WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. STRUT TOPS

The classic rot area, since nearly all classic Fords feature struts, these always rot from the underside through to the top — they may well look good and deceiving with a very small bubble on the top surface but you need to crawl underneath to check them as it’s not too obvious. When they’re punched up preventing the bonnet from shutting, that’s the time to avoid!

2. WINGS

You expect the wings to have some rot but the major problem is their availability and the cost of buying replacements — the cost of replacing just the front sheet metal can be more than you paid for the car. So, are the originals restorable and more to the point, are replacement sections available?

3. SILLS

Fords tend to rot really badly in one area with a totally mint section next to it. So when you check the sills, don’t just examine the outers but the inners too — and don’t be deceived by over-sills! While you’re there, check the adjacent floor — it can be lovely, or it can nonexistent!

4. CHASSIS LEGS AND SPRING HANGERS

These need to be strong, and the classic rot area is the joint from the main section to the front which is often kicked-up and known as the swan neck. In the corners is a superb trap for moisture and, once opened, mud too, which will only accelerate the rot. Again check that you can get replacements although it’s a major job to replace, as the car really needs to be on a jig and braced before you cut anything out.

5. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Not that much of a drama if you intend doing an engine swap but a restoration project ideally needs to have its original engine and ’box with it.