Saving a Mk1 Orion
Thread Starter
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Essex
Saving a Mk1 Orion
Copied from the Orion register;
Well this came up and a mate and i couldnt see it go for scrap so the idea is to get it back to how it should be and then find a new owner so if you have any bits that can help us achieve this or would like the car after we are done PLEASE let me know.
We have a project on at the mo so this will start soon, but for the mean time here it is in its new home and some of the attention it needs
little update,
We've tried turning it over, it was coughing and spluttering, firing back through the carb and pissing oil out of the dip stick. Knowing a brief history of the engine we just decided to strip it and pull it out.
now running 1 brake grant power :mrgreen:
lots to do its pretty messy but the body is fairly clean and straight which is the main thing.
little update;
as i have shifted round some wheels, the spares have made its way on to the mk1
we have fitted a replacement engine as well, but forgot to get a photo other than it looking a little lower;
hopefully more tomorrow
As we used a low milage mk2 orion engine we had to swap the water pump and figure out a few bits as we both are not up on carbs or mk1 orions really but good news tho, its finally running!
Slight timing issue but easy to sort then check the car over for a MOT
Well after difficulties since the last post it didn't get MOT'd in the end, but need to crack back on and get it done!
Wanting to get it all sorted properly it'll need almost a full repaint, one side is almost ready just a bit more prepping to do then on to the other side.
Will put a wanted post up as we needs a few bits, please help if you can - we have only taken this on to save the car!
Slight update, O/S is now primed;
Now in the body shop, Grant will be working on getting the prep finished and painted this week.
progress:
a mint spare boot lid, de-locking
slapping some green on :mrgreen:
the man is certainly good at his job!
update:
not too shabby 8)
still lots to do but currently;
now back home to finish it off.
only a small update, new genuine rear lights now fitted.
slight update, working on the exterior plastics, I have repaired and retextured where needed and repainted the side mouldings front bumper and door handles. just need to finish the rear and that can go on.
Apologies for the quality as it was getting dark but I am really impressed with the results
rear bumper done;
not too much left to do on the outside now, at last
Just the other mirror to sort now (and the wheels of course) and its done on the outside at least.
Interior removed, properly cleaned and refitted.
amazed at the results :mrgreen:
Also fitted a rear seatbelt set as these don't normally have rear belts
water pump is leaking, so have bought a new genuine one to fit.
stripped it down last night ready for the new one
new pump fitted
wheels just need a balance then they can go on
Engine all timed up and she's running very well indeed, just a couple of minor bits to do now then a wash and wax and she's ready for ford fair;
Well this came up and a mate and i couldnt see it go for scrap so the idea is to get it back to how it should be and then find a new owner so if you have any bits that can help us achieve this or would like the car after we are done PLEASE let me know.
We have a project on at the mo so this will start soon, but for the mean time here it is in its new home and some of the attention it needs
little update,
We've tried turning it over, it was coughing and spluttering, firing back through the carb and pissing oil out of the dip stick. Knowing a brief history of the engine we just decided to strip it and pull it out.
now running 1 brake grant power :mrgreen:
lots to do its pretty messy but the body is fairly clean and straight which is the main thing.
little update;
as i have shifted round some wheels, the spares have made its way on to the mk1
we have fitted a replacement engine as well, but forgot to get a photo other than it looking a little lower;
hopefully more tomorrow
As we used a low milage mk2 orion engine we had to swap the water pump and figure out a few bits as we both are not up on carbs or mk1 orions really but good news tho, its finally running!
Slight timing issue but easy to sort then check the car over for a MOT
Well after difficulties since the last post it didn't get MOT'd in the end, but need to crack back on and get it done!
Wanting to get it all sorted properly it'll need almost a full repaint, one side is almost ready just a bit more prepping to do then on to the other side.
Will put a wanted post up as we needs a few bits, please help if you can - we have only taken this on to save the car!
Slight update, O/S is now primed;
Now in the body shop, Grant will be working on getting the prep finished and painted this week.
progress:
a mint spare boot lid, de-locking
slapping some green on :mrgreen:
the man is certainly good at his job!
update:
not too shabby 8)
still lots to do but currently;
now back home to finish it off.
only a small update, new genuine rear lights now fitted.
slight update, working on the exterior plastics, I have repaired and retextured where needed and repainted the side mouldings front bumper and door handles. just need to finish the rear and that can go on.
Apologies for the quality as it was getting dark but I am really impressed with the results
rear bumper done;
not too much left to do on the outside now, at last
Just the other mirror to sort now (and the wheels of course) and its done on the outside at least.
Interior removed, properly cleaned and refitted.
amazed at the results :mrgreen:
Also fitted a rear seatbelt set as these don't normally have rear belts
water pump is leaking, so have bought a new genuine one to fit.
stripped it down last night ready for the new one
new pump fitted
wheels just need a balance then they can go on
Engine all timed up and she's running very well indeed, just a couple of minor bits to do now then a wash and wax and she's ready for ford fair;
That looks amazing now,at the start of the thread when the engine came out and you were working on it outside I thought I knew where this thread was going but you have proved me wrong,the car looks great and you have addressed all the issues in 1 go so it's now a complete running car again.
Top work.
Top work.
PassionFord Regular
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 421
Likes: 39
From: St Albans
Beautiful. It doesn't seem that long ago (to me) when these were two a penny. Now, 30+ years on, must be very rare indeed and well done to you to such an amazing job without the benefit of a big garage or workshop. And an Essex boy as well so it's at home where it belongs 
PassionFord Post Whore!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,773
Likes: 237
From: Cheshire
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Thread Starter
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Essex
Thread Starter
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Essex
Thread Starter
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Essex
Thread Starter
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Essex
We had to stick to our budget with this one to cover a decent restoration as we only bought it to save it being scrapped but I completely agree though, it would make a great sleeper!
Passionford Addict
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 89
From: Dundee now but from aberdeen
Car looks great and a credit to you. Never even noticed the colour coded grill until I read all the comments 
She want another mk1 onion to rear wheel drive
it will happen one day I keep telling myself
She want another mk1 onion to rear wheel drive
it will happen one day I keep telling myself
Thread Starter
Too many posts.. I need a life!!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 525
Likes: 3
From: Essex
Thanks guys When I arrived at the stand I put a for sale in in the window, it had so much interest that I was talking to people for well over 4 hours before I could even go for a wonder lol
By the end of the day though it was on its way to its new home
When I arrived at the stand I put a for sale in in the window, it had so much interest that I was talking to people for well over 4 hours before I could even go for a wonder lolBy the end of the day though it was on its way to its new home
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