Thinking of a Westie.

[Mr E]

So I've got to the point where I don't actually need a car.....

....so why have one that's compromised by doors, windows, air-con etc.?

Been looking at various options, and a decent westfield looks like it might fit the bill very nicely.

Something like this;
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1035351.htm

Looks in good nick, has the right gearbox and a good engine. Independent suspension, discs all rounds.

What have I missed? What should I look out for?

(I'm also liking the Gulf liveried car in the classified).

[Rich7se]

I like your style for wanting one, after all its just a toy. An expensive toy granted but loads of fun.

I guess as with most kit cars , the build is the key ( unless its a factory car) - have a close look at the way its put together. Its easy to get distracted by the shiny fibreglass and posh seats. When I got mine on the whole it seemed ok, till I started looking closer. I eventually stripped it down and rebuilt it such were the mistakes made by the original builder - things like no nyloc nuts were there should have been etc.

Rich

[Goochie]

Both of the cars you're looking at are from the same seller, local to me (in Tamworth, Staffs). I saw the Gulf car on the road last week before I knew it was for sale and it really does look good.

[Chris71]

Looks like a good spec. I've been window shopping these and that sounds like quite a good price for a 2-litre Zetec with a LSD and all the right bits.

[Mr E]

I may take a trip up for a little look this weekend.

Looks like a decent car. Won't know for sure until I've poked around it a bit.

[cleggyWestfield]

try to pick one up with at least the RAC roll bar as the standard one (single loop) is made of cheese

Or if you are handyman, then you could fit one yourself, I have just done this and it is a tricky if you want to keep your boot box for storage ... other than that it looks ok .. just go and view a few first before you buy, an ideal place to do this is at one of the kit car shows

See below my RAC bar fitted ... you tend to be able to pick them up for 150 quid secondhand and in good nick



lowered floor is a good option if your tall ... removable steering wheel also a nice extra for security and for getting in and out

Edited by cleggyWestfield on Tuesday 12th May 13:46

[Mr E]

Good shout on the rollbar. Hadn't thought of that and I would be wanting to play on track occasionally...

I'm not quite 6ft, and I do fit ok into a narrow body.

Boot box shouldn't be much of a concern - wasn't planning on doing a lot of touring. Perhaps room for a small rucksack with a change of pants and toothbrush?

It would be purely a toy.

Cheers for the advice from all. I'm still feeling my way on this one.

[Chris71]

Mr E said:

I'm not quite 6ft, and I do fit ok into a narrow body.

It always amazes me the number of wide bodied Westfields (and other '7s) you see. I'd say I was at least average height and build and I've got bags of room in a standard SE. Obviously some people will need the bigger car, but it seems like 90% of the kits are larger, not a handful!

Coincidentally, does anyone know what sort of weight penalty the wide body incurs spec-for-spec and does it have any bearing on the effectiveness of weather gear or anything?

[Rich7se]

Chris71 said:

Mr E said:

I'm not quite 6ft, and I do fit ok into a narrow body.

It always amazes me the number of wide bodied Westfields (and other '7s) you see. I'd say I was at least average height and build and I've got bags of room in a standard SE. Obviously some people will need the bigger car, but it seems like 90% of the kits are larger, not a handful!

Coincidentally, does anyone know what sort of weight penalty the wide body incurs spec-for-spec and does it have any bearing on the effectiveness of weather gear or anything?

Likewise I am 6`2" and fit ok into a narrow bodied car, interesting question regarding the weight issue with the two cars would be great to get some views on that. I cant see the weather gear being affected as it would be made specially for the wider body. Which actually reminds me that most of the body panels AND rac roll bars on the Westy site are for the wider body, seems they no longer supply parts for the narrow ( or at least if they do, its not made clear on the product page), I got a rac bar without asking which car it was for , fortunaly with a bit of clever work with steel plates and the like I got it to fit ok - Phew....

[cleggyWestfield]

narrow bodies are a bit lighter and slip through the air better ... you can still get most parts as far as I know - for an easy life go wide bodied - some prefer the look of the narrow - I would go wide if it was me but that's because I did

[Goochie]

I dont want to point out the obvious here, but why are people discussing a person's height in relation to the need for a wide bodied car ? Surely it is the person's waist line that matters?

[Rich7se]

Goochie said:

I dont want to point out the obvious here, but why are people discussing a person's height in relation to the need for a wide bodied car ? Surely it is the person's waist line that matters?

Thats a fair point, I am lend to believe than the wide one has a longer cockpit, therefore more leg room ( though I could be talking b*****X)


EDIT. Found this whilst searching

"The widebody is 4 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the narrow cars so I think most people can be accomodated comfortably."

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=...

Edited by Rich7se on Tuesday 12th May 17:17

[.Adam.]

Westfield only make the wide bodied cars now, and I think for some time too. I love my Westie, been all over Europe in it as well, so they are not just for quick blats. Would recommend you get to your local club meet and have a nose at the cars.

[.Adam.]

Just wondering why the car linked originally is on a Q plate, I would have thought a factory built car would have been on a normal 1996 plate?

[Chris71]

Goochie said:

I dont want to point out the obvious here, but why are people discussing a person's height in relation to the need for a wide bodied car ? Surely it is the person's waist line that matters?

Because if you're 5'0 you'd have to be distinctly chunky to be the same width as someone of a normal build at 6'4.

The fact is most people fit in between the two though (going back to build now) so I'm wondering why the wide body is so popular. Are Westfield owners all 6'5 Adonises or are they just exhibiting a little middle aged spread?

[h4muf]

.Adam. said:

Westfield only make the wide bodied cars now, and I think for some time too. I love my Westie, been all over Europe in it as well, so they are not just for quick blats. Would recommend you get to your local club meet and have a nose at the cars.

Agree adam.

Without doubt the best thing i`ve ever bought.

I love it more than my women...maybe

[Disco_Biscuit]

I recently bought an MNR Vortx RT+ factory build, i was looking at westfields amongst others, the MNR just seemed to look right and was very well put together.

Its completely impractical, i love it!

[Chris71]

h4muf said:

I love it more than my women...

Good man!

(You better hope none of them read this though)

[Goochie]

.Adam. said:

Just wondering why the car linked originally is on a Q plate, I would have thought a factory built car would have been on a normal 1996 plate?

I thought that too.

[Mr E]

Goochie said:

.Adam. said:

Just wondering why the car linked originally is on a Q plate, I would have thought a factory built car would have been on a normal 1996 plate?

I thought that too.

It is an excellent point.