| Masamitsu,
welcome to the strange world of kit cars...
The Westfield 11 was, I believe, Westfield's first venture into kit
cars. Their second, the SE looked, until a court case, *very* like the Lotus/
Caterham 7. The SE sold very well and they dropped the 11. They have just
started producing the 11 again, but they have changed the rear end configuration
a little, moving to their independent rear suspension. They are a very
professional set up and, I would think, are willing to provide a lot of help...
Dave
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| Hi,
I am currently building a Westfield SE, a latter model. This is
more of a road car than a race car. The suspension set up sounds
similar, with five links, but mine has rubber bushes at the joints. If
you are going to weld the pivots back on, then it would probably be a
good idea to remove the Aluminium panels nearby. If it is built the
same as mine, then there will be Silicone sealant between the panels
and the steel frame tubes. This is to make the joint waterproof and also
to inhibit corrosion between the dissimilar metals. The heat from the
welding would probably fry this sealant, so you would be better taking
the panels off and putting new sealant on when you have finished
welding.
I have not seen a Westfield 11 in the flesh, only photo's, so I
don't know details of it's construction. Westfield have been very
helpful in answering questions I have had in building my car, so a
letter, asking for advice would be a good idea. Their after sales
service is very good. I believe that Westfield are planning to restart
production of the 11.
Jeremy
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| Thank you for all advise.
Re. < VANTEN::MITCHELLD "I dont brake for Westfields!" 1461.3 >
>please describe "no rubber" in a bit more detail. Is it rose jointed
>i.e. spherical bearing rod ends?
Presumably yes. (I didn't know how to discribe it in English)
This type of suspension would stress the frame.
>Why not contact Westfield for some advice?
I sent mail to Westfield several weeks ago. I may need to call for some
assistance via phone.
I can't weld the frame by myself but I'll do as much preparation (removing
Aluminium panels) as I can before bringing the car to a shop. All of your
advice help me a lot.
About ten years ago, I went to London (and visited Caterham Car Sales).
On the way to go to Glovsner(sp?) House midnight, I saw a Austin Healey
Sprite Mk-I parking calmly in the rain. This is my first sight of British
and ever great memory. I wish I visit UK again and buy tons of parts for
my 11.
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