All welding and fabricating is now finished on our Historic Group 4 Escort Mk1 restoration project. A quick sand blast to clean the steel and into the spray both to be painted in primer to protect the bare metal bodywork before detailed bodywork begins, fitting front wings, doors, boot/bonnet etc. Final painting should be finished early in the new year.
Finally landed back with us from our local bodyshop, and the bright recd colour really does look lovely!
Here we have the new mk2 bodyshell fully painted, stunning red colour with satin black detail. We now have the rollcage bolted in and some basic trim fitted: windows, seals, bumpers, grill etc. If not sold soon we will be bolting on an Atlas axle and front suspension to get the shell rolling, cant wait to get the gold Minilites on :)
Just a few update shots of the Mk1, all welding nearly finished including dry fitting of the engine and gearbox. Bodywork starts next week...
Making good progress this week on the fabrication and restoration of the Mk1 historic shell. We decided to fit new inner wings, front panel, sills etc. Some additional strengthening and plating under way. Outer panels next including bubble arches and some panel alignment next, before its ready for the bodyshop
Finally had shell fully painted, wow check out the finish on that!
Next job is satin black paint behind the grill and rear panel
And here is some satin black on the dash and side window frames:
The new Mk2 Escort RS shell, Just back from the bodyshop, had a thick coat of epoxy primer after the fabrication work as it was bare metal after been sandblasted. We wanted the steel protected ASAP to avoid any surface rust and and contamination. Next step will be the dry fitting of the Duratec engine, gearbox, exhaust system etc. Also drilling holes where required for the pipes, loom etc.Then back to the bodyshop for the serious bodywork including fitting the alloy arches and the final painting process.
Quick update on the Millington Escort, after the last rally the engine was running little too hot, especially when queuing up on the stage start, so we decided to upgrade the radiator to a larger core (safari spec) and a larger 12" spal fan from the 11" that was fitted.
Should have a proper test on the next rally: Glyn Memorial Stages at Anglesey circuit next month
Today we took delivery from the fabrication shop, the fast road RS Escort Mk2. The main body shell fabrication is now done,
Mods include:
Base plates for the 6 point cage
Anti tramp bar brackets
Panhard rod tower
Under floor skids
Engine bay strengthening and gusset plates
Engine chassis mounts
Strut brace
Firewall
Radiator cutouts and mounts
Seat rails,
Fuel tank mount
Inner arch extender for alloy arches
Next job will be dry fitting the engine and gearbox, exhaust system etc before its sent to the bodyshop for the alloy arches and spoilers to be fitted.
Latest update on the New Mk2 Escort Group4 clubman shell, this week its had Raptor coating on the under side and a full finish coat of Radiant red paint inside. Next week we should see the mk2 finished with the outside painted in this stunning red colour.
