Help. Some time ago I bought a vindicator chassis (cheap off ebay) and accumilated the parts to begin to build up a rolling chassis. I have come across a problem with the front suspension (cortina top and bottom arms and tie bar)in that the front tie bar does not line up with its mounting bracket it appears 25mm too short and the bracket is at the wrong angle. As I have a front crossmember from a cortina mk3 I made a jig using the original mounting points, when offered to the chassis none of the mounting points line up. After further investigstion I have also discovered that the lower track control mountings are 30mm further apart and the top wishbones are 20mm further apart than the cortina, thus increasing the track. I realise that increasing the negative camber will not harm the car but due to the increase in track the steering rack ends up being too short after winding the track rod ends out by 13mm each side there is not enough threads left each TRE being only 15mm on the steerig arm.

Does any one know if there are any differences between mk3 4 or 5 cortinas that may resolve my issues. I have found that the later cortinas may have slightly longer track control arms. Or is it just unfortunate that the early vindicator chassis are built wrong.

I know the suspension I have is from an early cortina mk3 as it has the oval tie bar bushes.

Has anyone got any build instructions for this mk1 chassis ?


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problems

It won't be easy to alter the track control arm mountings due to the close proximity of the chassis rails as shown in the above photo

[Edited on 7/2/09 by Bigheppy]

Cortina Wishbones are all the same, III, IV, V.

But to be honest the wishbones are big and heavy, the standard springs will be much to hard for this use, altogether not the most satisfactory job, just exists for ease of assembly, or not in your case.

Much better to discard, have a measure up for some nice light wishbones and build a Locost front end.

Regards Mark

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Much better to discard, have a measure up for some nice light wishbones and build a Locost front end

Got to admit I am considering that option, but due to the dimensions of the front of the chassis it is not an easy option.


vindicator chassis

And to make things worse i've already bought poly bushes for the cortina suspension

IF you could find one it might be a good idea to check the diamensions against a Cortina subframe? I agree the Cortina set up is not ideal in a 7 type car and it may well be worth converting to a locost set up?

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Originally posted by rusty nuts
IF you could find one it might be a good idea to check the diamensions against a Cortina subframe? I agree the Cortina set up is not ideal in a 7 type car and it may well be worth converting to a locost set up?

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