• From: Syracuse, NY
  • Registered: 2016-06-27
  • Posts: 35

Topic: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

As indicated in the newb question section, we are building an '05 Focus wagon for failure in October so below is our sorry attempt at building a track worthy bucket of yuck.

This gem would not pass a VT inspection due to a rotted rear subframe and the rear wheels being locked up, so it was ours for the costly sum of nada, a "get it out of my yard" sort of deal..... rockers had been previously replaced due to Northeast rot, so it looks "better" than it actually is.

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B_MqcyobzyoaQjduVGVaWk9FdGM

Current State:

- Main hoop and upper halo complete for the cage, working on fitment and will start bending up the rest
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1e4boyf3G0wF7z9LfruIoeXXET1N8c-m2CQ
- Seat mounted and in
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1NjbIv44DGGU411jFYrEvOgzrXS2VYX0J7g
- Suspension on all four corners has been replaced with junk yard treasures (receipts very handy!) Reasons were something had hit the passenger side rear wheel at some point, bending the control arm that pivots to the body and locking the ebrake on, not to mention the rotten rear subframe.... no wonder it wouldnt move. Front calipers were trash, balljoint seized into knuckle, front struts blown (had new springs on it though!), all leading to nothing coming out without torches and KY. While looking for wheels we happened upon a VERY wrecked, but VERY rust free '08 that some knob wrapped around a tree.... what better place than on our wagon... till we found it didn't fit... yet! An added bonus was someone had put Eibach springs on the thing before binning it... so we had to make these work.....
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14KGwUZ7sIpyTmizA7Flp50JedBeQ7Pc70A
- We made subframe spacers out of scrap laying around the shop, along with new shocks mounts. Although not horribly complicated, I have yet to find another wagon with sedan components under it, so hey another Lemons world first! All be it completely useless.
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ZwvjaL0YRwgfMNEtkMfUeFIPpOZx5tofnQ
- Front brakes were "updated" to aluminum calipers of later Foci due to the '08 part swap along with using the very shiney struts from the '08... but having issues finding performance pads for these calipers. May need to have some made.
http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1pFZeZKstn-ZNclR59jJGkon6oFnQUPU_Ew

Its getting there! Lots more to do, but progress is progress!

Engine plans are plain and simple tune up and keep it together. No performance mods this year, just want to make sure it lasts. It does have a manual trans, but again, see how long it lasts. Going to have LOTS of spare front end bits for it as I hear these Foci have a habit of eatting CV's and front hubs....

Cheers!

  • From: Berkeley, CA
  • Registered: 2015-07-09
  • Posts: 128

Re: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

We run these yellow pads on our Subaru with good results.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ebc- … odel/focus

Summit also has Hawk pads for racing, (06)
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hwk- … odel/focus

have had good results with their service department, had the wrong type for the rear of our car 2 times, then somehow got a correct pair on the third try. Always worth a phone call, they can run compatibility checks that don't always show on the shopping page.

#44 VW Jetta "Le Mondrian"
Arsesweat '17 finished 10th in (B), 3 finishes in 7 races
#96 Silver Subaru Legacy Automatic w Orange Top (formerly)
  • From: Syracuse, NY
  • Registered: 2016-06-27
  • Posts: 35

Re: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

Thanks! Dont know how I missed the EBC's, although those Hawk's wont fit sad 08-11 are specific calipers from what I've seen so far .... billion lbs lighter than the previous gen, but not alot of stuff for the stocker brakes I could find... everything SVT specific

Fitting up the upper Halo and notching the ends. I really hate how the interior of this thing is shaped. I'm going to zip tie the thing in place and take some pictures for here and to send to the Lemons gods. The windshield is at such a shallow angle the front uprights are going to be attached more to the front of the halo than under it, which seems like it wont be as structurally sound. Pics a bit later when I get it all mocked up.

  • jrbe
  • Effluent
  • Offline
  • From: Central CT
  • Registered: 2009-06-23
  • Posts: 921

Re: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

Bonus points if you get someone to play doc from the boondock saints.

-Killer B's (as in rally) '84 4000Q 4.2V8. Audis never win?
  • From: Syracuse, NY
  • Registered: 2016-06-27
  • Posts: 35

Re: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

So I think we have already answered our own question on the cage, but then another issue came up that I think has been remedied, but we shall see in a day or so. Because of the upper crash structure of the car, there is a big door pillar bit that ties into the roof that didn't seem practical to cut initially, so the hoop doesn't hug the side of the car as close s I'd like. Once the upper halo was made, it was clear there may be helmet clearance issues (from looking around it appears we aren't the first and wont be the last to have fun with this). The halo and hoop may get remade, but in the mean time the tin foil seat bracket  that was supplied with our seat had to go, on to building a new much beefier bit. That then brought up more cash and prizes... for some reason the blue oval engineers decided three of the OEM seat mounts would be the same level... but one should be an inch lower...since of course.. math? So taking a cue from Chris Evan's Top gear career, the other three have been cut short. They have been lowered an inch (and are all level now) and the overall seat position is being shifted towards the center of the car by 3 inches. We shall see where this puts the seat/headspace when complete and base that on whether we start from scratch on the cage.

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1fyRNyaFh5k7WCrGZLx1aIYGOge8CMc33Rg

http://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=0B_MqcyobzyoaNC1TNXBLdjdSV1k

  • Registered: 2011-02-22
  • Posts: 934

Re: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

You can always tilt the seat.  I believe ours is somewhere between 15-20 degrees.  Or...get your tallest driver...sit him in the loose seat and work from there.

  • jrbe
  • Effluent
  • Offline
  • From: Central CT
  • Registered: 2009-06-23
  • Posts: 921

Re: Broke-ass Foc-ass Build

You can sink the seat in the floor if you do it well.

Tilted seat works too. Put the seat sliders on an angle if you're using them. It will raise your short drivers up as they move forward.

-Killer B's (as in rally) '84 4000Q 4.2V8. Audis never win?