Guide for Purchasing a 1975-1985 Ford Granada (Second Generation)
The Ford Granada Mk2, a classic large family car from the 1970s, continues to be a popular choice among car enthusiasts. However, like any vehicle of its age, it faces common issues that require regular maintenance and repair. Here's a guide to identifying and resolving common problems across the body, chassis, engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, and interior.
Body and Chassis
Rust and corrosion are common issues, especially in older vehicles. Regularly inspect for signs of wear, focusing on welds and frame joints, particularly if the car has been inactive or exposed to harsh conditions. Body repairs may require sourced OEM or equivalent parts to ensure proper fit.
Engine
Sluggish performance or long acceleration times in petrol engines and the diesel version (a Ford-developed Peugeot 2.1-litre with glow plugs and upgraded filters) could indicate ignition or fuel delivery issues. Regular servicing of glow plugs, air/oil/fuel filters, and timely oil changes can improve longevity and reliability. Address engine leaks or unusual noises with targeted diagnostics.
Transmission
Monitor for shifting difficulties or noise. Clutch wear is typical in manual versions and may require replacement. For automatics, check fluid levels and transmission seals to avoid leaks and maintain smooth shifting.
Steering
Vague steering often points to worn front end bushes needing replacement. Tight spots combined with leaks may signal advanced wear in the power-assisted steering (PAS) system, possibly due to damaged hoses near the hot exhaust manifold.
Suspension
The Mk2’s suspension can become tired and unforgiving; replace worn dampers and springs to improve ride quality. Front springs can be especially challenging to swap. Ensure all suspension components are inspected for wear or damage and replaced to avoid handling issues.
Brakes
Most common issues arise from inactivity, causing rusted discs, seized wheel cylinders, warped drums, or sticking calipers. Given plentiful and affordable parts, replace corroded or seized components to restore braking performance and safety.
Interior
Inspect for aging upholstery, cracked dashboards, or failing electrical components like switches and gauges. Repairs may include reupholstery, dashboard restoration, or rewiring.
In summary, typical problems arise from inactivity and age-related wear affecting bushings, brakes, suspension parts, and engine components. Regular inspection coupled with replacement of worn parts generally restores functionality and safety. Body repairs may require sourcing proper glass and panels to match original specs.
Some common faults include warped door cards, collapsed armrests on facelift cars, a cracked dashboard, and a rough running engine due to fuelling issues, regardless of whether it's carburetted or fuel-injected.
The Ford Granada Mk2 offers handsome styling, DIY-friendly mechanics, relatively good rust resistance, good performance from characterful engines, comfort, practicality in spades, and is a perfect choice if you fancy a large 70s car and would rather stay clear of more expensive offerings from BMW and Mercedes.
In the automotive industry, regular maintenance and repair are crucial for managing issues that often arise in vehicles like the Ford Granada Mk2, particularly in components such as the engine, transmission, steering, suspension, brakes, and interior. For instance, sluggish performance in petrol and diesel engines might indicate ignition or fuel delivery problems, which can be resolved through servicing and timely part replacements.
In the finance sector, maintaining a budget for the regular upkeep of classic cars like the Ford Granada Mk2 can help ensure their longevity and performance, although some parts may be more accessible and affordable than others. In cases of extensive damage or wear, it might be necessary to invest in higher-cost original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalents to restore functionality and safety.
){kind=link}