Buying a mk1 advise !!!

[rs jaffa 0]

Hi all

 

im fairly new to the cortina scene,and im currently on the look out for a fairly tidy mk1 cortina (well road worthy and requiring not to much welding)..

 

My question is !! where are the areas on the cortina mk1 i really need to check before parting with any money !! i know the doors,around the headlights,rear bottom panel,spring hangers and top plates are prone to rust ?? is there anything else ??

 

also with a gt model,is there a serial number on the chassis plate to look for ?i.e with my current rs escort its gcat***********.... or strengthening plates anywhere.....

 

any advise would be appriciated on this

 

Thanks;kev

Edited June 19, 2011 by rs jaffa

[R1.Andy 1]

the a post and skuttle area..under the dash top where screens leak..

apart from anti tramp on rear i dont think there is much differnce..someone once said but he was on drugs i think that the floors where 1mm thicker than standard cars..

i think the chassis is BA i own a gt but never look i can if you want..tommy dandham web site may have some helpfull info..

if you want one thats done and mint i would sell you mine if u dont fancy welding and stuff

[chelseablue 17]

This site has a great deal of info

http://freespace.virgin.net/tommy.sandham/databook.htm#[ Top ]

[the-ford-cortina.com 226]

Hi all

 

im fairly new to the cortina scene,and im currently on the look out for a fairly tidy mk1 cortina (well road worthy and requiring not to much welding)..

 

My question is !! where are the areas on the cortina mk1 i really need to check before parting with any money !! i know the doors,around the headlights,rear bottom panel,spring hangers and top plates are prone to rust ?? is there anything else ??

 

also with a gt model,is there a serial number on the chassis plate to look for ?i.e with my current rs escort its gcat***********.... or strengthening plates anywhere.....

 

any advise would be appriciated on this

 

Thanks;kev

 

yES BEST TO CONCENTRATE ON GETTING THE BEST CONDITION BODYWISE YOU CAN FIND but beware coats of paint can hide a lot , next most important is to get it as complete as possible watch out for cars that have a few missing pieces as these could be the expensive hard to find bits

[Derskine 11]

Just don't be afraid to have a really good look, as said above paint, and that includes underseal can hide a lot of nasty bits

In reference to the headlamp rings, the chrome can hide a lot of rust, so if the bezels have quite a bit of play then the headlamp rings/front part of wings are knackered.

The spare wheel wells are also terribly prone to rust

Good luck, MK1s are fantastic cars, they look great, and if done right, can go great too lol :thumbup:

Edited June 19, 2011 by Steelrax

[Lotuscops 80]

MK1 RUST

 

Have a flick through this - it will give you an idea of where they rust..... :rolleyes:

[danb 4]

kev ive done a bit of digging on the gt we spoke about on ec....been told to avoid the car pm me for more info cheers danny

[rs jaffa 0]

Cheers guys !!

 

im off to have a look at a gt on saturday !! been standing for quite awhile...is there a different serial on the vin plate ? or do i just look for the dash dials,gear box etc ???

 

thanks for the advise so far

 

kev

[Derskine 11]

Cheers guys !!

 

im off to have a look at a gt on saturday !! been standing for quite awhile...is there a different serial on the vin plate ? or do i just look for the dash dials,gear box etc ???

 

thanks for the advise so far

 

kev

 

 

Gearbox is the same I think, just the GT has a gear remote hidden by the centre console, you need to look at the engine block too, the GT will have 118E or 122E (I think) stamped on the left hand side of the block, if its a standard 1500cc engine it'll have 120E.

The dials are an indication that its a gt however not a very good one as its pretty easy to fit the dials to a standard dash.

The carb is different on a gt too, the weber is much bigger, however that still doesn't tell you its a genuine GT, not hard to fit one.

The handbrake is also under the dash, so have a look at the relay lever on the steering box and see if it looks shoddy in any way.

Mine isnt a GT so I can't tell you about the VIN plate but I'm sure someone else can.

Edited June 20, 2011 by Steelrax

[Lotuscops 80]

Vin number should be BA77 (2 dr) BA78 (4 Dr) - Should have GT stamped on the lug on the cylinder head and Weber 28/36 carb plus 4 branch manifold. Also check for water outlet on head next to the water temp sender - standard car doesn't have this hole.

 

If you can get the seller to remove the two screws holing the 4 pod dash in the panel behind should be pressed like the MK1 Escort dog bone grille. Only if it's a C/D reg though.

 

Also if a late one should have radius / stabiliser bars on rear axle.

 

Larger diameter flange on prop where it fits the diff.

 

See this book for good guides and resto pics - Guide to Purchase & DIY Restoration

Edited June 20, 2011 by Keith Halstead

[retro toe 115]

nothing wrong repiclia as long as it not same price as gt,good luck in your quest :thumbup:

[a1topdog 4]

My question is !! where are the areas on the cortina mk1 i really need to check before parting with any money !! i know the doors,around the headlights,rear bottom panel,spring hangers and top plates are prone to rust ?? is there anything else ??

any advise would be appriciated on this

 

Also check the front cross member panel behind the front valance, and the front chassis legs 1: where the anti roll bar mounts and 2: where they tuck underneath the bulk head.

 

Also check the rear chassis legs where they go over the axle , they normally rusy behind the little streathening plate , and also check the rear wheel tubs where they join the floor and the seem up he middle of them.

 

Alos have a good look at the floor in the foot wells and have a good look at the front and rear jacking points.

 

In summary: Check everywhere !!!

[consul315 180]

 

 

Gearbox is the same I think, just the GT has a gear remote hidden by the centre console, you need to look at the engine block too, the GT will have 118E or 122E (I think) stamped on the left hand side of the block, if its a standard 1500cc engine it'll have 120E.

 

never heard of this.

to my knowledge it is a matter of manufaturing date and should have either 116E, 120E (most common), or 122E (very rare). if it has (replacement)-engine from an early MK2 GT it should be 2731.

 

if the manifolds are taken off, a GT head can be easily spotted by the two extra tubes coming out on 2nd and 7th port, not sure if you can see it in this pic of an early Mk2 GT engine (posting 11 in case link doesn t work)

 

 

http://www.buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/24157-mk1-1500-deluxe-brought-home-today/page__view__findpost__p__224287

Edited June 21, 2011 by consul315

[Derskine 11]

 

 

Gearbox is the same I think, just the GT has a gear remote hidden by the centre console, you need to look at the engine block too, the GT will have 118E or 122E (I think) stamped on the left hand side of the block, if its a standard 1500cc engine it'll have 120E.

 

never heard of this.

to my knowledge it is a matter of manufaturing date and should have either 116E, 120E (most common), or 122E (very rare). if it has (replacement)-engine from an early MK2 GT it should be 2731.

 

if the manifolds are taken off, a GT head can be easily spotted by the two extra tubes coming out on 2nd and 7th port, not sure if you can see it in this pic of an early Mk2 GT engine (posting 11 in case link doesn t work)

 

 

http://www.buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/24157-mk1-1500-deluxe-brought-home-today/page__view__findpost__p__224287

 

Just going on what I saw on an ebay listing, but you're probably right

[consul315 180]

 

 

Gearbox is the same I think, just the GT has a gear remote hidden by the centre console, you need to look at the engine block too, the GT will have 118E or 122E (I think) stamped on the left hand side of the block, if its a standard 1500cc engine it'll have 120E.

 

never heard of this.

to my knowledge it is a matter of manufaturing date and should have either 116E, 120E (most common), or 122E (very rare). if it has (replacement)-engine from an early MK2 GT it should be 2731.

 

if the manifolds are taken off, a GT head can be easily spotted by the two extra tubes coming out on 2nd and 7th port, not sure if you can see it in this pic of an early Mk2 GT engine (posting 11 in case link doesn t work)

 

 

http://www.buysellcortina.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/24157-mk1-1500-deluxe-brought-home-today/page__view__findpost__p__224287

 

Just going on what I saw on an ebay listing, but you're probably right

 

 

ah i see :cheers: ! as i wouldn t dare to call me an expert i´m always willing to learn something, that´s why i like this forum! :cheers: