Wiper and hubs
Author
Discussion

lord james

Original Poster:

23 posts

249 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
quotequote all
I'm trying to find out what wiper unit the Ultima uses, I know its a Pantograph one, but does anyone know what it is from as I'm trying to save a few pennys on my build you see.

Like wise does anyone know what year/type/spec the wheel hubs are from I know there a Granada 5 stud, but don't know what year etc.
Do they take a standard Granada Bearing kit?

steve_d

13,802 posts

287 months

Wednesday 21st December 2005
quotequote all
I got my hubs from a Granada Ghia.
After stripping down, cleaning, sourcing new seals/bearings/nuts/spacers etc it cost me more than the factory price. The motor factors supplied the wrong bearings in the first instance so I took them back. He then supplied bearings from a different manufacturer having confirmed the correct part number over the phone. Those were wrong as the packaging was incorrect i.e. wrong bearings in the box. Had to get them from ford in the end.

Add to that the hassle of trying to fit them and find a torque wrench big enough.

A waste of valuable time.

Could not find a wiper set with the correct sweep angle and parking on the correct side.

Steve

stig

11,823 posts

313 months

Thursday 22nd December 2005
quotequote all
James - what you are trying to do, is essentially, false economy.

Having done several comparisons, like for like, against Ultima's prices, you'll find that not only are they very competitive (and often cheaper even), you at least end up with parts that the factory will support and are proven.

I know it's tempting to try and build a 'budget' Ultima, but in the end, you'll spend as much if not more (not to mention all the hassle) as buying direct from the factory. Not only that, if you decide the to sell the car, potential buyers won't touch it with a 1000ft barge pole.

Don't underestimate the cost of all the fasteners etc. that you'll need too. These all come with the factory bits.

Just my 2p - or in Ultima's case, £2

lord james

Original Poster:

23 posts

249 months

Friday 23rd December 2005
quotequote all
BTW are the factory hubs alloy?

I'm sure your right, its just it all as up far to quickly.

If I can trim some money off by fitting a 2nd hand / reconded wiper unit or rad or something like that, I might be able to finish the car before I'm to old to get in and out of it

Things like the Gearbox inverter, surely I could get a 2nd hand one of these, give it a clean respray.(anyone know what it is from by the way?)

If anyone has any bits left over fromt here build or can offer me any help in saving a few pennies I'd be more than gratefull.

James

steve_d

13,802 posts

287 months

Friday 23rd December 2005
quotequote all
lord james said:
.......Things like the Gearbox inverter, surely I could get a 2nd hand one of these, give it a clean respray.(anyone know what it is from by the way?)........


Don't know what you are refering to here.

Steve

andygtt

8,345 posts

293 months

Friday 23rd December 2005
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The factory hubs are steel machined versions of the granada ones, mainly because ford no longer sell them new so unless you use 2nd hand ones you can only get them from the factory.

The inverter kit you refer to is an elaborate breather to stop the gearbox chucking oil everywere when you turn it upside down (how it runs in an Ultima). Additionally there is an adapter plate which enables a porsche box to bolt to a chevy V8

It's much better to look around for parts that Builders are selling off cheaper, for example look out for a chasis or wheels from a 'change of circumstances' builder.... this way you could save thousands (rather than a few quid) and you get factory parts.

Of cause the adsolute cheapest way to own an Ultima is to buy an already built one.