Hello all

[Mark Stanton]

Certainly not lithe young Stepps cos the person you're suggesting to is probably moi ....... Watch out they are there, what ..... dunno

Well, I fitted into my PKM carbon seat        

[MarkJ]

Thanks again. It's useful to know there's one or two people with Westys in and around Bath, I've had an email from someone already. Very helpful indeed.

In answer to the SVA question - no, it isn't registered yet. I was aware of the old style indicator pods no longer being compliant (Westfield told me), so I have decided to buy the newer variety from Westfield to keep within the SVA guidelines. I intend to get myself the SVA Manual that I know some people have had, this should help. I know also (from the 'Racing Car is Born' episodes) that Westfield produce a nut cover set to help through SVA. I am not too sure about the dash switches though, I've got a complete Westfield set with the kit, so I'm assuming these are still compliant. Instruments I was going to purchase from Telemetrix rather than Westy themselves, as they're slightly cheaper, and IMO are that bit different (anyone know how they look in a car?). For seats I'd pretty much decided on Intatrim Rangers as I've measured the cockpit and they should fit (and they're literally half the price of Westys).

The previous owner had made up his own roll-bar from a single piece of steel tubing (not seam-welded), and I will probably stick with this unless anyone knows better.

The rear GRP body section is already fitted, as are the rear lights, fuel filler cap etc. I assume the previous owner fitted the lights according to the measurements in the Westfield Build Manual and therefore they should comply with SVA. I am reluctant to remove the rear panel and replace with different colour bodywork, as it looks a fairly major job. If I can get the car painted in a metallic colour for a similar cost, I would rather go down this route.

Anyway, I have treated myself to 2 days away from the office from tomorrow, to start part hunting and collect some bolts and paint etc.

One thing I know, is every time I open the garage door and stare at the car (with a silly grin on my face) I realise how much work has already gone into it, and am very pleased I didn't attempt to tackle one right from the beginning.

I would be interested in joining the WSCC if anyone has the info. Many thanks again guys,

Mark.

[Blatman]

Try www.wscc.co.uk ......................................    

[steppenwolf]

The rear GRP body section is already fitted, as are the rear lights, fuel filler cap etc. I assume the previous owner fitted the lights according to the measurements in the Westfield Build Manual and therefore they should comply with SVA.

You may well have a problem with radii on these items so it would be worth checking them out - not an insurmountable problem as ther are ways round the problem involving files and wet and dry!

[peterg]

The previous owner had made up his own roll-bar from a single piece of steel tubing (not seam-welded), and I will probably stick with this unless anyone knows better

 if it isn't braced (ie. triangulated) then it will be as useful as a chocolate teapot anyway (there are pics in the archives of what happens in an accident) so for appearances it's fine BUT if you value your head put an RAC spec braced rollbar on it as soon as you can afford it  

oh and good luck with the build, we all try to be helpful where possible, just don't mind the occasional jibe from some of the regulars.......

[Liam]

Europa at Burton on Trent do some reasonably priced seats and George Polley Motorsport at Manea nr Wisbech do reasonably priced KN Minator minilite lookalikes (they are the ones on display in Westfield parts dept).

It's worth shopping around for a Rivnut gun - I paid about £60 then found one in a local toolshop for £40. Make sure you get one that inserts steel or brass threads not alloy.

If it's not been SVA'd don't use Westfield bonnet catches - they will fail even with the weedy plastic covers in the kit. Neil Forman (NF Car Builder Solutions) in Staplehurst Kent do some SVA compliant rubber overcentre catches which are quite neat.

Oh, and noise can a problem with the westfield silencer, certainly with a Pinto - I know, I was that soldier! I think they increased the size from 4.5 to 5.5 inches diameter but mine failed even with the 5.5.

Westfield now (allegedly) produce covers for the headlamp brackets which are also failworthy. I have been waiting for a month for some and managed to get them past with a home made solution.

Liam

[Bryan Hayes]

Hello Mark. Congrats on a fine choice of power unit for your new motor.

The dizzy clearance bit isn't a problem, just make sure you get a top mounted carb linkage. The bottom mounted one can foul some models of dizzy and occasionally the diagonal chassis rail. Suppliers might offer you a choice, but bottom mounted is standard so if they don't know xflows remember to specify. As the car is a narrow body you will need short air filters for the carbs to avoid having to butcher the bonnet at the side, they'll chomp off a couple of HP compared to taller ones, but not so as you'd notice.

Blatman is right (you'll get used to that quickly    ) about wheel size, but if you want 15s for cosmetic reasons, don't let him put you off too much cos plenty of people run them with no probs. Use the search function at the top of the page to find numerous threads on wheel widths and offsets.

I don't find Westfield too bad on prices. If you need reassuring, give c******m a ring and ask them for some prices on their bodywork...

Has nobody mentioned the side exit dizzy cap ? The top exit one does not fit under the manifold !!