http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ca

[Bean]

Hi, I'm a new member to this forum and am debating buying a Westfield as a summer toy.

I had planned on buying something in need of work, fitting a new engine myself etc...

But just saw this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws....94&rd=1

Looks nice, I've asked the seller to send me more details.

Anything obvious to look out for, ask regarding pre lit westies?

Sorry if I'm asking silly newbie questions  

[Mark Stanton]

Anything obvious to look out for, ask regarding pre lit westies?

Replacement panels and parts can sometimes be awkward to get  

[Bean]

Sorry to post the URL as a topic, can someone point me towards a buyers guide and info for pre lit cars?

I don't mind doing most the work myself.

[potster]

Welcome bean.

You've certainly found the right place if you fancy a westie

With regards to Pre-Lit cars (I'm no expert BTW) but as I understand it they have a different suspension setup on the front ex MG possibly? which isn't that great. Also the body is low lying so an engine swap may be difficult if you want to go the VX or zetec route. Although it has been done.

For that kind of money you might be better going for an narrow SE? Similair money easier to get parts

The only other advise I can offer is: -

1) Join the club its the best £25 you'll ever spend

2) Try and go to a local meet, see some cars, decide oh how much you want to spend

Best of luck

[Bean]

Welcome bean.

You've certainly found the right place if you fancy a westie

With regards to Pre-Lit cars (I'm no expert BTW) but as I understand it they have a different suspension setup on the front ex MG possibly? which isn't that great. Also the body is low lying so an engine swap may be difficult if you want to go the VX or zetec route. Although it has been done.

For that kind of money you might be better going for an narrow SE? Similair money easier to get parts

The only other advise I can offer is: -

1) Join the club its the best £25 you'll ever spend

2) Try and go to a local meet, see some cars, decide oh how much you want to spend

Best of luck

Thanks for all the replies guys, I was looking at something cheap with a view to restoration and eventually fitting a new engine.

I'll checkout the narrow SE model but do admit to liking the pre lit styling with its bare aluminium.

One further question, does everyone keep their Westies in a garage because I don't currently have the room. It'd end up outside undercover for a while.

[Mark Stanton]

but as I understand it they have a different suspension setup on the front ex MG possibly? which isn't that great

No it doesn't   The pre-lit still has the coil over shocks with top and bottom wishbones that we all know albeit in a slightly different shape wishbone        

It was the older eleven that used MG Midget bits and pieces  

[potster]

"It was the older eleven that used MG Midget bits and pieces" Thats obviously what I was reffering too

   

[Bean]

but as I understand it they have a different suspension setup on the front ex MG possibly? which isn't that great

No it doesn't   The pre-lit still has the coil over shocks with top and bottom wishbones that we all know albeit in a slightly different shape wishbone        

It was the older eleven that used MG Midget bits and pieces  

I always liked the older ones, is it a popular model to go for?

I hope it be possible for me to throw in a 2 litre engine in eventually with full drive train, if I felt so inclined.  

[Mark Stanton]

Mr Potster ................. if there wasn't soooooooooooooo many options and alternatives ................... the boardroom Q's would be much easier          

[Mark Stanton]

I always liked the older ones, is it a popular model to go for?

Nope  

I hope it be possible for me to throw in a 2 litre engine in eventually with full drive train, if I felt so inclined.

Then a later Se or Sei wide would make life much simpler    

[michaelcoombs]

I hope it be possible for me to throw in a 2 litre engine in eventually with full drive train, if I felt so inclined.

Then a later Se or Sei wide would make life much simpler    

.... But you get all that polished aluminium without the embarrassment of having to say you own a C*****ham!

 

[Blatman]

Polished ally will last about 4 seconds in the winter if you don't have a garage. I wouldn't own a car with a bare ally skin if it was free and came with a Page 3 girl who did the polishing...

And as has been said, the pre lit may well have a "low line" body which means fitting a modern 16 valver *might* throw up problems you may not otherwise have with a later narrow car, and definitely *won't* have with a wide car...

[Peter Cox]

Polished ally will last about 4 seconds in the winter if you don't have a garage. I wouldn't own a car with a bare ally skin if it was free and came with a Page 3 girl who did the polishing...

What if she had a garage?

[7SE]

I always liked the older ones, is it a popular model to go for?

I hope it be possible for me to throw in a 2 litre engine in eventually with full drive train, if I felt so inclined.  

I like the pre-lit too although, obviously, such things are subjective.

Engineering in a bigger engine is possible, but the only things which will go under the existing bonnet line are a x/flow, Lotus TwinCam, Toyota 4AGE or a bike engine.  So you are looking at a bonnet bulge for 2 litres, which might be a shame with that bonnet.  You won't be able to get an additional bonnet from Westfield, so you are looking at fabricating your own.

It is also possible to fit a 5-spd Type 9 gearbox to a pre-lit.

With all kit cars, condition and quality of build are paramount, I wouldn't be inclined to bid without first inspecting it.

On a related note, the roll bar is off a Caterham, the rear stays may/may not be bolted to anything; there is no standard metalwork to bolt them to in a Pre-lit.  The petty strut is not often fitted by Caterham owners, unless the car is used in competition.  This might be a clue worth following up, with regard to recent usage.

[MARSDALEBEAR]

I wouldn't own a car with a bare ally skin if it was free and came with a Page 3 girl who did the polishing...

Now lets just step back and think about that.....