourself with a Midget workshop/restoration manual but guidance on fitting the Westfield supplied parts is either scant or non-existent.

:(

I'm anticipating a long conversation with the factory today!

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Hallo Brian, and thx for the response.

Not sure whether I feel better that there are other Eleven builders out there, or worse that the kit arrives in a form calling for an immediate phone call to the factory before starting work. 8^)

I can't believe that the seats are fixed with self-tappers, but maybe things are clearer from speaking to WF?

Still mulling things over, but hopefully a few other self-builders (not only Elevens) can encourage me in one direction or the other.  I have the technical expertise, but may be too old to sort through unidentified bags of bits.

Rgds - Tony

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Any idea of their name?

I'll have a closer look next time I'm passing  :D

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Tony -

I emailed the factory who were most helpful - they're sending me the seat frames/runners etc and assured me that they are always available to fech help - even taking photos etc to clarify things where appropriate. I still feel that the build manual should be rather more comprehensive but am somewhat reassured.

Also a visit from the ever cheerful scruffythefirst convinced me that it will be easier then I fear at present!

Where are you based? You're most welcome to come and have a look /chat / cuppa / pint. I'm just south of Saffron Walden in Essex.

Regards,

Brian

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Hi Brian,

Sounds encouraging.  I have just had an interesting chat with our local MG Midget specialist about the possibility of him building the Eleven for me.  He's gone off to look at pricing.  Obviously he has the benefit of being able to source a good donor car easily, plus good access to new/recon parts such as discs, callipers, master cylinders, etc, where you don't really want to fit doubtful donor parts. However he has to make a commercial living....  I am also considering building it myself with the help of a colleague who built a Robin Hood (don't ask) last year.

I'm located in East Sussex, 10 miles south of Tunbridge Wells, but used to live in Finchingfield, so know Saffron Walden a bit.  I'm retired (early), and the offer of a cuppa/pint is an inviting one.

If you would like to meet up some time, I would very much welcome the opportunity to 'kick the tires' a bit, and see how you are getting on with the build.  I can then bore you to death with tales of Lotuses I have owned.

You can email me direct at tonyl42@hotmail.com.

Rgds - Tony

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There's an MG specialist called Brown and Gammons in Baldock, Herts. Website here link

No idea what they are like, just happen to live locally and know of their existance.

Cheers

Simon

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Cheers Simon.

At present I'm replacing all 'mission critical' midget parts as new or exchange rather than use the 1972 vintage variants from my midget. In fact the only original bits I'm using at the moment seem to be the diff, halfshafts, rear axle case and the bottom 6 inches of the steering column. Midget bits are almost pleasantly inexpensive compared to some car parts I could name.

Tony - we're less than 90 minutes from T Wells so an easy trip. I'll email you when I have something worth seeing!

Brian

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Nope - couldn't find the sledge hammer...

Angle grinder time I think.

B

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  • 1 month later...

Oh dear, I've ordered one too, for collection in October.  Brian, as you're several stages ahead of me, I may well be looking to you for guidance, consolation, commiseration, etc.  Would you do it again?

Cheers - Tony Lincoln

ps. yes, my membership application is in the post today.

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