mk14dr

I've done 11.5k in the escort this year. Thats using it everyday, maybe ten 200+mile roadtrips around North Yorkshire, then the ace cafe and back one tuesday afternoon last Jan, Knebworth and back, and a weekend in Somerset where I took some of the camping gear out and went round the track. And done with 4cogs, no carpet and a big grin on my face (or a grimace if its just ground to a halt ) I might service it when the snow melts...

I'd agree with that. Theres countless fantastic tunes out there much more fitting to be a Christmas No1, instead the nation (or the Retards Club 'it' crowd) have gone out of there way to keep this X factor chap from the top spot by buying a record by an artist on the same label. So all thats been acheived is that Sony have sold a few hundred thousand copies of a 17year old song and a shit load more Xfactor singles to counteract. Yeah well done kids, really sticking to the man is that

I could (and, every-now-and-then do) worry about the encroaching grot, but I won't let it detract from the business of driving it. The biggest thing that classic car fans can do is MOT early every year and be prepared to put some graft in. However, Im not in any position to preach as I've taken escRot in for some patches RE the annual test. Can we all say this together.... drive it>break it>fix it>drive it>break it>fix it - add infinitium

From the end of next week, for the first time in the 4yrs Ive had escRot, I'll have an offstreet home for it. The MOT runs out next Friday and its going for welding tomorrow morning -- I hope it doesn't snow this week while its away

Heyup mate, were at the Redbeck - they serve better tea It'll be good to see you again.

Just double checking that I'd updated this thread from last month. I'll be there from the usual 3ish and I'l try and hang about until the last have gone. I can't believe its the last one of '09 already Do it Marcus, what will you be bobbing down in?

not as old as some of these pics, but youtube turned this up tonight

Ian, it sounds like you yourself are one of the legends, some nice history and thank you for the insight into the story behind one of the hottest cars in the scene Lets see now, can I find any pics.....

I love looking at the pics from the Hot Rod Power Tour, theres always a good cross section of rods, muscle, rats and moderns. The Minor sounds very cool, infact lets have a looksee....

Now you see, this is some interesting old school tech'. Not the sort of stuff that gets talked about nowadays but folks seem to forget that people were modding cars of this ilk long before there were any off the shelf parts. Good knowledge Ian, and thank you for sharing I never realised 'fleet' cars are different, does anyone have any pics of standard and fleet details?

I was under the impression they are plumbed into the front, so you stamp on the brakes, turn the little handle locking the fluid in the front brakes leaving the rears to spin This way also leaves your left foot free for the clutch

dunno how much are they? I got my wings from Expressed (well, the sister company ClassicComponents actually). IIRC they were between 250 and 265 per side. And that was for standard arches, however they're made of a decent gauge steel and the fit was bob on

Its a pity you can't get a 'reserve power' gauge like a RollsRoyce

I changed the thermostat the other week so I did a complete drain and refill then. Its full of CAT plant premixed stuff now, and im good for -30C, its a 'component conditioner' aswell

Gritters stopping you driving your car? Whats up are they broken down in front of you or something? Sure the roads are getting gritted and a little salty, but they're also slick for sliding. These old things run hard and faster with some cold dense air in them aswell Plenty of fun to be had this winter

I've recently started looking for some opening quarter lights for escRot, and its looking like opening front quarters weren't available on 4doors in the UK (unless someone knows different), and this got me thinking... Is there any other unusual factory accessories/specs? Answers on a postcard, or alternatively post them here

Oil temp. Its nice to know when you can give it some beans safely

Took 15mins to scrape and warm the car this morning, for a 7min/3mile drive to work. It started a little better than it has been doing though, might be something to do with the new starter, new solenoid and a huge battery (diesel transit )

I managed to trash 2nd on a 1600sport box with a 100ish bhp xflow. That was on budget 165's aswell. Infact the 4sp thats in now is making some shocking noises in 4th, maybe time for 5 cogs.... I can also highly recommend GS, Ive had plenty of parts and advice from Graeme.

Sounds like a plan Joe, I'd be interested in seeing how quick your stripped out 1100 is compared to my 1600 full of crap. Your in my hood, and I haven't seen you about. Looks like I'll have to keep my eyes peeled

Im know on site by escRot, it seems that if Im talking to a group they all take the piss, but individually folks seem to like it. It doesn't help that Ive had to bump it off across the carpark for the last 3days....

They taste like a mouthfull left in a can to go warm and flat. Not impressed. Like you say, no discernible effects either. The thing is, I can have as much of this stuff as I want - Monster,Relentless,Coke, etc etc, but I always end up with a brew or water

Im sick of Monster energy, all of the flavours leave the inside of your mouth feeling furry, not good of a morning. TBH, Im getting pretty sick of Relentless aswell, although I given a choice between that a Redbull, Relentless wins. Tropicana FTW

I saw him on Thursday in Leeds at the O2 academy. Good gig, made me laugh when two blokes started fighting near the front he offered them both out. He's an absolute legend, Im trying to sort a smaller gig next year at the Hop in Wakefield, I'l let you know if you'd fancy seeing him again