I used to make bias pedal boxes and still have the pattern.
A bias box is a little bit illegal in most states but is it's locked with split pins it should pass.
Panels for van are difficult to find unless it fits on sedan mk1 . I found that the rear arch is wider front to back on the van than sedan, not that it's a problem. Maybe buy a sheet and bend up what you need instead of relying on smcka/. taff (no, no) .

Can't remember if you mentioned a gearbox, but...
I have been researching gearboxes from the MX5 family so if this of use to anybody. Our Aust del MX5 from 2001 has a ok 5sp but not the N7 like everyone wants, that's a USA, UK unit.
Power wise the early 5sp box can take about 250-300 on a good day
N7 5sp a little more, maybe from 300bhp,
The winner of the day is the 2014- 6sp which will take 400 plus.
An adaptor plate is needed which I'm possibly going to start producing next year, along with other conversions.
The strongest box on the block is BMW getrag or zf from most models. 500 plus all day long .
Rx8 box is like Mazda MX5, good for about 250-300 , same with Toyota 86 box, since they all are Aisin built.

Anyway have a great Xmas

Happy Christmas's mate.
Gearbox is the standard cossie T5 box which i got with the engine. Same as I ran in the escort built many moons ago. Never had any issues with it. So figured on using the same set up. Only aiming on a stage 1 chip which will be ample in the little van. Same as previous. Means it can be an everyday drive if needed. Would be good to know what I can get away with over here as the rules are a little different in the UK. You don't rate taff then. Tried getting some help when I was shipping the engine. No help at all. So will agree. I will probably buy most parts from uk and ship over in a crate. Will just end up costing a little more Same as engine. 1000 pound to shipper and 2k this end. But at least I have it here ready to go. 
Main aim now is all the panel work. I see expressed steel make the valance and other panels needed so I'll give them a try. 
Was nice to see how good the panel work was after shot blast. Very clean for such an old van. Uk ones were rotten as a pear. Itching to get it done now. Have a rest on the house reno and dig into the van.

Excellent the BW T5 I was going to mention and is perfect. We had EA-EF model Falcons possibly later which had T5 whether 6cyl or V8.
Ha, didn't know magnum had the valance panels. I got my panels from RS turbo breakers in Bournemouth, he saved me gallons of freight by cutting the sills in half, I weld the back together easily.
Maybe check with a decent engineer with what you can get done, just get it passed with bare minimum mods and crank it up later... We here in SA can't even install a Pinto into mk1 without a full road worthy but we can cut the roof off without mods up to 1974 on any car, stupid rules lol

Great to see a car and thread revival.
 
Some tasty looking parts there.
 
Keep us updated as it progresses.
 
Shaun

.... and it's a van thread to boot! :) 
 
It looks like the shed is well setup, hoist, rollover jig, and sandblasted shell means you have no excuses now for some good progress.
 
How much nicer is is starting with a cleaned shell to begin with?
Somehow it seems less daunting too.
 
Nice rims!
 

deano
.... and it's a van thread to boot! :) 
 
It looks like the shed is well setup, hoist, rollover jig, and sandblasted shell means you have no excuses now for some good progress.
 
How much nicer is is starting with a cleaned shell to begin with?
Somehow it seems less daunting too.
 
Nice rims!
 

Merry Christmas Deano. Moved house so the shed is a different one. Bigger than the last but still full up. Wheels are brand new. Bought as a bundle. Couldn't believe how good the van looked after shot blast. Did find expressed steel are selling rear 1/4 panels now. These ones are ful of dents and may be nicer to have new ones. All sills need to be done along with hinge panels for the doors. But I'm itching to get some work done to it. If I can't find a panel man I'll have to tackle it myself..... What's the worst that can happen. The rotisserie belonged to the blaster although I may have to purchase 1. 
 
 

Welcome home Deano

Make a rotisserie, save a grand for other important stuff like press panels.

I'll be doing a van next but not the escort ute once my mk1 is off the rotisserie.