Author Topic: Joe's 1974 Pinto Wagon (Read 32510 times)

redmustangman3 · « **on:** June 17, 2009, 11:03:31 AM »

Well I finally found one. I have been looking for a clean pre-75 wagon (no smog) for nearly 2 years. I wanted one that was very clean, a good driver, very few if any rust issues, and all if not most of the original parts were there. I found it in Los Angeles and picked it up on June 11th, which also happened to be my birthday. What a present!!! The car drives great, starts right up, very solid drive train, with no leaks or smoke. I'm taking it in to a mechanic friend next week who will do a complete safety inspection and replacement of all fluids, filters, etc. I replaced the two rear tires which had severe cracking issues. My intention is to keep the car in stock condition and use it as a daily driver- subject to change?? I decided to set-up a seperate post and keep all informed of the changes, repairs, and upgrades as I get this baby in top shape. My immediate repair issue is the drivers side window- the window regulator is missing all the roller bearings(?) and I need a regulator in good condition with all the roller bearings in tact. Any of you Pinto parts people have one? You can reach me at this site of directly at gwnv63@prodigy.net. (I will be out of town until Monday 6/22). I am very excited about this new find and look forward to driving and sharing my adventures with this great little wagon. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2009, 11:11:09 AM »

A couple more photos. The engine compartment is super clean. The photo with my wife's Ford F250 Super Duty cracked me up. That is one small wagon. Joe

popbumper · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2009, 11:37:08 AM »

UNbelieveable. If mine ends up looking half that nice (OK, it will

)., I would be happy. What a BEAUT!! Congrats!!

Chris

289pinto · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2009, 02:34:21 PM »

Very nice!

smallfryefarm · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2009, 02:39:00 PM »

That is what you call eye candy!!!!

blupinto · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2009, 04:20:35 PM »

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAA GGGGGGGHHHHHHH HHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol. I was drooling over that wagon when it was on ebay! Congratulation s on scoring a real beauty! I'm glad one of us got her! :amazed:

dholvrsn · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2009, 04:34:20 PM »

Shiny! Shiny! :police:

pintoman · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2009, 05:03:01 PM »

Looks just like the one at Carlisle this year.One of the venders had it,wanted $5500.It sold on Sunday.

dga57 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2009, 05:15:01 PM »

What a find :amazed: CONGRATULATION S!!!
Dwayne :smile:

chrisf1219 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2009, 09:31:39 PM »

hey joe its going to cost extra if i have to guard your air cleaner on the black car and parts off the wagon. just kidding chris

71pintoracer · « **Reply #10 on:** June 19, 2009, 09:52:19 PM »

WOW!!!

What a beautiful Pinto! :amazed: Do you mind if I ask what it you had to give for it? Not trying to be nosey

just wondering what a pristine car like that is bringing!
Did anyone see the one on Barrett-Jackson last year? What did it go for? 11 grand? is that right?

blupinto · « **Reply #11 on:** June 21, 2009, 03:57:47 PM »

Yeah... Chrisf will have to keep a beady eye on me...!

That wagon is SWEET!

beegle55 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 21, 2009, 05:55:43 PM »

Beautiful! I think that's definitely daily driver quality! Wow and I love some of the unique 70's colors including that of you wagon. Have fun with it! Congrats

-beegle55

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 23, 2009, 03:44:58 PM »

Hi: Just back in town from Nascar Race at Infineon Raceway this past wekend- what a blast. To answer your question 71 Pintoracer; the previous dealer/owner had it listed on eBay with a $3500 reserve; it didn't sell. I contacted him several days later and made an offer of $2500 which he accepted. There were other fees involved, including 2 years of DMV fees and fines- only in CA!!! Once I saw the car in person and gave it a car wash and a short drive around town, I was more than happy with the deal. It's not perfect; directionals not working, passenger window regulator not working, the front cowl needs to be repainted, etc. As for the color; I really liked the pictures as posted on eBay, I thought it was yellow. When I saw it in person, it was greenish yellow. It's really strange- in direct sunlight, it looks yellow. In shade, it looks green. In normal daylight it looks greenish yellow. It's starting to grow on me as it is so different. In any case, it will stay that color for quite a while. I need to get the mechanical issues in order. Regards and happy with my new 74 wagon- Joe in Morgan Hill, CA

Pangra74 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 24, 2009, 09:33:31 PM »

Joe,

This is Joe in Oakland. What a nice find. I have an 06 Focus wagon I use for a daily driver and have thought many times that if I found a clean wagon like what you have there, I'd dump the Focus (although it is a really good car) and use the Pinto wagon as a driver.I'd keep my runabout for the other stuff.

Congrats!!

Joe in Oakland

71pintoracer · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2009, 10:00:42 PM »

Joe, I think you got a great deal, that is a wonderful looking car inside and out!

lencost · « **Reply #16 on:** June 25, 2009, 12:55:29 AM »

Hay Joe! Can we expect a wagon next time?

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 25, 2009, 09:43:29 AM »

Hi Leonard: Absolutely; although driving the Shelby Mustang is a kick ?? Joe

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2009, 09:23:13 AM »

Just a quick update on getting the wagon in great driving shape. I took it to my local mechanic who maintains my Pintos and had all the filters and fluids changed. It had been sitting for +two years so taking no chances everything was changed. He fixed the window regulator (replaced rollers), fixed the directional signals (fuse) which also made the electric antenna and radio work, fixed the choke and did a safety check. I was nervous about the brakes but he reported they were in great shape as was the rest of the car. I had previousy replaced the two rear tires as they had deep cracks in the sidewalls. The fronts look good. When I picked up the car, I decided to take a little drive around town which was super fun. Then home and parked it in the garage. About two hours later, my wife came in and said you better check your new Pinto-something is leaking. How about a quart of Prestone on the ground- yikes!! Long story short; I have a new radiator , hoses, and thermostat on order. Should be in next week- special order from Kragens. I'm not upset, the car is 35 years young and has been sitting for awhile so you can expect some issues. I'll let you know how it goes. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA

Scott Hamilton · « **Reply #19 on:** July 05, 2009, 09:43:27 AM »

Joe, that IS a really nice wagon!
Looks like you really found a special gem... Really really neat find... She is in great shape, the engine, the interior-- a real find...

Nice,

High_Horse · « **Reply #20 on:** July 05, 2009, 11:02:55 AM »

Very good catch!!!!!!!!!!!

High_Horse

r4pinto · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2009, 11:20:44 AM »

Nice looking wagon!!

I hear ya about Ca. That's the only state that assumes you are driving the car even if it isn't registered, so they make you pay back registration.. Morons.. I just re-registered my car for the first time since 12-06 and since there is only 6 months till my birthday (registration expiration) I only had to pay a prorated amount.. No fees and no questions asked, except it I have been driving it or not.

That is a great deal for that wagon though. Wish I had the cash for something like that.

skunky56 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:23:59 PM »

Joe, don't forget the heater core when replacing the rest of the system :0)

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2009, 08:55:46 AM »

Thanks Paul, I didn't think about that given the 100 degree temps we have had recently. I'll check it out. Joe

blupinto · « **Reply #24 on:** July 29, 2009, 03:06:42 PM »

Just remember Joe... if/when you get tired of that ol' wagon you can drop it off here at my house...

:hypno:

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 11, 2009, 10:14:30 AM »

Update time- finding a radiator. The short version is the new radiator, hoses and misc. pieces have been installed and I'm finally driving my wagon again. The long version is Kragon autoparts store cancelled 2 seperate orders I placed for a Pinto radiator which they stated was available at their warehouse. After the second order didn't show up (some + 2 weeks later) I located the store owner and had a discussion. The botttom line is Kragon's inventory computer system sucks, and their source for Pinto radiators (in Mexico) no longer makes the part. He found a new one (at twice the cost) and I had it in 3 days after our little discussion. I've included a couple of photos. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA

dholvrsn · « **Reply #26 on:** August 11, 2009, 10:42:08 AM »

That looks like an AC radiator.

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 13, 2009, 09:47:33 AM »

I'm not sure what an A/C radiator looks like but the new one is significantly wider than the original. The original one was 18.5" wide and the new one is +22" wide. It also has fittings on the bottom which have been blocked off (auto trans?). Hopefully bigger is better and it is definately shiny-Brad will like that. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA

redmustangman3 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 22, 2009, 10:44:31 AM »

Hi Group: Looking for some small pieces for the 74 wagon. The end chrome (or plastic) piece is missing from the turn signal lever on the steering column. It looks to be a push fit; or will take a new complete lever. Also looking for door lock knobs (X2). The ones on the car are broken and the ones at auto parts stores don't look all that hot. I'd prefer NOS stuff but pieces in very good shape will also work. Please contact me off list at gwnv63@prodigy.net. Thanks, Joe In Morgan Hill, CA

TIGGER · « **Reply #29 on:** August 22, 2009, 12:04:06 PM »

I should have a turn signal lever for you. I will check and get back to you. I will look for some door locks but I am not sure if I have any.

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Author Topic: Joe's 1974 Pinto Wagon (Read 32510 times)