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Thread: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

  1. #1
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Hi,
    After being made redundant in 2009 in decided to start working for myself. Lucky I already had a workshop that I used to tinker about in doing my own projects so I was all set. I rebuilt a few engines for people and done the odd service here and there then In August 2010 I was asked to restore an Mk2 Escort RS2000 custom, which was described as being one step away from being broken for spares.

    This particular vehicle had been brought as a project to restore by the pervious owner but unfortunately due to other commitments he never found the time to give it the attention it needed. So for some fourteen years this car stood under a lean-to with the passenger side exposed to the elements before the current owner stumbled across it and decided to bring it back to its former glory.


    I hope you enjoy the pictures

    Arrival

    I took delivery of the RS2000 Custom. It arrived on the back of a transporter and at first glance didn’t look to bad so it was pushed into the workshop for a closer inspection.





    Initial inspection


    Once under the lights of the workshop it was easy to see which side of the car had seen fourteen winters and fourteen summers. I removed some of the outer panels to find the shell was in bad shape with the worst of the rust on the passenger side but lucky the chassis rails were in surprisingly good condition. After I report my findings I was given the go a head to start work but I could see that this was going to be a major restoration inside and out.












    Strip out


    The vehicle arrived at the workshop has a complete car and with a boot full of spare parts the pervious owner had collected over the years but had never fitted. The escort was stripped down to a bare shell and a list of replacement panels and parts was made.







    Engine Bay


    It was decided that the engine bay was the worst part of the vehicle so that’s where I started. Due to the availability/lead time of some panels I would have to replace what I could with new panels and fabricate the rest. I removed the wings, front panel, slam panel, battery tray, radiator mounts and front cross member. Apart from the tops and front edges the inner wings seemed to be in good condition so replacement tops panels were ordered.




    The front suspension mounts and chassis rails also looked serviceable but sadly this could not be said for the bulkhead. The top of the bulkhead on the passenger side had rusted through and the drivers side had some poor repair work carried out at some stage this will require and new or second-hand panel.






    Once all the old panels where removed a jig was made to relocate all the new panels and hold everything square.











    Front bumper mounting lugs and front edges patterns were produce using my CAD system. The patterns were transferred to mild steel cut out, formed and welded into position.









  2. #2
    Pit Crew Decade Plus User justinveal's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    starting to look like the front of a car now, youve done well there matey

  3. #3
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Some more pictures...









    A second hand A post was supplied. Not in the best condition but i've got a welder and a big hammer.







    Now get graft it in to the car






  4. #4
    Pit Crew Decade Plus User 105Ian's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Looks like alot of work going to be needed but from what you have done so far you certainly look capable of doing a great job

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    stunning work mate nice one

    the boot floor looks in pretty good nick though

  6. #6
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Next was to remove the bulkhead top panel and start patching the bulkhead and gearbox tunnel. I wanted to make it look as original as possible and not like a patch work quilt.













    A goodish bulkhead top panel was found but needed alot of prep work to fit.





    Then a test fit of the outer panels just to make sure everything is still straight.





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    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by justinveal View Post
    starting to look like the front of a car now, youve done well there matey
    its getting there.

  8. #8
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    thanks

    it has been a bit of a mare lol

  9. #9
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Ratters View Post
    stunning work mate nice one

    the boot floor looks in pretty good nick though
    The boot area is in really good shape (thank god!) lol

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Thats some very nice fab work your doing there mate i will be watching this thread!!!....
    ALL THIS AND THE OPEN ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Pit Crew Decade Plus User merp0's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Some good work going on there, looks like a good way to earn a living

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    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by 123ESCORTS View Post
    Thats some very nice fab work your doing there mate i will be watching this thread!!!....
    Thanks mate.

    its good to have forums like this for reference material.

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    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by merp0 View Post
    Some good work going on there, looks like a good way to earn a living
    Thanks.

    I'm a aircraft sheet metal worker by trade so i enjoy doing this type of work.

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    If you look back throgh the resto threads for one called "rusty old rs"...posted by stage1 thats mine its about the same as this one havent done anything to it for a while as im finishing off another one..
    ALL THIS AND THE OPEN ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. #15
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by 123ESCORTS View Post
    If you look back throgh the resto threads for one called "rusty old rs"...posted by stage1 thats mine its about the same as this one havent done anything to it for a while as im finishing off another one..
    I've been reading through that thread really good and I see your just down the road to me

  16. #16
    Bodger carlf's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by redwizz View Post
    I'm a aircraft sheet metal worker by trade...
    Your work is fantastic! You should produce more of those inner wing repair panels (front bumper mount), I for one would be interested in buying a pair.

  17. #17
    World Champion Decade Plus User cossymax's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Have to say some impressive workmanship and fabrication work going on there.

    Keep up the good work and the updates coming, with the speed your working at you will have this done in no time


    Old skool forever
    Just don`t tell the wife
    how much it really costs!

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by redwizz View Post
    I've been reading through that thread really good and I see your just down the road to me
    IM NOT STAGE 1 THATS MY MATE TREVOR HES MOVED TO HAYLE IN CORNWAL NOW...HES GOT MY CAR SITTING IN HIS BARN WAITING ITS TURN....
    ALL THIS AND THE OPEN ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    World Champion Decade Plus User exboyracer's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    You're doing fantastic work here, I'm really looking to this one progressing
    http://escort.accelerator.org
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    Racer Decade Plus User Stringpants's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    You are a very talented man..

    Keep the pics coming,

    Russ.

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    stunning work, well done

    www.gulfpetrolheads.com

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    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by carlf View Post
    Your work is fantastic! You should produce more of those inner wing repair panels (front bumper mount), I for one would be interested in buying a pair.
    I can make some up if you need them let me know.

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  24. #23
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by Stringpants View Post
    You are a very talented man..

    Keep the pics coming,

    Russ.
    Quote Originally Posted by dobuy View Post
    stunning work, well done
    Thanks chaps

    i will keep this thread updated till the end lol

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    Pit Crew Decade Plus User markjabber's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    good work there

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    Spanner Monkey fullathepipe's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Without a doubt that is some seriously tidy metal work! Huge credit to you my friend!!

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    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by markjabber View Post
    good work there

    Quote Originally Posted by fullathepipe View Post
    Without a doubt that is some seriously tidy metal work! Huge credit to you my friend!!

    Thanks im looking forward to seeing it finished in more ways than one lol.

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    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Bit more done today.

    The bulkhead supplied was cut from a donor so some repair work was need on the edges and then it was welded into place.










    Test fitted the bulkhead splash panels a found that one was shorter than the other! More work…




    Lucky the donor bulkhead supplied had a dashboard in good condition still attached but because it was out of a ‘lesser’ Mk2 I had to cut out a hole for the glove box. lol



    Finished of by making a corner patch for the passenger floor.





    more tomorrow…

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    Mechanic gpcmatric's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Top work excellent skills

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    some top class work there keep it up

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    Mechanic bodger rogers's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    fair play, that front end was knackered and now looks really good. top job mate!
    if it aint broke, break it!

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Great work, another RS that was fit for the scrap heap in the process of being saved.

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Very, very impressed..........I wouldn't have the bottle to take that on, but then again I don't have your skill

  34. #33
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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    top class work all credit to u

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    Racer Decade Plus User Ricky's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Top work

  36. #35
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Bit more rust replacement management…

    Fitted the corner patch for the passenger floor. Still needs a bit of grinding..



    More patch work. The passenger side of the bulkhead was really bad.






    Couldn’t find anyone supplying the ‘Z’ section reinforcing brackets that attach to the bulkhead splash shields so made my own…

    Old one


    New one


    Spot-welded to the panel


    Panel cut in and tack welded into position




    one more patch to make tomorrow to finish the passenger side.

  37. #36
    Bodger redwizz's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Quote Originally Posted by gpcmatric View Post
    Top work excellent skills
    Quote Originally Posted by sidewaysisthewayforw View Post
    some top class work there keep it up
    Quote Originally Posted by bodger rogers View Post
    fair play, that front end was knackered and now looks really good. top job mate!
    Quote Originally Posted by Unclebuck View Post
    Great work, another RS that was fit for the scrap heap in the process of being saved.
    Quote Originally Posted by Hoogi View Post
    Very, very impressed..........I wouldn't have the bottle to take that on, but then again I don't have your skill
    Quote Originally Posted by sperrin44 View Post
    top class work all credit to u
    Quote Originally Posted by Ricky View Post
    Top work
    Thanks for the kind comments chaps

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  39. #37
    World Champion Decade Plus User exboyracer's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    I'm guessing you're a dab hand with a sandbag and a mallet! Nice curves
    http://escort.accelerator.org
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  40. #38
    Spanner Monkey Blacktop's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Truely Inspiring!!!

  41. #39
    Spanner Monkey Ruudje's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    Amazing job! You sure as hell know how to do a proper resto

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    Mechanic rampant racing's Avatar

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    Re: Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom Restoration

    very nice work .my father was a tin tapper from scotland.he could bash a proper panel aswell.he would like this.good job.
    08 ford mustang 4.0l v6 4.10 gears5 speed auto vortech sc 16psi intercooled custom intake/meth inj.

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