Ford Escort Mk1 Restoration Project

[sampathd]

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.

[GTAm]

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.

There is a shop in Panchikawatte that deals in Ford parts. Just cannot recall the name. It's on the Tower hall side upstairs between the tower and the round about. If you just go there you can get directions I'm sure. As for performance upgrades I know of someone who imports stuff and he could also offer you some great advice. I should be able to find his number. PM me pls.

[GTAm]

Hey a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do

But in the ole oil burners defence, its got some very usable real world power! Torque is the name of the game Also got my first real taste of the joys & travails of German engineering!!

But the Legacy RS is what has got things going again!

Heh heh yeah I can understand. Yes on our roads its all torque really.

[Crosswind]

There is a shop in Panchikawatte that deals in Ford parts. Just cannot recall the name. It's on the Tower hall side upstairs between the tower and the round about. If you just go there you can get directions I'm sure. As for performance upgrades I know of someone who imports stuff and he could also offer you some great advice. I should be able to find his number. PM me pls.

You are talking about Jayawardena Motors.

I've heard of a breaker yard in Udugampola area which stocks tonnes of used Ford Escort spares. You might wanna find out about that place too.

[MasterDon]

Try Shane @Angry Bomb... 0727313989

[sampathd]

Thanks all..

[sampathd]

AN update: The project is currently stalled until I find an engine transplant. Thought of getting the mechanical parts sorted out before I get to the body.

[GTAm]

AN update: The project is currently stalled until I find an engine transplant. Thought of getting the mechanical parts sorted out before I get to the body.

Sampath I don't think that's the best sequence if you are doing a full restoration. I think the body needs to be done first. You will need to take off almost all mechanical parts to do the body properly. Unless your body is in excellent condition and does not need major work.

Tinkering and Painting the engine bay and many other areas will require you to take everything out.

[Davy]

I have to agree with GTAm. Start with the body mate, what you're trying to do is like wearing the Jacket without wearing the shirt and waist coat. You'll have to take off everything again anyway.

[carboy2011]

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.

machan congrats the car seems so very original and good that it found an owner who will restore it

please can you upload more pics of it esp the interior

if your interested you can buy retro styled stereo units with all modern features which i saw in a classic car mag from UK if you need it let me know and i'll PM the URL's

btw is there a Ford Club in SL?

[MasterDon]

AN update: The project is currently stalled until I find an engine transplant. Thought of getting the mechanical parts sorted out before I get to the body.

Haven't GTAm and I taught you anything???...get the body sorted out.?The mechanocals are a piece of cake compared to the bodywork.

btw is there a Ford Club in SL?

Well there's the MazdaFord Club,(MFOCers)... but be warned their esteemed members have a habbit of getting drunk and smashing their Fords in to parked Corrollas and urinating on them afterwards...

[dreamracer]

@GTAm

what exactly does pre 85 engines mean when it comes to formula ford engines??

explain plz

[Komisiripala]

machan congrats the car seems so very original and good that it found an owner who will restore it

please can you upload more pics of it esp the interior

if your interested you can buy retro styled stereo units with all modern features which i saw in a classic car mag from UK if you need it let me know and i'll PM the URL's

btw is there a Ford Club in SL?

i wouldn't mind a PM of those URL's myself...

[GTAm]

I have to agree with GTAm. Start with the body mate, what you're trying to do is like wearing the Jacket without wearing the shirt and waist coat. You'll have to take off everything again anyway.

....Or the underpants

[GTAm]

@GTAm

what exactly does pre 85 engines mean when it comes to formula ford engines??

explain plz

There were two Formula events in SL racing not so long ago. The older formula cars (most of which were Formula Fords) had Ford engines with weber carbs. I'm not sure of the new Formula single seater specs but they were a lot quicker than the older cars (newer tech, better specs, maybe even different formula). Therefore they had two events instead of one. Pre 1985 and Post 85.

[dreamracer]

got it thanks GTAM

[sampathd]

Thanks for the advice. I'm tormented between two lines of advice.

I too thought of doing the body first. But I'm being told to sort out the mechanicals first. Slotting the engine, updating the suspension and brakes. The body is in pretty decent shape. Just needs a scraping and some work on a fender. Even the floor boards seem to be in pretty good nick from the first inspection).

I guess there is a lot to learn from you guys Thanks for the advice, and keep them coming.

Cheers.

[GTAm]

But I'm being told to sort out the mechanicals first.

By whom may I ask?

[GTAm]

Thanks for the advice. I'm tormented between two lines of advice.

I too thought of doing the body first. But I'm being told to sort out the mechanicals first. Slotting the engine, updating the suspension and brakes. The body is in pretty decent shape. Just needs a scraping and some work on a fender. Even the floor boards seem to be in pretty good nick from the first inspection).

I guess there is a lot to learn from you guys Thanks for the advice, and keep them coming.

Cheers.

If the body is in very good shape then I guess there are grounds for considering this sequence. Perhaps it's more of a repair than a restoration?

[sampathd]

I shouldnt mention names publicly. But he's the one sorting out a lot of stuff for me

[Watchman]

I shouldnt mention names publicly. But he's the one sorting out a lot of stuff for me

Well, its not advertising. Plus if he genuinely believes that his recommendation is the best way to go then he shouldnt have a issue with people knowing it. If he's hiding his true intention, then there's a reason to hide.

Look at sylvi for example. his heart is pure and he genuinely wants to help people. I admire that in him. He has no hidden agenda or intention of benefiting (personally) from your situation. Only gripe we have is that his knowledge on the topic is questionable at times..

[The Don]

Thanks for the advice. I'm tormented between two lines of advice.

I too thought of doing the body first. But I'm being told to sort out the mechanicals first. Slotting the engine, updating the suspension and brakes. The body is in pretty decent shape. Just needs a scraping and some work on a fender. Even the floor boards seem to be in pretty good nick from the first inspection).

I guess there is a lot to learn from you guys Thanks for the advice, and keep them coming.

Cheers.

Sampath, the way to look at it is this, and admittedly I am no seasoned restorer myself. But when buying a used car I always pay closer attention to the body condition rather than the engine. The reason is for most popular car, even old ones, you can reasonably easily source engine parts and there are enough specialists to sort engine issues out. In the greater scheme of things they are not complicated issues and is certainly a science rather than an art.

Body work on the other hand is a completely different ball game. Particularly when bolt on replacement parts are not available, it becomes an art rather than a science and there is a scarcity of skilled body work guys in Sri Lanka, particularly one who can turn out panels to factory specifications, not fill it up with cataloy.

So the success or failure of your restoration will depend on the quality of the bodywork than the mechanicals.

And think of it this way as well. If the current engine runs, you do not have to change the engine straight away and you can run it while you look for the more powerful engine. When you find it, it should be a bolt on job with no body modifications needed.

So it makes logical sense to start off with the body. Also do not fret too much about the mexico fender extensions. If I'm not mistaken you can buy just the two strips and weld it on giving it the extended look. I saw it being done on Wheeler Dealers once.

[Komisiripala]

That's some sound advise. Am following a very similar approach on the Datsun. When the bigger engine comes its just plug and play

[DMendis]

I came across this video on Remove Rust from Metal and Panels with a liquid solution. They use it in restoring old cars

Is this a method used by professional body work people?

[sampathd]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the advise. I'm going to take the route suggested. Going to do the body first.

Managed to source a 1.6 engine. I've committed to buying it and the seller has committed to selling it to me. Hope he wont change his mind

Hopefully with the engine sorted out, I am now turning to the body. Figured I'd do a full restoration now rather than later. So I am on the lookout for a good tinker. I know they are hard to come by. But planning to check out a few before committing.

I also need a good mechanic to rebuild the engine that I am buying. Can anyone recommend someone who knows Ford engines and maybe about mods (such as putting in duel webber carbs, etc). Any leads are appreciated.

Cheers,