Vista Estate

I've met the owner a few times and he is a .... let's say an interesting cookie. Let's hope he gets the reserve, there is hope for us all. Interestingly there is some debate about the number 3 and other shells. The chap is very unpleasant when you mention that. 🤔

Do a Retroford Magazine subscription instead. Better Magazine, cheaper and there are some great stuff on offer in the December edition 👍

It's not Dave, Mail order is your best bet.

Go with the one that is best for your engine James. Make sure you fully flush including your heater matrix. I back flush with a hose on low pressure. Get all the crud and old antifreeze out. I would be tempted to flush, fill with just water, run the car up to temp and then drain. Flush again then do the 50 50 mix of antifreeze. Don't forget it's antifreeze first. In this way you get all the old stuff out and clear alot of crud.

Completely agree Leon. They should never be mixed as they are not compatible. On another point I've seen a cast iron block destroyed by waterless coolant.

Having a wee on the grass at car shows is an age thing James. It happens to us all 🤣.

Now there's a question James. As always it depends. Generally, "There are three main variants of antifreeze available in the UK, which are identified by different colours. Green antifreeze Green antifreeze, or IAT (Inorganic Additive Technology) is recommended for older vehicles - those built before 2000 - with more metal components in the engine than later vehicles. The lifespan of green antifreeze is typically 36,000 miles or 3 years (whichever comes first). It shouldn't be mixed with other types of antifreeze fluids. Orange antifreeze Orange antifreeze, or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) is more suitable for newer vehicles, with engine designs that use more aluminium and plastic/nylon components than those built before 2000. Unlike green antifreeze, it lasts longer and doesn't need to be changed as frequently. Its lifespan is typically 150,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). It shouldn't be mixed with other antifreeze fluids. Red antifreeze Red antifreeze is typically made with hybrid organic acid and lasts longer than green antifreeze, requiring fewer changes. It should be replaced every 150,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first." The rule of thumb though is blue old car cast iron/ red new car aluminium or other. I've seen the damage done to a classic car head and block with the use of red antifreeze. 🙈 Over here in the UK our blue is ethanol glycol based and is the more traditional coolant and antifreeze and is of the IAT variety for older cars with cast iron blocks and heads. Does that help? If anyone as a question about antifreeze or other fluids for their car send Witham Group Technical a message. See picture for details. I have been working with them on a guide to help members and its almost ready, so I will publish it once done. I think @Miniliteman asked for it.

If you send a message to Rob Card through the site link he will check. It's your car James? Send me a picture and I will send it to Rob. 😊

Hi All, I've spoken to Rob Card today and he has confirmed he has other maps/files available to do Ford Models. Here's an offer for you. For everyone who confirms an order with Rob by the end of November 2026, I will personally donate £10 per model to The Royal British Legion or Help For Hero's. The choice will be up to @Dave Knight. Remember it's a confirmed order. Delivery can be later. Get your Christmas present sorted and support our veterans at the same time 👍👍👍 Remember to have your cars wear their poppy with pride👊

Not long now gang. Get your tickets bought and come and see us. If you have forgotten the discount code it's attached. If you want any Withams Oil send me a message and I can arrange 😊 Before I forget, pick up a copy of Retroford Magazine Dec Edition (out soon). I've done a feature with Richard Scarbrough from Witham Oils regarding wintering your classic. It's sure to raise some questions 🤣

Hi all, if you are coming to the NEC and want some oil or antifreeze let me know beforehand and I can arrange it so you save on carrier charge. 20w50 and blue antifreeze is easy. Anything else message me asap. See you there 😊

Send a message to Rob. If he has the electronic pattern it can be done. 😊

A work colleague of mine produces resin models of our Ford classics in various states of completeness. He is in the process of doing one for my estate. Prices are reasonable. If you are interested in that elusive model for Christmas why not contact Rob Card though his site. He has a few model templates available so send him a message through the site link😊 Here is the escort estate link, but there is a message function as well. https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4553115008/classic-ford-escort

Hi All, A fellow car club member Ian Wragg has a number of new old stock exhausts for sale at Hood prices. He has compiled a list see attached. Excel file. If interested or want to check availability then please email him directly on ian.wragg@talktalk.net and mention oldskoolford. Hope this helps some of you out with your winter jobs. 😊 Exhaust List for Mark.xlsx

Definitely need deep pockets @Ray. I would have thought more members would come and see us at the NEC. It could be our last year 🤔. Use the discount code and stop being so tight 🤣

No issue, I've done it before 😊

Happy to sort out shipping James if you find any. 😊

Well you tight bunch it seems only @GrahamU is going to support us at the NEC this year. I'm amazed at you all. 🤔 Get your wallet or purse out. Swat the moths and get your tickets bought. We need better backing than this, it's not as if @Ray Kellye or Ian don't have to put in our own money. This may be the end of an era with the NEC so get your finger out. YKT. I know its not cheap but nothing in life is now. Just look at what you spent on a night out. Don't forget the discount code is CCOLDSKN6 at least that will help a bit. Time to step up gang!

Well it's only a few weeks till the NEC and we are busy preparing. I would like to do a montage of you and your Ford's from the past. You know the ones where you are a youngster stood next to your grandad, Dad, mum etc. Please message me with any photos or stories ASAP. Plus - get your tickets bought! Discount code is CCOLDSKN6. I know @GrahamUhas got his 👍 But we need more of you. This could be our last hurrah!!!!!

Ask them to take pictures for you. If you post them on here someone will know the type.

Going online is not the best way I find. Talking to people gets you much more info. Ford weren't great at marking parts. Photos would help people on here to make a better guess. If the restorers don't know I question how much they do know about Ford's 🤔

Have you contacted Burton Power? They stock lots of Tranit parts that crossover to other models. Do you know what gearbox you have in your transit. I think it's very similar to a 2000e box. Talk to Tony Williams at Burton Power.

Hi James, do you have many classic Ford based ute's in your part of Aus?

I can see that @Rally Pack 2000is missing out on shows so here is a bit of Aussie Ute culture for you seen at Driffield Show. Based on a Ford Zodiac which I believe you got a year before us in the UK. We get loads of Roos and other wild immigrants to mow down with the front bull bar too 🤣🤣 Hope you are keeping your spirits up. 👊

Message sent @Miniliteman. We'll let @Rally Pack 2000make the call once cost is in. 😊