Mexico rebuild

[Rallyman72]

Got a middle spec 1600 xflow for it - BCF2 cam, GT head (Mexico spec), twin 40's. It's quite quick though. Matched to a Rocket box and 4.6 Group 1 Atlas. Vented discs, 9" drums. Being built to HRCR regs although I could be very tempted by a twink in time

Got a mate that builds some trick x-flows and twinks so may well go to him - got to wait till the bank balance recovers

The body shop that is painting it is being very picky and he's making me act a bit bufty in the initial build................

[SHIFTY]

Liking the sound of that
All the best with the build

[Rallyman72]

Latest pictures:

We cleaned up inside the boot and spread a bit of seam sealer around



and under the bonnet



Then came the time to da sand it all followed by etch prime followed by colour







The inside is done as well but I'm afraid I've not got any close up photo's of that yet. By the way that is not wet paint - that is the gloss on the paint after it has dried!

Good discovery today as well - I was wondering what I would do to replace the little clips that hold the bottom of the instrument binnacle in place. I was given some by the bodyshop that are identical to the original ones and they are available off the shelf as an Indian car manufacturer use them even today on their vehicles. They are freely available in the UK too.

[Rallyman72]

On Friday, after working in the bodyshop for two days, I finally collected the shell:



The chap busily polishing is the guy who has spent the last 6 months fettling the shell and painting it.





Then on Saturday morning some 'hired muscle' turned up from the AVO Owners club:



And within an hour of pulling the shell out of the garage on a dolly we had this fitted:





A little bit later in the day saw more shiny bits added (note the use of the WRC style sill stands which makes working underneath really easy):





That included fitting the Atlas Axle.



And, this morning, after too many beers last night, we fitted the steering column, bumper irons and sumpguard front brackets, heater and pedal box:



The plan now is to fit the electrical bits, fabricate the loom, fit the headlining and glass, plumb the brakes, fit the fuel tank and pipes, and finally the dash, seats, steering wheel, number plates and chassis plates.

[vinny]

coming along nicely richard, though the old fella helping you looks a bit suspect

[Aaron P.]

looking pretty good ...just a quick q about the atlas axle...is that a baby atals or shortened one????

[jxe54]

Nice one. Well done Richard. You're reminding me how far I have to go with mine and It's making me weary!

[Rallyman72]

looking pretty good ...just a quick q about the atlas axle...is that a baby atals or shortened one????

I bought the complete axle (with a free diff) on E-bay for under £120. It had been under a Mk2 Escort apparently. It was described as a Baby Atlas but also as having been professionally narrowed. The signs are that it is a narrowed one but it has been done very well.

Given it a couple of presents - 4.6 CWP and ZF LSD since buying it as well as a fair bit of TLC in putting it together and sorting out the brake set up (mainly taken off my old axle) and shock absorber/panhard rod brackets.

[Rallyman72]

bit more progress this weekend:

Dressed up the rear end including, in the boot, fitting the fuel pumps and Filter King



added carbs, radiator, hoses, relays, starter solenoid, horns, wiper mechanism, fuel lines, oil cooler and air box. Bonnet rubbers are a temporary fit until I can get some that actually fit the shell.



and rewired the headlights, indicators and sidelights then dressed the front panel. The spot and foglight loom still has to be added.



Bits yet to go on are alloy rocker cover, exhaust (including manifold), prop shaft, fuel tank, seats, dash, headlining, roll cage, belts, seats, glass and wiring loom. Then it is back to the body shop to get the closure panels fitted.

[wildman]

think that atlas is wasted under there wana swop for a good english would like to come have a look at this ?

[bal080]

Well done!
Nice job!
It's possible to post other picture?
thks

[dustydog]

Looks well alot off sweat and graft gone into that, i would be proud off that mate look after it keep pics coming of finished job Mark

[rstwincam]

so good so far...
its all worth it in the end..
looking to see more pic,s as time goes on

[Rallyman72]

think that atlas is wasted under there wana swop for a good english

Might not be in the future though!

[SHIFTY]

Looks lush mate!...has come a long way since the last time I looked on this thread.
Keep up the good work!