sampathd

I too get this sound from my Sportage. I suspected its the lock and was going to point it out when I put her in for the next service in about a month. In the mean time I will try the paper cellotape fix. @DVT is the sound somewhat similar to the sound you get from Old Hiace vans? Sort of a kich kich sound?

Can anyone guide me to places in Sri Lanka which has British Ford parts? Any particular place in Panchikawatta or any used part importers who bring down these parts? Thanks.

Thanks GTAm. I am a newbie to this restoration scene. So all advice is welcome. Thank you for opening my eyes to the Formula Ford engine. Would love to get one of those. So the engine search takes a whole new turn!!! Let's see.. I was relying on the advice of my restorer on the body. Will be sure to discuss chasis upgrade as well. I saw on some ford forums about Turret upgrades. Will follow up. Now does anyone know of a Ford Formula engine??

Thanks for all eh encouraging words. I am very keen to get the bubble (works) arches. But my mentor on this project is advising against it as we dont have the specs for them. Was thinking about getting steel arches from UK, but the cost of them with shipping is going to cost me quite a sum. And I am thinking that money is better spent on an Engine and brakes upgrade rather than on bubble arches. So my idea is to push the metal work on the outer body back and start with the engine bay and floor boards and engine and brakes. So the first order for me is to source an Engine. Have my heart set on a Ford pinto 1.6L (preferably) or a 2L. If anyone can let me know of a lead, its more than appreciated.

Hi All, Thanks for the encouraging comments. Will post pics soon as I get them off my phone. Jaliya sent a PM with my email. Is there a Ford club in SL? If so can someone please point me to a member so I can start talking Also, any pointers to a Ford Pinto engine and 14" minilite wheels are appreciated. Cheers, Sampath

So I finally got my self a Ford Escort MK1. The car is in good nick considering its age. I'm sure with a bit of mechanical attending, I can put it on the road. But I am going to start on a full restoration before I unveil her Things planned: 1. Stripping the metal bare and repair any rust. 2. Swap the engine to a 1600 ford unit (currently it has a 1100 engine) 3. Change the wheels to 14" minilites. 4. Swap the brakes to front disks and also replace the master pump. 5. Convert to bubble arches (if I can find the original specs for Escort Works fenders) 6. New paint job with Mexico stripes. 7. Complete replacement of all beading's and nickel parts 8. Replace the front buffer with Mexico quarter buffers. 9. Complete upholstery with some retro looking front seats (will be keeping the rear seats) 10. Swap the dashboard meter panel with a RS version meter panel. One thing that worries me to doing up the bubble arches. I could not find the specs for them. Any help in this department is most welcome. Pics will come soon.

Hi, I put my money where my mouth is () and put down my money on a Ford Escort 2 door. It's in pretty good nick, probably can run it with a little bit of sprucing up.. But I am going to attempt a full blown restoration by stripping the car, de-rusting it and then changing color. I am hoping to add bubble arches and also swap the engine to something more powerful from the measly 1100 motor which is on it now. So, Komi and iRage, the 510 is all yours or who ever else's who wants to try and restore it. Thanks for sharing the contact info. In the end I went for the escort as it was a 2 door as opposed to 510 being a 4 door. @Jaliya, hopefully I can put a Escort RS1600 replica on the road in a few months time. Cheers!

Its back on ###### site. this time he's posted a photo of the rear of the car as well. I see what you meant. So you still have a change iRage! BTW, thanks for the 510 info. I will check it out this week end.

To be honest I dont see any issue on the permits being sold. It's given to the govt servants as a bonus. which is fine by me because some actually deserve it. Once they are entitled to it, they may or may not sell it. It's totally upto them. And as for mudalali's who drive these fancy cars, they are just filling the demand for the sale of the permit. When teh govt servant wants to sell and cash out, if there are no mudalali's there to buy them, then what happens. Being a mudalali is nothing to be looked down on. To be honest they are the ones who take the risks and create employment. Of course no one does business for charity. But no govt can expect to take on the economy by themselves without the entrepreneurs. Starting and doing a business is no easy task. Specially with all the red tape and inefficient public sector. Trust me!

Hi Prashantha, Yours is the car I had before. Loved it!

iRage, please do pass the info. I would like to go see it and see if I can get my hands on it. Jaliya, I will sure get in touch with you if I get my hands on a Escort. There is one with a friend of a friend. I am waiting for my friend to take me to see it.

Hi, There is a blue one with english numbers. I know because I owned it for a while. Its was G letter 4321. Blue color. Automatic. After I sold it I saw it with size 16 or 17 alloys. Looked good on it. I had steel wheels. It was nice car to drive. But the fuel consumption was pretty bad. Couldnt get more than 7/Litre. But driving and handling wise it was awsome.

Hi, I was looking for a 2 door Escort MK1. The idea was to turn it into a Mexico replica, with the flared arches (Did you call them forest arches)? Seems like the arches are available for about 200 Euros. But I want to put in a RS1600 engine as well if its gonna be a Mexico replica. My only concern was sourcing a RS1600 engine. But I love the 510 as well. So what ever I can get my hands on first will win! Im ok with either of them..

Well depending on the asking price I might be able to start on it immediately. Right now Im split between a MK1 Escort and this, Let me know if you are not going ahead with this. Then I will take a look and let you know which way I choose to go.

We had one of those KE72 flat roofs long time ago. It was 14 sri 5570 if I am not mistaken. Perfected my driving skills in that car.

Hi Komi, If you've not already passed this car on to someone else, would you mind sharing the place and possibly owners contact details? Im definitely interested and would love to take a look.

Yeah. It needs a ton of work!

I used to have a VW Bora. I loved it! It moved so steadily. Never had any doubt about the stability at any speed. Found a guy names Ruwan who is a VW specialist and he did take care of the vehicle very well. ONly hiitch I had, there was a part of the gear level system which was plastic and it used to give way every few months, stranding the car on the middle of the road at times. Parts are freely available.

Hi All, My better half has set her sights on a beemer 320D. Car looks nice and seems well maintained and has around 15K on the clock. One thing that worries me is the run flats. Not having a spare is a worry for me. And I hear RFT's are expensive. Can they not be repaired at all?? Also, I heard the stated service intervals are liek 30K. Is that even possible? And does that work in a country like ours with the dust? I know this sounds like a rambling. But appreciate any feedback from 320D E90 owners. I've owned European cars before but never a beemer. So appreciate the feedback from those who have.

Any idea on how costly Senok is?

Thanks, that was my worry too. Specially given the fact that they are german. Am definitely interested in VW specialists out there like Milroy for BMW's. The only thing is the Bora has a lot of computerized stuff running like the service indicators, etc which needs to be properly reset after a service. SO a little bit scared to take her to any service joint.

Hi, I recently bought a used VW Bora as I fell in love with it when I saw it. Now I am thinking of putting it to Senok for a service. I was wondering whether there is anyone out there who has had experience with Senok's VW/AUdi service facility and thier prices. What are the prices like ( I am putting it for a service, so how much can I expect it to cost?) How are thier workmanship? How long do they take usually? I havent had my own car for a while and it is after a long time that I am outting my own car for a service. Also I havent had any experiences with the servicing at an agent. Been going to places near home. But since this car has a lot of comouterized stuff in it, I thought a service at Senok is worthwhile. Thanks for any advice in advance.

Isnt this an April Fools Joke??? Ha Ha Ha ......

Can you tell me where this Mechanic is? I have just bought a Bora and am interested in finding out about mechanics who can service the car.