Restoration 101 - 1975 Ford Cortina MK3 - #Tina254

MK3 CORTINA

Good things come to those who wait... for 7 years.

Its human nature to reminisce about past experiences, in my case; where I lived for more than half a decade from campus days straight on to employment.

July 2010

It was one of those slow days (cold July weather); custom t shirt business was low. So I decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood. You'd be amazed at what gems you can find hidden in old buildings, in this case; a garage.

There she sat, aged but soooo beautiful - I was not sure which model she was from a far but I was sure, she was an American. True mechanical beauty - A Ford.

Thankfully, the mechanics were around, they were warm, welcoming - we sparked conversation about her of-course... for more than hour. That was such a sight but I must say, the rust was winning.

I had to inquire about her owner ; from the description given, I was familiar with him; my pals husband. So, as expected, I followed up. They (the owners) had intended to sell her some years back at a very good price I must say - a price I would have had to work my behind off to afford - but hey, my dreams are valid.

So, after several back and forth sessions, he declined to sell her. (BUMMER) I knew then that Datsun would be my 1st classic in my collection . Question - Do you know how much a new Datsun pick up costs??? No joke

I shoved that dream under the mattress and knew if it was meant to be, it would have been. One thing I have come to discover about myself : If I want something, God laughs so hard at my request and says wait but when my heart needs something, God provides.

27 - 28th December 2014

Its been almost a year since I moved from Kasa, December holiday with the fam!!! Always something I look forward to with an ear-to-ear grin. (' ',)

We had plans to go to Kibwezi to visit family friends (meandering December we call it lol)

We got in the petrol station to fuel up for the long journey ahead, what do I see??? Sunflower Yellow Bettle/Buggy. Beauty is why God invented eyeballs!!!

Word to any vintage / classic car owner out there - Art & Culture is meant to be enjoyed and shared.

This guy completely ignored us for the whole time - car is his but at-least say Hi.

That really rubbed my boy and I the wrong way, "I would never do that to anyone who would come to see my ride" I said to Bryan (equally disgusted)

4.5 hours later we reached our destination (OCHA BOSS) again, what do I see??? Mat white Peugeot 404 pick up

I had seen this machine run in the estate when I was in class 5 haha... and it still looks great. So naturally, I thought I had a chance at getting this for my bday present. Boy was I wrong.

Mr. Muli had similar plans for it - restore the Simba.

Bryan almost laughed at me straight in the face, I know he knew if he did, I'd kick him in the nuts.

The drive back to NBO was almost depressing ... I knew 2014 would end without having at least one prospect :(

My heart needed a bday present from God - not these empty bday wishes only a hand-full of pips wish me, yes YOU !!! Fake ass friend lol

30th December 2014

"Kama kuna kitu unakuanga umebarikiwa nayo, ni kuulizia kitu kabla ufanye... you always ask for opinions before you make big decisions", my aunt Brigitte once told me: she is right (more of this as we go forward).

"Aki daddy unakuanga na bahati !!" Bri and Christine (my younger aunt/sister) often say (ITS SO DAMN TRUE LOL) If one could win extra lives, I swear that would be me... I have worn things valued over 30,000Ksh - for a small commission if u want me to rub my fortunes your side, piga nambari unayoitazama hapo chini ya runinga.

I hadnt slept well the night before... thinking about the classics I had seen hours before. I FELT LUCKY!!! Strike while the iron is hot right?? Damn right.

OLX asap - one of the best sites btw; lakini chunga usigongwe.

I went over to the window seat to enjoy the Ruiru view ,

Searched 'Ford Oldskul' ... I couldnt believe what I saw ... new post 4 hours old, exact model I almost cried for 7 years back. Did God finally say yes to my bday request??? ama ni njama za mapwagu OLX???

Took a deep breathe and looked through all other ads on that model, the prices of these things exponentially rise by the year! Called Bri over to look at the ad and the machine itself... ofcos she knows I aint normal so she just said it looks ok, old but ok.

Called the seller after an hour or so, he was kinda held up at the time so we agreed to talk in the afternoon; we did.

I had to ask him why he is selling such a sought-after collect able , "I am hardly at home and honestly, I will not take care of it as my dad would like me too... he handed it down to me" . No-wonder.

I had to go meet my pals for the New Year crossover in Kite.

31st December 2014

My Pretty-face had hinted a number of times that we needed to be mobile, preferably in a 'car' we can grow with ... mini maybe? Please note I am 92.5Kgs ... alighting from a mini will be pure comedy but message received.

I shared my thoughts on what was going down, positive response (' ',). We met up and begun the luggage-heavy trip to Kitengela.

Kufika Easy Coach Bus station. I swear you wouldn't believe what one of the touts said "Boss mnafanya nini hapa?? Mnakaa watu wa kuendesha personal" I couldn't contain my laughter lol. "Babe umeskia hizi baraka lol?" - Blessings received, thank you random guy.

So naturally I shared pics of the MK3 with the fellaz, approval and great feedback. Realistically, I know this is an expensive venture/hobby. I was ready, I have been ready since birth. The only modern car I would be proud to have in my parking lot is an Evo 9 or Chevy Impala.

Called the seller after an hour to talk over other potential buyers - 4 Serious buyers, with offers almost quadruple mine. Some willing to go and view the 'goods' ... little did they know wataenda mashinani kuona. None of them went to view the ride, so i was still in the race!

2nd nJaaanuary 2015

After recovering from New Year shananigans, I knew I had to view the ride or else regret will burn the day after. Called him to confirm meeting points, all was smooth, until, I see three guys in a Canter enjoying the afternoon chill breeze. "Sitapigwa nyongolo na hawa wazito?" I asked the crew worriedly.

To my relief only he was joining - some hours, hills and valleys later, into the compound i see that cream rear with aged hood-capped wheels.

After a speechless 30 mins pondering on what I just got myself into... It was done. "Ichukua" Had a transaction conversation with the owner over paperwork and the likes - went well. Thank You Ken, Mr. Thuo and Son for everything - Kenyans are warm people. 3rd nJaaanuary 2015 Time has come... need I say all I rem were Cortinas in my sleep. 10 a.m - "Mteja wa nambari uliyopiga hapatikani kwa sasa." 12 p.m - "Boss ungegongwa ujikojolee" I could not believe it, chinned up and headed towards town with Pretty Face, then, he called. Lets just say he had a fun filled night hehe. 3 p.m - Waiting with some herb tea 4 p.m - Waiting with some water 5 p.m - Waiting with some herb tea 6 p.m - Waiting, he was along Thika Rd 7 p.m - Home time maze, he is at Museum Hill - Meet point, Junction. Emotional Roller-coaster !! 8 p.m - Just past Brew and he calls, I look out the window... what do I see... His Canter (> <,) woop! woop! I must say he had been pulled over at several Police checks due to the heavy load but all was good, a few selfies with the 1975, he was released to move forth. 8:30 p.m - Canter in the compound !!

These guys are pros - 4 guys unloading a tonne of dead weight with that dirt! We did it - I barely slept again. 4th nJaaanuary 2015 This is the view i woke up to ON MY BIRTHDAY !!!!!

10th nJaaanuary 2015 Stripped as much as I could... rust!

Its been interesting looking for an experienced mechanic ; found one.

10th nJaaanuary 2015 Ford Cortina Parts start coming in . Gasket Set, Bushes, Bearings and Piston Rings

30th nJaaanuary 2015 I still had fundamental engine parts to get ... still haven't started the engine. 11 a.m - So, at I went to see how the engine cleaning was going , not bad... he is certainly being delicate and taking his time.

12:30 p.m - I was @ Ford - they don't deal with classics any more but I got some leads in Kirinyaga Rd (Grogon) Ford, if you can not connect with a 20-something year old, do you think I will think of you when my family forces me to get something suitable for them???

2:00 p.m - I was in the land of metal and oil. I looked for Patel's garage till i almost had a sun burn... so I sought to follow my gut, never fails me anyway. I looked for the older shops with 'experienced' staff - SPOT ON. Got referred to a certain "Karukuma" "Kama unataka anything Ford kaone Karukuma" I was deep in there!!! Found him. What is the 1st thing i see when I get to his space ?? A Ford Cortina engine !!! Ala... but my friends, the prices on those parts is not for the faint hearted My Goodness.

So, as of today, she is chillin by the chiiiiiieeekiiiieeennnss. Atarudi parking lot kesho kutwa hivi when the engine has been reassembled at fitted back in.... More to come

Thanks for taking your time... :) 13st nJaaaanuary 2015 Dismantled and Cleaned engine. Got the parts in and closed it up.

1st wave of servicing procedures were done; time to transport the block back to her resting place

Lesson 1 - Chances of getting the wrong mechanic are higher than you receiving a text message after a money transfer - odds were well stacked against me

25th February 2015 Light at the end of the engine cranking tunnel ... acquired a new battery to see if we can have her run for a week or so before rebuilding

(How sad it feels to see these pics and remember that this Nakumatt branch is no more)

Engine fitted back in, the original FORD carburetor was so clogged and mixing so many pieces it looked like a cross word puzzle - so we did what we (Kenyans) do best ... fit in a Peugeot 504 'Simba' car I grabbed at the earlier Grogon escapade.

Next thing was to bring some life to the engine but the Crank Shaft - Locked; literally killed the starter.

Boy was I dreaming !! That engine was no where near turning over !!

So we had to take it apart :( again !!

Things are thick when sludge comes out ... you see some faces after 5 years !!! ... linked up with old time friend Kevin proprietor of Best Point Auto spares (specialists in starters and alternators)

So back to square 1 : remove the block and agonize over the issues ... 1st culprit - the fly wheel was nearly ruined (mashed teeth and the gaps didn't mate with the starter teeth)

Grinder - check !

Ben the Mech - check !

kata kata hiyo flywheel !

We could see how blunt the flywheel teeth had become ...

removed it ... see the Swiss cheese floor eh? God's will ooh

Grind out wound off edges

Clean the ridges - that Colgate smile

Merge teeth ring with flywheel ...

thitima - electricity

Lock the flywheel back in place ...

Made headway right ? WRONG !

No turning over ... what could be the real issue here? It HAS to be internal and Ben the Mech was right.

We physically tried to turn over the engine from the crank shaft - nothing; confirmation that either:

- Piston Rings were too tight against the cylinder walls

- Crank shaft Bearings were too tight against the crankshaft sleeves

- Not enough lubrication

Test the hypothesis time

3rd February 2015

Hypothesis 2 verified : - Crank shaft Bearings were too tight against the crankshaft sleeves

Sanded down the bearings to the ideal clearance

Glad that was over with - since we have already exposed the internals, why not clean everything physically possible?

MaYout wakitucheki ...

Soot-filled chambers

Rust and residue filled water channels

Sparkling block - gasket cleeeeeaaaaan ; over to the block head

Cleaning - done

We sat down and discussed the learning curve we were on and decided to side-step the on-coming challenges by being pro-active:

Time to get:

-New spark plugs

-Magneto distributor kit

It was a task getting original NGK spark plugs but what is ...

Testing 1 2 3 - spark'ain't they?

Time to move from point spark distributor to an electronic distributor kit

Bye Bye unstable point system

Hellooooo 21st Century tech

Awakening the beast

Fuel - Check

Electricity - Check

Bent he Mech is very resourceful - called one of his guys to bring some power #TeamSubaruLeon

Can you imagine the jolt she needs; not 1 - not 2 but ...

3 batteries !!! the devil is a liar

She was at the edge ! Bought didn't come to life

Just like dreams - you have to be persistent for them to come true - she lives to fight another day

7th March 2015

I left early for work - usual weekday morning but a bit excited from the evening before.

Ben the Mech called at around noon with an excited tone of voice "mkubwa, FORD inanguruma, pitia haraka ujionee" he said enthusiastically.

I couldn't contain myself - could lunch time reach already !!!

1 p.m out of the office - 1:06 here is how it went down ...

... with that ladies and gentlemen ... we come to the close of this oil filled 2015 - next steps will be in 2016 but before we break for the new year, have a look at the escapades I had

- looking for parts in Limuru

- meeting Kenyan Classic Car Club Chairperson John Mark - Team Mazda

- other random Kenyans who share this nostalgic passion as well

(gotta love being a Kenyan - you can travel anywhere anytime and be welcomed by warmth and excitement)

John Mark aka Johntez 001 - Kenya Classics Club Chairman

Hii lazima tuonje hii barabarani

Time to start disassembling the tank and interior for value audit

16th July 2015

9:15 a.m - got Geoffrey (an upholster referred to me by a club mate) to come get the seats, carpeting and ceiling liner off the shell so as to begin designing a new interior.

Remember these guys?