lowtina

-7 offset is the bit that doesn't help; its the wrong way. Here's a cad representation. Those wheels would stick out 68mm more than a ghia rim. 47mm more than a 7x15 cosworth lattice. Mk5 geometry doesn't take small offset as well as mk1/2 cortinas and escorts. That said, it depends what you class as "fit". If it's not lowered, they'll go on.....

Well, ET41.4, yes.

5.5" ghia alloys are 41.4mm

They'll stick out a mile! A 6" Ford wheel has an offset of around 40mm. So a 7x15 is already 25mm wider. -7 means the hub face is 7mm inboard of centre meaning that face is about 47mm further in than a std wheel, pushing the wheel out 47mm. With the extra width that's about 60mm. I have 7.5x16 on my mk5. Et35. They totally Fill the arches. Those wheels would stick out another 35mm which, even with stretched tyres is going to look like a roller skate!

That makes sense. Thanks very much. I'll get fabricating then! 👍

Hi all, I've just returned my 73 mk3 estate to the road after 14 years sat in the workshop! When I bought it, rear seat belts were a pointless consideration, now, they're a necessity! The shell has mounting points for the socket straps in the floor. And there's a threaded hole in the inner rear quarter, behind the trim. I know the mk4/5 has a hole above this for a mounting bar that takes the top anchor. I've felt around through the headlining material but I can't locate a corresponding hole. Anyone know if the mk3 has one and where it is, so I don't have to pop out the rear window? There's also no fixing for where the retractor most logically sits, behind the rear seat. Not such an issue as I can fabricate a mount easily there. I'm using mk3 escort estate rear belts so I don't need the top bar, just a top mounting hole. Thanks in advance!

Hi. Is this still for sale??

I used washing up liquid to get the rubbers into the B post. Since lube does seem to be the answer (matron), I'm going to try leaving the washing up liquid to dry, the vaselining the window into the rubbers! Thanks all, wish me luck. And sorry to all the disappointed google searchers that have ended up here!

Hi all. I'm fitting opening rear windows from a taunus to my mk5 2 door. I've managed to get the majority in there but I have a question about the rubber hinge plugs. Has anyone messed about with 2 door opening windows?? Question is, plugs are wedge shaped and a pig to slip into the slots on the b post. When you then push the tags of the window into them, they slip straight through the slit, into the b post! If I put them on the window first, there's no way they'll go in the slot! Any ideas?

Tank was a Chinese job. Very surprisingly good quality. Pump is a 044. Can be 044 replica. Just needs to not have the hose union pressed on the inlet end like a standard ford pump. I used a big facet pump on my mk5 when yb powered. Turned out to be total overkill. The pump was mostly looping fuel back to the tank. This time I tried a small solenoid lift pump. £8 on ebay. It works perfectly and is much quieter. PM me if you need any more info.

Well, it sort of is. Its mounted in the the surge tank! 😁

Hi. Yes, all my own work. Incredibly easy. Kept the standard tank and I've mounted surge tank and pumps in the boot. Runs really nicely. Great power boost, starts all year round and does 35mpg! The air box is the only slight niggle. I wanted a fairly "ford" look so built a custom box with Granada lid. However, a cone filter would have done the job.

Engine bay....

Hi all. It's been a while and the mk4 has had many road stints and hibernation! However, last years list of broken things has been finished and she had a little outing today! She now sports a new vinyl roof, many, many fabricated repairs, a new, fuel injected pinto, alfa 156 seats, ghia rims with 185/70's (not convinced I like them!) And a 5 speed.

Hi. Thanks for that. The prices are crazy but, I managed to find a complete, NOS throttle body including TPS on ebay for £60! Result!