SteveP

Not a thread about a personal experience with the DVLA - Some positive news here apparently about FBHVC discussions with the DVLA on classic cars after the consultation last year: https://classicsworld.co.uk/news/dvla-to-make-positive-rule-changes-for-classics/ But still nothing concrete and until then the current rules apply...in case anyone from the DVLA is lurking on this thread, this is asking on behalf of a friend etc...has anyone been pulled up on one of the various DVLA inspections (even when just changing minor details on the V5) for having Mexico wings on a non-Mex/TC/RS/Sport/E Escort mk1? I think the DVLA/DVSA have in the past not defined ‘cosmetic panels’ like front wings as part of the monocoque - where their big thing was the bulkhead & trans tunnel etc: https://web.archive.org/web/20100316151818/http://www.the-ace.org.uk/Chassis-and-Monocoque-Modification.html But that may have got lost somewhere and in the 2024 call for evidence they say that : “Where a second hand or altered (drilled, cut or welded) chassis or monocoque bodyshell or frame is used or not enough components remain from the original vehicle, then the vehicle will need to be re-registered with a DVLA VIN, Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) inspection and a Q registration number.” Which sounds like altered could be anything - drilling a hole for an aerial or spotlamps. So have they told anyone here that if the front wing wasn’t exactly the same as was fitted on the production line, then it’s considered altered? There may be quite a few Mk1’s in that position of course...Thanks

RS Alloys/Capri Lasers are 6x13 ET19 So, if the 7.5x13 rims have an ET of minus 19, they will stick out at least 50mm/2" or more outboard than an RS 4 spoke...Might cause you some probs if the car is lowered

Hi Fred, If you're sitting in the car and can't see water coming in round the screen (should be visible running down from the screen rubbers if it is) or the doors, then it could be a heater 'bubble/plenum' rust hole. This is open at the top where the scuttle panel grille is (just in front of the screen). You can get holes at the seams of the bubble to the bulkhead top panel, and the water runs through these into the car, and down the bulkhead to the floor (its meant to exit from the hole in the bottom of the bubble via a shaped plastic pipe). Could also be the wiper arm axle to body seal. Pouring water into/over these should tell... Steve

My car as of September 2009: Pinto Carb fire Footman James honoured their side of things on the agreed value – recommend them Oh well onto the fourth incarnation of this car...Zetec, Big Wings & Air Con this time Steve

Went to my parents to spray some bits in their garage and found this while I was masking up: Anyone off OSF? Anyway, don't think the police have right of way there, amongst other things

What Antz said. Your chassis number gives year and month built. Steve.

She looks like she'd never seen a MIG before in those pics totally original - what colour are you doing her in?

Hi, Thought i'd get round to posting this at some point - this is my '73 Mk1: Went for the Rat Look as you can clearly see She was originally a base 1100L, then a 1300L, she's now running round with an (out of tune) Pinto, which seems to be running a bit too warm The odd washer bottle is due to me not fitting the ford one back properly once, after a long drive i was smelling burning plastic cos it fell onto the X/F exhaust Right now I've just finished installing the alarm, and in the middle of filling her to the gunnels in cavity wax I'll have to see if I can get to some Essex meets in the next few weeks... Steve

Cheers Guys, Got her taxed today I'll put up a post on readers rides or finished projects when I get a chance Should be out for a drive or 3 over the weekend Steve

Hi everyone, Ok, so I joined way back in 2005...and it’s taken me since then (2 ½ years ) to finish my car…well not finish but get her MOT’d & on the road So I feel like a new member I finished spraying her in black (!) and then found loads of little dents & dings I had no idea existed…Oh well, adds a bit of a patina...Thinking I should go for Gunmetal RS2K stripes, or maybe Mex stripes to take my eyes off them Should do the job for now. Also fitted a 2.0 Pinto & 5-speed: Out with the old 1300: In with the new: Anyways-Took her for her test yesterday and she passed 1st time :D:D Obviously gonna be takin her for the odd spin every spare second I get 8) Seeya, Steve.

Cheers Pud - just what I was looking for

Pud, I've had a good beak over at Turbo Sport and can't find any pics of the rear set up Any chance of a few pics here or link to pics? Cheers Steve

I would love to see some clear pictures of the rear suspension setup I've got Street Machine from 1997 with KAF in it, and I need a microscope to see how its been done! The 4/5Link looks really straightforward, how does it 'feel' on the road?