mk2 escort build

[richie_mck]

Might be different but there used to be A-frame kits for Capri's that had a pretty poor reputation. Any bar that isn't going forward aft is going to struggle to do both jobs of side to side location and resisting axle wind-up. The outboard rose joints are in the wrong orientation to cope with up and down rotation too. The simplest solution would be RS tramp bars and a panhard rod if you are keeping the leaf springs, good compromise for a road car. Everything else gets very complicated very quickly imo. I'm sure you'll have plenty of options though.

I always value feedback from people in the know so thanks for your input. This is all a learning curve.

I’ve tramp bars here, just need to get rs brackets for the shell to make it look more authentic. Not going for a concourse shell with spot welds measured out but I’d still like it to look right.

 

[richie_mck]

January has been a bit hectic and I dropped the ball a bit getting some parts ordered so John got spent some time getting the shell stripped back and into an epoxy primer so he can start getting final bodywork done. There was a big smile on my face when I seen these.

I had to order a world cup cross member and engine mounts as the one I have was for mounting the engine off the chassis legs. It should be here this week which will allow us to sling in the engine and box to get the tunnel fabricated. Anti tramp brackets are on the way and bar decisions on a roll cage that’s the fab work done, I think

 

[IL]

Unreal, taking shape richard!

 

[zafturbo]

You keeping it original colour or changing it .wish I had never sold my yellow Mexico ,regret it every day .Is Fred Crawford still good for mk2 parts do you know.

 

[richie_mck]

You keeping it original colour or changing it .wish I had never sold my yellow Mexico ,regret it every day .Is Fred Crawford still good for mk2 parts do you know.

This one wasn't an original Mexico unfortunately and the yellow won't be staying but I'm not 100% decided on colour yet.

I've got a few bits and pieces off Fred but more recently my stuff has been coming out of Camillus Bradleys. The amount of stock he carries is unbelievable so whenever I needed to get anything I could take a run up, lift and go which helped keep this thing going around general life stuff.

 

[EF Ian]

Still coming on. Always nice to see them primed up and all one colour.

 

[big_pete]

I loved the blue of my mk2 but I suppose it’s done to death.

That’s exciting seeing it all the one shade now I bet!

 

[richie_mck]

More bodywork done. Not the side of restoration a lot of people want to show, especially with cars that bring out full nerd levels of obsession but I’ve no issues showing a skim of filler to get the best finish. Although there was plenty of new panels the doors, quarters and roof are original so needed some finessing. In most areas the filler was blocked back enough you could see the black epoxy primer through it so only a very thin coat left. High build primer over which needs blocked back to refine the finish more but the body lines are starting to really to come through

Although my original bonnet was solid, it was obvious that at some point it had been media blasted on the inside and had warped the tin. I’d never noticed it before but once John pointed it out it’s all I could see. I managed to source a good solid bonnet that had only a few small imperfections that were easily sorted out. It was bare metalled and epoxy primed.

The intercooler is off with Pete Moore to have the end tanks modified and 90 degree ends welded in.

 

[svensktoppen]

Don't see anything "wrong" there. That's normal, even on new cars, to get a perfectly smooth finish. Any imperfection, and every panel ever made has some, shows up straight away otherwise.

Nice work

 

[WSK]

As above ^. Standard procedure when striving for the best finish! Anyone that scoff's hasn't a clue.

Keep chipping away, looking good so far!

 

[natogreen16v]

I never got the obsession or logic with the "no filler" crew. It's total bollocks. Especially if you want a proper straight car. That's gona be a phenomenal job.

 

[richie_mck]

I never got the obsession or logic with the "no filler" crew. It's total bollocks. Especially if you want a proper straight car. That's gona be a phenomenal job.

There are some rare breeds about. If it ever gets as far as as a show with the bonnet open you'd be guaranteed there will be some clampit counting spot welds never mind scoffing if they knew it had filler in it. But then they'll have choked on their fig rolls before then when they see a cossie engine in it.

 

[FM155]

Stopped going to shows years ago, too many experts in one place, upset the planetary balance and created a huge brown hole.

 

[mikey]

There are some rare breeds about. If it ever gets as far as as a show with the bonnet open you'd be guaranteed there will be some clampit counting spot welds never mind scoffing if they knew it had filler in it. But then they'll have choked on their fig rolls before then when they see a cossie engine in it.

The whole Ford scene is toxic and full of know alls who would know more about a fish supper. You’re building the thing to drive and enjoy so let them raise their blood pressure over the fact the bumper brackets aren’t actually the correct shape for that VIN or whatever weird **** they come out with Rather see someone have craic out of a car than trailer it about the place and stick mirrors underneath it

 

[svensktoppen]

Actually, the best thing about Volvo is it's all so relaxed. People just do all sorts and nobody gets upset. Any "scene" on the planet, and someone has done it to their Volvo. All styles parked next to each other at an airfield somewhere while people dance away to Abba

But Ford, Porsche, etc., you get some proper b-ends. Who have usually not done or owned anything themselves.

Just do whatever makes you happy

 

[JH86]

Love it sham as you well know, it's been some time now looking back