Part built stylus RT

[Nile_RT]

Hello

I picked up this part built beauty from Steve (whiterabbit) a couple of weekends ago. It looks like he's a done a pretty job with the build so far by doing most of the more time consuming jobs but there's still a lot to do.









I want to use the car for trackdays, weekend fun and trips away. So weatherproofing is something I need to think about at some point.

Planning on taking out the Pinto engine and fitting a 1.7 Sigma/ Zetec SE from a ford puma. The engine is very light and can be tuned to 200bhp+. You can buy alloy bellhousings for the type 9 for quite cheap, I just need to decide if I want to stick with the cable clutch or go hydraulic.

I'm not too keen on the bonnet scoop but it's needed to fit the Pinto in. If anyone wants to trade my bonnet for a standard one then give me a shout.

It uses the sierra as the donor, but I believe some cars use the Escort mk2? Does anyone know if the uprights are interchangeable between the 2?

It also has a de-dion rear end rather the live axle or IRS, which from what I've read is a good thing.

Main things still to do (in no particular order):
Fit drivers door
Door handles and latches. What is commonly used?
Side windows. Again, what is the most common approach?
Buy and fit new engine
Wire in new ecu
Fit headlights. I have the bowls and covers, just need some lights. 7" mini seems most popular.
Fit seats and seatbelts/harnesses. I was thinking some lightweight glass fibre seats.
Fit roll bar. I need to cut the body for this but I can see where it bolts to the chassis.
Windscreen. Steve gave me a nice screen with a tinted top, but I think i will fit a heated so i won't need a demister.
Change rear lights to fiat coupe units
Rebuild suspension. The car has been sitting for a long time and I want to make sure everything is still moving properly.

If anyone has any tips or advice then it would be much appreciated. Or if anyone wants to buy a tuned pinto engine then give me a shout.

[Pete&Matt]

First thing I would highly advise doing, is converting it to a flip front! Makes working in the engine bay so easy and you can remove the entire bonnet assembly in around 10 mins to get the engine out etc.

[Nile_RT]

That sounds like a good idea. Is it a case of making your own brackets or is there some off the shelf parts to use?

Also how is ground clearance with the RT and a low ride height?

[stylussprinter]

Standard suspension leaves plenty of ground clearance . Original spec was 140mm's below front lower 50x25mm chassis rail. I initially changed mine to 120mm's . After that stage new shocks/springs are needed to avoid running out of shock piston rod ---- that would see you with zero suspension under load.
Next curb on ground clearance is engine type and it's sump --- if Ford ZETEC then a nice Raceline sump is required , to keep the sump below chassis measurement to 30mm's or better , depending on bonnet space to cam cover

[Nile_RT]

Thanks for the info sprinter. I wasn't clear in my question but I meant ground clearance when opening the flip front, but it seems plenty of other RTs have done this.

[stylussprinter]

Clearance to open the flipfront is about the hinging mechanism . The factory hinge system would only allow partial opening because it used the tube of the front body A frame to pivot from. I designed my own system which is very simple and allows complete opening , even with my 75mm ground clearance under the front lower 50x25 mm tube . You can come visit to copy it anytime you like , it's easier than a drawing or verbal explanation , just pm me for email/address

[Nile_RT]

Sounds good. I'll send you a PM

[whiterabbit]

Good to see you have 'broken cover' and started posting. I'll watch your progress with interest. I won't meddle, but if there is anything you don't understand, particularly about things that are unique to my build, please text me, and I'll do my best to help.

[stylussprinter]

Good on you Steve , this is why the forum has the title '' Clubstylus ''

[Nile_RT]

Thanks Steve. Good to know you still available for advice.

There hasn't been much progress so far since I've just moved into a new house so I'm spending most weekends and evenings on diy. There will be progress soon though hopefully.

[spegru]

Nice one. I saw this on a trailer at Stoneleigh
Modern engine is def way to go. Ive had alot of success recently using the OEM Ford system which can be alot cheaper than after market.
That said, itshouldnet be necessary to whip the engine out all the time so I'm very happy with my traditional bonnet.
Door handles? Ive used Mazda MX5 linked to Rover Metro catches although Im sure there is something newer around. The MX5 Mk1 handles suit the style very well and are now fairly cheap
I also got wind up windows although you obviously need a slot at the door top for that. It could even be electric these days as it's actually easier!

[spegru]

Dropping the seat base lower in the floor could also be good if your taller than say 5" 10'. Also helps any rollover bar fit inside a hood
LED headlamps would be worth considering although any 7" can be made to fit if you've got the mouldings for round ones as well
C Class Merc Radiator v cheap and compact (we have that on the Dutton)
Dash panel: Wonders han be achieved with Vinyl covered MDF fixed together with hot glue
Fuel Tank: probab get a specially made one either with built in pump or with external pump and one of those swirl pot style mini tanks
Oh yes a *new* Mini Style wiper motor turns out to be a heck of alot more powerful than an old one

2020 hind sight applies!

Ps interested in any experience with heated screens: Ive seen some horrid ones and heard they easily fail if the edges are exposed to the weather

[Nile_RT]

Thanks for the advice Spegru.

Some small progress made lately.

Pinto engine is out and sold.

I've started fitting of the headlight cups (is that the right word?) onto the body. I'm waiting for the 7" lights I ordered to arrive before I commit to bonding them in so I can check exactly how they'll look.

I've been working on getting the drivers door fitted. Both the inner and outer parts needed plenty on trimming to get it right and It's really tricky getting an even shut line all around. A little bit more fettling and it will be there.

Can anyone recommend what door handles and latches are best/easiest to use? Also looking for a hinge for the bootlid as I'm not keen with the aluminium tabs that hold it down currently.