Hey guys! Ever dreamt of owning a classic car that's not just a vehicle, but a piece of automotive history? Well, let me tell you about one of the coolest cars out there: the Ford Escort RS2000 16V. This car is a legend, a true icon, especially when you're talking about the models from the early 90s. The RS2000, in its 16V guise, is a car that embodies the spirit of rallying, performance, and pure driving fun. If you are into classic cars, then you're probably aware of its amazing history, the stunning design, and the raw driving experience that it provides. But what if you're not just interested in owning one, but also in the challenge and satisfaction of restoring one? That's where things get really exciting! Restoring a Ford Escort RS2000 16V is a journey. It's not just about fixing a car; it's about bringing back a legend, reliving a piece of history, and creating something amazing with your own two hands. We're going to dive deep into the world of restoring this gem, from the initial assessment to the final triumphant drive.

So, if you're thinking about taking on this epic project, or if you're just curious about what it entails, then buckle up. We're going on an adventure, where we'll explore every aspect of restoring this fantastic car. We'll cover everything from finding the perfect car to the nitty-gritty details of engine rebuilds, bodywork, and interior restoration. Let's get started!

Why the Ford Escort RS2000 16V is Special

Alright, before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why the Ford Escort RS2000 16V is so special, shall we? This car isn't just a car; it's an icon. It's a symbol of a golden era in automotive history, a time when cars were all about the driving experience and the pure joy of the open road. The RS2000, especially the 16V model, was a significant step in the evolution of the Escort. The RS2000 16V was known for its lively handling, thanks to its well-tuned chassis and the lively 2.0-liter 16-valve engine. It was a proper performance car of its time. The engine provided ample power, which made the car exciting to drive. The RS2000 16V was a car that could tackle corners with confidence, and it was a blast to drive on both the road and the track. Beyond its performance, the RS2000 had a distinctive look. The aggressive body kit, the iconic alloy wheels, and the sporty interior all contributed to its undeniable appeal. The RS2000 wasn't just fast; it looked fast! Its design has stood the test of time, and the car still turns heads. The RS2000 also has a rich history of rallying and racing, which has cemented its legendary status. The car has a devoted following of enthusiasts who appreciate its performance and charm. Owning a restored RS2000 means joining a community of like-minded people. Its parts availability, and the wealth of knowledge available online, make it an accessible and rewarding project car for those passionate about automotive restoration.

Now you see why this car is special, right? Let's move on!

Finding the Right Ford Escort RS2000 16V for Restoration

So, you're sold on the idea of restoring an RS2000, huh? Awesome! But before you get too excited and start ordering parts, you need to find the right car. This is probably the most crucial step of the entire process, so don't rush it! Finding a suitable Escort RS2000 16V for restoration takes patience and a little bit of detective work. The first thing you need to do is to know what you're looking for. Research the different model years and variations of the RS2000. Understand what makes a 16V model stand out. Knowledge is power, guys! Get familiar with the common issues of the model. Knowing what to look out for will save you a lot of headaches down the road. You can check online forums, car clubs, and online marketplaces, such as eBay and specialized classic car websites. Join the Ford Escort enthusiast community. They will provide valuable insights and leads to potential cars for sale. When viewing potential cars, take a critical eye. Inspect the body for rust, especially in common areas like the sills, wheel arches, and chassis rails. Look for any signs of accident damage or previous repairs. Check the engine and transmission, and see if they're in good shape. Test drive the car if possible, and listen for any strange noises or issues. Check the interior. Does it have all the original parts? Are they in good condition? Remember, you're not just buying a car; you're investing time, effort, and money. It's best to start with a solid foundation. Consider the price and your budget. Remember to factor in the cost of parts, tools, and labor. Be realistic about what you can afford. The condition of the car will significantly affect the project's overall cost. So, take your time, do your research, and don't settle for the first car you find. The perfect RS2000 is out there, waiting for you to bring it back to life!

Assessing the Condition and Planning the Restoration

Alright, you've found a car! Now comes the critical part of assessing its condition and creating a solid restoration plan. This is where you separate the dream from the reality. Begin by thoroughly inspecting the car. A detailed assessment will reveal the extent of the work required. Check the bodywork for rust, dents, and any signs of prior damage. Take a look under the car and inspect the chassis, suspension, and exhaust system. Also, inspect the engine. Check the oil and coolant levels, and look for any leaks. Note the overall condition of the engine components, such as the spark plugs, belts, and hoses. Next up, you need to assess the interior. Evaluate the seats, dashboard, carpets, and any trim. Make sure all electrical components work. Once you've done a thorough inspection, you can start creating your restoration plan. This is a very important step. Decide what you want to achieve with the restoration. Do you want a concours-ready car, or a fully functional daily driver? Will the car be used for track days? Your goals will shape your budget and timeline. Develop a realistic budget. Restoration can be expensive. Factor in the cost of parts, tools, and any labor you might need to outsource. Be sure to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Then, create a timeline. Restoration projects always take longer than expected, so build in some extra time for delays. Prioritize the tasks. Decide which areas need immediate attention, and which can be addressed later. Some tasks may require specialized tools or skills. Decide whether you want to tackle everything yourself, or if you will need to outsource some of the work. If you plan to do the restoration yourself, you will need to gather the right tools. Ensure you have access to a well-lit and well-ventilated workspace. During the planning stage, you will need to identify the parts you will need. Research the availability and cost of the parts. Finally, start sourcing the parts and materials, and start your restoration adventure!

Bodywork and Rust Repair: The Foundation of Your Restoration

Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of bodywork and rust repair. This is where you transform a tired old shell into a thing of beauty. But first things first: safety first, guys! Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and a respirator, especially when working with chemicals and power tools. Then you need to strip down the car, removing all of the body panels, interior components, and trim. This will give you access to the bare metal. Then you need to assess the rust damage. Identify all the areas affected by rust, and evaluate the extent of the damage. Common areas on the RS2000 include the sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and chassis rails. The next step is to remove the rust. The best way to do this is to use a combination of methods. You can use sandblasting, chemical strippers, or good old-fashioned elbow grease. Once all the rust is removed, the areas need to be repaired. For small areas, you can use filler. For larger areas or structural components, you will need to weld in replacement panels. Welding requires skill. If you are not experienced, then you can outsource this work to a professional. After the welding is complete, you will need to prepare the body for painting. This involves smoothing out any welds or imperfections, and applying a primer coat to protect the bare metal. Once primed, you can apply the base coat, clear coat, and any decals or stripes. Then comes the final step: reassembling the car! Reinstall all the panels, trim, and interior components. Then stand back and admire your handiwork. Your Ford Escort RS2000 16V is starting to take shape.

Engine Rebuild: Breathing Life Back into the Heart

Now, let's talk about the heart of the beast, the engine! Rebuilding the engine is one of the most exciting parts of the restoration process, but it also requires precision and attention to detail. This is where you breathe new life into your RS2000. Start by removing the engine from the car. Once the engine is out, you can begin the teardown. Disassemble the engine, carefully labeling and organizing all the parts. Take photos throughout the process. This will help with reassembly. Inspect all the engine components for wear and damage. Check the cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, and valves. Send the engine block, cylinder head, and other components to a machine shop for cleaning, inspection, and any necessary machining work. Replace all worn or damaged parts with new ones. Use high-quality components to ensure the engine's reliability and performance. Reassemble the engine. Follow the manufacturer's specifications. Make sure everything fits correctly and is torqued to the correct specifications. When the engine is reassembled, you can install it back into the car. Connect all the wiring, fuel lines, and other components. Before you start the engine, double-check everything. Make sure all the connections are secure. Once you're confident everything is in place, start the engine. Listen for any unusual noises and check for leaks. Adjust the timing, and tune the engine for optimal performance. You will be rewarded with the sound of a roaring engine.

Interior Restoration: Bringing the Cabin Back to Its Glory

The interior is where you, the driver, spend most of your time. Restoring the interior of your Ford Escort RS2000 16V is all about bringing back that original factory feel. Start by removing all the interior components. Carefully label and store all the parts, and take photos to help with reassembly. Then you need to assess the condition of each component. Evaluate the seats, dashboard, carpets, and door panels. Decide what needs to be repaired or replaced. If the seats are worn, consider reupholstering them with new fabric or leather. You can also replace the foam padding for added comfort. If the dashboard is cracked, you can either repair it or replace it. For cracks and imperfections, you can use fillers, and then refinish the surface with a matching paint or trim. If the carpets are worn, consider replacing them. You can buy pre-cut carpet kits. Clean and restore any trim. Clean and polish any interior trim. Repair any damaged components. If any of the interior components are damaged, you can either repair them or replace them with new ones. Then, reassemble the interior. Reinstall all the components. Make sure everything fits correctly. Take your time, and enjoy the process. By now, the interior of your Ford Escort RS2000 16V is starting to look amazing!

Suspension, Brakes, and Wheels: Ensuring Performance and Safety

Now we're going to talk about the suspension, brakes, and wheels. These are crucial for the RS2000's performance and safety. When working on the suspension, start by inspecting all the components. Check the shocks, springs, bushings, and ball joints. Replace any worn or damaged parts with new ones. Consider upgrading the suspension with performance parts. Upgrade to coilovers for improved handling. The brakes are very important. Inspect the brake calipers, rotors, and pads. Replace any worn components. Consider upgrading the brakes with performance parts. Upgrade to larger rotors for improved stopping power. Next, take a look at the wheels. Inspect the wheels for any damage or corrosion. Refurbish the wheels. If the wheels are in good condition, you can have them refurbished. Choose the right tires. Select tires that are appropriate for the car's performance characteristics. Proper tire selection can significantly affect the car's handling and grip. Install everything. Reassemble the suspension, brakes, and wheels. Ensure everything is tightened to the correct specifications. Testing the car is very important. Test drive the car after the suspension, brakes, and wheels have been installed. Test the brakes, and make sure everything is working correctly.

Electrical System: Bringing the Lights and Electronics Back to Life

The electrical system is important for the car's functionality. This is where you restore the electrical system. First, you need to inspect the wiring harness. Look for any damage, corrosion, or frayed wires. Repair or replace any damaged wiring. Clean and inspect all electrical connectors. Check the battery, starter, alternator, and other electrical components. Replace any worn or damaged components. Check the lights. Make sure all the lights are working correctly. Replace any burned-out bulbs, and check the wiring. Test all the electrical components. Check the gauges, switches, and other electrical components. Repair or replace any non-functional components. Install the electrical components. Reinstall the wiring harness, and connect all the electrical components. Test the electrical system. Once all the electrical components are installed, test the entire electrical system. Make sure everything is working correctly. Troubleshooting problems. If there are any problems with the electrical system, troubleshoot them. Use a multimeter to identify any faulty wiring or components. Your RS2000 will be ready to light up the road once more.

The Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

Now for the home stretch! The final assembly and finishing touches is the last step of the restoration process. Begin with the exterior. Reinstall all the body panels, trim, and other exterior components. Apply any decals or stripes. Clean and polish the car. Move to the interior. Reinstall all the interior components, including the seats, dashboard, carpets, and door panels. Make any final adjustments. Make sure all the components are aligned correctly, and are working properly. Then, take the car for a test drive. Drive the car. Evaluate its performance and handling. Address any issues. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs. Take pride in your work. Admire your completed restoration. You've brought a classic car back to life.

Maintaining Your Restored Ford Escort RS2000 16V

Congrats! You've successfully restored your Ford Escort RS2000 16V. Now it's time to keep it in tip-top shape. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your car running smoothly. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Perform regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other maintenance tasks. Use high-quality parts and fluids. Use premium fuels. Store your car properly. If you don't use your car often, store it in a clean, dry, and secure location. Protect your investment. Cover your car when parked. Protect your car from the sun, rain, and other elements. Enjoy driving your car. Appreciate your restored Ford Escort RS2000 16V. Drive it, and enjoy the thrill of driving a classic car.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems that you may encounter during the restoration process. Rust. The most common problem with older cars is rust. Rust can affect the bodywork, chassis, and other components. Electrical problems. Electrical problems can be caused by damaged wiring, corrosion, or faulty components. Engine problems. Engine problems can be caused by worn components, poor maintenance, or other issues. Troubleshooting is very important. Diagnose the problem, and use the right tools. Perform the necessary repairs. If you're not comfortable working on the car, then get professional help.

Where to Find Parts and Resources

Finding parts and resources for your Ford Escort RS2000 16V is easier than you think. There are many sources for parts. Online parts retailers. There are several online parts retailers that specialize in classic car parts. Local car clubs. Join a car club. They can provide valuable resources and advice. Online forums. Participate in online forums dedicated to classic cars. These can be great places to get advice. Books and manuals. Find books and manuals for your car. These can be valuable resources. Websites and communities. Several websites and communities are dedicated to classic cars. These can be great places to get information.

Conclusion: The Rewarding Journey of Restoration

So, there you have it, guys. Restoring a Ford Escort RS2000 16V is a challenging but rewarding journey. It's a chance to bring a classic car back to life. It's a journey filled with challenges, successes, and a deep sense of accomplishment. You'll gain new skills, learn a lot about cars, and become part of a community. Your hard work, patience, and attention to detail will transform a vintage Ford Escort into a fully functional and beautiful machine. And the best part? The joy of driving your restored RS2000, and the pride of knowing that you brought it back to its former glory. Enjoy your ride!