Mk2 Tina for your Pleasure

4T5

4T5

4T5

Man of Honour
Joined
30 Aug 2004
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Middle of England
Went to my mates today to have a look at his new purchase an old Mk2 Cortina 1300 Deluxe in Very Original condition :cool:
I'll mention the previous owner as he was my mates Dad who recently passed away so R.I.P. Panner Bates :)







Some surface rust here & there but nowt serious although it'll need a patch in the spare wheel well but don't they all. It has the wrong tyres on it which is why it sits wrong but apart from that it's really original with all the chrome handles & original mirrors etc.
He'll be selling it & i hope somebody i know buys it so i can watch it in progress. Would make a Superb project car as it's so solid & original.
 
The crying shame is it'll end up with a 2.0 pinto lump in it and get lowered when really it should be restored to original spec.
 
At least it would get used :) I dont mind seeing classics getting brought up to date as long as it is done tastefully.
 
penski said:
Why?

*n
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sometimes its hard to make the decision between restore or update. Im of the belief that if the body needs a lot of work and the drivetrain is all to pot, you might as well update, but if there is enough original in working condition, then restore to original.

Hard one in the case.
 
Rich said:
At least it would get used :) I dont mind seeing classics getting brought up to date as long as it is done tastefully.
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Same here, I'm all for upgraded classics.

There will always be rivet counters out there restoring cars to factory specification.

Practical Classics had some really negative feedback when they dared publish a feature about adding electronic ignition and fuel inection to a classic.
I can't see the point getting worked up over things like that, it's an incredibly sensible modification which means the car is more likely to be loved and used on a regular basis.

Isn't that what owning a classic is all about?
 
Lopéz said:
Same here, I'm all for upgraded classics.

There will always be rivet counters out there restoring cars to factory specification.

Practical Classics had some really negative feedback when they dared publish a feature about adding electronic ignition and fuel inection to a classic.
I can't see the point getting worked up over things like that, it's an incredibly sensible modification which means the car is more likely to be loved and used on a regular basis.

Isn't that what owning a classic is all about?
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There are pros and cons for both sides of the arguement. In this case, I would lovingly restore probably. Had it had a lot more grot and the engine was manky, then I would probably put a zetec in there with a set of lowering springs and a not over the top respray. At the end of the day, you have to decide if you are going to enter it into shows or drive it daily.
 
Ed said:
As Mejinks stated, the original condition is so good it should be restored. If it's shot then turn it into a Cosworth or whatever.
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Balls. If you want to modify it then you should start with the best example you can find.

*n
 
penski said:
Balls. If you want to modify it then you should start with the best example you can find.

*n
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As long as they're your balls and not mine then fine but I'd restore. If I want fuel injection and airbags I'll buy a Mondeo.
 
With the example in the OP, I'd keep the body as it is, protect it with ankhor wax and do all the structural welding to keep it solid underneath.

1.6 Sigma out of a newish Fiesta, type9 box, bike carbs, decent manifold, side exit and a 5-linked English axle out back from an ESCORT.

Wheelwise, 14x7 front and 14x9 rear ARE 5's, Astro supremes or period splits.

A bit of rake, chunky tyres and win.

*n
 
penski said:
With the example in the OP, I'd keep the body as it is, protect it with ankhor wax and do all the structural welding to keep it solid underneath.

1.6 Sigma out of a newish Fiesta, type9 box, bike carbs, decent manifold, side exit and a 5-linked English axle out back from an ESCORT.

Wheelwise, 14x7 front and 14x9 rear ARE 5's, Astro supremes or period splits.

A bit of rake, chunky tyres and win.

*n
Click to expand...
That would turn it into an awesome machine. Tempting, but I'd still restore.
 
I've thought about it all day & tried to be objective, For me a previous owner of a 2dr 1600GT Mk2 which was dropped debadged & de chromed & sat on a set of dish pans I have no yearning for an original 4 door 1300 deluxe as standard. They were crap back then so even worse now. I'd go for a sleeper with enough power to drift like i want/like to & brakes that'll stop me & an ignition system that wouldn't fail every time somebody spat at the motor.
So it would look exactly as it does now but sit better with a sneaky exhaust poking out somewhere. You'd know there was something special about it when i slid sideways past you on a roundabout :D
If it was a Lotus Tina Mk2 or a 2Dr 1600GT i would stab you in the face for even suggesting it be modded though :p
 
They are special to old gits like me mate but Definately nowt special as a Motor.
 
:p
I am contained by rules in answering how i want to so use your imagination :D
 
Ed said:
The crying shame is it'll end up with a 2.0 pinto lump in it and get lowered when really it should be restored to original spec.
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This has turned out to be quite topical for me.

I've just upset someone on the Manta forum because I plan to XE mine. Just goes to show that whatever you do, someone, somewhere will disapprove.
 
Making yourself happy is what's important mate & I'd rather see a modded motor daily than an original once in 5 years because it's not used daily.
 
Im only saying what I would do if it were me. At the end of the day, restore or modify, its one classic thats still on the road.
 
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