Hawyee's Daily/AutoX/Track Build

[Kidders]

What kinds of differences did you see beyond the ones mentioned? (Obviously the drivers seat on the "right" side of the car. )

Lots!

Both bumpers
Tailgate pressing (Trunk)
Dash and centre console
Steering wheel
Door mirrors
Front 1/4 light glass rubber
Door rubbers
Roof aerial
Rear Diffuser
Bonnet inner pressing
Headlights

Honestly there was so many things I've lost count, between USDM and EU the only common panels are the roof, front wings and door skins, even the door frames are slightly different.

Oh and the paintwork quality is a definite step down.

 

[Fusion Works]

Lots!

Both bumpers
Tailgate pressing (Trunk)
Dash and centre console
Steering wheel
Door mirrors
Front 1/4 light glass rubber
Door rubbers
Roof aerial
Rear Diffuser
Bonnet inner pressing
Headlights

Honestly there was so many things I've lost count, between USDM and EU the only common panels are the roof, front wings and door skins, even the door frames are slightly different.

Oh and the paintwork quality is a definite step down.

Yeah I don't doubt paint quality. Ford is lucky the paint stayed on these until the warranty ran out.

Does the UKDM not have the wicker bill on the trailing edge of the front quarter glass?

I assume the UKDM had more options for the steering wheel and dash/center console? I would totally expect different headlights. Our headlight regulations stopped at 1982. The US has such crappy headlights here. I assume tailgate is different to accommodate the different number plate sizes in Europe?

As a US owner it would be nice to see what we are missing out on. One day I may look into importing a two door into the US and just VIN swap the body shell.

 

[M-Sport fan]

One day I may look into importing a two door into the US and just VIN swap the body shell.

If I were wealthy, that is exactly what I would want to do to bring a two door, fully rally prepped by M-Sport, R5 Fiesta over here.

The main problem then is that the OBD plug in would not read, since they use a stand alone ECM, and that is the only thing my state checks anymore, besides using mirrors to check for the catcon (and the station worker probably could not figure out how to work the sequential, either, for the short distance they are required to drive).

I could always swap in a USDM style/location catcon to replace the tail pipe located one on the 'factory' R5 cars for the mirror check thing.

 

[rallytaff]

I see a lot of owners complaining about the paint on their cars. I have not found rust/blemish on mine anywhere after being out in the CA weather 365 for over 10 years. Don't know what the secret is!

 

[Fusion Works]

If I were wealthy, that is exactly what I would want to do to bring a two door, fully rally prepped by M-Sport, R5 Fiesta over here.

The main problem then is that the OBD plug in would not read, since they use a stand alone ECM, and that is the only thing my state checks anymore, besides using mirrors to check for the catcon (and the station worker probably could not figure out how to work the sequential, either, for the short distance they are required to drive).

I could always swap in a USDM style/location catcon to replace the tail pipe located one on the 'factory' R5 cars for the mirror check thing.

In Alabama, we can't spell "environmental damage", so they wouldn't care, beyond the VIN number. You could just buy the shell and install all the wiring and everything from a USDM car.

 

[Fusion Works]

I see a lot of owners complaining about the paint on their cars. I have not found rust/blemish on mine anywhere after being out in the CA weather 365 for over 10 years. Don't know what the secret is!

So the outside paint is fine on my car as well. Its the paint on the body components. Look at the joint under the hood and trunk or doors, where they wrap the skin around and put a line of sealer. You may notice some rust or corrosion bubbling up under the paint. Or look closely at the top of the body shell where the hatch opens above it. (where the hinges are attached). There may or may not be any paint there. If I remember I will take some pics of mine. Its annoying that small details like that are just "meh". So typical of American car manufactures attitude towards mediocrity. Kinda like my 54K mile Ram 3500 with a 6.7. Apparently both Cummins and Dodge believe rust is a protective coating because non of the engine accessory brackets, hardware, etc is anything but rusty. How hard is it to dip all these parts in E-coat? Cutting corners.