Thanks Panko. By the way I have a detailed drawing here of my new gearbox cross member if you decide to go manual. It's just a simple piece of 6mm plate with a 35mm set. It worked out perfect. How's the front suspension going?

cool. i will be going manual one day, hopefully before i register it. 
 
the front suspension still isn't in. i had the wrong tie rod ends (Mk2 rack) i had Mk1 ends. I'm going tomoro, the suspension should be back in tomoro, then if i get the indicators working, I'm going to attempt to get a permit so i can drive the escort, if I'm game enough to. at the moment the choke doesn't work properly, its missing a return spring of some sort, so the throttle sticks on. not nice in an auto. 
i have to move the car this week, whether it be driven or trailered, I'm not sure yet. 

After having this pinto sitting in the garage for months now I tonight decided to remove the cam cover and what a surprise! Crow mild street cam and double valve springs  The motor has had a very recent rebuild but I was aware of that the day I bought it. Fully rebuilt by a Melbourne company with a "warranty void if removed" tag on the block. I have no idea on the spec apart from the cam but it's enough for me to get excited about. I was undecided about using it because the crossflow really is an absolute pleasure to drive, especially up in the hills. But after opening up this pinto it's got to be time for a change  I'm hoping this heavy old beast won't change the handling too much. The extra torque will more than likely make up for it.
 




 

If I had that siting in the shed next to my Mk1, I'd certainly drop it in!

Go for it Haydn!

PINTO!! for sure!

Did you take any vids?  The thought of an engine started on a pallet sounds piss funny.
 
Cheers,
 
Matt

great little car didnt have to do much to get it looking good cant wait to build one for myself