Well , its time to start my build thread.
In my usual fasion i got bored over the Christmas break, so you guys know it all to well "EBAY IS NOT YOUR FRIEND!!!!"
so that was it, I purchased a mk6 escort van with only 72000 miles on the clock and running a 1.3 injection endura engine.
We collected it from stoke just after Christmas and it drove home just fine.

my plans for this little van have just evolved rather than been set in stone, but one thing i was definate on was changing to a mk5 escort front end. So, back on ebay and track down the parts i need, i was soon the proud owner of a mk5 rs2000 front bumper, grill, and bonnet and bonnet catch, i then also had to sort out some cosworth headlights and side lights( well these were NOT cheep). The parts came from all around the country but after a few road trips to collect the larger items i had all the bits i needed.

I then set about modifying the mk6 front panel to take my mk5 parts, there are a lot of inncorrect facts regarding this on the internet however it is relativly easy to do with a bit of carful planning and a good tape measure , a drill , angle grinder and a file are the only tools i needed. After a few tweeks im confident that the front end fits well and the panel gaps are probably even better than factory. As the front end is all on I then had to wire the new lights and change the indicater positions from in the wings to in the bumper like in the Rs and move the sidelight feed to in the wing. This was all made very easy as i cut the loom from the car that I removed the lights from as the conectors are all different.
Job done RS2000 fitted and fully functional on my van.

I have also ordered a Rs rear van bumper and some side skirts from Fibresports to complete the look.

So with all this in mind I needed some wheels, I ordered some 17" team dynamics pro race 3 alloys, these should fit the front of the van just fine but imagine the rear will be a little more challangeing?

And then … Ebay strikes again....Today im off to collect my new engine, an ST170 focus lump, Things are going to get interesting?

 

Watching this one

 

Sounds good, it'll be interesting to see how you get on with the engine conversion. Keep us updated with plenty of pics!

 

 

 

 

The wheels are 17" 7jj et38 alloys and are running 215 tyres, and fit with no rear arch mods, I know this is a sticky topic when it comes to vans. No need for spacers or longer studs, will be sending the springs off to get decambered asap, then lowering the front end.

 

This looks ace looking forward to the progression dude.

 

cheers, hopfully the bumper and skirts will be here soon.

 

Just an update for anyone whos interested, I have removed all the running gear of the van and cut out and repaired all the rusty parts, spring hangers, chassis rails etc. The van is now mainly very solid, with just tghe cills left to do.
while the rear springs were off i sent them to mancunian springs to have them de cambered, they have now been refitted along with new bushes and bolts.
As for thge front end i purchased new shocks and 40mm lowering springs to mathch the drop on the rear.
This weekend i will be hopefully atempting the 300mm brake upgrade using mondeo mk3 calipers,mk1 flexis and st170 grooved and dimpled discs.

I have also painted all the chassis and wheel arches with hamerite as i went along fixing the rust.

getting close to the engine swap time.

 

Did you manage to get the brake upgrade fitted??

 

HI

Hows the build going just started one myself did the bumper come from fibresports whats the finish like on them anygood? pics?


cheers

 

I have a mk6 that needs new spring hangers. Do you know where I can get these ?