Red Mexico FHE Escort MK1
We have collected another Mk1 Escort Mexico for a full restoration. This car has been owned by the customer for many years and they contacted us for a full strip and rebuild . The car mostly complete and all parts which had been removed were boxed and labelled. The car and parts were collected from the customers home and brought back to the workshop where it was stripped down to the bodyshell and could be checked over to see what repairs were needed to the shell.
After getting the car stripped down to the bare shell it was sent off for acid dipping to see how much work the shell needed. When it came back all the areas that needed attention could be plainly seen. Lots of small perforations in the floor lead to the whole floor being removed and a new complete floor pan fitted back in. Damage to the rear quarter panel also became apparent and this was also removed and replaced. New outer sills and parts of the a pillars were also treated to new metal. Once all the repairs were done, it was back for another acid dip and prime. Next stop for the shell will be the paint shop.
While the fabrication work to the shell is being carried out, all the mechanical components are stripped,cleaned,overhauled and rebuilt.The engine has been stripped, checked, new gaskets and bearings fitted along with a new higher lift camshalf. The head is also stripped and checked with any necessary parts renewed. Steering rack was also stripped and cleaned with new rack shaft bush fitted,new gaitors and a fresh coat of paint.
New track rod ends also fitted.The transmission was also looked at with any parts that needed replacing being done and a new Quaife ATB diff unit fitted into the rear axle.Front suspension was changed to period Bilstein front struts and up-rated coil springs and Bilstein dampers on the rear. M16 front calipers reconditioned and rear drums stripped and over hauled.Pedal box and servo unit also stripped , cleaned and seals replaced.
Front and rear bumpers sent away for cleaning and rechroming.The seats were also stripped, the frames repaired in places and then recovered .All parts ready for the rebuild once the body shell arrives back from painting.
The shell is at the paint shop where it is seam sealed and prepped ready for paint. Shell is primed and then the under side is painted first with a stone chip type product and is then over painted with body colour. Inside is next, with sound deadening added,body colour and then the small areas of black. Now the rest of the shell can be painted.
Once back the refit of all the new and over hauled components can begin. First to go in is the new headlining. All the suspension is next and then the engine and gearbox. Wiring loom,fuel and brake lines, glass and interior follow. Mexico stripes are added and the final touches done. Car now ready to be returned too our customer.
The car has all been refitted, MOT tested and test driven. On doing a few miles and customer test driving it was decided to fit a Quaife ATB diff, for a little extra traction on road use and ease of maintainance.
