Ive spent ALOT of money on my S2 over the last two years but not paid any attention to the bodywork and to be honest after two british winters its starting to show.
Sometimes i think about getting rid and maybe getting an impreza or something similar thats probably quicker in real road terms an way more reliable but i just no i'd always miss my escort.
So ive decided to get in mint. Its booked in the bodyshop for next wednesday for a £1700 respray! Got new lights, weatherstrips, seals an lots of other bits an pieces. I'll post some pics up when its all done!
I do need a tailgate thats in decent condition an a working sunroof mechanism if anyone can help?

 

Im stripping the car on sunday ready for the bodyshop so i'll get some pics up and then put some more up when its all done

 

Get a resto thread up mate be good to see the transformation.

 

Started stripping the car today ready for bodyshop wednesday, took some pics which i'll get up soon. Might start a little resto thread.
Picked up a mint tailgate from the twins todays aswell, big thanks for that! Struggling with the sunroof though, anyone got any ideas?

 

get a resto thread started mate,with lots of pics



cheers james

 

it is abit hart breaking taking your pride and joy apart but worth it in the end

 

Be good to see a resto thread ,have a look down your local scrappy for the sunroof dont forget mk2 orion ones are the same,i will keep an eye out round my way for one

 

Fair play i want to do the same to mine but still not sure if its worth it.
are you having any major panels replaced or is the car pretty solid?
carbon roof is always an option- once done you can forget about it then

 

Going to the local scrappy on my lunch today, didnt realise mk2 orions are the same so that might help. If i get enough pics then i'll get a resto thread up an running if theres enough interest

 

It took me ages to decide if to do it mate but i love the car so thought why not? Im quite lucky really cos the car is pretty solid, the rear arches are shagged but the panels for them are peanuts to buy. I like the carbon roofs on the highly modded cars but want to keep mine fairly original looking

 

Went to the bodyshop yesterday to see how it was getting on and get some pics (which i'll put up soon) and i was shocked to see the old girl completly stripped. Just the shell on wheels really, no glass, lights, doors or anything. All the rear arches cut away ready to have the new welded on. Bit gutting to see it in that state to be honest but cant wait to get it back looking the bollocks!

 

i'm in the same boat with mine, but am torn between getting rid of it or getting it done, ive got a busy summer ahead so not sure what to do!!! my rear arches need doing, and noticed rust bubbles around the sunroof!!!

 

I wouldnt bother, just drive it and enjoy it. Seems £1700 wasted when you could buy a full shell in very good condition that dont need painting.

Over the years i have sold many shells that have been in great condition and only charged around £500-1000 depending on what is left on it.

How much extra will your car be worth once its back and you have spent all the time stripping and putting it back together after the paint.

Id rather spend some money making it drive and handle better and spend the change on taking your girlfriend out to dinner. Puts a smile on both your faces instead of loads of agro and headaches putting a motor back together.

Thats my thoughts anyway. I know loads of people will think differently but i have been there and spent loads of money on paint for cars over the years.

Now i will only have something painted that is worth while.

I.e a Rare car. Rare model or something that will hold the extra money you have spent.