Monday, September 5, 2011

Fiesta Suspension Bits


There is a guy up in the Minneapolis who owns a race prepped Fiesta.   He is also making some REALLY nice looking suspension parts for the Mk1 Fiesta.  Check him out if you need parts.  His website is out of date, so contact him directly to get the latest list of goodies.  Contact info below.

Here is a list of parts and links to picks on his website.  There is a rear anti roll bar in my future.

UPDATE: Site is down.  These links no longer work, there will be an update as soon as I find out where to see/get them, I managed to have some of the pics on my computer, so am posting them here until we get the live link up again.

-Front Control arm kit with 2 chassis braces, fits 4 or 5 speed gearbox $450
(The design has changed slightly since these pictures were taken)






-RH Axle intermediate shaft bracket for Duratec conversion $175
-Remote oil filter adapter for Duratec conversion $100
-Front brake kit (requires 15" or larger wheel) $650
-Rear Brake kit (requires 15" or larger wheel) $750
-Rear Shocks Single adjustable $500
-Rear Shocks Double Adjustable $800
-Caster/Camber plates $225
-Front Struts Single Adjustable $TBD (In development now)
-Front Struts Double Adjustable $TBD (In development now)
-Rear Swaybar $250 (see attached pics)






New Wheels and Shoes

I found a great deal on wheels.  A friend from work sent me a post to some BBS look-a-likes on the local VW Board.  They are combo 4x100/108 14x6 with a 30mm offset.  The seem to fit just fine, although the advice I had been getting was to use at least a 36mm - 40mm offset.  I do get a light rub in the wheel well  on full lock.  I also had to purchase some new lug bolts and some centering rings since the mounts are hub centric.

I then ordered a new set of Federal Tires 185/55R14s.  They are pretty big compared to the stock tires 155/80R12s, but the overall diameter was still around 22", so it doesn't look too out of proportion to the car.  The lower offset also keeps the wheels from poking out from under the car.

Look for yourselves, I think the car looks like it's in character.  Must have more horse power now.





Cooling System Complete



It has been a busy summer.  I've completed a couple things on the car and it's running pretty well.  The Struts I mounted last fall are already shot, so I'll need to look for a different solution.  I got them from Rock Auto, and they only have a 30 day warranty, so money wasted.  I imagine the seals on NOS just don't last.  I've got a line on some out of Europe, and since the fiesta is very popular over there, I imagine they are newer and will likely operate as it should.

I completed the cooling system, although that turned out to be a very expensive project.  Seems the days of $100 radiators are gone.  So instead I had my brass radiator re-cored.  It's like new now, and even though the cost was more than I expected, the guys at Orr Radiator in KC did a great job on it. 

After a whole lot of grinding and painting on the shroud.  I had every dog in the neighborhood barking as I was grinding away at the rust. 

I lucked out and the warning sticker peeled off after 30 years, and I was able to stick it right back on.

Ready for Reassembly