6 replies to this topic

[BDA780]

Hey.
So I bought this fine Ford automobile back in March 2010.
I listed a wanted ad in Classic Car, asking for a Ford Escort Mk1 Estate but had the owner of this reply.
Got it sight unseen from a guy in Manawatu, who sold in on behalf of his father-in-law who drove it untill he was 92 years old.
Although quite rough around the edges it turned out to be a solid car.
It was completely stock bar a towbar and various home made accessories. Even had original cross-ply in the boot

Seller's pictures:




1300cc of pure grunt


Discuss: http://oldschool.co....hp?f=18&t=30924

[BDA780]

So after recieving the escort the plan was set to change and fix some parts.
The left rear reversing light and taillight lense were damaged and so these were replaced.
The towbar was also removed aiding performance

Showing signs of rust in front panel

New rear end

Now fully nana spec. Note opening rear window (now stock window due to leakages)

[BDA780]

Decided to drop some mates home from uni last year and was in a rush to get home.
Car decided to stop just beside BurgerFuel at Ellerslie on the Northern Motorway Thankfully I hve happier memories at thet BurgerFuel now hahaha.
This was cause for a new battery and cleanup of the standard (tiny) carb.

[BDA780]

So on to 2011.
Got given some more "period" pieces for the Escort; AA badge, Portable Record player, Box Brownie camera, Suitcases, ABC crates and a lone Raleigh 20.
Plan was to get some Lotus steels and a roof rack to change up the look of the car.
I got donated some 13 by 6 inch lotus steels from a friend. Unfortunately the hubcaps I have only fit on the wheels NOT stamped 'Ford Australia' ... go figure.
Only found this out after they were painted aswell
Some 205/50 tires were mounted on them and made them good to go. After a bit of guard lip panel beating of course (Thanks dad )


The front seats were also retrimmed as the canvas had worn through and a spring was missing
The finish and quality was nice, hopefully they last another 30 odd years.


Sticker tires fitted



The initial plan was to build a roof rack from scratch but due to my lak of welding skills and the complex curve of the roof, a roof rack was sourced from a friend in chch.
He kindly donated the roof rack to the project.

[BDA780]

Update:
So the speedo decided to give up going to work on Friday
Drove by 'ear' the whole way there and back
Also I got way to excited bidding against someone and acquired an old Phillips Tape Deck.
Its apparently Mono. Is it possible to convert it to stereo?
Pics will be up later when I get it.
185/70 tires are being sorted by my dad's mate, so then lowering time
Tape Player:

[BDA780]

Well I've taken long enough to update this, no thanks to Uni and laziness.
Tape player was a no go. Rubber driver belt was completely perished ahwell.
The Escort has been racking up the miles in the last 12 months and has got a bit lower as well.
So some of the events attended in 2012 in chronological order:

Carl's Jr Meet-February (photos courtesy of chess-)



Galaxy of Cars-February (photo courtesy of Avenga)


4 and Rotary Ardmore-March (photo 1 courtesy of chess-, photo 2 courtesy of Performance Car Mag)



After the 4 and Rotary meet, chees- provided the inspiration for lowering.


Thus before Oldschool Nationals, Dad restored MK2 escort front struts with 2inch lowering springs and new shocks.
The rear got two 20 litre bottles of water and three sandbags to aid in lowering it as the new rear shocks raised the rear of the car.
Finally the MK2 struts allowed for the Escort to finally run disks on the front, so the brake booster was added as well.



Oldschool Naionals-Rotorua (photos courtesy of rotorhoe)

Nats was a success with the Escort netting a close second in the "How is that so slammed?" prize.
Credit is due to the organising committee for putting on such a choice event.

[BDA780]

Fast forwarding a couple months.
The next main meet for the Escort was a cruise to Leadfoot Ranch in early November (the day after my final uni exam ever yuss!!)
rotorhoe, 427carguy and myself cruised down to Hahei with the rest of the Oldschool crew.
427carguy drove the Escort up the drive without adding to the scratches on the side hahaha

Leadfoot Cruise-November (photos courtesy of rotorhoe, Toygte and Snoozin)




Hatfields Beach Meet-December (photo courtesy of Toygte)


Burgerfuel Monthly meet-December (photos courtesy of rotorhoe)