tonylids

I had the pleasure of being at the show (not with my mk1 but with a Mustang and a Silver Shadow a group of us own) and it was a fantastic event. As well as the cars shown, and I had a really good look over the Orange Sport there was a particularly nice mk1 Mexico. If anyone fancies a weekend away next year I can highly recommend it!

You're right, that interior needed to go, as did most of the electrics which have now also extensively been replaced. The JBW steels I had have been replaced by my old Capri wheels and a new set of Yokohamas, the suspension now has lowered uprated springs, adjustable shocks. Polybushing all round, Hi-Spec 4 pot calipers and refurbed rear drums have also been added Unfortunately when stoneguarding and painting underneath I realised there was rust in the chassis legs (but nowhere else) so I'm having this done and adding a set of Mexico wings at the same time. I've put a wanted ad on here but, just in case anyone misses it and has one, I'm after an engine I can drop in to the car as the full on Zetec conversion I had planned looks too far away now due to what I've had to spend elsewhere. I'd be more than happy with someone's used, ready to go Zetec or a 1700 full on Crossflow or tuned Pinto so please let me know if you know of anything that isn't too trumpy?

I'm after something better than the standard and very tired 1300GT Crossflow that currently sits in my mk1 Escort. I was going to go for a Zetec conversion but funds are limited so ideally I'm after one that's maybe been previously fitted to a similar car that 'will drop straight in' or alternatively a tuned Crossflow to retain a degree of originality. Not really after a Pinto as it sort falls between the two options but I could be tempted by the right one. If any of these come with ancilliaries and a Type 9 on the back then even better. Please don't all rush at once!

You're totally right, bits of trim, switches etc are all rare and 5x dearer than for later cars. Oh well, live and learn!

So, this is what I bought. Unseen off ebay. It's totally rust free, just about runs and doesn't have a piece of rubber on it that's not perished. I'm looking at keeping it period really which is why I'm not too keen on a Pinto, I did think about a Zetec (with a nice retro cam cover) but that misses the point too so having just got the standard and slightly tired 1300GT lump that's in it running as well as I can, I'm on the hunt for that screaming over-bored 1600 on 40s I've now decided I want. I'm not particularly practical or blessed with available time so first off is a trip to Tickover who are near me and used to look after my Capri for Hi-Spec discs, uprated, adjustable suspension and polybushing. Meanwhile I'm sorting out the interior and tidying up wiring, making the doors open and close properly etc while trying to accumulate as many of the parts I'll need as possible Purchases so far are a set of Contour seats and JBW 7x13 steels which after reading the posts elsewhere I'm hoping will fit under the arches

So after selling my 1980 Mk3 3.0s and replacing it with a 1970 Plymouth, this has now made way for a 1968 Mk1 Escort 1300 (SA import) which was bought on a bit of a whim and, other than being 99% rust free, needs everything. I know nothing other than I wanted it so, any suggestions on which way to go and offers of bargain basement parts will be much appreciated. All I know is that I don't want anything that isn't Ford in it and I don't really want a Pinto...