waltermk3

Have to agree with Neil. I got some Sunset Red made to the code and it it didn't match perfectly. Possible fading. The factor's measuring machine matched it bang on

Here is a photo of an original Pinto exhaust manifold off a MK3 GT. At least this will let you compare. Mine was rotten at the bottom and I had new one made by John Ashley. Mild steel the stainless from there back

What I thought to be the original horn on my MK3 1600 GT was a small single vibrating plate type which was embarrassing. I replaced it with 2 GM windtones. What horns would the 1600 GT have originally been fitted with?

Thanks Steve

Is there any way of determining the build date of my MK3. I can't see it on the VIN plate unless the VIN number can be interpreted. Or is it somewhere or nowhere? Thanks

Thanks for your wishes. What a difference a K makes. OK to O!. A thousand times different, but I hope members will understand

I have had this lovely GT for 8 years now but it is not seeing much use these days and needs to be enjoyed by a someone else. The car was stored off the road for 23 years until 2012 when I purchased it off the bloke who had brought it out of storage, spent a lot of time and money on new wings and parts. Once with me I removed the head and renewed the worn cam shaft (Pinto Engine), replaced the oil spray bar and fitted a new cam belt. Whilst the head was off I had hardened valve seats fitted. It has electronic ignition and 5 speed Type 9 gearbox fitted. I fitted inertia seat belts front and rear I renewed the GT freeflow exhaust manifold with a replacement made by John Ashley and had it aluminised. The exhaust from there back was replaced by a Longlife stainless system. The vinyl roof had been replaced by the previous owner but I was not happy with some bubbling. I had it done again by a professional auto trimmer. Front and rear windscreens come out for this. I located the correct Ford vinyl with which to have the job done and it is much admired. The mileage quoted is what is showing on the odometer and is not guaranteed. There is no rust to the best of my knowledge and just look at the photos for condition I checked what price these were going for and was shocked to see 3 GT's varying between £19k and £24K. I thought, no way. I have put on that classified £17 and open to offers but I will take a more realistic offer from forum members

Well I've bitten the bullet and placed a classified on carandclassic. Possibly a bit optimistic. I bit like a reverse auction as I have put Offers Invited. I'll see what happens

That's very thought provoking thought as it is a lovely looking car. On the other hand I have had other lovely cars which have come and gone and I would like to have a tinker again. If I do sell I'm unsure what price to ask. The Practical Classics guide say £9500 but try and find a GT for that in the real world. There are a couple of stunners on the web at the moment wanting an unbelievable £24k and £19K but open to offers. This is such a spread it's difficult to know where to pitch mine if I go ahead. Maybe an auction would find the true value but I would definitely put a starting price on (ebay) or a reserve at an auction house

Whatever size you go for I would definitely have the same size all round.

Not sure what advantage you would have by putting 175 on the rears with 165's on the front. I don't think you'd notice the difference and you would loose the flexibility of moving the wheels and spare around and in case of puncture

Hi. I've had my Cortina 1600GT for 8 years now and it's not getting much use. I know we are all limited for traveling at the moment but any chance do get I'm out in the MX5. So I have been pondering whether or not to move it on. If I do sell what sort of money should I be expecting? I thought of the site carandclassic which look at every day, or ther's ebay or an auction. What do member think?

I'd stick with the original size all round. The Ford ride engineers would have matched up ride, handling and steering. Also you will have the advantage of the lighter steering, ability to move wheels around the car including the spare. 165 is plenty wide enough for the light MK2. I think the tyres were 165 x 13. Aspect ratios weren't quoted then but they would 80 or 82. But your choice at the end of the day. Like you are don't understand the current fashion for larger wheels and skinny tyres. They ruin ride, wear quicker, damage more easily along with wheel damage. Can't see the point unless you are on a race track. I have 185 x 13 70 on my MK3 but it is a heavier car I think but still light by today's standards. The MK3 also came with 165 as standard but 185 70 x13 were optional on the GT which mine is. I have had to increase the pressure to make the steering acceptable. I would have been OK with the 165's. Hope this helps but it is only one opinion