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Mk 2 Cortina?
panichat - 15/11/06 at 02:35 AM

Hi
I'm new to car building but have decided to take the plunge with a standard (by the book) Locost. My question is would a Mk2 Cortina be as good as an escort as a donor? There is a very rusty one sitting in a garden nearby that I could offer to 'dispose of', but I am also keen not to complicate the build.
Thanks
Dave

James - 15/11/06 at 09:09 AM

Well the uprights are no use to you..... you need Mk 3 to 5.

Cheers,
James

angus.d - 15/11/06 at 12:55 PM

Dave

IIRC the Mk2 Cortina ended production around 1970. Unless you are extremely lucky most of the mechanicals will be well knackered by now.

Probably better to keep looking for a Mk2 Escort or similar.

Cheers

Angus

Marcus - 15/11/06 at 01:35 PM

But they did have crossflows!

fuzzy!! - 15/11/06 at 04:26 PM

no reason why a MKII Escort wouldn't be knackered either - 1975-1980 so potentially it could have suffered over 30 years of abuse!!

My 1969 MKI capri on the other hand went off the road (we think) in '85 and on last weekends evidence (and what appears to be original mileage) looks to have been pretty well cared for (- mechanically at least )

Any chance the Cortina is a 1600E? if so I'd bite the owners hand off - or shoot them for neglecting it.

panichat - 15/11/06 at 05:34 PM

Thanks for the input everyone.

As I don't have
1. a trailer
2. a large space for leisurely dismantling
3. big wads of cash...

...I feel a bit daunted by the donor car bit of the process. It's tempting to go for the local rotbox option rather than the more distant quality motor, but it might not be the best option in the long run.

cheers
Dave

Mark Allanson - 15/11/06 at 06:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Marcus
But they did have crossflows!


But all but the very last were 3 bearing crank versions, not a good idea

Arthur Dent - 23/11/06 at 03:59 PM

I believe the rear axle is very similar if not the same as a MkII Escort.