MrKnifeys MK2 Escort Project Thread

[Danm54]

I can't fathom where he pulled that from, there are MSA log booked, solid, gp4 rally cars available at that price, what a tool.

I follow a lot of their work on fb and youtube and while 24k may seem steep in comparison to others, their work is top notch.

I'm not sure what the quote was for but all their builds seem to follow a similar process.
Sandblast the shell, remove all rot and replace with hand made panels, (they've bought replacement panels for projects and not used them as they're not good enough) all voids are cleaned out and protected from rust, door lines and gaps are matched perfect, bonnet and boot lid get the same treatment.
Shells are then hot zinc sprayed for rust protection followed by numerous coats of underseal/primer etc etc.

The cars they build are on another level and they will last much longer than the cars that rolled off the production line.

I'm not sure if the price is entirely justified as that isn't my trade, but it's easy to see how they get to it with the man hours that must be involved in such a thorough rebuild. Good labour doesn't come cheap.

 

[_tucker_]

Looking good!

 

[JBeck]

I follow a lot of their work on fb and youtube and while 24k may seem steep in comparison to others, their work is top notch.

I'm not sure what the quote was for but all their builds seem to follow a similar process.
Sandblast the shell, remove all rot and replace with hand made panels, (they've bought replacement panels for projects and not used them as they're not good enough) all voids are cleaned out and protected from rust, door lines and gaps are matched perfect, bonnet and boot lid get the same treatment.
Shells are then hot zinc sprayed for rust protection followed by numerous coats of underseal/primer etc etc.

The cars they build are on another level and they will last much longer than the cars that rolled off the production line.

I'm not sure if the price is entirely justified as that isn't my trade, but it's easy to see how they get to it with the man hours that must be involved in such a thorough rebuild. Good labour doesn't come cheap.

Yes they do very nice work, but, when you can get a just-as-good shell already prepped and log-booked for the same kind of money... Just depends how far you're prepared to go to get perfection I guess.

 

[Danm54]

Yes they do very nice work, but, when you can get a just-as-good shell already prepped and log-booked for the same kind of money... Just depends how far you're prepared to go to get perfection I guess.

I'd say it wouldn't be as good in terms of rust prevention, body lines/shape, repair/weld neatness etc. How can it be?
I realise their price is out of most peoples budget though, and in most cases it isn't necessary for what people are trying achieve.

 

[JBeck]

I'd say it wouldn't be as good in terms of rust prevention, body lines/shape, repair/weld neatness etc. How can it be?

Any car that's stripped down and treated and painted isn't going to rust. Body lines are already there unless you're trying to resurrect a rotten frame with nothing left on it. Repairs and strength, you can buy ready made strengthening kits and weld them in yourself, all you need to be is a good welder, i've done it myself (and doing so again). It all depends what you want, if you want a road going immaculate restoration then you want the best you can get, if you want a rally car then nobody will spend 24k getting the lines straight; focus will be parts, safety, performance and strength.

I appreciate what you're saying about these guys but we'll have to respectfully agree to disagree as I think it's ridiculous money

 

[Danm54]

Any car that's stripped down and treated and painted isn't going to rust. Body lines are already there unless you're trying to resurrect a rotten frame with nothing left on it. Repairs and strength, you can buy ready made strengthening kits and weld them in yourself, all you need to be is a good welder, i've done it myself (and doing so again). It all depends what you want, if you want a road going immaculate restoration then you want the best you can get, if you want a rally car then nobody will spend 24k getting the lines straight; focus will be parts, safety, performance and strength.

I appreciate what you're saying about these guys but we'll have to respectfully agree to disagree as I think it's ridiculous money

Oh I agree it's ridiculous money, only because I can't afford it though!

 

[MrKnifey]

Pic of the underside

 

[MrKnifey]

Just ordered a RWD Sump, Water Rail Relocation Kit and Engine Mounts for the motor.

Just trying to figure out what axle to go for and what setup.. This is where it gets mega expensive!

 

[Mal X]

car looks good...........well, none of it is cheap is it!

 

[Akagi]

And all seam welded too. Lovely. Few bits look a bit bird pooey but it looks good.

 

[MrKnifey]

Stitch welded you mean

Yea welds may not be pretty to some people, but its built to do a job not look pretty, ill be entering hillclimbs/spring races in this as well..

 

[Akagi]

Well, I meant that the seams have been welded.

 

[MrKnifey]

Done a test fit of my front coilovers..





Just went to offer the other side up.. wait... whats the problem here?



Only took them six weeks to make them as well..

 

[Mal X]

not opposite handed and that's a very dumb mistake

 

[Akagi]

Wow. Clever guys over at Gaz on that day. Maybe it was a Friday afternoon when they welded the ends on.

 

[area51]

Done a test fit of my front coilovers..





Just went to offer the other side up.. wait... whats the problem here?



Only took them six weeks to make them as well..

Yeah there not always that "Smart" at Gaz had a set of front shocks kept burning inside edge of tyres at speed then found they'd miss marked/made wrong for model so platform height was too low!

 

[MrKnifey]

Nothing much to report, waiting on a load of parts ive ordered.

Zetec Sump, Mounts and Water Rail Kit.

Panhard Rod Kit to go other side of exhaust (didnt think of this originally)

Started to Mockup my Axle to weld the four link on but then realised im missing the correct fixing bolts!!

So all I could do is put my axle on axle stands, fit a wheel (wrong tyre size) and get a measurement for the correct side shock I need. (20 inch)

 

[MrKnifey]

Carried on getting the 4 Link mounted onto the axle.

This took some time, being as I am completely new to all of this, its taken a while. I started off by using some string and heavy bolts from both turret struts to get the axle centre, then took measurements from 4 link brackets for the axle with the bars on so they were in line with the boxes on the car. Once that was done I tacked the brackets onto the axle and re-fitted to check it all lined up which it did.







I have now moved onto the Panhard Rod Tower Fitting and bracket on the axle, but need to double check measurements again before I weld!

 

[MrKnifey]

Been plodding on with the dry build slowly. Finally got the correct front strut off Gaz so build the front suspension up, need to order an anti dive kit to finish that off completely.







I then fitted the pedal box, from there I will run brake and clutch lines along with res pots





I have also fitted the mirrors, door handles etc to ensure EVERYTHING fits before paint









Gave the engine a lick of paint as well

 

[MrKnifey]

Some updates...

Starting with installing the res pots for the front and rear brakes and clutch. Wasn't really happy with the position of them in the location I wanted them, so knocked up a piece to make them sit level. Some finishing work needed on this but you get the picture.





Also picked up a 6 Speed RX8 Gearbox and Propshaft. This will go with the mounts and adapter plates I ordered.



Also fitted the Plexiglass Windows, gone for 1 piece on the doors for a bigger opening window/hole