The Search for The Holy Grail....

[RoadRunner999]

I GIVE UP!!    

I would not have believed the problems that I have experienced in sourcing even the most basic of car parts until running a kit car myself!!

I have a Westy with a '98 1800 Zetec E Silvertop fitted - the engine was brand new, not from a donor vehicle when the car was first registered.

A bog standard Ford production unit I hear you cry!! Not so it would seem....

The blank expressions and utter lack of help and knowledge from the majority of suppliers I have dealt with astounds me!!

'Computer says no' / Little Britain springs to mind upon almost every attempt to get hold of bits.  

It seems that no one is able to identify and supply even the most basic of parts unless presented with a registration number relating to a run of the mill production car  

Even when presented with the correct Motorcraft part numbers, suppliers are still no help and return glazed expressions over the counter. To my astonishment, even my local Ford dealership are unable to assist!!

Anyone would think I am talking a different language, am from The Alien Planet Zog and searching for The Holy Grail  

Any one else been in the same boat?

Any suggestions?

Are there any particularly good suppliers out there who know their stuff?

Is there a resource where I can input a Motorcraft or Ford part number and find equivalent  / replacement parts (with appropriate references) still in production with a view to sourcing correct parts myself via the net?

Thanks in advance  

[spacecadet]

would help if you could tell us what parts you are after.

My ford dealer, can locate parts by model year and type and dont need a reg number

So a 1.8 Mondeo of '96 vintage would foot the bill.

Dont say 98 vintage, and thats when the change over to the blacktop took place, and the silvertop was updated in 95, so a 96 or 97 mondeo or escort  fits the bill

[speedy jon]

i work in a ford dealer and if you give us a list of parts you need and hopefully we can get the info you need.

pm me if you want and ill try my best for you

[RoadRunner999]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies.

I have the parts that I needed after some struggle.

I am looking for suggestions in this post as to how I can avoid problems seeking parts in the future.

Note that I am unable to deduce what make and model of Ford the engine would have been fitted in as standard -  it was not taken from a donor but supplied new when the car was factory built.

Scholar Motorsport prepared and supplied the engine to Westfield for the build (part of a batch of 30 odd enginees I believe). I have been in touch with both Scholar and Westfield who are unable to help in this regard as records do not go back that far apparently....

[spacecadet]

like i said, go for a "P" reg mondeo 1.8 and you wont go far wrong!!

FYI if you are looking for an oil filter, then you need something else due to space (NOT Halfords 266 - see thread)

http://boardroom.wscc.co.uk/cgi-bin....+filter

[RoadRunner999]

Thanks very much spacecadet - understood  

[cliveboy8]

I am looking for suggestions in this post as to how I can avoid problems seeking parts in the future.

Yes but what parts?

[SteveD]

just look at an age related mondeo with the same engine in the street and take the chassis number off the screen tag ,then quote that when you need parts  

[RoadRunner999]

Sorry cliveboy8, as I don't have a crystal ball, I cannot predict what parts I may require in the future      

As stated previously, I already have the parts that I require for now, and hopefully I made it clear that those parts relate specificially to a Ford Zetec E 1800 Silvertop Engine.

I am trying to find out if there is a means by which I can source parts via suppliers in the future armed with specific part #'s (some #'s now obsolete) as opposed to car make and model which I am unsure of (for reasons previously stated).

It seems the answer is no.

Surely there must be some kind of resourse where you can reference a Motorcraft Part # (for instance) and find it's current equivalent replacement?

I think spacecadet has cut to the chase in identifying where the issue lies and putting me on track. Thanks also to StevieD for his suggestion  

[SteveD]

if you need a chassis number i can get you one tomorow if it helps ,just so you dont look like a tea leaf looking at cars down your street  

[RoadRunner999]

Nice one Steve - TA!!  

Felt like I was pi**ing in the wind for a moment there (not quite the same as the shower I know - sorry)    

[SteveD]

[Lurksalot]

The engine in mine is a Scholar 1800 Zetec of around the vintage you describe . I would doubt very much if it is standard , I would guess a few choice upgrades are in there so part Nos could be awkward. having said that there is a scholar number stamped on the head/block on the exhaust side that might help with their records.

[dombanks]

i had  a similar problem with my 2.0l zetec, i found saying Mk2 mondeo (thats what my engine came from), or its P reg often worked but i still came across the old "cant do it without a regplate" attitude.

i also found with motorfactors that unless they know you, (my local one has got used to me now) try to never say its for a kit car or westifield as this usually sends them into a panic. go stright in with "i want a thingymasprocket for a 1996 1800 mondeo P reg" and they usually will comply.

also i found its worth getting in with a place as they often let me now just look through the catalogue while they get on with other customers

[SteveD]

here you go matt and other  chaps and chapesses

wfoaxxgbbawy61188

1.8 mondano   r plate