1972 Granada Mk1 coupe build - Still going... 14-10-2024

Last time I looked this was still being blasted... what an amazing difference you made. Keep it up.
I always regretted having to get rid of my Coupe years ago and this has me wanting it back. Cant wait to see the 'finished' car, well done that man.
On the brake thing, my little kit has dual circuit brakes from a mk2 escort. the two outlets on the front section of the MC go to the front calipers, the single outlet goes to the right rear and then across the axle to the left rear. Obviously yours is more complex but the theory is the same.

Haha, must have been quite a while since you last dropped in! I've been actively at it since late 2012...

But thank you for the compliments!

Due to a vacation I haven't been very active lately. I also was rather bummed out by some of my findings of late. My audio wiring didn't seem to have the desired result, the brakes and steering were proving more of a challenge etc.

So I was on the hunt for parts and have now got some leads that should help me fix these once and for all, when I set to it.

Meanwhile I looked into the audio issue as that was preventing me from closing up the dash. The problem turned out to be a simple ground issue. I put a new connector on and moved the ground point on the rear of the car and tightened the negative clamp on the battery and low and behold the audio was working great. No more cutting off the speaker signals.

So with that out of the way, I am now ready to close up and finish off my dash! Also helped by receiving the new sticker facias for my speedo gauge.

Although I subsequently broke that speedo when trying to release the needle from it. It just won't come off. It simply pulls the entire shaft and all gubbins on it up through the gauge, destroying the delicate innards.

A new one is on it's way. I'll figure out a way to put the new sticker facia on without taking off the needle...

So we're on our way again...

Well, we're moving very slowly, haha... and seemingly without aim as well. I'm simply hindered by the powerless garage which is purely for storage and not for working on the car. This means all work now has to be done exposed to the elements and that is just no fun with the cold and wet setting in. I've put out the word that I'd like to find a small workshop area to finish the car. I'm pretty sure that given space, power and having my tools handy, I'd have my car finished in 4 weeks. So I've asked around among my contacts.

There is not much left to do, but there is some small detail work to do and we all know the devil is in the details. The interior is ready to be put back one final time but requires a couple of brackets to be made to hold the rear seat backs locked in their position. A provision has to be made for side bolsters to be mounted. Those are the time consuming issues. Bolting in seat belts and seats and door cards is the easy stuff. The three mechanical issues that plague the car are in the works and when all prep is done they each just need a few hours work on them and they should be done.

I'm pretty optimistic about the work. But without a decent work space things are moving slow.

In the next two weeks I expect to show a newly painted and fully functional dash. I hope to have the rear windows fixed as they came undone at the glued surfaces despite the pro stuff used. And I'd like to have the rear of the cabin done (seat belts, seat locks, side panels, etc.).

But I have no real deadline, apart from needing it finished by march! That should be doable.

Oh and Spot, as soon as I have confirmation my speedo actually works, I'll give you all the credit you deserve... lol.

Actually no, not really. I've been involved mainly in securing a temporary workspace for my project. My garage intended purely for storage is not suitable for working on the car. I tried but as soon as the weather went cold and wet it was basically over and even if the weather was cooperative, the lack of parking around my garage also limited my capabilities. Add to that a lack of power. Asof today I can inform you that I seem to have succeeded in doing so. Tomorrow I'll be meeting a fellow Dutch RR member who says he can put me up for a while. There's power and a roof and some space to move around. I don't need much...

The list isn't that long so I should be able to work trough it all in a month if not two at the most.

I haven't yet shown everything I've done lately but that is more because I'd like to devote a full update to that and for that some other work has to be done first.


In general the plan is to move the car, start fixing the three mechanical issues and then finish off the interior. I'm looking forward to actually being able to work on it. Also this means that I can dedicate time to the project again. So that should see it move forward at a decent pace once more!

So I hope to be updating regularly after the next fortnight.

Thanks for the compliments. I wouldn't exactly consider myself or my project legendary though. There are far more capable people doing their thing on here. But I did do the best I could.

Yes, I understand that a little room has to be made, but I'll be glad with just enough room to get in and around my car. I've worked weeks with just enough room to barely open one door far enough to get in so I'm not very demanding. Work on things like the brakes would mean that a small space on both sides of the car is required. I think it will all work out.

I'll be meeting (some of) you tonight and also be lending my hands to help take the last parts off a certain donor vehicle so it can later be carried off to the scrap yard.

I am really looking forward to getting the car finished though!

I was advised to be there at 19:30.

PS. But I'm in the daily driver as the Granada is not ready to drive.

Good luck for saturday, let's hope the snow I have seen forecast doesn't hit.

Is this going to the barn in Bladel?

Well, saturday was the day and all went as planned. The Granada has been transported to it's new temporary home, where it was made to feel very welcome, as was I. The group of guys seems very nice and really passionate as well. The Granada was well oohed and aaahed which is Always nice, but I also appreciated any concerns that were voiced or choices that they would have made differently. To each their own but with respect for the work put in.

After the Granada was unloaded, some space had to be made by taking a wreck to the scrapyard. With that car loaded the entrance was clear once more and I could park up the granny in her temporary space, that had so kindly been vacated and swept!

As pictures say at least as much as words, here's a few shots with the Phone. I forgot my real camera.



















Tonight I'm going there to prep the car for work: putting it on stands, taking the wheels of and possibly washing it. If there's still time real work will start!

I'm excited to get back into action again. I've been unable to for too long. Although it will take a little bit of getting used to it again...