So after 10 years I decided to dig my grey RS out from under the pile of junk in the garage . I’ve had it from when it was 4 years old and is totally standard with only 65000 miles on the clock and I’ve gotta make a decision what to do with it . The engine ran lovely when I put it away. I haven’t tried starting it yet as I need to change timing belt etc in case I kill it on first start up but by rights the engine should be fine .


The rust has taken hold a little and it now need new outer and inner rear arches patch or replacement of the rear valence . Patch or replacement of the sills . Floor is solid . New brake pipes fuel pipes disc etc and respray which I can do. (It’s been about 20 years but I assume once learnt you don’t forget).


Value wise whats the best way forward . Complete restoration. Repair and tidy up or sell for parts .I have about £2000 at the moment and can weld and I assume still spray but will that be enough. Are there many unmolested examples out there on 65 k . How hard is it now to get bits and bobs for it like brake parts etc.

Also what’s happened to fiestarsturbo.co.uk as I can no longer log in or change password .

 

Parts are reasonably easy to get for them, once done it will be worth it. Prices are still going up and thats a low milage one. Just take your time and once done enjoy it.

 

So I’ve decided to totally restore it and stared stripping it this week . The only issue I can see being a problem is seats and carpet.

Seats could possibly be saved but the grey carpet can’t .is it possible to source grey moulded fiesta carpet. There is nothing I can find online or ebay

 

On facebook - fordmax car breakers/sean. He might have one

 

Thanks ,I’ve sent him a message

 

So , so far I've replaced passenger side inner arch, outer arch , petrol tank filler hole. inner sill ,outer sill, curious panel between inner and outer sills ,which was accurately hand crafted (didn't know I had the panel making skills) . Repair to chassis rail where rear beam attaches and also for completeness added a strengthening plate on the chassis where rear beam attaches. (Will also make strengthening plate for other side)

Two questions

1. My mate thinks I'm mad accurately recreating panels to original spec that will never been seen ( panel between inner and outer sill ) Am I .

2 I decided to make up a strengthening plate for chassis on both sides where rear beam attaches ,even though it was not really needed but should tightening up feel of car . All done neat and very tidy and looks like its an original panel. By doing so am I destroying what hopefully will be considered a concours example once its finished.

 

if you handy with a welder go for it. Ive got a 58 thou g plate same situation as you. Welder fabricator i am by trade. Ive personally replaced new sills inner and outer. Genuine scuttle rear arches ive replaced inner and outer. Genuine front wings next. Just take your time marking and cutting. Cut less than you need to then check see if everything lines up. Use brass strips clamped behind the panels you weld to take some heat awy.