Downstairs Dave 37 Posted September 4, 2013 Many thanks Lunsonline for the front suspension info, just goes to show you don't need to spend loads of money.:rolleyes: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Downstairs Dave 37 Posted September 4, 2013 (edited) Stripped the rest of the O/S inner wing and stripped out the Clutch pedal out of the Mazda as I will be fitting the complete brake and clutch assembly from the MX5, it is very compact and the pedals have a nice offset and will fit perfectly. Why not use what you got...:thumbup: Another nice result is the Mazda steering column UJ connection not only does it have the same spline size as the Escort but the way its made means it can be easily adjusted. As you can see its a tube slid over a shaft and welded, so all I have to do is grind out the weld and push it in further to the right length. Will be making the inner arch repair sections next as I want to get the rear wings welded in over the weekend.:blush: Edited September 4, 2013 by Downstairs Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ludsonline 0 Posted September 5, 2013 Will be making the inner arch repair sections next as I want to get the rear wings welded in over the weekend.:blush: Will you be tubbing the rear end or as standard? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Downstairs Dave 37 Posted September 5, 2013 Will you be tubbing the rear end or as standard? It Will be kept standard.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
corsair 21 Posted September 5, 2013 (edited) The only thing with the Old Ford steering stuff is having to oval the top mount holes which look just wrong in my opinion. I have put my steering system on here somewhere but basicaly a seperate crossmember mounted where the steering box/idler arm were and a Fiesta Mk3 rack mounted to this. Tension struts run forward to a bracket where the anti roll bar was (removed it although it can be left and attached with drop links) The tension strut was heated and bent so as the wheels cleared it on lock. Escort adjustable TCA's attach to a lengthened engine crossmember (so pivot points on rack and inner TCA line up) and Capri legs. Been on the car 13 years and work superbly with a bit more castor dialed in the steering is light yet not to much so. Picture are of a Mk2 Cortina I did for a friend Edited September 5, 2013 by corsair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ludsonline 0 Posted September 5, 2013 Paul, could you measure your rack width for me, where the steering arms swivel Cheers Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MLI 7 Posted September 5, 2013 There's yet another take on Corsair/mk1 Cortina rack&pinion conversion on the 105speed forum, where Ken Bridges does a great job on his Zetec Corsair, see pages 2 and 3 on http://105speed.hyperboards.com/action/view_topic/topic_id/12619/start/16 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Downstairs Dave 37 Posted September 5, 2013 Well after having seen all the different options re front suspension, I might try and do something a bit radical. I must admit I was very impressed with the handling on the Mazda and was thinking of using the sub frame and narrowing it by six inches and finding a steering rack that's narrower. will also have to see if it would be possible to make new hubs to take the Ford PCD as I want to use lotus replica steels.:tears: The other good thing about this set up its double wishbone and strut like most modern cars. Will have to see if its feasible when I take the sub frame out of the donor, as most of you guys know it all works ok in the brain but when you start to do it physically it goes Pete tong Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ludsonline 0 Posted September 6, 2013 Have a look here Dave, a guy is using Mazda MX5 subframes and shows you how he narrowed them 150mm ;) 16V Mini Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Downstairs Dave 37 Posted September 6, 2013 Have a look here Dave, a guy is using Mazda MX5 subframes and shows you how he narrowed them 150mm ;) 16V Mini He is some engineer, many thanks for the link. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shauniboy 0 Posted September 6, 2013 wow this is one serious project, amazing work so far, look forward to further updates! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ludsonline 0 Posted September 7, 2013 He is some engineer, many thanks for the link. Your welcome m8, I thought it would help you if you went down the MX5 subframe route. ;) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Danish 294 Posted September 7, 2013 (edited) The other good thing about this set up its double wishbone and strut like most modern cars. Like a proper Cortina? :) Nice project by the way :thumbup: Edited September 7, 2013 by Jayne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Downstairs Dave 37 Posted September 10, 2013 Has been a very busy week so far so haven't spent a lot of time on the Cortina, had to finish stripping down the MX5. Good news is I have managed to get the cost of the Mazda back by selling bits I don't need. Here are some picture's of the making of the inner arches, decided to fold up some sheet metal and use my shrinker stretcher. Should be able to do a bit more over the next few evenings and over the weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Messer 2 Posted September 11, 2013 I like it when people dare to be different fair play to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites