Topic: Parts Interchange 78 to 74 Wagon

[lugnut]

Hello All!
I have a 1978 Pinto wagon parts car that I want to use for my 1974 wagon project. First I want to put the 8 inch rear end and leaf springs from the '78 into the '74 if they will bolt up.  Also, the gas tank in the newer car is in better shape- will they swap?  Last, hoods were the same from '71 thru '78 right?
Thanks in advance- Its hot outside, and this will save me a lot of crawling, measuring and head-scratching!
Mike

[russosborne]

The 8 inch and leaf springs are a bolt in. Although I am not sure about the driveshafts being the same between the different rear axles.
Not positive about the hood. The latch area may be different?
Tank should be fine, pretty sure all wagons between those years are the same.
Russ

[bbobcat75]

hoods are different! 74-76 are the same- the hood latch is different from 71-73 to a 74 and 77 and up are completely different! springs will swap no problem! gas tank should swap but sending unit maybe different! hope this helps!!

[lugnut]

Thanks for the help!  I am not too worried about the driveshaft- I have quite a collection of them, and there's a shop in San Jose that does a good job of modifying them.  I also just bought a '72 wagon with a 2L.  That  is the first small bumper Pinto that I have owned- all the others had/have the inside hood release, I was surprised when the guy I bought it from just reached under the hood and opened it.
  Mike