Calling all Mk1 Escort Fans!

[Ben W]

Just letting you know that a specific forum for the Mk1 Escort has been set up. The goal is to promote the Mk1 series Escort and to supply a place where we can gather various links and resources to assist people in restoration projects. We are also using the forum to promote the various Escort car clubs or car clubs that include Ford Escorts in their footprint, so if you would like to check us out or promote your car club, feel welcomed!

http://mk1escort.forumcircle.com/index.php

[Roy Rogers]

It's becoming a great forum, I joined a couple of days ago and the membership is really growing

[Fredone]

Hi Ben,

I have seen your post re the new MK 1 Escort website for interested MK 1 owners.
While I dont currently own one, I am keen to get my hands on one, having owned one several years ago. Unfortunately I started to restore the car which turned out to be a bit of a disaster due to the amount of rust that I found.

I would be very keen to talk to MK 1 owners so this time around I know what to look for. I certainly don’t want rust. While I know they didn’t make cars that don’t rust I would like to leave it to others.

Hoping you or other members can offer some advice re getting hold of a good car.

Regards, Barry (bmpears@icloud.com)

PS, I was unable to access your link for some reasn.

[Rallye Sport]

Its been a bit over 12 years since Ben W has logged onto AFF and by the looks of it even longer since the MK1 forum has been active.
https://web.archive.org/web/20090907...wforum.php?f=1

The Classic Ford forum is still going (for now) but its pretty quiet over there.

Best bet would be to start searching 'how to weld' tutorials on youtube

[simon varley]

if you are a Facebook user I can recommend this below. not specifically mk1 but there are lot in it

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sear...in%20to%20join)

also not escort specific, but these are both very active groups

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sear...20%26%20wanted

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sear...pris%20escorts

[Fredone]

Hi Simone,

I am not on FB.

Can you advise if I can get help from this group using other means.

Thank for your assistance .

Barry

[simon varley]

not really but I can try and give you some direct contacts. where abouts are you?

Taff's Auto repairs in SA
Anthony Lawler Ford Escort Specialists in QLD
Yesterford in Vic

would be a start

[Fredone]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for your response,

I am in Adelaide.

I am not looking for repairs etc.

I don’t currently have a car and was looking to talk to MK 1 owners, hoping to get some advice in purchasing a car. I had one 20 years ago that was a cheapie which I was intending to restore. I started then realised it was too much of a project for me. I sold that, then my house/workshop/pit etc and now don’t have the opportunity to do any restoration.

I am looking for something that is better than average, and would like some help from those who have one.

Thanks for your response, maybe you or members you can offer some help.

Thanks again, Barry

[simon varley]

sorry. misunderstood your questions.

all the groups I know of are on FB, but I can say from my experience that there isn't too much that a handy DIYer can't do. Rust in the rear wheel well is very common but you can buy patch panels. in fact you can buy most panels now, and even brand new bodies if you are that way inclined.

Kent engines are a piece of **** to work on. The trannies are all pretty reliable. Some rear axles can be weak if you are adding power, but all are fine for normal use.

You can pick up a working car for 5-10k easily. Cheaper if you don't mind a challenge. Restored units are up to $50k these days. More for a 2-door, less for a 4-door. For 'better than average' you are probably looking at $25k+ I'd say

purchase advise is the same as for any fifty year old car. look at bodywork and expect rust or bog. IMO they have to be quite significant to walk away from, but that's a personal choice. check steering rack but expect to have to change all boots and rubbers. check lights and alternator. Wiring might be brittle with age so be careful.

I've only really seen them advertised on FB. You might want to consider joining up

hope this helps a bit

[Fredone]

Hi Simon,
Thank you for your response and for your detailed advice. A great list of things to be aware of. I consider spending a bit more on the right car would be well worth it. I learnt that on my first attempt. Luckily my fingers weren’t burnt too much. I will take your advice and consider joining FB, even though I dislike it.
Thank you again, Barry

[simon varley]

Talk to Taff too.