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Newby saying hello
billy big skid - 30/12/12 at 05:12 PM

Hello everyone, i'm going to look at a part built car tomorrow. It's an Escort Mk2 based car which is (he says) 60% built with most of the parts to finish it. It has a Ford 1100 Xflow engine fitted, other than that i don't know much else about it. I've built many bikes but this will be my first car if i decide to buy it.

He wants 800 quid for it, the good thing is it's only half a mile away from my house so no transport costs.

Is there anything in particular i should look for?

Cheers

Allan

[Edited on 30/12/12 by billy big skid]

renetom - 30/12/12 at 05:35 PM

Hi
Where are you based ? someone local may be able to help you.
What kind of kit is it ?
Might be an idea to get someone who knows about kit cars to go with you
To check its not a mess of a build.
Good luck
René

Ben_Copeland - 30/12/12 at 05:38 PM

What colour is it? Rings a bell maybe

billy big skid - 30/12/12 at 05:58 PM

Sorry, location added to profile. Missed it when registering.

From our phone conversation i think it's built from the Ron Champion book because it's a Mk2 escort based one, the later Haynes book is Sierra based i believe. It's never been on the road and he started building it over 10 years ago.
He's only advertised it on our village buy/sell Facebook page so far so i've no competition yet. The first things that sprung to mind to look at were quality of welding on the chassis and availability of chassis parts because i would think collectors will be buying up early Escort bits these days.

renetom - 30/12/12 at 06:26 PM

Hi

The one you are looking at is pretty old hat parts & body parts may
not be easy to get, weak & expensive.
I think you would be better either buy a ready made
Or professionally built later chassis using Sierra parts or MX5
Have a look around
Here's a couple of examples
Robin hood 2B unfinished kit car project

Robin Hood 2B kit car,Ford Pinto with twin Webbers 4branch,massive history file

Have fun

TimC - 30/12/12 at 06:48 PM

quote:
Originally posted by renetom
Hi

The one you are looking at is pretty old hat parts & body parts may
not be easy to get, weak & expensive.


Sorry, but that's utter cobblers. The thriving race series means that bodywork is widely available - off the top of my head body parts are available from TMC Motorsport, Allied Motorsport, Procomp Motorsport and Aries Motorsport. Yes the X-Flow, the English live axle and Cortina uprights are several decades old but they can still do the job, are still readily available and in the case of the engine have lots of character.

repper - 30/12/12 at 06:49 PM

hi and welcome good look tomo hpe its not adisapointing trip

billy big skid - 30/12/12 at 07:01 PM

I'll take a camera tomorrow and take some pics.

I'm not bothered about it being an old one, i cut my teeth on Mk1/2 Escorts so at least i'll be in familiar territory. The bodywork may already be there as he says he has the bits to complete it.

I'm not going into this optimistically, and am looking at an offer of 400 quid if it's worth saving. If i can get something a bit out of the ordinary for not a lot of cash i'll be happy.

[Edited on 30/12/12 by billy big skid]

black fingernail - 30/12/12 at 07:05 PM

There's not much wrong with a well built 'book' car, in my opinion, they are far superior to a 2b Robin hood.
Yes, your right, check the quality of the welding and check as best you can that the frame is square, a lot can be learned by talking to the builder, i.e. is he a bodge artist or a perfectionist.
It would be a good idea to take someone with you who knows the locost.
Be careful and good luck.

billy big skid - 30/12/12 at 07:22 PM

quote:
Originally posted by black fingernail
There's not much wrong with a well built 'book' car, in my opinion, they are far superior to a 2b Robin hood.
Yes, your right, check the quality of the welding and check as best you can that the frame is square, a lot can be learned by talking to the builder, i.e. is he a bodge artist or a perfectionist.
It would be a good idea to take someone with you who knows the locost.
Be careful and good luck.


I know the owner, he is into Grey Ferguson tractors and his 2 Fergies are mint so hopefully the Locost will be put together decently. Only half a mile away as well, so if i have it i can tow it home.

maccmike - 30/12/12 at 07:56 PM

800 quid, get it bought and fettle

snapper - 31/12/12 at 06:58 AM

Mate of mine bought a Ron Champion Chassis converted to Sierra DeDion no problem
It's a good light 7
It'll be what you make of it
All bodywork still available and any chassis bits can be made from the book
1100 Crossflow engines are not that desirable other Escort bits will be
Offer £500 and see what he says