1985 Ford Capri Laser from UK and Ireland - Comments

Heater blower motor stopped blowing - replaced with a brand new Bosch unit.

Thermostat leaking coolant - sorted with a new gasket.

Steering joint coupling is worn meaning play between the steering wheel and the front wheels - brand new coupling fitted (bought from Capri Club International).

Both steering rack gaiters split - two new ones fitted.

Differential was leaking oil - sorted by fitting a new gasket.

Rocker cover gasket went - fitted a new one.

Some stuff I've still to do:

Sump leaking oil - fit new gasket/seals.

Gearbox leaking oil and also a bit noisy - don't know, I'll probably have to fit a reconditioned one. This is the only thing worrying me about the car at the moment.

Rev counter not working.

Heated rear screen not working.

Track control arm bushes need replacing.

I'm going to get the cylinder head converted to run on unleaded (no Capris left the factory being able to run on unleaded). Also, while this is being done I will fit a new camshaft and all the bits to go with it. I think it needs overhauling as it's a little noisy.

Yes, it looks like a lot of work, but there is nothing serious. A lot of the faults are just due to the fact that the car is fifteen years old. You must expect gaskets, etc. to go, but the Capri is a great car to work as it's nice and simple and the engine bay is so roomy.

Don't be afraid to have a go yourself - it's very rewarding to look after and maintain the car yourself, and it's really not too difficult. There's a lot of information and support out there, so you will always have help if you get stuck. I'd recommend joining Capri Club International (CCI). It's great for spare parts, contacts with local clubs, and just general information.

Capris are great fun to drive and have plenty of power. There are lots of different modifications you can make or you can just keep everything as Ford intended. Whatever you do, you'll have fun doing it.

Buy one - you'll soon be addicted!

I bought a 1985 black 2.0 litre laser in 1989 (when I was 19) and found it a great car to drive and work on. I had it for about 9 years and in that time wax oiled it inside and out, along with slick 50 in everything, unrated the suspension to 2.8i spec, RS four spoke steering wheel, put on a set of 2.8 special RS 7 spoke alloys, fitted a full shark grey recaro interior, fitted a Richard Grant Body kit for a while and then later on removed it again, as with the turbo tail etc. I fitted luminition ignition, KN&N air filter, NGK Leads, and a capri club four branch big bore exhaust system. Yes this car was my hobby at the time and I used to show it at the popular classics shows - If its still alive it registration was C129 TNR. I have a lot of great memories and photos of this car. Not many cars are this easy to work on/ with such unique styling or fun to drive. The only warning I would give is watch out in the wet, because by modern standards the handling on these cars is lethal.

Capri club twin exhaust for Pinto fitting problems. Ground clearance too low and tail pipes exit at strange angle. Wondering if I have the wrong brackets. Any one else fitted this?

I used the 3litre middle & rear exhausts & made it fit with a splitter pipe from Moss & some flexipipe. Doing it like this is always easier than after market kits as it fits well with loads of clearance.

Front suspension bushes are pretty much service items unless You've polybushed everything.

Fuseboxes can be a problem as a couple of my capri's have shut down all electrics except engine. Great fun on a dark rainy night.

Tailsliding classic that will never die! Great for re-enacting 70's cop shows "Shut it you sl*g!" :-)

I'm having some problems with my 1.6 laser sport. the thermostat keeps going off the gauge and it won't idle when I pull up to traffic lights unless I keep the revs on. i'm new to the motor world and need some advice on what the problem is and how to fix it and where in the west London area to get the problem fixed if I can't do it my self any advice / help would be greatly appreciated. please contact me at homer156@mynow.co.uk many thanks in advance.