it does look like the Falcon, I think your right Drew, it's been painted in Tropic Gold.
I found that guide this morning Mark, and it the one that suggested (for 77) M is satin spruce.
 
It certainly looked like its Gold (tropic Gold maybe) all over. Under the bootlid, door jams etc are this color.
I think i'll take the door card off, and see what color they are, as well as rubbing some sections back.
 
Its no drama really either way, just a curiosity.
My compressor isnt really up to scratch, so im going to sort out a new one, since ive got some guns, and may as well have a crack. That was the idea.
Its too cold in the garage to paint at the moment anyway, but can anyone suggest what you can wipe over the panels to stop them rusting once sanded, prior to painting say in a month or 2? Then wipe off?
 
Bugger all on telly, so I'll just strip/sand back one panel at a time and get started.
thanks fellas
 
 

Dean, I just spray with etch primer as it is compatible with acrylic or 2 pack and seals well.

Love an arched van, untill our little one came along i was strongly considering getting one as a daily! how cool are they!
 

things seem to be moving ahead.
it looks like I might have found a 77 mk2 van locally, just waiting to inspect it.
Its stripped down, and missing  the engine, but otherwise hopefully its all there, albeit boxed up and still needing some welding work and a new sill.
Rather than finding another pinto, or stripping it out of the 4 door,I'm planning a duratec install.
I've sourced a 2014 2.0 from a Focus thats done 60,000 kms, and should be easy to get, and a plan for certification.
 
So the Escort will go to a new home. I bought a decent compressor today, and primer and 'Tropic Gold"just to do a quick tidy up. SMKA is waiting for a few panels, apparently the MK1 bubbles are what you need. Now to read back up on all of the Duratec installs, something I thought i'd never do, but with a bit of effort I might end up with an easy to live with van width moderate power and drivablilty.

Hey Deano,
keep us updated, if you get a van to be anything like the sample pictures will be very nice, looking forward to the build. Cheers, Len

duratec in my 2door is my dream daily. Getting them legal in SA seems to be an issue but worry about that when the bank balance is more in the black

Well Dean you can never be accused if letting the grass grow under your feet!
Yes I don't think there is an arch specially for a MK2?
I know what you mean (re Duratec) about never say never. That's why we accumulate so many parts, cause you never know when......