And we're there....

Between the bodyshop and workshop, we've been working hard on our little Fiesta. 

The car has been polished and 'Bravo' specific reproduction decals applied to the sides to restore the car back to its former glory.

We also took the decision to repaint the original steel wheels in order to breathe some life into the slightly tired looking rims. 

Airbourne, awaiting decals and wheels...

With the car completely solid and looking much fresher, it was time for a MOT and service by our workshop. Thankfully, the Fiesta passed with the minimum fuss required to ensure another year of happy motoring. 

With a fresh MOT and some fuel in the tank, the car was ready to hit the road and following a successful maiden voyage home with one of the Dinnages Staff and another brief clean up, a course was set for the Plumpton College Classic Car Show. 

Taking place in the grounds of Plumpton College just outside Lewes, our little car attracted a great number of admiring glances and much time was spent talking to fellow petrolheads and members of the public that had come to enjoy the show...

So, are we done? Well, as any classic car owner can tell you, a project is never finished and there are always a few little items and areas that could benefit from a little more of our specialist attention... watch this space. 

For more pictures of the Plumpton College Classic Car Show, our Fiesta and Dinnages in general, check out our Facebook page

Wow, that was quick!

Less than a day since my last trip to the bodyshop and things have moved on very quickly.

A glistening coat of Titan blue now adorns the top half of our little Fiesta, and, thanks to the quick drying time of our ovens, a quick bake has meant that our experts have even managed to apply the topcoat lacquer  too...

Looking particularly shiny!

Amongst the cars paperwork is the original book pack and marketing material that came with an 80's Ford, in great condition too...

When I returned this afternoon however, a bigger surprise was in store for me! the car is now back together! With the door and bonnet refitted the car is looking great.

Just a few more touches left to make now, with reproduction vinyl and a full machine polish to wind back the years. Really looking forward to getting the Fiesta on the road and enjoying some retro motoring...

Progress!

Our little Fiesta has been patiently sat awaiting some further attention in our busy bodyshop whilst we have been occupied with repairing customer's cars.

With some time allocated to crack on with the repairs, work has really progressed. The once tired and rusty Strato Silver bottom half, has been carefully flatted, masked and painted. 

We are trying to keep as much of the original car as possible, including as much of the original paintwork as we can. 

Being an old car, we have tried not to disturb the various seals and gaskets that fit behind the lights and locks. Some careful masking is therefore needed...

An overall shot, the front end of the car, slam panel and door shuts all need a fresh coat of  Titan Blue. 

The once tatty wings and front valance are now solid and looking minty fresh. 

The drivers door awaiting a polish...

It's good to see some colour on the little Fez, tomorrow we should see the top half of the vehicle painted and perhaps some laquer too. We've also got a set of the special edition Bravo II stripes on order and much work to do in order to have her fitted up and ready to roll!

And we're off!

Work on our little Fiesta is now well under way and the car is currently tucked up in the corner of our body shop awaiting primer before a fresh lick of paint. 

You may remember that we decided that we wanted to keep the car as original as we could. Thankfully, we managed to remove the rust to the wings and arches, and form our own repair sections, retaining as much of the original metal as required...

Smaller blemishes and marks have been removed and rectified and the wheel arches repaired.

The passenger side front wing previously had rotted out through at the bottom. Fresh metal means that the car will remain solid for years to come. 

It has probably been the front end that has seen the brunt of the hard work. Previously tatty looking and suffering from the dreaded tin-worm, the front wings have been welded, shaped and sealed.

It may look sorry for itself at the moment, but the strip-down is essential to bring the Fiesta back to its former glory. 

Nice clean lines...

Next step is a coat of primer and a little more prep before the classic two-tone colour scheme is re-applied and the rebuild can begin!

In the beginning...

Dinnages Ford  Mk1 Ford Fiesta Project

Here at Dinnages we love Ford's, both brand new shiny cars and cared-for classics. Earlier this month, we acquired a 1982 Ford Fiesta Bravo II. A smart looking special edition car, boasting a host of features such as a sunroof, front head rests and wing mirrors on both sides... Okay, perhaps not so impressive by today's standards, but for its time this Fiesta would have been very well equipped! 

Our little Fiesta has one previous owner, a mere 68,000 miles on the clock and has lived locally for all of its 31 years...  

A few pics of our Fiesta...

The car fired up straight away without the need for it's manual choke. Post-service and with a regular clean up and replacement of 'points' by our talented workshop team (some of whom won't admit to having worked on these new) I'm certain that the Bravo will be a great drive and I look forward to taking her out for a spin. 

Of course, Being a 31 Year old car and as well cared for as it has been; there will always be a few areas that will require attention. A few small patches in the floor pan and boot floor and some other areas of corrosion will all need attention with our bodyshop.

Alongside a hole in the bottom of the drivers side wing. 

The interior however is immaculate and even features original rubber floor mats, original stereo and clock. 

Our plans are to perform a light restoration, removing the corrosion whilst trying to keep as much of the original metalwork as possible. Part of the charm of this little car is the originality and patina of age and we are keen to show that this is a well loved car, that had been used daily up until recently and ensure that it keeps its character...

For those who are interested in reading a little more about the Fiesta Bravo, this picture posted up by retro-motoring.com shows an original advert for our Bravo... Stay tuned for more!