New Mk 2 Cortina project - CA18 engine etc

Hi all,

I am about to embark on yet another project after a few years away from the scene working and concentrating on the family etc. Last car I built was a Mk 2 Cortina rat rod.

This time round I have scored myself another Mk 2 Cortina (surprise surprise[;^)]) It's a total rebuilder, but it comes with a reasonably rust free body, complete condition, rolling and best of all it was the princely sum of $250.

It will need;

Full body restoration
Full respray
Full interior trim
Full driveline, suspension + brake restoration

so basically it will need everything re-done on it.

....and this is what I hope to create;



It's going to be a long road to travel down, but the good news is that I have a plan roughed out....and already have a driveline given to me for free!

I have a Nissan CA18DE engine and manual gearbox. I'm going to be doing it to a strict budget of $5000, and with any luck will bring it in around the $3000 level.

I'm keen to hear of anyone who has done the CA18 swap into an early Cortina. I'd like to hear about pitfalls, better ways of doing things and how easy the conversion really is.

Cheer,

RJ