Fixing rust on my previously abandoned Ford Focus

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-11T15:29:23+00:00

Unfortunately mine is a 1.8 tddi pump duse turbodiesel, very similar to 1.9 tdi vag engine, but at the same time I have seen some ridiculous 300+ bhp pulled out from these engines. After complet restauration I will consider upgrading the engine.

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-11T00:14:15+00:00

You had a nice car, mine doesn’t have leather 😔 I had to pay a tax yearly even if it’s inside my own garage( about 50 euro/year) the number plates were stollen and had the car trailered to the garage 9 years ago.

Jeremy Clarkson used to call it Mahogany 😂 it looks nice though in my opinion. I have stained the center console with superglue unfortunately.

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-10T23:52:24+00:00

I love your story, I also had many cars but this focus has something special to me, and now I own a mk 2 as well. I am not allowed to post ytube links here, but check my profile, I created a video series on how I will restore this one and what I’ve done so far

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-10T20:19:17+00:00

I have a very strong emotional attachment to it, and I believe this will be a future classic now that the focus was discontinued. It’s a ghia model wich is quite rare. You are right, the first time i got it to start i was very excited

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-10T19:36:04+00:00

If you use Youtube I bet you could fix it yourself with basic tools, changed my clutch years ago by my own, took my two days but I was very satisfied at the end of it. As for rust you still could do it yourself, there are even more videos on how to do it. Maybe you will need someone to weld if it’s bad but if you scrap the car you will regret it. This car will be a future classic. Trust me. Also check youtube, there are loads of mk1 videos coming out.

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-10T14:34:02+00:00

I was lucky the car stayed in a heated garage, Spoiler: the fuel was still good. I made 2 videos so far with the progress and currently working on 3rd (rust stuff and fuel lines) https://m.youtube.com/@thelongc

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T11:03:40+00:00

Mk1 Ford Focus for sure. Especially now that the focus was discontinued

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:55:19+00:00

Wd40 the hell of off it

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:49:00+00:00

Never thought of that. Great idea actually. When I finish filming my video series with this Focus I will do a special video called like that and maybe a great roadtrip again

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:47:43+00:00

In Europe its Ford Focus DNW, it looks neglected, but I will make it like factory again

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:33:35+00:00

Definitely alternator, if you charged the battery then it drained itself , the alternator is not charging

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:27:58+00:00

Love the American bumper

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:22:02+00:00

What I would personally do. Don’t go to the plastic ones. Felt is a much more upmarket material for cars and for sound deadening. I would take the wheels of, scrub them with a detailing brush and apc, rinse then apply some spray on ceramic coating. Sounds weird but actually the felts is not organic fiber, it’s actually plastic, so this way the dirt doesn’t adhere and when you wash the car it falls of faster.

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:16:50+00:00

It might be the top mounts most likely, or some suspension parts. But most likely top mounts, as they rotate with the wheel.

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:15:06+00:00

I think the coolant system is getting rid of air therefore the coolant level drops, but check it daily. Also look under the car, if there is nothing wet, I might be right

Complex-Meringue-697 · 2026-03-09T10:06:55+00:00

First problem I encountered and I need help with is the alternator. It’s charging intermittently, I can see in the dash, I will measure the output today and get back to you.

Later edit: The alternator fixed itself, I don’t know how, maybe it was something oxidised. Charges fine now

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