Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[aps]

has anyone had any dealings with mk 1 mexicos and rs 2000 these are both genuine cars that need work .the engine and running gear need to be rebuilt to original spec ,any suggestions

[ka]

So how much information do you need?
Mk 1 Mexico, has a type 49 shell, and runs the Kent 1600 engine, The RS has the 2L Pinto.
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KA

Better three than four.

[petermeachem]

I had a Mk 1 Mexico. Lovely car. As far as I know there are precious few mechanical parts that are special to the mexico, the gearbox mounting springs to mind as it is canted over because the engine is twisted over slightly. Most of the bits are off another Ford. The stripes used to be hugely expensive, I had to buy some after a tree related incident but I'm told they are cheap now.
Mine was fairly original, jacked up for trialling, replaced the feeble rear shock absorber mount for one that didn't break and the standard carb for twin horizontal su's. I also put a very impressive curvy exhaust manifold on it. That was an error, it got so hot it melted the bulkhead fusebox and the fuses fell out

[aps]

ive been asked to put these 2 cars back to a showroom condition including all running gear ,i also need to make new roofs for them as they have sun roofs fitted also a new upholstery .the bodywork and upholstery is not a problem .but mecanical work is something i dont do .so as much info as poss would be aprecated .
with thanks wayne.

[BigJohn]

Join here:
http://www.oldskoolford.co.uk/ipb/index.php?/page/index.html

[ka]

I had a Mk11 RS 2000, and at the same time a Mk1 Mexico, both share a lot of similar running gear. But to list the differences would never end.
I would think carefully about the sunroofs, Mk11 Escorts came with a sunroof as a standard option, (not the flip up glass things, but a roll back vinyl set-up).
Besides the obvious shape, the main difference are the engines, with slight differences in the shell of the Mk1 compared to other variants.

Mk1 Mexico used the Type 49 shell, that had reinforcing fitted as standard to the front strut mounts beneath the wings, the rear front leaf spring mounts on the chassis were infilled giving a smooth looking shape to the chassis, some had a re-enforcing plate spot welded under the top mounts on the Macpherson struts, also flared front wings to take the 5.5" wheels and tyres.
The brakes were bigger than the 1300's, the discs were bigger, and bigger rear wheel drums, fitted with a remote servo.The anti-roll bar was upgraded.
Engine wise, the standard Ford 1600cc crossflow unit with a Ford Weber carb, otherwise standard equipment under the bonnet. Bigger radiator as well. Standard gearbox, some were fitted with the 'quick change' kit.
Naturally inside of the car had rev-counter etc.

Mk11 RS, used the standard Ford 2.0l Pinto (overhead cam), with a two stage progressive Ford Webber, again as standard equipment same as used on the Cortina's. The gearbox had to have a special offset mounting adapter, as the engine/gearbox set-up is longer and lower than the pushrod engine. These looked like square sections fitted between the gearbox mount and the shell mountings. Prop shaft was a one off for the marque as it was slightly shorter. I also remember a pan hard rod on the rear axle. The RS used the same diff set up as all other Mk 11's, but ran the lowest ratio diff Ford made for the Axle. Again servo assisted brakes, disc front drum rear.
Inside was slightly different, some sported a slinky brown interior, with special RS front seats, that may have been a special Recaro order. There was also a small recess in the passenger side dash, that if I remember correctly had a clock in it. The speedo rev counter set up had an additional gauge in with the fuel/temp giving oil pressure. The steering wheel sported an inset RS logo. I called my car 'Horace' I know, no imagination!!!
_________________
KA

Better three than four.

[aps]

thanks for the info thats going to be a good starting point .i should be starting these cars at the end of next month .with thanks wayne aps