New Zealand 1974 Escort started project

**esky** · 12-16-2005, 10:10 PM

Hi Everybody
I've been reading a lot of the forum's lately and have just received my car back from the panel beaters (rust removal/flares fitted) so now i'm starting out on my project.

With the old escort having no centre console i'm making the thing from scratch using a polystyrene block to create the console which will house a 8 " lilliput TS, once the poly console is built i'll take a mould off of it and then make my finished console out of fibreglass (local panel beater suggested this method)

The PC = soltek P4 Qbic 3.4 1024MB RAM bluetooth e.t.c which will actually fit right up under the dash (no glove box in old escorts just a tray).
For the sound system i'm just going to use the onboard sound using the 8 speaker setup running the line outs from the computer to individual amps, also i'm going to purchase a TV/AM/FM tuner for my radio
i'm planning on using DSATX for the power supply or the Zentech 250W with a startup/shutdown controller will make this decision in the new year as mail/postage can be a ***** down here round this time of the year.

My expertise = Own/ run my own small computer repair shop (hence the qbic it's 1 year old but i alway's upgrade my stuff each year) also i am a qualified mechanic (automotive technician for those who like to promote their job's) but have never fibreglassed before i have friends in the boat building and panel beating industrys so trial and error with tips along the way from a great site like this i'm sure i'll be able to post some step by step pic's when i've finished the install. Any suggestions/ comments appreciated

BTW Scouse Monkey i love your avatar my girlfriend doesn't as it can mesmerise me and i'll forget what i'm doing from tiome to time
cheers richHave just added photo's showing how mould process is going it's all a bit rough but i figure at least from here i now have some idea of what the dash could look like and a bit of patient sanding / filing instead of the saw the knife and a light sand it might just come up ok

**wildcat_lgf** · 12-17-2005, 12:45 AM

Hey Rich,

Sounds good, I'm looking to do a custom install in my Fiat X1/9 with custom dash (full thing) and console as the original is ugly (dated).

For the console I would recommend not using polystyrene as it is hard to form/shape. You can buy "moulding foam" which would suit better. It is essentially polystyrene but with much smaller grains so it is easily sanded, cut, ground etc without taking out large chunks - my dad used this to make up some airplane wheel spats and it seemed to work well.

I'm still investigating how to do my own custom work as I would really like to put in a leather dash and high console like a TVR!

I think I'll focus on getting the engine rebuilt (DIY) and bodykit fitted (DIY). Best of luck in your project though.

**esky** · 12-20-2005, 02:17 PM

hi wildcat
i got the poly from my mate who is a boat builder, i told him what i wanted to do and he said he use's the stuff he gave me all the time to shape and schulpt but he also has a boat that is meant to be in the water in 2 weeks for earth race and the factory was humming with activity so maybe he didn't have much time, i've made a rough mockup out of it and have been able to sand and shape resonably easy so maybe it is moulding foam i really don't know as i have little experience but if i have to redo it i'll try moulding foam and at least i've some idea of the final shape
Started taking photo's to keep a detailed bit by bit guide to the construction of dash + carputer

**semovodka** · 12-20-2005, 03:36 PM

Hey esky, just going to wish you the best of luck on your project.

**esky** · 01-03-2006, 03:05 AM

Originally Posted by semovodka

Hey esky, just going to wish you the best of luck on your project.

Cheers semovodka thanks for the support

Have just added some progress pic's, basically i made a quick mockup out of cardboard to get an idea about screen placement, switchs,legroom e.t.c and then i've just got into a block of polystyrene with a wood saw a stanley knife.

Will add more info and pic's later. Probably once i've made the mould and have my first dash out

**mg52** · 01-03-2006, 04:56 AM

I'd really like to see how this turns out, coz I'm starting a project soon with a similar car. I haven't bought one yet but I'm looking at either a 1974 Mazda RX3 a '74 Toyota Celica or Corolla, or an Escort or Torana. Whatever I get get a good deal for. I've told a few people that I'm putting a car PC in it and they think I'm crazy coz its an old car and it will look **** with new technology in it. But I am going to be completely rebuilding it to perfection

**MattL** · 01-03-2006, 05:12 AM

Hi guys, interesting to see some kiwis here on this form - I live in east auckland and im just in the planning/testbench stages of my project.

I may have an advantage when it comes to my install as my friend owns the car audio store 'Sound Around' in Henderson - and they are pretty amazing when it comes to custom fabrication in glass etc.

Best of luck with your project - you've got the perfect car for it :-)

Matt

**BurgerBoy** · 01-04-2006, 01:50 AM

Great to see another Kiwi on here. Good luck with your project esky. Make sure you take lots of photos during the process.

My install has come to a standstill due to the fact I spent some of the money on an iPod Video. But I can use it in my install too

**vxcarpc** · 01-04-2006, 02:12 AM

Nice one bro.. :P

More pics.

**lez** · 01-04-2006, 05:58 AM

brill start but not wanting to throw cold water, ''viewing angle'' of screen......

I tried my ibm in that position, the colours where ok but it was brighter and lacked contrast, justa thought to check it if you can.

And I cant see some of mine when in 5th due to gear lever.

floor pan looks really good for a 74 ford. hell it looks good for a 2000 ford in england! (small fords dissolve so fast you can hear the fizzing as they drive out the showroom)