Ford Granada Mk2 Purchasing Tips and Insights
The Ford Granada Mk2, with its handsome styling, DIY-friendly mechanics, and reliable performance, is a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts. However, like any vehicle, it requires regular maintenance and attention to common issues. In this article, we'll focus on rust, engine problems, transmission issues, and interior wear.
Rust Identification and Repair
Common rust areas on the Mk2 Granada include the bulkhead, chassis rails, lower rear quarters, rear wheel tubs and arches, spare wheel well, wings, inner wings, A-posts, and the lower edge of the estate's tailgate. The sills and floor near the rear subframe mounts are also vulnerable, especially with signs of corrosion. Check around the rear screen base if the car has a sunroof due to drain hole rust risk. Repair usually involves cutting out rusted metal and fabricating or welding in new sections; some floor panels are available new as replacement parts. Tailgate rust can be fixed by a skilled fabricator by letting in new metal.
Engine Problems
Although detailed engine issues specific to the Granada Mk2 are less documented, common classic car engine problems often include carburetor malfunction, ignition issues, oil leaks, and cooling system failure. Regular inspection of hoses, belts, spark plugs, and the carburetor or fuel injection system is advisable. For symptom-specific diagnosis, listening for rough idling, stalling, or unusual noises helps pinpoint problems. Replacement parts are generally affordable and available given the car’s classic status.
Transmission Issues
Typical transmission issues for the Granada Mk2 include wear in mechanical linkages, clutch wear (for manuals), or slipping and shifting problems in automatics. Transmission fluid condition and level should be checked regularly. Repair can involve lubricating linkages, adjusting or replacing the clutch, and servicing or rebuilding the gearbox or automatic transmission as necessary. Steering and drivetrain vibrations are also reported; these may stem from worn universal joints or mounts and can affect shifting feel and vehicle stability.
Interior Wear
The interior commonly shows wear on seats, door cards, and headliners due to age. Identifying wear involves inspecting upholstery for tears, fading, and deteriorated foam. Restoration includes reupholstering seats, replacing or repairing door panels, and renewing the headliner fabric. Since Mk2 Granada parts can be challenging to find, sourcing from specialist suppliers or upholstery shops familiar with classic Ford interiors is recommended.
Additional Notes
- Brake system issues are common from inactivity and include corroded discs, seized wheel cylinders, and sticking calipers; these parts are plentiful and affordable to replace.
- Regular maintenance and inspections are key to keeping the vehicle running reliably, especially given its age and the Mk2's known vulnerable areas.
In summary, focusing on structural rust inspection and repair mostly by metal replacement, routine engine and transmission checks with attention to fluid and mechanical wear, and interior restoration through upholstery renewal will cover the common issues of a Ford Granada Mk2 efficiently. Happy motoring!
- In the classic car industry, regular maintenance and attention to common issues, such as rust, engine problems, transmission issues, and interior wear, is crucial for vehicles like the Ford Granada Mk2.
- For Ford Granada Mk2 owners, it's essential to identify and repair rust in various areas, including the bulkhead, chassis rails, lower rear quarters, and inside the spare wheel well, among others, to maintain the vehicle's structural integrity.
- To keep the automotive lifestyle of driving a classic car like the Ford Granada Mk2 enjoyable, it's vital to inspect and address engine problems commonly found in classic cars, such as carburetor malfunction, ignition issues, oil leaks, and cooling system failure.
