Restoration Project Advice

[matt_c]

sh=item150337667354&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A7|39%3A1|240%3A1318" target="_blank">This has caught my eye on Ebay. I have the ability to rebuild it but I would like an Experienced opinion on what is there and would like to know if there is anything I should look out for. I also wouldn't mind an opinion on whether or not it is a bargain or just a pile of junk

Ebay Item number: 150337667354

Thanks in advance

Matt

[Mark Stanton]

Few things to bear in mind:

This car is registered on a donor 1973 vehicle - you do have to be careful especially with insurance as most specialists understand that earlier SE Westfields are not donor vehicle kits (except for current Mazda).

WSC Ltd supply of narrow body parts is now quite limited, and often special order especially body panels.

You need to verify chassis numbers to ensure its not a write off or copy.

In the past it is not uncommon for a few less than honest folks to merely get together a collection of various components and sell them as an unfinished or refurbishment project.

At that price it's not much less than a brand new Westfield chassis kit so you need to ensure that the value of extra components is correct and will actually be useful and fit the car.

Like any other secondhand purchase you need to do your homework - work out an approximate total cost for all outstanding to rebuild   and also check this against the price of an already built second hand car for sale - there are some bargains around  

it is registered as a Westfield

and

First registered 01 May 1973  (Donor car registration, not the kit)

       

Westfields did not exist in 1973    

[matt_c]

Wow, thanks for a rapid reply Mark. Very useful

[matt_c]

First registered 01 May 1973  (Donor car registration, not the kit)

       

Westfields did not exist in 1973    

Ah, that's a problem then. Do you think it would still be registered as an Escort? or is this bloke just talking rubbish?

[peterg]

Going on the chassis no quoted "89WSE..." it could be an '89 kit but retained the reg no of the donor Escort/Cortina etc.

He says it's registered as a Westfield which may well be true, you could always ask to see a copy of the V5 docs and would be worth doing an HPI check on it

[Mark Stanton]

Maybe registered as an Escort / Westfield   , there are a few similar registered cars around - You do have to be careful especially if you have a future insurance claim - it can be an easy opt out - Any clued up specialist insurance would have the background knowledge  

[matt_c]

Maybe registered as an Escort / Westfield   , there are a few similar registered cars around - You do have to be careful especially if you have a future insurance claim - it can be an easy opt out - Any clued up specialist insurance would have the background knowledge  

See, this is why I came here for advice.

Thanks Mark/Peter

[Hammy]

When you buy a lot of parts you need to sit down and add up the time and cost to get it up and running to see if it is viable for you.

There are a lot of cars out there if you look hard and long ....  I think there is a nice looking car ( white one) with MOT in the back of last months mag 900 miles with MOT for about £2.5k, which could be a great starter car.

This car below might be known to someone, bought by a friend of mine (hope he doesn't mind the post, but is rightly proud of this  car) as a non runner with blown motor, its now up and running owes him £3k SEi with 4age motor, just MOT'ed will be at stoneleigh

[Bananaman]

have a look at this... 280335912089

[stevewi]

That Tub must of had it surely.

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

lol I had seen that ...

[matt_c]

have a look at this... 280335912089

wow, how did I miss that?

That looks a much better option.

Thanks

[Bananaman]

That Tub must of had it surely.

I'm sure it can be fixed witha bit of effort

[chazpowerslide]

My SE is an 87 chassis and is registered as the donor Escort.

I checked this with the insurance company and had it in writing that it wasn't a problem (from Footy James, Aidy Flux and Sureterm)

The tax is no issue as it's done on line.............

They all took the view that it was insured as what is was (ie a Westfield) not what the V5 said it was.

Interestingly the DVLA will transfer the reg plate and re-register it as a Westfield as I have proof that it was a Westfield being used in the road prior to to SVA.

I'll have this done once the re-build is complete.

Chaz.

[matt_c]

Ebay: 280335912089 sold for £3700.00 in the end.  Would you say I was right to think that's not much of a bargain seeing as the *tub needed repairing. Also from what I can see that's not much cheaper than buying new from WSC?

*With the RAL code the correct Gel Coat could have been sourced and with the right skills could have been made to look like new but even still I'm sure this would involve quite a bit of effort.

Edit: I suppose the LSD would put a little bit more value on.