Project Mouse. Mk1 Escort build.

[Lee R]

Well, I finally have a Mk1 Escort. Just going to assess the car over the next few days to see what needs doing and what path I want to go with it. Then I'll start to pull it to bits and box it up ready for the body resto and paint.

Why Mouse? MOU531L is the reg.

The car is just a 1.1l shell but is currently a RS2000 rep. It has recovered rs2000 seats in good condition and is generally solid. It deffo needs wings as there aren't any, strut tops and a couple of repairs to the front edge of the sills. Headlight areas on front panel need doing but I may just replace the front outer panel tbh. The rest seems spot on.

Heres a few pics to get started. I'll update the thread when I make a start on it. :thumb:











Thanks for looking.

Please be ready for many many questions, as this is my first ever Mk1 escort. I have never driven one or worked on one

[graham John]

good luck with the resto, keep plenty of pics and info coming as you progres and dont be afraid / embarrased to ask for advice

cheeRS

[Lee R]

Thanks Graham.

Edit: Reg is MOU536L not 531 not that it matters

[south west restorations]

good to see another escort one getting done
best of luck with it.

[Lee R]

Thanks mate. With your extensive portfolio of resto's you may be one who I PM with questions if you dont mind?

[ModenaRS2]

Nice one Lee, I am sure you will do it proud

[maxest]

Look forward to the updates lee.. like all your previous restos im sure it'll be top notch

[mk1gaz]

All the best ones where originally 1.1L's so you've started with the correct base .

[Lee R]

Cheers lads. Started to strip it slowly. Will update when its bare

[kas750]

Looks a good project.Keep the pics coming.

[Davecos4x4]

looking a good project Lee, good luck with it.

[Lee R]

Little update. Stripdown has commenced!

Few pics here. As you can see, crusty in the passenger footwell and holed. Quite solid but will replace that panel. Small hole in fuel tank well and a repair to redo in spare wheel well. Other than that, so far so good!
















And my lad is obsessed with it!!!!!!!!!!! He's gutted I've taken the seats out!!!!

[pinto48s]

Looks pretty solid for nearly 40 years old.
Think I,d be getting all the paint off the inner wings before buying any panels. you're a lucky boy if they are unwelded!
Make a nice shell with all the avo bits on.

[Lee R]

Little update:

Removed the front panel today! This must have been fitted when gen Ford panels were readily available, as there was no protection behind it at all!!!!! You would not fit one like that now with how rare they are






I was eager to get it off to see what the inside of the cross member was like and I'm glad I did as I need to add one to the order!!!!!!

So far I've had to order

Front panel
Cross member
Strut top repair sections
Wing mounting bands.
Flitch panels
Passenger front footwell
Wings.

Sounds a lot but not too bad. All I can see now is a small hole in the drivers floor near sill and then a few small repairs in rear arch corners etc. Keep me busy

[mk1GTstu]

looks a good project, keep the pics coming!