Hi folks, just thought you might like to see my current project. I'll update it as I do more work on it.

I've been having some work and financial issues lately, so since I sold my Escort Cossie I wanted a project to keep me sane but not something that was going to cost a fortune, so I got this 1996 Escort Cabriolet Calyspso.

Here's what it looked like when I first got it. A good base for a project but nothing special.



Basically your avergage cab with standard Calypso interior with loads of ciggy burns, Mondeo 16" chrome wheels and rusty peashooter exhaust.

I started by removing the Mondeo wheels and fitting some RS2000 alloys which got from a guy in Hull.



These looked a bit weeny though, so will soon be replaced with a set of Ford 17" Softspokes with 205x40x17 tyres.

I managed to get hold of a recaro trim from a 3 door car which I rather like:



And so I gutted the interior:



I got some nice new pedal pads for it, here they are just about to be fitted.



The car actually had one of those Ford Double Din six disc changers in it when I bought it but I thought that might be a bit nickable so I bought a Kenwood single CD from Halfords and converted the double din slot with an adaptor bracket. It now powers the electric aerial correctly too, although that is a bit on the sluggish side.

I also got hold of a set of mint white dialed RS2000 clocks from E-BAY and have just fitted those. Luckily the mileages were really close to the old clocks, the new ones just being about 1000 miles more.





So that's where I am at the moment, there's a Magnex Cat Back coming this week with 4 inch tailpipe (so some cutting of the back bumper there I think), a Momo Race steering wheel to replace the airbag, uprating the speakers. I'm not keen on the hood colour so that might have to be replaced with a dark one at some point (quite a few people on E-BAY doing them).

If when I get the wheels on it's sat too high then I might get it lowered a bit but it's not about spending a fortune, in fact I got a lot of bargains buying the bits for it because I hate paying over the odds for anything. I just wanted a lightly modified but tasteful car that's fun to tootle about in in the sunshine (if we get any).

Hope you like it and like I say I'll update it as I go. Any comments greatly appreciated.

 

Looks alot better on them RS2000 rims, i would just lower it a touch. See what you mean about the colour of the hood. Black would be better imo

 

Nice to see something different keep the updates coming!

 

Nice, don't see to many of the newer cabbies being improved upon

 

It'll be on the 17" Soft Spokes soon so watch out for that, then I'll be selling the RS2000 rims. I might lower it a bit if it looks too high on the 17s. Not going to go overboard, but just enough to make it look right.

Yes, I think the hood will be changed at some point.

I pretty much mod every car I buy, hopefully it'll look pretty good when it's done.

 

Hi folks, just a quick update, a few more bits done on the cab and stuff arrived for it that needs doing.

My Magnex CAT Back exhaust has arrived, with 4 inch tailpipe, you could lose animals and small children up it...



Momo Race steering wheel acquired from E-BAY, just waiting for the boss now....



Got this clock off E-BAY to go with the white dials, just waiting for the dash surround now, which is in flip colours!



Got some adapter plates and fitted some Kenwood 170mm speakers in the front, not a bad job to do...



Modified the original mounts and fitted 100mm ones in the rear, as you can't easily get a bigger speaker here because of space, sounds okay, although could do with a bit more bass...



Fitted the passenger side door card, modifying from a Mk6 to a Mk5 setup, there are a few differences, note the big speaker under the grille.



Not got the drivers card on yet cos I need to find a pocket for it.

And that's where we are at the moment, I was hoping to get more done by now but some of the bits haven't arrived yet, but more soon....

 

nice work mate, should look good on the 17s

 

looks good

where in lincolnshire are you then?

 

Thanks guys, just been doing a bit of cleaning and tidying the wiring up today, as I'm still waiting for bits to come.

I'm about 3 miles from Lincoln mate.

 

not to far from me im near scunny
and we have our fordsport meets at the bridge in saxilby

 

looks good, but I prefer it on the chrome mondy wheels. But I have poor taste

 

You'll love it when you see it on the RS 17" soft spokes mate.

 

Finally got her on the RS Soft Spoke alloys. I really thought I was going to have to fit spacers to make them fit but they're fine. And I was worried that the car would need lowering with 17s on but I think it's fine. Hope you like the pics.

 

looks good Trev.

100% better from when you got it.

if you need a bottom door panel,drivers one,i'm sure there was a new one on ebay.

 

Looking loads better trev

It wants a 20mm drop and a darker hood as youve already mentioned!


Keep up the updates

 

looks well trev, but she does need lowering

 

will look lowerd and dark hood

 

Hi Trev hows things! Good to see you still got ya finger in fords

Looks good, darker roof and it will be a nice car

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Yes, I will be getting a darker hood for it at some point, already had a quote. I think I'll run it at this height for this year and see how it goes, the shocks are going to need doing before too long anyway, so that would be the ideal time to think about dropping it down I reckon.

Dave, yes, I am still looking for that pocket so I'll have a shuft.

Yes, I'm still around Lee, I think Fords are in a lot of people's blood, and I'm certainly one of them.