Dougd

I was surprised how good Shaneo's gold wheels looked but I had wanted something different and when the 15" Simmons came up I couldn't say no.

The 5 or 6 speed Mazda box will work but the series 5 RX7 turbo box is probably the strongest. There are a number of places in the UK that do all the conversion parts but most seem to use the type 9 box. Have you had a chat to Roger Carroll in Adelaide? He makes all the parts to get the Duratec into the Escort and uses the Mazda box. jrprmc@bigbutton.com.au 0408 804 795 or (08)82723981

So has usual I have been absolutely hopeless at keeping htis thred updated. Wagon is now back on the road and so far running well. Did end selling the modded motor and just putting in a standard one for now. I have some good bits to build another one. Got in road legal with some borrowed wheels. If they look familiar thats because they are Shaneo's wheels from his green Sport. Used these while I had mine refurbed. Thats where it is currently and I'll call this phase one as we all know these things are never quite finished.

Better idea would be to sell the rotten sport to me Sold my son's escort on friday so we are one step closer to telling the wife about this one.

After being married for twenty years I've learnt when to tell her about things and now is not the time to tell her about this especially since my wagon isn't finished yet. It's actually quite good and a lot better than I thought it would be.Gonna put some zinc on it until a space opens up at the body shop in a couple of months. For now I'll be "storing it for a mate" as far as my wife's concerned.....

Nicely done Max, got it running well in time for Gumboot.

Thanks, the sump issue is a pain but hopefully I can get it running in time for the drags

So been a bit slack with updates and getting my Wagon finished but have had a slight distraction My son's Escort which I ended using for the Gumboot Rally on my own as he started a job the week before. The Classic Ford article It may seem like not much has changed on the Wagon but I have been able to get heaps of small things done like installing the petrol tank, battery cables for the battery to be in the back, new brake lines. Got as far has installing radiator, alternator, coil etc and all was looking good until I tried to install the starter and it was catching on the winged and baffled sump. A quick touch with the hammer revealed it had been badly repaired so had to pull everything out again. So got if repaired properly but forgot to take a photo Thanks to M_C and Shaneo its all back in and I can start putting everything back on. So getting close again and hopefully get it done by the end of the year, definitely want to drive it to Leadfoot next year

I won't say anything mean 'cos you guys helped me but a heated garage would be cool......

Got back to the wagon this week after my Mitsubushi Loser decided to kill a head gasket and demanded imiidiate attention. On the plus side its going better than ever but stole a chunkc of cash that could have been spent on the Wagon. New Carpet Seats covered and back in Intake and carb cleaned and fitted. Fitted clutch cable and a couple of other small bits but nothing picture worthy.

Little update. Didn't get as far as I wanted over the weekend due to the "Minister of Home Affairs" deciding that ceilings needed painting Got the head back on and fitted the exhaust manifold Fitted the struts back in and I will pick up the new wheel bearing kits I ordered today so I can finish up the front hopefully for the last time for a while.

Small update but at least there has been progress Installed some stereo cabling Took head back off after confirming that valves cleared and cleaned off the old intake gasket Bottom End Got the struts back today after having the shocks shortened Hopefully have front end all back in and head back on by the end of the weekend.

New springs test Rolled the wagon outside to let the suspension settle and check the height These are the standard wheels with the "never fail a warrant" tyres but I will put the 15" on once I buy some tyres

Small update. Clean up the exhaust manifold. The high heat paint may not last but at least it will look good for the first ten seconds. Got some new coils (thanks Billy) so need to trial fit before having the inserts shortened. May as well clean up some of the other bits

Thanks Jeremy,its been four years so it will be good to finally drive the wagon. I thought you would have been done by now. Billy's wagon is still looking as good as ever.