7 type cars - how easy to work on?

[Norfolkandchance]

hi,

I'm thinking of a 7 type car to use for hillclimbs and sprints. How are they to work on? Are things easy to get at?

Thanks

[Equus]

They're as simple as it's possible to get with any car, and yes, access is generally superb.

Some (eg the Sylva/Raw Striker) optionally have a 1-piece bonnet and nosecone, which makes life even easier, as it exposes the radiator and inboard front suspension, too, when you take the bonnet off.

[Norfolkandchance]

Thanks

[Mr MXT]

If you get something with GRP bodywork like a Westfield, it’s easy to modify it for brilliant access. The side panels, nose and entire rear end can come off mine in a few mins.

[Nigel_O]

I have a Westield SeiW - The bonnet comes off with two clips - 20 seconds max. The nosecone comes off with two heavy duty Dzus fasteners and a big wingnut - 1 minute max.

Spectacularly easy to work on - before I owned the car, a mechanic had the engine out, fixed a crank oil seal and re-fitted the lump inside three or four hours

If it wasn't for really soft screws in the camcover (which had to be driilled out in the end...), I would have done a cambelt, wather pump and tensioners inside three hours last weekend

[dhutch]

I have a narrowbody westfield, and as said, access is very good. Side panels round and rear arches one on mine and fixed, but the bonnet and nose come off with ease. Tunnel panelling comes off, rear is open from the underside, bootbox would come out if it wasnt for the rear rollbar. Front brake/hubs/dampers obviously very easy to get to. Odd bits a fiddly depending on how the previous owner has had it, alternator belt on mine needs the pulley taking off and there isnt enough swing, for instance.

The only real thing is it is so low I almost always start be running it up ramps, or jacking up and putting it on stands or block under the wheels.



Daniel

[anonymous-user]

Nigel_O said:

I have a Westield SeiW - The bonnet comes off with two clips - 20 seconds max. The nosecone comes off with two heavy duty Dzus fasteners and a big wingnut - 1 minute max.

and half an hour to get the bloody thing back on again, or maybe thats just mine, which to be fair is 3 bolts instead of yours which sounds a much better idea

[dhutch]

keirik said:

and half an hour to get the bloody thing back on again, or maybe thats just mine, which to be fair is 3 bolts instead of yours which sounds a much better idea

My nose cone is on three Dzus fasteners and really pretty easy to get back on, bottom one pops in with the cone resting on your foot, then you just hold it backwards till you get the back two on. Heads of which are hidden by the bonnet.

Must get the engine back in before we get any further into spring. Major downside of a girlfriend and house project!

Daniel