Prefect project!

[Wack]

Hi folks. 

Just acquired a Ford Prefect, I think '59. Making space in the garage for it this weekend. I've had loads of escorts and capris over the years and had a lust for a mk1 Escort again but my pockets aren't deep enough... Wondering about the possibility of making the Prefect a bit more fun and useable with a crosflow,  5 speed box and better brakes! I imagine this is all possible if I threw enough brass at it but can it be achieved with middling expense and some wrenching skills? All advice gratefully received! Thanks.   

[katana]

If you don't limit yourself to only using Ford parts - anything can be made to fit and work - Just look at New Zelander's, they seem to always make something from nothing!

Seriously though for example Volvo and Saab engines and axles (volvo) are bulletproof and cheap, mazda gearboxes are over engineered and cheap - in fact most things that don't say FORD from the 70 / 80 / 90's will work with some inginuity! 

[chinkamon]

I've always fancied a project like this, nice cheap tidy motor, good box an plenty of fun 

[Wack]

Ta for that  I had thought about Mazda twin cam and box as being cheap and available but then got stuck on idea of ford. Doesn't matter so long as it's fun!   Anyone done one?   

[chinkamon]

4 hours ago, Wack said:

Ta for that  I had thought about Mazda twin cam and box as being cheap and available but then got stuck on idea of ford. Doesn't matter so long as it's fun!   Anyone done one?   

I thought if I had the opportunity I'd be going Mazda engine and box, they're basically ford anyway if you squint plus by all accounts nicer as well 

[eeb43]

8 hours ago, Wack said:

Hi folks. 

Just acquired a Ford Prefect, I think '59. Making space in the garage for it this weekend. I've had loads of escorts and capris over the years and had a lust for a mk1 Escort again but my pockets aren't deep enough... Wondering about the possibility of making the Prefect a bit more fun and useable with a crosflow,  5 speed box and better brakes! I imagine this is all possible if I threw enough brass at it but can it be achieved with middling expense and some wrenching skills? All advice gratefully received! Thanks.   

before you modify anything get it taxed as historic on the v5c if its not already

[notenoughtime]

Go and buy a rusty mx5 (loads of them around lol) engine and box will go in the prefect easily 

[notenoughtime]

16 minutes ago, eeb43 said:

before you modify anything get it taxed as historic on the v5c if its not already

That’s the best advice I’ve heard for ages 

[Mash]

On 13/02/2021 at 18:44, notenoughtime said:

That’s the best advice I’ve heard for ages 

Aye, me too and make sure you get a receipt for the engine/box. In fact, while the Mazda is a great option, you might find it easier to get it properly registered later on if you do use a crossflow/pinto or some other Ford unit. Trust me, I'm going through the engine change on the V5c now and it's worrying even with a Ford.

[Wack]

Good advice thanks. The old girl has been in storage for years, last tested in 98 I think.. I'm hopefully getting it delivered tomo evening if my mate is away from work soon enough. Shifted my bikes around garage to make room..I'll post some pics when I get organised. Thanks again..

[Wack]

More room under bonnet than I'd realised! 

[Wack]

At first glace needs sills, bit on rear arch but rest mainly cosmetic.  I'll get her up in the air and get a proper look soon. 

[DT36]

Going to be a good project and looks a good base. 

However, more to the point, is that a Can-Am Bombardier? 😁

Edited February 19, 2021 by dt36

[notenoughtime]

Looks great, get it on the road first before you strip it 

I know it’s mot exempt but I’d get it moted and register it for historic tax if it hasn’t been already  

[Mash]

2 hours ago, dt36 said:

However, more to the point, is that a Can-Am Bombardier? 😁

Think you're right there dt 👍😊

[Mash]

Anyway, I reckon you'd be better using a Ford power plant/trans, but if you did decide to go down the Mx5 route, this guys is worth a look(might be worth a look anyway)....

UrchFab Mongrel

[Johnny Boy]

I fitted a Mazda 1840 twin cam engine and 5 speed to my MK1 Cortina.

I'd recommend it, but I know it doesn't sit too well with a lot of ford people.

Stock engine with tiny 40 dcoes made 160 bhp and 150 ft torque on the dyno.

That's quite a lot of money and work to get a pinto or crossflow to do that. And it already comes with a good 5 speed.

And anyway, Fords Duratec engine is a Mazda engine.😆 

[Wack]

17 hours ago, dt36 said:

Going to be a good project and looks a good base. 

However, more to the point, is that a Can-Am Bombardier? 😁

Yep! Well spotted. 

[Wack]

Got rather too many projects on but good fun. Yes I reckon try and get it running first off and as you say, tested to be safe. It's surprising what they spot you've missed no matter how careful you are. 

[Wack]

As you can see it's getting a bit out of hand! 

[notenoughtime]

5 hours ago, Wack said:

As you can see it's getting a bit out of hand! 

Pah! That’s nothing lol 

I have a few projects but you want to check marks collection out! 😂

[eeb43]

4 minutes ago, notenoughtime said:

Pah! That’s nothing lol 

I have a few projects but you want to check marks collection out! 😂

meeeeeeeeeeee?????????????? lol

[Wack]

Glad it's not just me! It's sneaking em past the Mrs That's the tough bit... 😉

[chinkamon]

On 20/02/2021 at 11:02, Johnny Boy said:

I fitted a Mazda 1840 twin cam engine and 5 speed to my MK1 Cortina.

I'd recommend it, but I know it doesn't sit too well with a lot of ford people.

Stock engine with tiny 40 dcoes made 160 bhp and 150 ft torque on the dyno.

That's quite a lot of money and work to get a pinto or crossflow to do that. And it already comes with a good 5 speed.

And anyway, Fords Duratec engine is a Mazda engine.😆 

Ooooooo can we ( meaning me) see pics and any info u got about your MK1? I toyed with the idea myself but in 2 minds if I want to alter mine as it runs so well as it is?

[Wack]

I'm keen too!