Question and new pics - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

The MaDDeSTMaN · 12-20-2004, 03:05

Ok, first of all, I've got a question for all of you who know more about Mk II Escorts then I. I've got two Escorts (as some of you know), one is a 4 door 1976 Mk II 2.0 GL, the other a 2 door 1980 Mk II 1.6, now the question is, the 1980 Mk II has an intermittant setting for the windscreen wipers (as well as slow and fast), which the 1976 Mk II doesn't have (only has slow and fast).

Now, I know this was one of the small changes introduced during the lifespan of the Mk II Escort, but what I was wondering is this, is it as simple as swapping over the stalk, or are there other things I would have to swap if I wanted the '76 to have intermittant windscreen wipers? The 76 is going to be my daily driver, that's why I want to do it, in case you were wondering - it needs less work, and 4 doors are more practical then 2 for a daily driver.

The 2 door, well I'm not sure if I want to sell it or fix it up and have it as my "fun" car.

And now, as promised, new pictures of my cars. I just put the front spoiler back on to the 4 door, I think it transforms the front and makes it look heaps tougher!

Larger picture available here

And some other pictures, for those who might be interested:

Two sporty Fords, side by side.

No, the windows on the 4 door aren't tinted (yet) it just looks like they are in that shot.

A bit of rust repair and a respray, and it'll come up looking as sleek as the day it left the showroom... I love the look of a 2 door Mk II Escort!

012 · 12-20-2004, 07:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

is it as simple as swapping over the stalk

Not that simple, sorry. There's a relay under the dash that controls the intermittent wipers. The wiring that goes from it, although not very complicated is very fiddly. You need to swap over the wiper motor aswell. The wiring colours between '76 and '80 is very different, so that doesn't help either. It can be done, I've done it on a '76 and it worked a treat, even swaped the stalks over so the indicator was on the "correct" (RH) side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

I love the look of a 2 door Mk II Escort!

So do I!

.. still looking out for one that's on sale.

The MaDDeSTMaN · 12-20-2004, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUGZMK

Not that simple, sorry. There's a relay under the dash that controls the intermittent wipers. The wiring that goes from it, although not very complicated is very fiddly. You need to swap over the wiper motor aswell. The wiring colours between '76 and '80 is very different, so that doesn't help either. It can be done, I've done it on a '76 and it worked a treat, even swaped the stalks over so the indicator was on the "correct" (RH) side.

Damn! I was hoping there wouldn't be that much involved. Sounds like the effort required would outweigh the final result - after all, it's one of those little luxuries that I don't really need.

And I wouldn't swap the stalks over so the indicator was on the right - I'm one of those weirdos who actually prefers having the indicators on the left, that way I can just keep my right hand on the steering wheel most of the time while my left hand works the gears, handbrake, indicators and stereo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUGZMK

So do I!

.. still looking out for one that's on sale.

I was considering selling mine, still not 100% sure if I'll keep it or not, but I'm sure you wouldn't want it and would be much better off looking for an example in better condition then mine. Besides, I don't really want to part with it, despite the rust, knackered engine, transmission and clutch - after all, it was my first car, and it's hard to not look at it and think "I could get it back to it's former glory..."

threefiftyone8 · 01-06-2005, 18:14

No you cant sell your first car!

Ive spent way too much on my escort, even when i realised just how bad of nick it was in.... you just have to keep your first car...

Oh and i bought my girlfriends first car too, just so she kept it... but now im gonna give it back to her, im afraid a 81 Colt is a bit slow up agianst the RS.

Oh and thanks for the big picture, its now my desktop background

Btw, are you a member of the RSOCV yet? I just sent away my info the other day, and am awating a reply..

The MaDDeSTMaN · 01-07-2005, 00:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by threefiftyone8

No you cant sell your first car!

Ive spent way too much on my escort, even when i realised just how bad of nick it was in.... you just have to keep your first car...

Oh and i bought my girlfriends first car too, just so she kept it... but now im gonna give it back to her, im afraid a 81 Colt is a bit slow up agianst the RS.

Oh and thanks for the big picture, its now my desktop background

Btw, are you a member of the RSOCV yet? I just sent away my info the other day, and am awating a reply..

Hehehe, I've decided not to sell it - I couldn't bear to part with it, besides even in the condition it's in now, it's not a bad looking car, IMO.

81 Colt, yeah that would feel rather slow compared to an RS Escort, lol

Glad you liked the picture, which one do you mean, the BeautyandtheBeast08.jpg pic I linked to above, or one of the others?

Yup, joined up with the RSOCV last year, are you and your RS going to be at this years Small Ford Sunday?

Good to hear from you again mate, you been busy or what?

mr_mkII · 01-07-2005, 03:33

was gona tell ay bro it wouldnt be that simple lol but i was too slow hehehehe

btw when i bought my eski the previous owner changed the stalks over so the lights were on the left and the indicator wason the right.

not a good choice IMO everytime i went to use teh clucth at night my leg would turn the lights off lol, so i cahnged em back quick smart lol, plus i like the indicator on teh left, it just feels right hehehehe