How much of a project to take on

[Muzzman]

Looking to get an OldSkoolFord and learn a bit about Mechanics at the same time, problem is i have no mechanical skills, i've changed a wheel but that's about it. Although maybe i'll surprise myself and be a natural

 

I want a project but don't want to end up getting too disheartened and said project gathering dust, as a first dipping of a toe into this world. How dilapidated should i go?

[Vista]

With few mechanical skills, I assume you also cannot weld?

Rust is the biggest issue to solve with an old Ford and if you have to fund someone else to do it for you, it can absorb a very significant part of your budget.

My advice would be to buy a standardish road legal car in the best possible structural condition your budget allows, then start to put your own stamp on it with upgrades. Starting simple and learning as you go.

[Muzzman]

I see what you're saying, good thinking for the first attempt at spannering, i can move on as my confidence grows

 

I tried to find a evening course in car mechanics but that seems to be a thing of the past, which is a shame.

 

I'd love to get to the point where i could take on something like some of the projects on here. I've spent so many thousands on labour on the cars over the years.

[Vista]

There is such a car for sale on our forum at the moment as it happens

 

http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/ipb/index.php?/topic/72479-mk-2-escort-1600-ghia-automatic/

[Muzzman]

Mmm, 4 door and automatic in gold. Just not sure about that combo

[johnnyspencer]

that would be an excellent car to start with, autos have bigger gear box tunnels as standard so thats half your battle done if your thinking of upgrading engines/gear boxes etc. looks a good solid car too

[mk2 mike]

I can vouch for this car it's a gem. Give Phil (overhead cam) a shout.

[Muzzman]

So, sorry if this is a daft question, let me get this right i can change the gearbox to a manual at a later date? My mind is starting to tick over. Not many 54k cars out there i'd guess

 

Come on inspire my imagination on what i could do for a couple of grand

[Mrs O/H/C]

Yes, you can change it to a manual gearbox. I can also vouch for Ohc car. Nice and solid so ideal starter project for you

[SmokeEm]

With about a grand, you could fit coilovers on the front, slam it in the weeds, fit 2" blocks to th rear, fit a nice set of deep dish wheels with 175/50x13 tyres & just enjoy it looking retro cool

 

When the next £1000 becomes available, convert to manual for about £300ish, maybe uprate the brakes, decent exhaust & maybe a few interior tweeks?

 

Thats what i'd do with OHC's car if it were mine. Gold = uber cool

[GJUK]

Old fords are expensive now.

Get one as Vista says with a decent rust free (as much as possible) shell and go from there.

 

a 2 door in the gold cars condition would be 6-7k

 

Jon

[Muzzman]

The other point i suppose is is it better to go for say the other mk2 with the pinto and all the goodies although if i want a fast car i'd probably buy something else..

[Muzzman]

I've pm'd Phil, i'll have a chat with him and see what happens

[SmokeEm]

I've pm'd Phil, i'll have a chat with him and see what happens

Good on ya mate. A more genuine, honest fella you will NOT find.

 

Hope it works out for you. Great car at a bargain price IMHO

[Vista]

The other point i suppose is is it better to go for say the other mk2 with the pinto and all the goodies although if i want a fast car i'd probably buy something else..

I'm not sure which other car you're referring to but post up a link if you can.

 

Personally I'd go for the car with

 

A. The least rust

B. As standard a spec as possible

 

B because it allows you both to put your own stamp on it, and to ensure it's done to a standard you are happy with.

 

Oh and yes, swapping from auto to manual is an easy (and common) job. In fact, the auto shell is the best one to have for a 5 speed swap as it comes as standard with the required larger gearbox tunnel.

 

I would do what Dave says, start simple with wheels, brakes and suspension, get it looking the way you want it by sorting any small scabs it has. And then perhaps think about a big HP pinto and 5 speed manual swap at the same time at the end.

 

Oh and ps, make no mistake, a mk2 escort with a well sorted pinto is not going to be a slouch by any means. Not a super car granted, but plenty quick enough for most people.

[Muzzman]

This one.... http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/ipb/index.php?/topic/73085-my-mk2-escort/

 

I can't seem to post on the For Sale Ad for Phils car,

[daveaphillips]

If you want to have a poke around mine I live pretty close to you, more than happy for you to have a look if it helps you to make up your mind?

 

Dave

[Vista]

Joe's car, also a good option.

 

There's nothing to stop you looking at both and then deciding which way to go.

 

Phil's car offers more of a chance to create your own thing, joe's will have more performance from the outset. Consider also how you want to use it when you look at them.

 

Use of classified rooms is restricted for new members until they have a minimum post count. It's to stop the forum being used as a free alternative to eBay.

[SmokeEm]

This one.... http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/ipb/index.php?/topic/73085-my-mk2-escort/

 

I can't seem to post on the For Sale Ad for Phils car,

Joe's car is also nice but a totally different animal. Pretty much built to go fast up the strip but with the race engine removed and replaced with a basic pinto. Granted, a lot of the work on suspension, brakes etc may already be done but I thought the point was you 'Wanted' to do a few things yourself?

[over_head_cam]

Replied by e-mail Muzzman.

 

And thanks for the positive comments everyone

[Muzzman]

SmokeEm, you're right, I was getting carried away and forgetting the 'learn mechanics bit'

 

Dave, that would be great if I could. Let me know where you are and I can pop over when's convenient

 

As for posting in the classifieds, I have purely honourable intentions!

 

I'd love a 2door but at 6-7k it's a huge difference, How important is history with cars of this age or is it all on condition?

[SmokeEm]

History not really relevant. Word of mouth about the current owners should tell you all you need to know. Guys like Phil & Joe have nothing to hide and indeed would be very silly to 'Big up' their cars wrongly as Phil is a respected Admin member of OSF and Joe is part of one of our site sponsors Ashton Mobile.

 

What does matter is minimal rust (And what there is you'd be best to sort asap of any) and mechanics that are perfectly usable. I know Phil's 4 door has served him well & it is no doubt a wrench to sell it but like myself, finances can be a struggle and needs a must. No doubt he will be back in an OSF before too long. (It is worth noting that Phil is a bodywork expert and I therefore conclude that if his gold 4 door was a rust bucket, he wouldn't have touched it with a barge pole) Just my opinion

[brettp]

Save up and buy something done that you can enjoy or just tinker with building my car nearly bankrupted me and consumed my life and is still driving me mad now unless you have the tools a warm dry workshop with electric car building in the street ain't fun driving them racing them and going to shows is the fun bit

[Muzzman]

I've been thinking about this a lot and decided that i really really want a 2 door, it may cost considerably more than the 4 door but it's what i want and if i get the 4 door i'm going to spend money on it and never be totally happy. I think i'm best waiting around until something pops up on the Classifieds that really takes my fancy.

 

Almost every car buying experince i've had is, i jump straight in and buy a car, i then join a forum, realise i've bought the wrong car, sell said car and then buy the one i want, i'd prefer to miss the buying the wrong car stage

[SmokeEm]

Nowt wrong with honesty mate.