A trip down memory lane

[Shakestuff]

Evening All,

 

Just introducing myself to all the fellow Ford owners out there.

This is long overdue, and feel bad i've never got round to this before, but i've had a 1974 Mk1 Escort since i was 16, I'm now 29, (see what i mean) Its been in the family probably 5 years prior to me owning it.

Its originally a 1100l, but when i was about 19 my and my dad put a 1300 gt engine in it. Everything else is stock, apart from the 8 ball gear knob, (aspirations were a lot more basic back then!) I then went off to Uni, and when i finished i needed something for motorway driving. It's consequently been locked away since 2004. My dad unlocked it 2 years ago, and with a bit of charge on the battery it started 1st time (unbelievable!) He put all new brakes on it last year, (i live 150 miles away from him) but it needs some welding on the floor, new sills, inner and outer, new rear arch. I suppose any sensible person might sell it, and cut their losses, but this car is so steeped in history that i would prefer to pay to fix it up than to buy another one cheaper. I suppose my initial question to anyone listening would be what they thought about £5k might get me. I don't want it immaculate, i want to drive it, and enjoy it the way i did when i was a teenager. (You can imagine the fun, and attention a newly passed 17 year old might get in a bright green Escort. The girls loved it!!) I suppose the main thing would be the body work, and 'modernise' the running gear, keeping it Ford, of course. Anyone got any thoughts? am i having a laugh with that budget, or could it be do-able. Anyone know anyone near Preston, North West that they can trust to do a good job? Anyway thank you for Listening

 

Shakestuff

[lotusless]

welcome to the site as you may know the osf scene has become very popular + with this comes a high price tag, i would have thought for 5k you could get quite a lot done to it check out our own for sale rooms for parts + panels plus we have lots of clever people on here that can help you out along the way. there is g.s escorts and escort-tec that can usually sort you out with all the bits you will need at cheaper prices than new ( if you don't mind second-hand stuff ) and for any bits you might still need just put a post in the osf parts wanted room. if you ask on the osf chat room if anyone can recommend a good + reliable bodywork man up your way hopefully you will find the right place to use. good luck

[banarama]

welcome mate

[zetecmk2]

welcome. i think you could easily sort it with that budget

[Justmark]

welcome with that budget you could get one descent better buy a 4 door with that budget and you got a good car and you can have the same fun but without the headache of welding loads buying second hand parts from so called specialists is not a good idea if you dont know your stuff as most of there second hand parts will need work or you wont get it to fit without modding it and it would cost you more in the long run just look at the prices of parts .

[marky4]

hi and welcome to OSF

[Shakestuff]

Thank you everybody for the warm welcome, i will now attempt to fumble my way around the site, and try and get the ball-a-rolling, and the wheels-a-turning on my favourite little machine. Probably speaking to you all again soon. Shakestuff

[Kieran]

Welcome to OSF