60 replies to this topic

[Kerrin]

Other than Mini's Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts make up most of the cars I have owned.

Over the last 3 years my Dad and I have fully re-built from a bare shell a 1971 Escort Mk1 Mexico. It origionally was destined to be a rally car but luckily I managed to talk Dad round and it turned out as a great fun and usable road/rally car.

Due to the lack of a lot of the origional parts that came with the bare shell and the fact that we didnt want it too standard, it ended up with a 1800cc Zetec running Jenvey/Emerald injection, a 5speed Sierra gearbox, Brembo front brakes and Sierra rear disks.



Here is a sneaky picture of the car, more to come when I can get some better photo's.

Last month we spotted another Mk1 Escort advertised for sale, and as you can see we bought it and decided to have a go at another project. This time it will be a bit less reserved and a bit more motorsport orientated. The car came with a 2.0 zetec and some good parts which will get us some of the way there.

Hopefully I will try and get some photo's of our progress as we go through the body restoration and the fun bits bolting on the goodies.

The final plan is to make an Esso Blue works style car with big arches and a stripped out rally interior.

Thanks for looking.

Kerrin

[mini danny]

i gotta admit i have a soft spot for mk1 and mk2 escort would swap my mini for one anyday
and yours looks luuurvle loving the blue

[Nick '91]

Awesome, love the mk1's. Eagerly awaiting photo's.

[mk3cortina]

when it comes to anything bigger than a mini then im a ford person. always have been. i would love to get my hands on a 2 door mk1 escort someday.

[Pending]

wow my first car was a mk1 mexico, only 8 years ago, i cant belive how much there worth now, i traded mine in for a fiesta zetec s , i got £500 for it, that'd be about 6 years ago now,

get some pics up man,

good look with the new one

[minidream94]

not jealous at all mate :S :S ive got such a soft spot for mk1/2 escorts and would absolutley ADORE one

[Youngowner93]

I have to say the MK1 and MK2 Escorts are on my dream cars list, my uncle has a MK2 sttting in his garage rotting away . I will be watching it can't wait to see how it turns out. Keep us posted

[Kerrin]

Due to popular request, here are a few more pictures of the Blue Mex



Just Sprayed!



Just passed manx test (MOT) and ready to play.



Sorry about the pose, its the only one with the new wheels on!!!

[CobraV8]

Heres one of my Escort too...

Edited by CobraV8, 21 August 2010 - 10:45 AM.

[Kerrin]

Very nice.

My mate lived in NZ for a while and sent me a load of photo's of Mk1s and Mini's. some really nice cars out there.

[Bungle]

very nice

not the bum

[Kerrin]

Right then, thought I had better start this off with some before photo's. This is how we bought the car for some unknown reason the PO sold the front wings so if anyone knows of any Mk1 Escort front wings let me know, they will be steel arched so the arch area can be rusty or dented.

Most of the previous work done is ok, but the welding is a bit pants, luckily I have just managed to get a new SWP mig welder and signed up for proper welding gas so should be able to re-do any of the problem welding. Bye Bye old Cosmo mig you will not be missed.

The car has no rust left, and needs some patches making up but the PO has stripped all the underseal and wire brushed the whole floor and this has save a whole lot of work.

We also got a spit with the shell, so once the inner wings have been strengthened back up it can go on there for the tunnel/chassis mods and floor repairs.

Heres the first glimpse of the new project.









The first parts order has arrrived. Rear steel arches, rear shock turrets, and a anti tramp bar kit. I was origionally going to five link the back axle but dont know if the extra work is going to be worth it, the Blue one handles just fine with the more standard setup.

Itching to get going on the work now, just waiting for a few welder accessories and then we can get started.

[Kerrin]

Not much to say as an update. The new SWP welder has arrived and is set up and packs some grunt. It is so nice to press the trigger and know it will work every time. The old Cosmo B + Q special was very hit and miss, but still managed at three car restorations with it.

There is going to be a small delay in getting started as the welder needs to stay at my house for a short while, since my mini sills need attention. The rust was well hidden under the underseal and looks to be fairly easy to patch, however the story may be different once the grinder comes out.

I have heard Hadrian panels are getting stock of mk1 wings soon. (not holding my breath)
It will be great to get proper steel wings rather than have to use fibreglass.

fingers crossed the mini's will play ball and let me get on with this soon.

[sonikk4]

Liking the Escort , i had a droop snoot RS2000 for 12 years and cried when i had to get rid of her. Would have another scort in a flash but prices are just plain bloody stupid at the moment.

[Nelson92]

Heres one of my Escort too...

that should have a nsfw warning.