Still deciding on which Kit to buy for the spring.

Avon is still (on looks) my preferred choice - appreciate al the issues that people always mention like body fitting, unequal rear arches etc.

However, mechanically are parts still easily available? I notice some are Cortina & Mk2 escort (I think) which means parts must be getting fairly rare.

Also as something I can do in the meantime, tools required for building over and above the standard spanners, socket sets, scredrivers, Hammer! etc?

[Edited on 22/11/07 by unkle]

[Edited on 22/11/07 by unkle]

I think the Avon uses just the Cortina front uprights doesnt it?? If so then there are still the odd Cortina parts coming up, but there are plenty of other options available that will save even more weight.

MNR do the Raceleda kit. http://www.mnrltd.co.uk/p_parts_suspension.htm

Mamba Motorsport do these http://www.mambamotorsport.co.uk/components/uprights.html

You can get a brand new Escort Mk 2 2.4 turn quick rack from Rally Design for about £100

PS you have U2U


[Edited on 22/11/07 by Paul TigerB6]

Avon uses Cortina front uprights/hubs/brake discs and calipers (which pop up regularly for sale on here and ebay etc.)
Steering rack is Mk II Escort which are plentiful both used or new from Tiger(Rally Design also sell new quick rack versions at v. reasonable prices.)
Rest of donor parts are from Sierra.
Tiger were developing the Avon to use the mazda MX5 as a donor, but I don't know if that's still the case etc.?

Andy.

Thanks for that, and the U2U.

I tried emailing Tiger but their email doesn't appear to work (gets sent back from messagelabs).

In the list on their website it states for cortina :

Steering Rack (although also lists Mk2 Escort)
Front Hub
Brake Discs
Rear Brake Shoes
Rear Wheel brake cylinder
Caliper

However, good that their are other alternatives such as those you mention to trying to find scrapped Cortina's!

Any other parts that prove hard to come by?

quote:

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Originally posted by unkle

Avon is still (on looks) my preferred choice - appreciate al the issues that people always mention like body fitting, unequal rear arches etc.

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quote:

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Originally posted by James

quote:

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Originally posted by unkle

Avon is still (on looks) my preferred choice - appreciate al the issues that people always mention like body fitting, unequal rear arches etc.

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Nothing wrong with liking the 'wonky' look!

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quote:

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Originally posted by unkle
Thanks for that, and the U2U.

I tried emailing Tiger but their email doesn't appear to work (gets sent back from messagelabs).

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Cheers,

just need to decide on spec now.

Saw Chester sports cars spec for the avon (engine) any reason to go for a 1.8 rather than a 2.0 zetec in the avon?

Might be slightly cheaper, otherwise not really. Less powerful and no other advantage I can think of. Though I suppose you clutch/gearbox might last a bit longer.

i bought mine as a kit from Tiger. probably paid more for it but I got rid of the integration issues associated with sourcing all your own components.

The front hubs are from the cortina.
the gearbox is a sierra type 9. note the sierra MTX 75 box wont fit.

The rear diff, drive shafts,hubs and brake drums are sierra too.


the steering column and pedals are also off a sierra.

The rest was new bits.

Hope this helps. Im getting to the end of my build and im happy with my Avon. When I have had problems Tiger have been very helpful.


Ian

quote:

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Originally posted by Ian D
i bought mine as a kit from Tiger. probably paid more for it but I got rid of the integration issues associated with sourcing all your own components.

The front hubs are from the cortina.
the gearbox is a sierra type 9. note the sierra MTX 75 box wont fit.

The rear diff, drive shafts,hubs and brake drums are sierra too.


the steering column and pedals are also off a sierra.

The rest was new bits.

Hope this helps. Im getting to the end of my build and im happy with my Avon. When I have had problems Tiger have been very helpful.


Ian

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I got my front uprights from Tiger, they keep a stock available...

However the Avon can also use Sierra front hubs which are easily available.

Unkle, have you looked in the 'for sale' section? there's a complete 2.0 zetec engine/drivetrain package for sale that, judging by the title, was presumably installed in an Avon? (considering what these parts cost individually, seems a pretty good deal.)
Don't believe for one minute that the 'comprehensive' kit from Tiger will include everything you will possibly need to build an Avon. For starters, any donor parts are as they were when taken off the original vehicle and will need reconditioning/repainting. Then there's all the miscellaneous items you will need during the build such as fasteners, cable clips/ties etc.
You ain't going to realistically build an Avon for less than £5 - £6k absolute minimum (prob more like £7k plus.)
I'd suggest you buy the basic kit (maybe even just the chassis/suspension/brake package and leave buying the bodywork until you actually need it. Being all in one, the main body tub is a real PITA to store without damaging/warping it etc.)
Also, you will invariably change your mind during the course of the build as to what spec you want to build it to. I.E. seats, lights, dials, dash etc. - especially if you start attending shows and you see what goodies are available from other suppliers.

Andy.

[Edited on 23/11/07 by andrew.carwithen]

cheers for that,

i do know where I can get a full 2.0l Zetec brand new for under £500 - although appreciate not with the full kit in the for sale section.

Budgets not a big issue, just interested that Chester Sports Cars will build you an Avon with modded 1.8 zetec for under £11k, yet thats less than the full "kit" from Tiger! Don't ask me how/why.