Hi
I'm a 31 year old guy from Durban, South Africa.
I have a 1968 Mk1 Estate 1100 Deluxe. Unfortunately it dropped a value into the cylinder and needs a new engine. While it was off the road I had the body fixed. I replaced the front valance and fenders, the drivers side floor and the rear corner. I've also got two NOS taillights from a lady in Malta.
I'm hoping to restore it completely, which is daunting considering I know next to nothing about working on cars. That's why I'm hoping to learn here and get as much advice and guidance as I can. I'd like to learn to weld and do some of the remaining bodywork myself.
The overall theme I'm going for is a "sleeper", an almost stock looking estate but that is new and modern underneath. Upgraded suspension, disc brakes all round and a more powerful modern engine. I'm planning on getting some Wheller Retro Steels and Lotus hubcaps, lowering it and finding/fabricating an original looking roof rack. I'm also going to lighten it as much as possible. The Green Mk2 Estate Drag Escort from Classicford a few years ago has been a big inspiration. I however want my car more for road trips and highspeed freeway driving. Before it dropped the value it struggled to make 100kph.
For the engine I'm trying to decide between building a 1.6L Crossflow or buying a 1.6L/2L Ecoboost (They're making crate engines in the US now). Being from South Africa the exchange rate and shipping is an issue. The shipping is often twice the price of the part itself, which means new parts for a 1600 crossflow will probably end up being more than an ecoboost engine from a local dealership.
I'd appreaciate any advice or suggestions you can give.
