1st mk1 escort and build. XE engine

[Looneyfitter]

So picked up this old girl a couple weeks ago. Shes fairly solid for 50 year old. 2 owners from new as far as im aware, sat in a unit for last 25 years.

Panel wise, i think she only needs fron valance, lower front cross member, both wings, both cills and lower rear valance. Theres a couple holes here and there but nothing to horrific.

She is off to be stripped of her paint on Wednesday at Ribble Technology in Preston.

Plan is to keep her stock looking on the inside, bubble arches are going on, round headlight conversion, front coil overs.

Im stuck on what to do with the rear suspension and tubs? What size wheels work best?

Shall I stick with the leafs on the rear? Change to coil overs?

If you fit the 4 link boxes, can you retain the rear seats? Same with 15" tubs with turret boxes? If not what other options are there?

Some pics of the progress so far.

Thanks for looking G

[Looneyfitter]

[katana]

Im stuck on what to do with the rear suspension and tubs? What size wheels work best?
Shall I stick with the leafs on the rear? Change to coil overs?
If you fit the 4 link boxes, can you retain the rear seats? Same with 15" tubs with turret boxes?

Wheel size is personal choice 13's or 15's can work but the look / style is different and not to 'everyone's' taste. 15's sort of muck up the front geometry a bit so has to be considered. Tubs and 4 link boxes will compromise seats ie. they can technically be fitted after trimming and gutting but you wouldn't want to sit on them! IMO unless you are planning competition there is no advantage using coil overs - good leaf springs and decent dampers are fine for a fast road car !
Don't be surprised if shell being dipped reveals a lot more steel lace work especially in the floors and wheel wells - its very normal.

[Looneyfitter]

Thanks for the reply. Yes just being used as fast road. Maybe the odd track day. Guess I will stick with leaf springs and decent dampers. What do most use on the front? And for brakes?

Im expecting it to come back a bit worse than now but hopefully its not too bad.. Fingers Crossed

Many thanks.