OPINIONS PLEASE, looking at cheap 2l Mk2 esky panelvan, worth it?

LukeyST · 17-10-2009, 09:32 PM

Gday,

Tomorrow i might be looking at a Mk2 Escort panel van. The seller is a relation of a work-mate. The only details i have from my work-mate are as follows:
* Panelvan - body rooted, would need major work.
* 2L pinto engine - complete, but the cam wont turn over, which is not good (there is no cheap-fix/simple cause for this occurrence yeh?)
* 5sp celica gearbox
* Hotwire wheels

Best bit - he is only after 200-300 bucks for it.

But the thing is i was originally going to seek out a straight bodied manual, 2L sedan to restore, but this one has come up with the 2L engine (despite cam issue) with a 5sp in it for dirt cheap.

My main question - if i were to find a straight bodied 1.3/1.6 auto escort (they seem to be going much cheaper than the 2L manual of course), is it straight forward to change over the 2L manual running gear into the 1.3/1.6 auto's shell????

Is it worth my while, considering the cam issue? And possible conversion issues?

I'm considering just buying it and wrecking it for how cheap it is.

I'm new to the escorts, but im keen to learn!

Opinions much appreciated!!!

(edit - forgot to add, its unrego'd and has been sitting in a paddock for a while, this could of caused the cam to seize? i dont even know if it happened while the engine was running or not)

LukeyST · 17-10-2009, 10:06 PM

Managed to get onto the seller, few more details;
* been off the road for 3 years
* cam seized because the engine oil leaked out of the sump so she had no engine oil feeding to the head :(
* head currently off engine
* Recaro seats, not sure how old or what type, but in ok condition
* all windows in good condition (there's quite a few in the pano's)

esci-fan · 17-10-2009, 10:48 PM

G'Day Mate, Ive been around escorts since I could drive, Had a break though to start a family. I am getting back into them now and have found that any chance to get parts for a good price is a great opportunity, even if it is to by a crap shell to get good parts.

A good straight escort in roadworthy condition is getting good money now. When I sold my last escort I made sure I kept all the best bits I could for my next one.

About 10 years ago I picked up a 5 speed celica box with a bell housing to suit a 1.6 for $350. That alone, if it is in good condition is worth it.

Yes the 2Lt and 5 speed will fit into a 1.3 or 1.6Lt auto escort, you just might have to swap as much of the 2lt as possible (i.e. cross member and front suspension) the 2lt is opposite to the 1.3 and 1.6 as far as exhaust and carbies go. The gearbox mount might have to modified or moved (you could always grab the setup from the van if you wreck it for parts).

Dont worry about the 2lt as there are heaps around and you can get new or old parts anywhere for them. The van though doesn't sound like a sundowner if it has lots of side windows, if it was it would be worth trying to save.

Best thing for now would be to check out EBay as they always have people selling escorts, in all sorts of condition.

Final note, If the wife would let me, I would buy the car and if it is that bad a shell I would wreck it. Good luck.

LukeyST · 17-10-2009, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the info mate. Good to hear that the conversion is quite possible, even with a bit of tinkering! You make good points about scavenging off the bad shell, i hadn't thought about that.

I had concerns about the tunnel for the gearbox's being different, i think i had read that somewhere before. I don't know the physical differences between the 4sp and celica 5sp boxes either, will find out soon enough i guess.

Ps. I picked up an original, genuine ford Mk2 escort workshop manual (the ones about 50mm thick!! has everything in it) at a swap-meet a couple of months back for $15! Its going to a great resource.

LukeyST · 18-10-2009, 08:11 PM

Well i bought it, for .......$150 !!!!!

Some pretty bad rust, especially in the bottom of the rear doors. Front half of the car seems to be in great condition, the front quarters are good. The hotwires just need a good clean up and the recaro seats need some work. Found out it has extractors also and a webber carby (not sure what sort, it was twin throat but). The rocker cover is off the head, but at least the head is still on the block.

I'm picking it up either next weekend or the weekend after. First thing i'm going to do is clean it out (rats have made themselves a nice home in the engine bay), then stripping it down a bit to see if the body is beyond repair or not.

I'll post pics when i get her.

oysta · 19-10-2009, 01:08 PM

Another book that I've found very helpful is Ford Escort & Cortina Restoration Manual by Hanes. Hot sure if they sell it in Australia, I picked my up whilst in the UK. I find the original ford workshop manual is very workshop orientated (as the name suggests) and requires tools that many of us don't posses, however it is the most detailed. The hanes manual tends to be more 'shed friendly' and has a lot more on restoration work. The Gregorys manual is by far the worst and I barely ever open it.

esci-fan · 21-10-2009, 08:21 PM

Good deal. good start too to get things rolling. The celica 5 Spd is a good box and is not much bigger than the standard 4 spd ford box. Depending on the version of celica box they can be bolted behind just about anything, as long as you can get a matching bellhousing to suit the engine.

Check all the sills thoroughly as this is the main problem area for the escort's. If the front is as good as you say it's a good start and may be worth saving.

Good luck!

LukeyST · 22-10-2009, 10:35 PM

Thanks for the replies.

When i mentioned the front end seeming pretty good, that was in reference to the panels, the car wasn't really in a good spot for me to get under it and check it out thoroughly. Like you said (esci-fan), i will need to check out the sills.

Oysta- thanks, ill keep and eye out for a copy of the hanes manual, might be lucky enough to find one on ebay or at a swap meet one day.

Something else i should add - i was talking to the bloke i bought it off on the phone last night, he has found another set of hotwires that weren't on the van, im buying them off him aswell when i pick up the van. There 13x7's, and include good condition tyres and centres. The hotwires on the van are only 6 or 6.5 wide i think, and need a bit of a tidy up. So i'm stoked!