Alex.t

So I bought this cabby back in August just before I went away for work. I only had enough time to strip some off it down to get a rough idea of how badly it had rusted away.

I have only ever really done little jobs on my daily runners like changing springs and oils etc so this is my first proper project and no doubt a massive learning curve. I had 5 months working away that i could not wait to get cracking on with it.

I am an Aircraft Engineer by trade so have a knowledge of engineering but when it comes to the engine and stuff like welding itll all be brand new to me so I will be asking for help a fair bit

Here it is when i picked it up.










And here is some more from when I got it home.

























I hope you enjoy the project Plenty more pictures to come.

Alex.T

Alex.t

Once i got it in the garage i stripped the bumpers, skirts and seats/carpet on the hunt for the nasty brown stuff.

I have found that both rear arches, both front wings, battery tray, front cross bar and also the two doors all need replacing.





Pictures of the arches and wings to follow later.

There is rust on the forward part off the chassis that i am in need of advise to repair. Am i able to get a repair patch or just weld a normal piece of metal it its place.

Alex.t

On return from Canada and after the festive activities i got to work again.

I have removed the old seats and got them on ebay as i purchased myself a new set along with door cards and rear speaker pannel.

Old Seats



New Seats







On removal off the roof, I ermm accidentally ripped it on both sides

I don't suppose any of you know if this is repairable?

1st little tear was already there.









roof removed.









So that is how it stands atm with a ripped roof . I will get some more pictures of the rust next time i am home.

All comments, tips and advice are welcome as i said this is my first restore so i will need piinting in the right direction at times

BIL N KEL

I do love an escort cabbie I had a white one which I reshelled my rs turbo into, me and a mate completed the whole thing in about 18hrs and that's from driving the rst into his drive and driving the cabbie out going to mot station

What's your plans for engine and bodywork?

Fordmad!

Looks a nice project this! Id strip the roof off and get a mohair roof on it. Also id keep the rs kit off, 1 they look better and 2 it'll stop the sills and arches from rusting.

Keep the good work up and pics coming!

Alex.t

Engine i am wanting to keep it original (ish) so just upgrade the original engine basically as i have noticed alot have had engine transplants.

I don't suppose any one can tell me if the Mfi engine is the original for a 1988 model?

Body wise as it stands up to now ill be going 90 spec front bumper, bonnet keep original, spoiler and the side skirts also looking at going red.

Alex.t

Whats the difference between a normal roof and a mohair?

Glenn_

iTrader: (1)

It looked ok until you opened the bonnet lol. Hopefully it wont stress you out to much. I love my Fords but I hate bloody rust.

Fordmad!

Yes your engine is original. Id keep it original as alot are turbo'd a standard 3i is very rare these days. Eventually be worth alot more with original engine

Mohair is like a cloth roof they look so much better.

Alex.t

Yea that's exactly what I thought. And it's not like I got the car so it couldo be a rocket ship.

maido

iTrader: (1)

nice little project if you get stuck for parts ive got loads of spares and from the same sort of area

costina

iTrader: (1)

look at mine for sale it has a mohair roof

Alex.t

Mohair roof looks good. I'll have to do some research on them and prices etc.