MK1 Escort Mexico Shell to be Restored
Collection of customers mk1 escort mexico shell to be restored. The shell was already stripped of all mechanical parts when we collected it. Inital inspection was carried out and then the shell was sent away for heat treatment to remove all paint and underseal.
Mexico shell is back from the heat treatment and with all the paint, underseal and loose corrosion removed the examination of the shell can begin. All the areas that need repairing are visible and the ordering of panels can begin.
Panels ordered and arrive ready for the restoration of the shell. Various panels are kept in stock, the rest ordered in, as we are an agent for Magnun panels.
The shell is put onto the jig and the removal of the panels can begin. The floor pans and bulkhead need replacing so these are cut away along with the inner wing panels ,which also need replacing. A jig is connected to the door pillars and door shuts to keep the shell in-line as the floor panel is removed. A cross brace is also put in place, which also connects to the roof so the shell does not flex. With the bulkhead removed the new floor section can be slid into place.
The new floor panel is now put into place and welded, replicating the original spot welds. With the floor pan in place chassis sections and bulk head can be lined up and fitted. Next to go on are the new inner wing sections and front panel. Once these are fitted the wings and doors can be lined up to get the gaps right,before the wings are welded and doors hung. At each stage the relevent parts of the jig frames can be removed.
The final fitting up is completed and the shell is now ready to go for dipping to remove any surface rust and have a coat of primer applied
The bodyshell and panels have been dipped and primed with a red oxide type primer and is now ready for the paint shop. Once at the paint shop the shell will be checked over for any imperfections and these will be addressed. The shell is then prepped and painted back in its original colour of Ford Modena Green. Car painted by AT Motors.
The shell has gone to the painters where it has been undersealed and primed. Sound deadening has then been fitted and the top coats of paint can be added.
Once the top coat of red has set,the small areas of black on the inside, front and rear panels, pillars and window surrounds are added. Now the paint is on, off to the trimmers to have the new vinyl roof fitted.
The shell is now painted and ready for the refitting of all the overhauled and new parts.
The shell is now painted and ready for the refitting of all the refurbished and new parts.
