Converting mk1 escort to 4x4

Wollys World :) · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 6:49 pm Post subject: Converting mk1 escort to 4x4

Hi all, new project, its not an MK1 escort but a kit car with MK1 escort running gear, so solid back axle but front is struts. I will be wanting to convert using SJ axles, again back is easy, but the front will be staying on coils with soild axle.
Question is.

What link set up will be best to go with? It will be used on and off road.

cheers all Very Happy

spannerman69 · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 6:55 pm Post subject:

imo , the easiest way is think landrover , radius arms a pan hard rod .

Wollys World :) · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 6:59 pm Post subject:

Either or G, disco are to wide anyway, doesnt matter what axles i use to get it, 3 link with panhard as i did with X-ULKII then.

w3526602 · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 7:02 am Post subject:

Hi,

I suggest that you log onto ...

WWW.THE-ACE.ORG/CHASSIS-AND-MONOQUE-MODIFICATION

where you will find a Q&A section that tells you how DVLA regard hacking bits off your chassis, and nailing bits on.

Look at Citroen 2CV front suspension (for both ends), which has tremendous articulation. I have seen (but only once) an advert for a conversion kit that retained the swinging arms, but with vertically mounted coil/shox. If you can think of a way of bolting the springs, shox, hubs and brakes from a modern FWD car onto the front, and similar onto the rear, but with tie-rods to lock the steering (like on a FIAT X1/9) ......

The suspension arms at both ends of a 2CV pivot on a cross tube that is held onto the chassis with four nuts and bolts.

There are firms who specialise in cut-and-shutting 2CV swinging arms, so modifying the outer ends shouldn't be that difficult, sai he ... confidently.

602

Wollys World :) · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 12:12 pm Post subject:

What is that link for 602?

The kit car will be keeping the original chassis, nothing will be cut off, still keep a strut set up, just adding an axles and links.
The 2CV idea is great but a lot of work for what it is i want. i will look more into it, but also cost, not worth it.

spannerman69 · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 6:43 pm Post subject:

i wasn`t thinking use the axles , just the principle . may be use sj , jimny
sport track some thing smallish

LlaniGraham · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:37 am Post subject:

Xpajun · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 9:09 am Post subject:

The link goes to:

Page not found
The requested page "/CHASSIS-AND-MONOQUE-MODIFICATION" could not be found.

...and monoque? what is this? - a site that can't spell the word that's supposed to be about is not the sort of site that I'd rely on information from Wink

RichardD · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 9:58 am Post subject:

If the car is already registered and you're not changing anything on the chassis within the wheelbase then it won't need an IVA.

Wollys World :) · Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 1:03 pm Post subject:

w3526602 · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 5:20 pm Post subject:

Hi,

According to the ACE v DVLA Q&A, you cannot alter the main chassis rails, nor the cross members without risking a IVA. I think they said you cannot lengthen outriggers but might be able to shorten them. You can weld brackets on. But hey. what do I know.

I now understand that you are starting from a street-legal kit car? I assumed that you were starting with a kit that you inted to alter.

If you are changing from IFS to a "live" front axle, I assume you will be changing the steering? You will be changing both axles? Will you be changing the prop-shaft, cos that is part of the transmission? You might even be changing the gearbox, which IS part of the transmission (or you might be using something like a Lada Niva gearbox, which I would argue IS changing the transmission. Suspension will, I assume, be changed.

Hmmm! 5 points for the chassis. Did you say that you were changing the engine? It's only one point, but I feel your count is getting critical.

I wish you luck (honestly), but I personally would seriously consider going down the IVA route. The kit manufacturer has already done the tricky bits.

Somebody once said "It is difficult making somebody understand, when their salary depends on them NOT understanding". When I worked at DVLA, I would only have closed one eye. And that was then!

602 (And I'm still on your side)

PS. Me? I want to cut the front and rear off a Triumph Spitfire chassis, make a very short shopping car (<8ft overall?) but I'm too scared.

Wollys World :) · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 8:13 pm Post subject:

At lsat a bit of understanding form 602, i have been lookim gfor the points system on ;in ebut no luck on it. Is it 8 points?

And yo answer your ? 602

Yes to all infact, all transmission and engine/Gbox will be different, but no change to the chassis so nothing will be cut away, just brackets added.

Not a big deal if its going to be to close to the knuckle on the IVA, not worth going IVA on it. I just got a couple of cars gien with one a runner and the other just needs an engine. I do fancy another UMM Alter LWB after all Very Happy

LlaniGraham · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 9:28 pm Post subject:

cynic-al · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:10 pm Post subject:

I've seen an escorts van on hilux running gear. Seemed to fit pretty well

RichardD · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 11:41 am Post subject:

Within the wheelbase ...

It's all to do with vehicle identity rather than safety. If you shorten a rangy chassis by cutting out enough to make it suitable for an 88" trialler then you will definitely need an iva because it will have been taken out between the from and rear axle suspension mounts. Same for adding in.

In theory making a 90 into 100" requires an iva but you can get away with because you are really just moving the rear axle back by 7" and bolting on new suspension mounts.

You can avoid the DVLA getting twitchy and them asking VOSA to ID check the car (it is already road registered so unless you chop the chassis you will NOT need an iva) by informing them of each ID related change in turn. EG first the layout change to 4x4, then the engine number and details ...

Remember, this is a vehicle ID issue for DVLA, not a safety one.

Wollys World :) · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 1:50 pm Post subject: