1954 Ford Consul Mk1 1500cc -I hate filler!-

[justanotherhigh]

Here goes my first proper 'rides' thread, so be kind!

The story begins:
I found this while on a bored 'hunt' for abandoned photos - I got lost in suburbia and after finding a nice Saab V4 and three MG Maestro's, I turned around and did a double take, the old girl was trapped in a front garden!

I knocked but no-one was around, so I returned later and spoke to the owner, a lovely chap, and had a good look around.
The DVLA says it's been untaxed since 1990 and it's believed to have sat in that spot on his front lawn for maybe ten years. However, it's actually more solid than a huge number of much later cars, because the steel it's made from is unbelievably thick. The only bits needing repair is a jacking point, a small bit on the rear wing and one or two other bits that no doubt I shall find! The mileage is a genuine 63k from new, three owners, original number plates... and in the boot is a pair of the 'holy grail' yellow headlamp covers for touring on the continent...

I'm currently in negotiation/transport arrangements but it will be home soon!

I'll keep this updated when I can!

The plan is, get it welded up, overhaul the brake and clutch system, and get it MOT'd! Then, I'm thinking of an elaborate stereo involving an under-dash cassette player and a well hidden amp and speakers (Huge space under back seat!). Any other ideas would be appreciated, I'd love to hear some! However, I can safely say it will not be lowered, V8 powered or painted matt black. No, wait, scrub that, it might be matt black if I run out of money ;D

[briandamaged]

Gorgeous!!!!

Looking forward to seeing this once it's been disinterred from its resting-place.

Because they were their first foray into unitary construction, early 50's Fords were both totally over-engineered and made from incredibly thick steel.

Later Mk 2 Consul/Zephyr 4 engine (1703cc instead of 1508) will drop straight in IIRC, and I think some Transit gearboxes are an easyish swap, giving four forward cogs instead of three. I'm sure someone on here will know better than me, though!

[maximusprime]

VERY VERY NICE

love to see some more photos of this

looks pretty low as it is

[luckygti]

Wow, great find and congrats. Not bad for a first retro

[justanotherhigh]

May 20, 2009 21:54:45 GMT @briandamaged said:

Later Mk 2 Consul/Zephyr 4 engine (1703cc instead of 1508) will drop straight in IIRC, and I think some Transit gearboxes are an easyish swap, giving four forward cogs instead of three. I'm sure someone on here will know better than me, though!

I'm thinking of sticking with the original 1500 and three-on-the-tree at least until they're knackered, time will tell!

May 20, 2009 22:04:33 GMT maximusprime said:

VERY VERY NICE

love to see some more photos of this

looks pretty low as it is

It's sunk into the grass ;D

[Speedle]

so then not so bored now eh? that looks like a cracking find, certainly not many of these floating about.

looking forward to seeing some more pics!

[stealthstylz]

Just recomission it and leave the rest as it is.

Matt

[Deleted]

I like Consuls, nice size car that's bigger than the 100E which can be a bit small but smaller than the Zeph which can ge a bit big

I don't know anything about the Consul engine other than it might be the same 1500 that's in Grizz's bus. I would have thought there will be all manner of 4 pots that will fit in that space.

[justanotherhigh]

May 21, 2009 13:04:52 GMT stealthstylz said:

Just recomission it and leave the rest as it is.

Matt

I pondered about leaving it how it was in appearance, green slime and pitted chrome included... I'll see when I get it back

[street]

Hey great save! Lots of potential in these little cars, the modifying world is pretty much your oyster! I think a nice period street racer would be great to see, with the origional 1500cc lump hotted up and some Lotus steels or similar. That'd be pretty cool

[Takeshi]

Nice find mate.
Just get it back to looking and being roadworthy, I say. Far to many good, old cars are butchered nowdays in my opinion...

[justanotherhigh]

Now at home, courtesy of Andy, the 'Cool Courier'! Darn brilliant, he is!
;D

[mrbhp426]

Veryyyyyyyyyyy cooooooooooooooooool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Knugcab]

I kinda like those old Consul/Zephyr models... Can't call them beautiful but they still have a great amount of style.



An old potatochop I did 200 years ago...

Nice find.

[retrowagen1234]

i like this alot ive got a few finds about that i need to enquire about one might pay off ey

[justanotherhigh]

Thought I'd have a quick poke with the grinder at the little rusty bits on the edge of the wing... and choked to death on filler dust.


And look! The bottom of the wing is made of filler too!


Must remember to tell off the last owner - filler is not an acceptable substitute for steel!
;D

[grizz]

Just get on with it, and do not lose heart, focus or direction.

If you need a |Mojo boost, dig around other peoples threads.

Still a good car.

[mirafioriman]

I keep making the same discoveries with my Fiat 130! At least when you are finished it will be all steel.

[Diabolu]

Aug 31, 2009 17:08:15 GMT mirafioriman said:

I keep making the same discoveries with my Fiat 130! At least when you are finished it will be all steel.

Ditto with the Galant!
All good fun tho (minus the choking!)

[justanotherhigh]

Aug 31, 2009 14:43:04 GMT grizz said:

Just get on with it, and do not lose heart, focus or direction.

If you need a |Mojo boost, dig around other peoples threads.

Still a good car.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not disheartened! It's just I guess like every project, there's always more work to be done than you first think...
;D