Lotus XI kits?
Discussion
Evening all.
Quick question really. Does anyone still make an XI replica kit, other than Westfield? I have hankerings for one once I've finished my V6 Sprite, but can't find any for sale. I would rather rebuild an old car mind you, but they're like rocking horse poo.
Alternatively, if you know of one rotting away in a shed, let me know!!
Also, can the Westfield Xi be IVA'd without loads of cocking about with the lights? I know they used to issue a set of light pods and advised not to fit the doors for the SVA........But for £10K and a Midget/Sprite I'm sure a way can be found.....
Quick question really. Does anyone still make an XI replica kit, other than Westfield? I have hankerings for one once I've finished my V6 Sprite, but can't find any for sale. I would rather rebuild an old car mind you, but they're like rocking horse poo.
Alternatively, if you know of one rotting away in a shed, let me know!!
Also, can the Westfield Xi be IVA'd without loads of cocking about with the lights? I know they used to issue a set of light pods and advised not to fit the doors for the SVA........But for £10K and a Midget/Sprite I'm sure a way can be found.....
I've sent Mike an e-mail asking about some of the stuff on his site, as I know many kit folk aren't very good at keeping such things up top date as they're busy working. As for the build manual, I've got the 1983 version!! I'm aware of the need for a few bodges, like the steering wheel, and IIRC the need to not have wire wheels, but such things are fairly simple to sort. It's the major things like the lights that worry me.
The headlights are probably the biggest issue with respect to the SVA. I know of one builder who has managed to small fit bear claw 2 stage catches to the XI doors so that ought to satisfy that point.
Perhaps rather than the bug eye headlamp pods you could use projector lamps like a Cerbera, they are small enough that you may be able to get them high enough, but certainly still wouldn't be suitable long term. Other than that I can't remember too much faffing for the SVA, never tried the IVA though.
Perhaps rather than the bug eye headlamp pods you could use projector lamps like a Cerbera, they are small enough that you may be able to get them high enough, but certainly still wouldn't be suitable long term. Other than that I can't remember too much faffing for the SVA, never tried the IVA though.
Thanks for the comments so far.
The other manufacturer was GTS, but they've not made their XI for a while now I believe. Whilst I would prefer a complete kit, making things as I go isn't too much of an issue for me. As long as I can get hold of a matching(-ish) chassis and shell, the rest I can handle. Are there any other major issues anyone can foresee with IVA'ing an XI replica? I imagine that with a full shell, many of the issues a 7 faces don't matter, but you are more restricted on things like lights, and as said, number plate plinths and so forth.
The other manufacturer was GTS, but they've not made their XI for a while now I believe. Whilst I would prefer a complete kit, making things as I go isn't too much of an issue for me. As long as I can get hold of a matching(-ish) chassis and shell, the rest I can handle. Are there any other major issues anyone can foresee with IVA'ing an XI replica? I imagine that with a full shell, many of the issues a 7 faces don't matter, but you are more restricted on things like lights, and as said, number plate plinths and so forth.
Hi there
I built Kit No.1 of the second run of Westfield XI’s. I may have the latest build manual somewhere in electronic form and will have a look for it.
To get it through the SVA at the time the windscreen and doors had to be removed, padded steering wheel and large wing mirrors and the afore mentioned light pods. The examiner was very clear these had to be fixed in a permanent fashion to the car, so no bodge tape. For my car the hardest part was actually the height of the harness fixtures above the seat but I assume this has been eased in later kits. A pain was covering all sharp edges etc and a vertical rear number plate. All necessary parts for the SVA were supplied by Westfield and still sit in the rear of my garage.
The examiner knew the car would be altered as soon as I got home but he did the test by the book.
By the way with my tester Knock On spinners fail SVA, so get a set of US spec nuts.
If you have any specific questions just ask.
Jon Adams
I built Kit No.1 of the second run of Westfield XI’s. I may have the latest build manual somewhere in electronic form and will have a look for it.
To get it through the SVA at the time the windscreen and doors had to be removed, padded steering wheel and large wing mirrors and the afore mentioned light pods. The examiner was very clear these had to be fixed in a permanent fashion to the car, so no bodge tape. For my car the hardest part was actually the height of the harness fixtures above the seat but I assume this has been eased in later kits. A pain was covering all sharp edges etc and a vertical rear number plate. All necessary parts for the SVA were supplied by Westfield and still sit in the rear of my garage.
The examiner knew the car would be altered as soon as I got home but he did the test by the book.
By the way with my tester Knock On spinners fail SVA, so get a set of US spec nuts.
If you have any specific questions just ask.
Jon Adams
Jon,
Thanks for that. I had expected a few of the "usual" SVA/IVA tricks like the steering wheel. The harness mounts could be more of an issue though, as I'm 6'3", and need them to be fairly high for my own safety! Do you have any build pics showing them at all? If you do have the build manual that would be great s it'll save the other chap scanning one in for me!
Thanks for that. I had expected a few of the "usual" SVA/IVA tricks like the steering wheel. The harness mounts could be more of an issue though, as I'm 6'3", and need them to be fairly high for my own safety! Do you have any build pics showing them at all? If you do have the build manual that would be great s it'll save the other chap scanning one in for me!
Hi there
The problem with the harness fixing was there is a minimum distance between the seat base and the harness mount. I had to make some temporary seat cushions to fit the car, and it had to have cushioning, to meet this minimum measurement. Being 6’3”hve you sat in a car? They’re not big cars and foot space is tight. The largest passenger I’ve taken was approx. 6’5” and he wore the car like a roller skate! I’m 5’11 and can just get below the screen to avoid rain. Will check other PC for the build manual.
Jon
The problem with the harness fixing was there is a minimum distance between the seat base and the harness mount. I had to make some temporary seat cushions to fit the car, and it had to have cushioning, to meet this minimum measurement. Being 6’3”hve you sat in a car? They’re not big cars and foot space is tight. The largest passenger I’ve taken was approx. 6’5” and he wore the car like a roller skate! I’m 5’11 and can just get below the screen to avoid rain. Will check other PC for the build manual.
Jon
Found the build manual from Westfield. Riveting bed time reading! Don’t know how to post so people can copy.
My car does have a lowered sloping floor pan, about an inch at the rear of the seat. I also bought the seat runners but never fitted them as they raised the seat too high. I generally remove the drivers cushion before driving to get a lower position. This helps with knee clearance and gets you lower out of the wind.
If anyone can let me know how to share the build manual, it’s in PDF format, that would be great.
Jon
My car does have a lowered sloping floor pan, about an inch at the rear of the seat. I also bought the seat runners but never fitted them as they raised the seat too high. I generally remove the drivers cushion before driving to get a lower position. This helps with knee clearance and gets you lower out of the wind.
If anyone can let me know how to share the build manual, it’s in PDF format, that would be great.
Jon
56Lotus said:
Hi there
The problem with the harness fixing was there is a minimum distance between the seat base and the harness mount. I had to make some temporary seat cushions to fit the car, and it had to have cushioning, to meet this minimum measurement. Being 6’3”hve you sat in a car? They’re not big cars and foot space is tight. The largest passenger I’ve taken was approx. 6’5” and he wore the car like a roller skate! I’m 5’11 and can just get below the screen to avoid rain. Will check other PC for the build manual.
Jon
Jon, did you let the chap drive the car or sit in the drivers seat? I ask because an XI is one my bucket list of cars to own and I'm 6'5" and am curious to whether ownership is a practical proposition. My previous toy was a Megabird, which I fitted without a problem, but I understand the XI is more akin to non SV Caterhams in size.The problem with the harness fixing was there is a minimum distance between the seat base and the harness mount. I had to make some temporary seat cushions to fit the car, and it had to have cushioning, to meet this minimum measurement. Being 6’3”hve you sat in a car? They’re not big cars and foot space is tight. The largest passenger I’ve taken was approx. 6’5” and he wore the car like a roller skate! I’m 5’11 and can just get below the screen to avoid rain. Will check other PC for the build manual.
Jon
He just sat in the passenger seat. I would imagine he would really struggle to fit behind the wheel and use the pedals, gap between wheel and seat is tight as well I’ve got size 9 feet and you wouldn’t want them much bigger. Best thing would be to try and sit in one, I live in Wet Devon if that’s any good.
Jon
Jon
56Lotus said:
He just sat in the passenger seat. I would imagine he would really struggle to fit behind the wheel and use the pedals, gap between wheel and seat is tight as well I’ve got size 9 feet and you wouldn’t want them much bigger. Best thing would be to try and sit in one, I live in Wet Devon if that’s any good.
Jon
Jon
Thanks but I'm located in the NY Moors. It does suggest I might struggle though. In my Megabird I raised and lengthened the steering column to offer greater knee clearance.
I guess as a minimum I'd have to do something similar.
Beautiful little cars though I'm very jealous.
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