just bought a s3 in parts and am in the proccess of striping it down so i can see what ive got and the try to put it back together hopefully withy brakes this time (its still got drums all round) and a 2.0 pinto to go in! anyway ive noticed the tank has totally had it i know it supposed to be mk 1 escort but there isnt a chance of me finding one so any suggestions what else i can use? same with brakes.

Hello,


Personally if I was in need of a tank I would get one fabricated to fit properly into the boot floor recess. You will then be able to carry a spare wheel if you wanted to or just use the boot in its larger state. The tank sitting in mine and other owners cars is of the mk1 van/estate (?) variety if im not mistaken. As you say, pretty much as rare as rocking horse doo doo. Fabrication wise there are loads of companies offering services at very good prices.

Sorry I can't help much more than that, keep us informed of what happens.


Cheers


G

:angry: Brakes do not start me on brakes ;)

For the standard set up here's what I have found.

MK1 and MK2 escorts have different wheel studs so - likely is you have MK1 7/16 wheelnuts - The best change is to some MK2 escort brakes - 9.6" discs and much easier to get parts spare and you can if you want fit capri vents. B)

Now to do this you will have to cut down and weld some escort struts - Then get a MK2 Rack as the track rod ends ends different - (metric) the brake line fittings will also need modifying to convert to metric. You will then have metric M12 wheel bolts front and imperial back - Change rear studs. After than you may have to change the master cylinder if the travel is too great. depends what you have fitted.

Alternative is to fit a complete new front suspension system and change to Cortina uprights/ brakes etc. ala Locost.

As for the tank I agree with G - and will be doing just that with a nice ali baffled tank to suit the dimensions of the well in the boot. Be fun to give ally welding a try. I may even make up a cardboard one with weekend to check dimensions -

If you shop around you should get all the bits you need to convert to 9.6 discs with a quick rack for under a hundred.

And people are selling Locost ally tanks for silly money - may be able to get them to fabricate a Dutton tank or Three for not a lot if someone does a design.


Cheers

Andrew

Try local body panel supplier Escort MK1 tank still available bought one last year for £50 brand New

Hi - I built a new phaeton back in 1981 - what fun - I still have the car but off road now. I used a Mk1 Capri tank - it is larger and takes a bit of fiddling but works well.

have fun

There is a rather excellent article on converting Phaeton 3 brakes from drum to disc on the mebers only section of the Dutton Owners Club site. www.duttonownersclub.co.uk. It is an article first printed in Dutton Torque mag no 95 and updated in mag No 99 both of which are available as back issues.

I have a set of uprights with discs and calipers(calipers in bits)and a rack, dont want anything for them if yer intrested