Yes, the Mexico, Twin Cam, RS1600 and RS2000 Mk1 all used the export bodyshell, usually known as the Type 49. They weren't seam welded though, they just had extra plates and gussets. They also had radius arms brackets for the rear axle.
Ah, I didn't realise that - with the values climbing I assume they can be falsified - but then competition cars need new shells in period and since? I love them, always had a thing for the flared arches ones.
The also had slightly different spring rates as the Mexicos crossflow Kent engine is slightly lighter than the rs2000s pinto OHC and different axle ratios too. I think i've still got my AVO sporting fords magazine somewhere.
That's right, there were quite a lot of differences in the mechanical specs. The RS2000 had a heavier duty gearbox, sometimes called the Rocket box, that became the Type 9 5 speed box in the Sierra, whereas Twin Cams and Mexicos had the 2000E or Bullet box. Twin Cams had a shorter antiroll bar on the front that gave more castor. That's before you started adding all the imaginatively homologated bits.
my cousin has sent me a brochure of parts (don't think Chinese). you can buy a new shell if you want. Apparently these parts are very good and not made of cheese!
I bought an original pair of ford wings back in the 90’s. the front panel is Ford. I have spare doors (plural) for both sides. I didn’t just sit around doing nothing for the last 27 years you know!!!! (But mainly I did)
To be fair, it's quite a few years since I looked closely at repro panels. They were pretty close in the main but not exactly fit and forget and needed a lot of fettling around the edges to get the shut lines right. Not a big problem if you were half a dozen stage miles from rearranging them but hard work to make a really tidy road car.
The quality might be made up... I’m sure my mate said poor quality but await his reply. Just an FYI and you probably already know but... Hi Ray - either motorsport tools based in Wales, Mk1s and Mk2s - they get all their kit from Higgins (I think that's the name) based in Ireland. That's where I got my doors from. They are also a car breakers.
His reply Mk2 stuff from China mate - quality not too bad but needed a bit of tweaking. The Mk1 stuff is made in UK by Magnum classic panels. They do door skins for Mk2 tho.