The Spartan has a super nice look and we immediately want to pamper it, but its condition requires a complete restoration.
The engine must be removed to be fully disassembled, and many parts must be replaced.
On this occasion, it will be embellished with a painting and some shiny elements.
The few metres behind the wheel to reach the garage left no doubt, there is work on the steering side, the running gear, shock absorbers and the braking system.
The interior must be completely redone.
The dashboard is completely dilapidated.
The exterior appearance is misleading in the first photos as the car is so cute, but there will be a lot to do here too.
Of course, a complete painting is planned, it will be the final touch, but it will also be necessary to resume the lighting, and put on pretty rims worthy of a beautiful English car.
The restoration work is really substantial, especially if we set ourselves the goal of making this Spartan as gleaming as the one on the inside page of the 1983 sales brochure :
Let the renovation begin !
Engine removals
Part per part...
Let's go !
The deposit in the lower engine housing was more like tar than oil.
Renewed, it now looks like that.
The engine will be renovated and completely repainted.
Can't wait to hear it turn like a clock...
The clutch will be changed.
Ford Sierra 2.0i DOHC 125hp MT75 Gearbox
The 2 engine mounts and the gearbox one will be replaced.
Some sockets seem to have melted, the electrical harness must be replaced.
The electronic ignition must be changed, and silicone cables will replace the original ones that had been painted red with a spray...
Replacement of the thermostat.
The engine bay
The engine compartment received corrosion protection before receiving new body elements.
Galvanised sheets have been cut, folded, adjusted.
The sheets will be welded and joined, before the engine compartment is repainted
A black corrosion-resistant paint was applied.
A second satin layer will protect this paint.
This will make it possible to highlight the different elements that will be fixed here.
The chassis
The chassis will be completely stripped before receiving a protective treatment.
The frame is reinforced, some of its tubular elements are doubled.
Finally, the entire Spartan underbody is protected.
The steering wheel can rotate 10 cm to the left or right without the wheels moving.
An electric power steering has been installed, while the 2-litre Ford Sierra engine is intended to receive a hydraulic pump.
The steering rack was attacked with a grinder by the former owner (for what purpose?) It’s needed to find another one, but it's becoming rare...
Cutting a steering rack, it was dared !
Here is à new power steering rack purchased at auction on eBay UK.
Unfortunately, it is not in the expected condition when purchased, its seals are leaking, and it will have to be completely reconditioned.
This will be explained in the anecdotes...
And here is a Ford Sierra 2.0i Power steering pump founded via « Le Bon Coin ».
This polished aluminum power steering liquid jar will advantageously replace the original plastic.
The running train
The front axle must be reinforced before starting with sandblasting and painting.
It will receive a new power steering rack.
After this Epoxy paint, the parts are ready to receive polyurethane bushes that will make driving more pleasant.
The reassembly is being prepared...
For the front :
Like for rear :
The dampers
Gas dampers will replace the original oil dampers.
They are set up on the front axle :
Then the front axle is back to the car :
Followed by the rear axle :
New ball bearings will take place :
Prepared in this way, The French Spartan could have had its say on the circuits in the races of the time.
However, it is rather intended for peaceful walks on country roads.
The Tank
The tank must be deposited to be renovated, and in any case the operation is necessary to allow the restoration of the chassis.
The tank has superficial oxidation on the outside, but over its entire surface.
We will have to strip him, and apply protection to hit.
Inside, it is surprisingly clean. Some slight traces of corrosion will be removed, and a special treatment will be applied, according to the Restom procedure to be followed very strictly.
Restomisation kit for 40 to 70l tank (Ford Cortina = 54 liters)
The fuel tank sender is too oxidized, particulary its connections, and needs to be replaced.
Ford Cortina Mk3 fuel tank sender
The RESTOM treatment will be carried out by the BOUTIER RETRO MOTORS garage, then the tank will be repainted.
Braking
The Mastervac needs to be renovated.
The servo brake will be completely decanted before being repainted.
The master brake cylinder shows signs of weakness, it must be changed.
The dashboard
Nothing is to keep, we drop everything off !
But really everything...
Here it is.
The interior
Seats and other elements must be removed to allow the stripping of the floor before applying a layer of corrosion-resistant product.
Soundproof adhesive bitumen sheets will cover all surfaces.
Later, pretty carpets will come...
Heating
The original heater and its fan, designed for the Ford Corina, were considered inefficient by observers at the time.
The system was too large, to the point of being placed in the engine compartment.
This heater is replaced by a Siroco Bali, more efficient and less cumbersome.
It will be placed in the passenger compartment, behind the Spartan's dashboard.
A polished aluminum adaptor will allow the hoses to pass through the firewall.
The body of the Spartan
The bodywork is too substantial to enrich this page.
A new page is created to allow you to follow this work, and, subsequently, the complete reassembly of the Spartan :
