Bubba Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Well I almost started this by calling it a Build Dairy! ( I am not a farmer so didn't think it fitted!) Got confirmation that the first 2 modules of my Yellow n Black 2.0 Zetec SEI-W (Codename Bumblebee) will be available for collection w/e 19/10. Then it started to dawn on me that I needed space in the garage so started looking for a shed. Once I decided on a suitable one I then needed a base to put it on so last weekend I spent 2 days digging and shovelling to create the stand for my new shed. The hopefully I shall be getting this fitted on 02/10 Once that is fitted I need to then clear the garage into it. Now starting to trawl ebay for tools required. Quote
Hoon68 Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Looks awsome place to store your garage bits, I'd be using the shed as a little workshop with the garage as the assembly area. My build has been going for a little while now, I'm hoping to fit the body tub this weekend and I can honestly say that its been a great experience. There have been highs and lows, problems and solutions and I'm sure you will experiennce them too like everyone else. But stick at it, if you start to lose faith then talk to people here at at the factory. Gavin and Russ in the parts dept are great guys with a wealth of knowledge. I'm certain that you won't regret it. Good luck and enjoy Quote
Mark (smokey mow) Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Not long to wait but it looks like you have some diy to keep you busy till it's ready Enjoy the build Quote
KugaWestie Posted September 17, 2012 Posted September 17, 2012 Thats not a shed, its a Wendy house Have great fun and enjoy the build, you will miss it when you complete You have completed the first very important step in the build - joining this club. I had no end of help and advice during my build that proved invaluable By the way, prepare yourself for upgradeitus - it is an easily caught disease, and normally breaks out and gets you about 10 minutes after you get the car home from the IVA test Quote
Bubba Posted October 3, 2012 Author Posted October 3, 2012 Well the shed arrived today and was installed in double quick time. Need a couple of days for it to settle then can start insulating and shelving it! Quote
Bubba Posted October 3, 2012 Author Posted October 3, 2012 I think I will leave it natural as it fits in well with the garden Quote
Bubba Posted November 7, 2012 Author Posted November 7, 2012 Well I have been a bit quiet as I finally have most of Mod 1 & 2 and expecting 3, 4 & 5 very soon. So what has happened so far? Well with lots of anticipation the build area was cleared and the shed 1/2 filled and then pickup day loomed. So on 20/10/12 we made our way up to "Church" aka Westfield to pick up the first parts of the kit. We were greeted by Judy and Simon and also Bumblebee's sister who was sitting in the showroom Obviously we spent a good deal of time looking over her as this will be exactly how Bumblebee will look and also picked up tips for Eleanor (Kev's Car) and Poppy (Andy's Car). Then after a great coffee made by the fair Judy we then looked to load the bits into the van. Surprising really how it can fit onto a trolley! Then after a bit of cajoling the kit was in the van and we were ready to roll. Then the M5 played its part in stalling our fun by some great traffic which delayed us by about an hour but the decision was made to start on her that afternoon. I thought we may just pick her up and then the guys would want to get off but they were almost as excited as I was and the plan was to crack on straight away! So after a burger stop where I watched the van like a hawk within an hour or so we were home and the unloading commenced. The bodywork has ended up in my spare room and kit room (to prevent scratching) and the rest was loaded into the garage with Kev and Andy happily bringing the chasis into the garage. Then after a quick run to Kev's for sockets and rivet gun and Andy's for gloves and various other tools we started with the build. Now Andy and Kev have so far built 2 Westfields (Kev's passed the IVA first time and Andy's is finished awaiting IVA next month) so really we didn't need to follow the build manual so we got the chasis into the garage and then decided to start riveting the panels in for the floor pan. The plan was to use an air powered riveter but the day before Andy's went pop and had to go in for repair. (Andy has his own garage so has a great deal of tools) So out with the hand riveter. Could you tell it didnt bother me in the least and was so excited to have my new kit! And as you can see, floor panels, done! Quote
Bubba Posted November 7, 2012 Author Posted November 7, 2012 So then we flipped her back over and I was trying to get some rags on the build stands to ensure the chasis didnt slip I managed to lift the chasis, with one point of my head!!!! Who ever said blood, sweat and tears wasn't wrong! No tears as yet (but close when waiting for bits!) but have had sweat and blood so far! Once over on her front we then started on the transmission tunnel and it was soon riveted in place, absolutely everything was covered in silicon and hopefully wont be like any of the top gear car/boats and leak! We then finished the afternoon of by putting the footwell panels in and attaching the pedal box, and brake reservoir. This was all done on a Saturday afternoon and we then went off to Ice Hockey! Quote
Bubba Posted November 7, 2012 Author Posted November 7, 2012 So then on Sunday morning (21/10) I woke with all the excitement of having my new toy and then headed out to the garage to continue my love affar (sic) with the hand riveter. Jesus hands like Arnie were required for this and I started on transmission panels. Whilst out the night before i had been out to Homebase to load up on some more drill bits as could not believe the amount we were going through. So I then started with the drivers side panel carefully drilling, cleaning, siliconing and then riveting until voila! Some of the rivets needed encouragement with "Madam Tootsie" aka my big red hammer but they were all hand riveted into place. We then proceeded to put on the driver side panel and back panel, plenty of silicone and a little tip don't try drilling into a circualr bar as it just won't work! Working out which way to put the back panel on was a little confusing but I worked it out in the end. One thing I forgot to mention were that all my panels were pre drilled so made it a lot easier for me. Thanks Westfield! and that was it for my Sunday. Quote
Bubba Posted November 7, 2012 Author Posted November 7, 2012 Monday 22/10 I got home as soon as I could from work and my good lady even helped me with the build. She was concerned that everyone else was getting to help and she wasn't so I enlisted her help. Monday evenin we proceeded to put on the nearside panel with all 90 rivets which also included a 17 minute dash to and from B & Q to buy some more drill bits as the panel was 1/2 drilled at the time and at 2035 the last bit broke. With B n Q closing at 9 and it normally being a 10 minute each way trip I am surprised I got there, bought bits, and back home in 17 minutes. After then cleaning and siliconing again this was the picture to close Monday night. Quote
KugaWestie Posted November 7, 2012 Posted November 7, 2012 It seems like you are hooked on the build already! Quote
Bubba Posted December 3, 2012 Author Posted December 3, 2012 Sorry been too busy building to update but here goes the next bits 23/10 Completed the bottom of the battery bay and the comment was I could of used less silicone We then moved on the rear suspension which went if fairly easily (well when you have a highly skilled mechanic mate and an expereinced Westie builder!) Didn't have the diff so could only get in the suspension arms, wishbones, dampers and hubs. We then moved onto the front suspension but one thing you quickly learn to adapt to with a Westie build is shortages, now what bits could be missing? Which rounded off another nights successful building Quote
Bubba Posted December 3, 2012 Author Posted December 3, 2012 28/10 This weekend we started on getting the brake lines and wiring loom in. We started putting the tunnel panel riveted in (I swear if I never see a rivet gun again after this build I will be a happy man! - although thats Kev getting right in there in this pic) We got the cable ties holders riveted in and ready to get the loom tied up Quote
Bubba Posted December 3, 2012 Author Posted December 3, 2012 In the meantime i then ordered module 4 and 5. ( I thought I could space this out but building a Westie is almost as addicitive as crack - not that I would know!) so in between time it was a case of tidying bits up and waiting. I then got the call from Judy at Westfield that my engine was ready and I could pick up Module 4 and 5 at the same time. Woohoo what a result so on 17/11 fired up the van and off we went. Pictured is the heart of Bumbleebee with Kev, Eleanors owner and the rest of mod 4 and 5. Luckily whilst there Kev noticed the fuel tank was for the Sport and not the FW and the parts that were picked had to be changed as for some reason they guys thought I had a ZK not an FW! As soon as I got home unloaded most of it and fitted the front steering Quote
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