"Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

[tom_escort_mk2]

For some time, I've been looking for another mk2 escort after selling my Proton road rally car. I was originally looking for a 4 door as I didn't think I could afford a 2 door, however I found a 2 door on eBay a month or so ago. It was through a company called Montescort in Nottingham who specialise in Escorts. It was a South African import in 2010 so its pretty solid. It needs some work on the n/s outer sill, door skins, front panel and n/s front foot well. Paintwork isn't great, but as its a bit untidy I won't be so afraid to use it. I am unsure as to what use, but I want it to last. I think i'll use it for a bit of road rallying/auto solo's etc. I'm unsure as to whether to keep the Xflow or get a Pinto, so would appreciate some advice.

Spec wise, I'm thinking about the below:

Bilstein front coilovers
Bilstein rear dampers (most likely in the std position, not turreted)
Adjustable TCA's
Single leaf springs
Tramp bars
Quick rack
English axle with LSD
RX8 gearbox

This is the only picture I have as its sat in the garage due to recently getting married.



It looks tidier in the picture than it actually is. Will be a long term project but will be worth it in the end. If you have any advice, or tips then please let me know. Tempted to put it in a spit to do the welding and seam weld where possible.

[mexicotait]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Beauty!

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Been collecting parts for a couple of months now. I have some bilstein front coilovers and bilstein rear dampers, minilite wheels, gr4 big gearbox tunnel, radiator cutout, engine bay gussets, tramp bar kit. Sold the xflow as I am looking for a pinto so this weekend I made some progress.



Looks pretty solid in the engine bay and under the arches as you can see.











Battery tray has been bodged but that will come out as it will be going in the boot.

[Forest_rallying]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

That shell looks in very good condition and hopefully will require only a minimal amount of welding. Good luck on your build,

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

It looks good underneath, just tatty on the bodywork. As long as it goes and stops, I don't mind too much!

Can admin move this thread into Restorations and Rebuilds please?

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Bought a Sierra Pinto at the weekend which has a 205 block and looks like a unleaded carb head. It has a 'P' marking which from what I've read means it has hardened valve seats (hopefully someone will confirm this).



When I drained the oil, it was 'very' creamy which means a mixture between oil and water I took the head off and looks like an issue with the HG between one of the waterways and cylinder 2. The bore has a small amount of rust, which I don't know whether rehoning will suffice or a rebore.



I checked the bearings and they look like they all need replacing which is fine, however I dont know whether a polish will do on the crank. Or will it need regrinding, any thoughts?



The only thing I couldn't remove was a breather, any thoughts?



Ended up with a table full of parts....



I know I need a head gasket set/seals, big end/main bearings, water pump, timing belt kit. Looking at replacing the cam whilst its all apart, and I'll rebuild the head and lap the valves in. So much for it being a cheap engine!

[Erikmex]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Crank looks ok but the only way you'll really be able to tell if it needs a grind is to measure the journals with a mic at various points...checking for ovality as well.

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

So, its been an eventful couple of weeks. Managed to get some of the money back for what I paid for the engine which was decent of the guy. Big thank you to Graham for all his advice as I wasnt sure what I was going to do. Once the engine is running, I'm sure I'll be getting him to do some work on the head for me. Time is now a factor as I need to get the engine mounted in the car sooner rather than later. Managed to find a an injection engine relatively close by so picked that up. I have a 32/36 DGAV carb and inlet to go with it. Given the engine a good clean and bought a few bits to freshen it up, cam belt kit, oil pump, gasket set, spray bar etc. The seller told me it was a bit rattly in the top end and it looked like the cam was worn - which it was. However, he gave me a spare head which had a decent standard cam in it. Swapped it over and the followers today so I can get it running. Gave it a bit of a paint as well - needs another coat though.





Need to give the sump, water pump, cam cover etc a bit of a paint. Then i'll put it back together.

Picked up a 6 speed RX8 gearbox for £60 last weekend, need to order the plate from Jonathan off here.

Next thing will be to fit the bigger gearbox tunnel, bulkhead gussets, strut top plates and a bit of seam welding. Then give it a paint and get the engine and gearbox back in.

[madragon199]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

nice build...keep the updates coming...cheers mark

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Gone forwards and backwards.. The engine is nearly built, just need to adjust the valves.





Started doing some work in the engine bay by welding in the chassis to bulkhead gussets. When I completed those, I moved inside to start work on the bigger gearbox tunnel. The carpet had been stuck down, and then there was this thick "insulation stuff" which again was stuck down. Pulled it up and it was hiding some horrors. Lots of holes, bodged welding and plates riveted over rust.













Not sure whether to cut it all out or weld up the holes. Also, as I'm fitting weld in seat rails for the bucket seats, can I cut out the seat cross members as they're not needed?

On another note, I got hold of a Burton BF134 cam kit cheap as well as the RX8 adapter turned up. Once the rust and tunnel is sorted, I can get the engine and box mocked up and mounted. Then I'll take it all out and repaint it all.

Was disheartening seeing the floor in this condition, but onwards and upwards!

[mexicotait]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Cut it out
It will bother you if you don't and you will end up doing it again just like I did
Do it now and properly and then it will be done for a few years

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Did some more tidying up in the car so I can see what I'm dealing with. Had to get the heat gun to get the insulation off the floor and the drivers side isn't too bad. Two small areas that need attention. However, the passengers side isn't so good.



After pulling up all the bodges, and pieces of metal that were fiberglassed over to hide the problem, I found this mess. Ordered some new floor panels which should sort it out. Bit of a shame but its one of those things I guess. Chassis rails are fine which is a relief!

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Found more and more rust, the owners in south Africa liked to hide problems rather than fix! On the plus side, I'm getting lots of welding practice. Nearly there with the repairs, but now installing a roll cage to give some strength to the shell as I've cut a lot out. Managed to buy a few bits at classic ford, so I'm starting to get the bits slowly. Will put some pictures up, it's slow progress as I'm installing a new kitchen at the moment as well.

[roadrallysierra]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Hi there just out of curiosity how much did the car set you back when you first got it?

[tom_escort_mk2]

Re: "Budget" Escort Mk2 Project

Car was £4k but I think overpaid after seeing how bad the rust is on the car. It was VERY well hidden under fibreglass and filler. Had a break from the car for a while due to holidays and installing a new kitchen. Hopefully I can get some more progress made over the next few weeks to get some motivation back!