I've sold my Mustang and am now in the market for a Pinto hatchback to work on.  I used my grandfather's 76 Wagon in high school and have started restoring it, but it needs a lot of work.  I've always been partial to the smaller runabouts anyway so I'm looking to get one of those for myself and let me my dad keep the wagon once I get it restored.  My question is this:  I've been looking at several Pinto's and a couple here locally.  I want a 74 up, but I'm not sure which is best.  I like all the styles up to 80 with the changes they made over the years.  I just wonder if I ever re-sell it are the earlier (pre 79) more desirable?  Also the ignition on the 75 the Duraspark I isn't heralded as being very good.  The Duraspark II is the best one, and that was in 77 if I'm not mistaken?  What about 76 - can those be converted easily or are they already duraspark II?  Also the front  square headlights on the 79-80 - do they provide better visibility?  It might seem like an odd question, but I'm looking to use the car as a daily driver during summer months.  Based on resale and technology, basically is one model variation better than another?  I know this is partially subjective depending on what cosmetic features you like best, but just curious about other opinions out there.

I did actually check this out, it needs brake lines, fuel lines, new gas tank, new brakes in the rear and shocks.  Interior looks good, but there are also some areas where it needs some rust repair.  I'm considering it though.  I took a bath on my Mustang and just not looking to buy another car that needs so much work I won't get close to the money back I put into it.  Hindsight is always a bitch and 20/20 because if I had to do it all over again, the money I put in my mustang could have made something like this really darn nice.  But now I lost a lot of that money but as they say live and learn. 

It sounds like it was parked somewhere damp if all that rusted out. It sure looks good up top. I'd shy away if the frame & floors are crumbling from rust though.

In some ways it depends on what you want to do with it, - and where you live. Here in California we don't have to smog test '75 and older cars. So, for me that is a factor.  Appearance wise I prefer the '71-'73 small bumper cars. On the other hand if you are Turbo inclined the '74 and up cars are better choices with immediate fitment for the 2.3 engine. For Californian's that means only '74-'75 cars, otherwise there are a number of alterations to turbo a '71-'73 car.

So, where do you live..., and what do you want to do to a Pinto?

Tom

I live in DE and I'm looking to make a nice cruiser/daily driver in the summer.  I'd be (most likely) installing power brakes, A/C, perhaps an overdrive transmission, and fuel injection swap.  I just like the style and the design of the older cars - but with modern amenities.  I guess you could say a Pinto restomod. 

Hi Chuck!
 
Glad to know you're still around!  You should jump into the conversations more often! 
 
Dwayne