Where to start when building a kit Help!!

[white_van_man]

Finally i have the chance to build a kit car. I think i have settled (pending a test drive) on the westfield Mazda kit.

But i have no idea how to go about things. This will be my first kit car and im basically after any hints, tips, do and dont when it comes to building a kit car. Ideally if anyone who has built one is available for a beer one night (around berkshire) for a chat, that would be great.

Thanks
WVM

[Snake the Sniper]

I would suggest, where possible, to get it running/working before putting any bodywork on. It can often get in the way of important parts.
Or, just have a look at the westy build manual and it'll suggest a sensible way forward!

[MartinDB]

If you haven't already, join this lot Westfield Sports Car Club.

[Davi]

read the instruction manual till it's thoroughly imprinted on your brain before lifting a spanner

[Meeja]

[James May]

And don't forget to name all of your tools.....

[/James May]

[white_van_man]

Snake the Sniper said:

I would suggest, where possible, to get it running/working before putting any bodywork on. It can often get in the way of important parts.
Or, just have a look at the westy build manual and it'll suggest a sensible way forward!

MartinDB said:

If you haven't already, join this lot Westfield Sports Car Club.

Davi said:

read the instruction manual till it's thoroughly imprinted on your brain before lifting a spanner

[Furyous]

The westy build manual is probably one of the best out there tbh.

Generally, build sequence would be something along the lines of...

Panel chassis
swearing
fit suspension
swearing
fit engine
swearing
fit fuel tank
swearing
fit brake/fuel lines
swearing
wiring
swearing
bodywork
wiring

HTH
F

[Snake the Sniper]

Nah, you've definitely missed a few extra swearings out there!

[tiger_drew]

unless the panels in a westie are absolutely bob on the I would suggest making cardboard templates for chassis panels

And agree with all prvious comments

[Davi]

Furyous said:

The westy build manual is probably one of the best out there tbh.

Generally, build sequence would be something along the lines of...

Panel chassis
swearing
fit suspension
swearing
fit engine
swearing
fit fuel tank
swearing
fit brake/fuel lines
swearing
wiring
swearing
bodywork
wiring

HTH
F

you've missed out the important bit though - complete A, which lets you fit B, which brings you to the stage to fit C, finally fit D then E, at which point you find the special clasp that has to be fitted onto part A prior to install, and can now only be done by stripping back parts E, D, C and B.

[Furyous]

Davi said:

you've missed out the important bit though - complete A, which lets you fit B, which brings you to the stage to fit C, finally fit D then E, at which point you find the special clasp that has to be fitted onto part A prior to install, and can now only be done by stripping back parts E, D, C and B.

Swearing.

Swearing.

Swearing.

You will enjoy the build though, and the sense of satisfaction is huge.

Just be prepared for it to take twice as long and cost twice as much.

Oh, and be prepared to swear.Lots.

HTH
F

[tribbles]

I think that there's also some degree of personal injury as you're probably going to be using tools you're not used to.

Or being careless.

[tiger_drew]

doesnt even need carelessness just a slight drift in attention can result in a serious case in spanner rash

I know been there done that

[Furyous]

On a serious note, WVM, yhm.

F