next car advise
Discussion
I'm having a bit of a think:
My pembleton is a beautiful machine and great fun, but it has its issues.
1) it's quite small internally and really is a squeeze for 2 people width wise. Im tall at 6ft 5 and the cockpit is quite short. As a result my knees are quite bent, yet my back is bolt upright. I cant drive it for more than an hour at a time do to my posture etc.
2) it really is very open
3) its noisy and quite slow
4) I dont have a tonneau cover/any weather protection at all
I could improve things very slightly by making an expanding foam seat, so I essentially sit on the floor, and make a cover for it. My worry its that even if I do these things, it will still be uncomfortable etc...
However its a really special machine and looks the nuts, and gets lots of attention everywhere.
So its got me thinking about replacing it with something a little more refined, a bit faster a little bigger. Ive seen a few westfield wide bodies for sale, I'm not overly fussed about the spec as it will be a lot faster and flatter than the pembleton anyway. Im not particularly interested in a featherweight bike engined hill climb weapon, more of a longer legged fastish road car.
I've been to see one locally and confirm I do fit, although snug, not uncomfy like the pembleton. Was a relatively basic spec with a freshly rebuilt pinto 200miles ago, full weather gear and doors, and tonneau cover and a 1998 build on a q plate. Generally okay condition, but could be tip top in a few weekends...
Now I don't know what to do... suggestions welcome
My pembleton is a beautiful machine and great fun, but it has its issues.
1) it's quite small internally and really is a squeeze for 2 people width wise. Im tall at 6ft 5 and the cockpit is quite short. As a result my knees are quite bent, yet my back is bolt upright. I cant drive it for more than an hour at a time do to my posture etc.
2) it really is very open
3) its noisy and quite slow
4) I dont have a tonneau cover/any weather protection at all
I could improve things very slightly by making an expanding foam seat, so I essentially sit on the floor, and make a cover for it. My worry its that even if I do these things, it will still be uncomfortable etc...
However its a really special machine and looks the nuts, and gets lots of attention everywhere.
So its got me thinking about replacing it with something a little more refined, a bit faster a little bigger. Ive seen a few westfield wide bodies for sale, I'm not overly fussed about the spec as it will be a lot faster and flatter than the pembleton anyway. Im not particularly interested in a featherweight bike engined hill climb weapon, more of a longer legged fastish road car.
I've been to see one locally and confirm I do fit, although snug, not uncomfy like the pembleton. Was a relatively basic spec with a freshly rebuilt pinto 200miles ago, full weather gear and doors, and tonneau cover and a 1998 build on a q plate. Generally okay condition, but could be tip top in a few weekends...
Now I don't know what to do... suggestions welcome
I do like that a lot!
Unfortunately I dont have the time or space to build one at the moment. And with an imminent house purchase in the next 12months, I cant really afford a new factory build one. I dont mind a car that needs tidying a bit but mechanically sound, but I'm not in a position to build one I'm afraid.
Budget of up to £10 k max, but prefer £8kish.
I really like the look of the tiger hs6 too, but again, expensive new and I've bit an asecond hand one for sale... plus I dont know how big they are internally...
Unfortunately I dont have the time or space to build one at the moment. And with an imminent house purchase in the next 12months, I cant really afford a new factory build one. I dont mind a car that needs tidying a bit but mechanically sound, but I'm not in a position to build one I'm afraid.
Budget of up to £10 k max, but prefer £8kish.
I really like the look of the tiger hs6 too, but again, expensive new and I've bit an asecond hand one for sale... plus I dont know how big they are internally...
Well after driving that local westfield for sale I dont think it felt anywhere special enough. It was actually very fast. It had a very agressive cam on it and when pushed to over 4k rpm seemed to go beserk. It had a live rear axle and the engine had been skimmed, bored and rebuilt with new pistons and rings less than 200miles ago, and a competition clutch which seemed to be on/off.
Having spoken to my wife, and a few other people, I've decided to keep the pembleton until we buy a house next year. Then build myself a new pembleton wide cockpit LWB, probably with a moto guzzi IE engine to make it a lot more spritely and a bit quieter (70% more power) with decent silencers.
That way I can build it exactly to my spec and I will fit in it with comfort, and still feel special enough! I might even consider building it with high sides/scuttle and a full V screen!
For now the first job is to find a house with a suitable garage, then locate a 2cv donor and bike donor then once all the parts are stripped, clean and overhauled, order the chassis!
Having spoken to my wife, and a few other people, I've decided to keep the pembleton until we buy a house next year. Then build myself a new pembleton wide cockpit LWB, probably with a moto guzzi IE engine to make it a lot more spritely and a bit quieter (70% more power) with decent silencers.
That way I can build it exactly to my spec and I will fit in it with comfort, and still feel special enough! I might even consider building it with high sides/scuttle and a full V screen!
For now the first job is to find a house with a suitable garage, then locate a 2cv donor and bike donor then once all the parts are stripped, clean and overhauled, order the chassis!
Edited by Ambleton on Tuesday 13th December 19:19
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