Author Topic: Popbumper's '76 wagon - update (Read 80577 times)

tinkerman73 · « **Reply #240 on:** February 22, 2011, 07:57:41 AM »

It has been cool going through the thread here. Keep it going. You are doing a fantastic job!

phils toys · « **Reply #241 on:** February 22, 2011, 12:11:35 PM »

good to see progress again

78txpony · « **Reply #242 on:** February 24, 2011, 09:25:24 AM »

This has been a fun experience for me, and the car is not even mine...
I have also learned a lot about pulling the tranny and replacing the clutch - something my 78 will need soon. It cant last forever!

The real fun will start this weekend, when parts start being painted, and installed.
Yes, Chris, time for a photo hosting site!

popbumper · « **Reply #243 on:** February 27, 2011, 08:56:08 PM »

Update for February 27th, 2011

Well, this weekend's progress, though seemingly "less substantial" than previous work, was nonetheless a step in the right direction:

1) Floor noise reduction/padding at the right weel well was finished by Rob (78TXPONY).
2) Sandblasting on about 26 metal pieces was received Friday (everything from motor mount brackets to prop rod, battery tray, etc.), and was painted with POR-15. I also received my REsandblasted dashboard, which needs to be primed and finished out.
3) Oil was drained from the block, which is now sitting stripped of all parts.
4) I recieved several large boxes of new parts from RockAuto this week - including a new starter, distributor, voltage reg, hoses, fuel pump, water pump, and many, many other small parts/gaskets/goodies to refresh the motor and peripheral items.
5) I received a box of special coatings/paints from Eastwood.

With the weather looking to stay warm now, a steady stream of work will continue, as I plan gto get the motor/tranny reinstalled no later than April. Still LOTSS to do.

I apologize that I am not able to add photos. Last week I ran into a "folder upload full" error, and promptly wrote to the moderator to see what happened/what I could do. I have yet to receive any answer - maybe the moderator decided it was not worth answering. I do not know.

Have fun all!

Chris

dave1987 · « **Reply #244 on:** February 28, 2011, 12:52:53 AM »

Chris, very exciting! I can't wait to see progress updates this year and more photos of the car and motor!

I have run into that problem twice now. Here is what Scott told me:

I have increased the quote limit for Charter Members from 3GB to 5GB on the gallery- you are currenlty at 2.8. I checked the stats and it looks like you have fewer photos in your gallery but taking up more space than most, if you can reduce the file size (not image size) of you graphics you will be able to post MANY MANY more photos...

Your images are large files size not image size. Someone else can have 200 pictures and not break the quota but if each individual image is large, say 1.2 Meg each- then they will not be able to get 20 Pictures online and stay within the quota limit. The photos you post in the forum must be less that 100k each for no more than 400k totoal for 4 phots in each post. Your shots are way too large (file size) to post in the forum but the gallery allows this. Think of it this way, I have have an postcard size (image size) graphic but the actual file size can be (due to quality setting etc..) quite huge, say around 5 Meg. If you take that same image and reduce the files size but keep the image size exactly the same (postcard) you can achive less than 100k as apposed to 5 Meg which is tremendous but you have the SAME visual especially on the web where it can take FOREVER to download a large files size image but only a few sec to download the same image with small file size.

popbumper · « **Reply #245 on:** February 28, 2011, 08:53:40 PM »

Dave:

I sure appreciate the reply and the clarity of the answer. My issue is, I took the time to write the moderator via personal message and wasn't even given the consideration of five minutes to address my question - even after a week of waiting. I sure don't mind a member like yourself helping out (hey, that's what we're here for), but when a moderator can't take the time to help, it really "says something" about how vallued (or not) your participation on the group is. Again, I >do< appreciate YOU taking the time.

Chris

popbumper · « **Reply #246 on:** July 20, 2011, 07:47:58 PM »

Update for July 20th, 2011

Good evening. Been many months, February being my last post. This project is still underway - slow (record heat here in Texas for the Summer as elsewhere), but much has been accomplished.

The goal for the past few months has been to complete the engine and tranny. Now, keep in mind this motor as purchased was a very, very filthy and worn 65,000 mile motor, which actually ran VERY WELL. Since dropping a filthy motor and tranny into a clean, restored engine compartment was NOT an option, the motor has been completely gone over and cosmeticallly/functionally restored (aside from the internals, which showed little wear). To that end, the following has been done:

1) All removable metal parts have been sandblasted/repainted and/or phosphoric rust treated/repainted (brackets, hoses, intake, exhaust manifold/EGR tube, valve cover, oil pan, fan, pulleys, timing housing/cover parts, bellhousing plate, lift brackets, motor mount brackets, air cleaner housing, heat shields).

2) Block has been degreased, scrubbed, cleaned, painted in POR-15 Ford Corporate blue

3) Carb was completely cleaned and rebuilt, along with hot water choke (COURTESY ROB, 78TXPONY, and GERHARD PLATA (TIGGER) choke parts)

4) Valve seals were replaced (COURTESY ROB)

5) Misc "factory" needed parts, however large or small were purchased (COURTESY FRED)

6) New parts added to date: New alternator, thermostat, distributor, distributor cap, plugs, plug wires, gaskets, seals, water pump, fuel pump, oil filter, belts, heater/water hoses, motor mounts, breather cap, emissions check valve, timing belt/hardware, EGR valve, negative battery cable, etc.

7) New/restored parts YET TO BE INSTALLED: New A/C compressor, restored air pump, restored emissions hardware, new starter, new clutch/hardware, restored transmission (cleaned up housing/cosmetics/oil/seals), A/C condensor, air cleaner housing, heat tube, air intake divertor.

I might also add that ROB has been INVALUABLE in this entire reassembly process, without him, truly this project would never have moved. THANKS ROB!!

I have placed 22 photos showing various details of the motor restoration on Photobucket through the following link. Enjoy, thank you.

http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/popbumper/1976%20Pinto%20wagon%20restoration/Motor%20restoration/

Chris

dga57 · « **Reply #247 on:** July 21, 2011, 01:20:44 AM »

Hey Chris!
Glad to know you're still plugging away at it, although I can only imagine how difficult that must be in such oppressive heat! That engine looks fantastic!
Dwayne :smile:

popbumper · « **Reply #248 on:** July 21, 2011, 10:05:20 AM »

Thanks Dwayne. The only time to get work done is in the early morning - like 8 AM - when the temp is only 82 degrees .
Chris

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #249 on:** July 21, 2011, 11:54:57 AM »

Quote from: dga57 on July 21, 2011, 01:20:44 AM

That engine looks fantastic!

Agreed! looking good

blupinto · « **Reply #250 on:** July 21, 2011, 07:05:20 PM »

Sheesh! I wish I could do such a super job! Way to go Chris! I'm glad you didn't give up on that wagon! Now come over to Oceanside (lots cooler here- I promise!) and clean MY Pintos' engines. lol :lol:

popbumper · « **Reply #251 on:** July 22, 2011, 09:44:08 AM »

Wish I could Blu! Would love to escape the heat here! Enjoy!
Chris

dave1987 · « **Reply #252 on:** July 22, 2011, 11:28:44 PM »

Beautiful work! I can't wait until I get my own place and I can have an engine hoist and stand readily available to do this in my spare time!

popbumper · « **Reply #253 on:** October 02, 2011, 07:22:25 PM »

Update for October 2nd, 2011

Texas' record hottest Summer has given way to wonderful blue skies, moderate temps, low humidity, and much, much work. Across the three year period I have had this vehicle, I have greatly looked forward to completion of the major hurdles, knowing that ultimately, I'll have a beautiful vehicle.

Yesterday was one of those "milestone days". Rob, I, and the garage owner trudged through the very scary process of motor and transmission reinstallation - scary, because there you are hoisting this heavy block of iron over a fresh engine compartment, and you hope that the thing doesn't drop and kill all your hours of effort.

Aside from some scratches on the firewall behind the valve cover (unavoidable even with protection), the process went reasonably smooth, and it's back together. There are many small things yet to do before we fire it back up and it moves again (I painted the radiator today, for example), but it's a HUGE step!!

Forecast for the next several weeks? BODYWORK. Owner of the garage wants the car out "before it gets too cold to work on", meaning, I have about two months to get done what needs to be done, and bring te car home. Interior will be last, and that's fine, because I can do that here.
What a journey. Enjoy some more pics, thanks!

http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/popbumper/1976%20Pinto%20wagon%20restoration/Motor%20and%20transmission%20reinstallation/
Chris

dga57 · « **Reply #254 on:** October 02, 2011, 07:30:53 PM »

Chris,
It looks fantastic. That looks like a new engine in a new car! All your hard work is definitely paying off! Can't wait to see the final result!!! Keep up the good work!
Dwayne

dave1987 · « **Reply #255 on:** October 03, 2011, 12:54:16 AM »

I think I just left a big puddle of drool in my keyboard while looking at the pictures! lol

I can't wait until Brownie comes along this nicely!

popbumper · « **Reply #256 on:** October 12, 2011, 07:14:50 PM »

Update for October 12th, 2011

The days are getting short but the weather has been delightful. This evenings photos include a variety of things that are underway or have been completed. With my deadline looming, I will not be able to get the car repainted before winter, but it's OK, I plan to still get the required bodywork issues resolved before the car is tacked back together and basically stored for winter.

A few notes on the photos:

Bodywork - the photos show some small work that is being performed (some rust in the drivers rear door pillar, and removel/cleanup of the roof rack rivets on the roof), but the majority of shots involve reworking the heavily damaged passemger side quarter panel. This quarter panel had been >ahem< "repaired" previously, and resembled something akin to painted mashed potatoes. Ideally, I should have cut the metal out and replaced the quarter, but time and money will not allow, so I spent a great deal of time with a hammer and dolly set, trying to rework the already fatigued metal, then skimming it with bondo. I will say this - it's a very large area, but it's not deep, so don't be shocked by what you see. I should have it complete and primed tomorrow.

Radiator - radiator was stripped and repainted with Eastwood radiator black. Turned out beautiful.

Rear windows - the rear windows are being removed to rejuvenate the rubber seals and reinstall them with a proper seal. This also allows me the ability to repaint the interior trim.

Rear window trim - trim is being removed to prep for paint, get "grunge" out, and shine the pieces. I am also in the process of removing old body seal in/below the gutters to address rust and installl fresh new sealant.

Other - a few shots of parts being primed or painted - I had the catalytic and first part of the exhaust system sandblasted, and painted it in high-temp POR-15 manifold grey.

Enjoy! I have about six weeks to get this car back to a moveable state, still much to do.

Chris

http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/popbumper/1976%20Pinto%20wagon%20restoration/Body%20restoration/

dga57 · « **Reply #257 on:** October 13, 2011, 12:38:28 AM »

Lookin' good, Chris!!!

Dwayne

popbumper · « **Reply #258 on:** October 31, 2011, 09:08:10 PM »

Update for October 31st, 2011

With Halloween evening now behind, a few moments to update the progress on my vehicle. The Fall has blessed us with an abundance of warm, sunny days, and with temps in the low to mid 70's, it has been exceptional "working weather" in which to accomplish finishing touches to the car before it comes home from the garage it has been in the last two years. Alas, it will NOT be complete, but bringing it to home base allows me the priveledge of keeping tabs on it locally, and getting it ready for paint - which I hope to complete this Winter or early Spring.

Though the engine and drivetrain have been reinstalled, the body exists primarily as a shell now, with all panels removed and under restoration. Having completed the majority of the main bodywork (quarters, roof, rockers), I am now concentrating on the doors and fenders first, with the hatch door and hood to be finished last.

The elements took a strong toll on this car as it sat outdoors unloved near a lake, and under trees, allowing water to collect and sit without evaporating. The result are a series of hidden areas where water pooled and created some unique damage. While not shown in the pics, the passenger door suffered a large area of internal rust on the back of the door skin (water got under the undercoating), resulting in two pinholes in the door that needed patched, and areas at the "forward curve" of both doors that needed attention. Add the requisite plethora of scrapes, dings, scratches, bent trim, and rusty hinges, and there is plenty of work!!

Please enjoy 21 more pictures of door and fender rework, as these important panels go through straightening exercises to get them flat and smooth before they are rehung on the car.

Chris

http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/popbumper/1976%20Pinto%20wagon%20restoration/Body%20panel%20restoration%20I/

dga57 · « **Reply #259 on:** November 02, 2011, 12:19:07 AM »

Wow, that's a lot of work! It will all be worth it in the end, though. Looks fantastic!
Dwayne

popbumper · « **Reply #260 on:** November 27, 2011, 07:03:24 PM »

Update for November 27th 2011

Time marches on, and along the road of the tedious path to restoration, welcome milestones happen. With a long 2011 near behind us, the hottest Summer on record in Texas, and a stint at a friend's shop for just over two years, I brought my car home today - to begin its final journey towards completion.

The bright, sunny cool day was a perfect one, and my buddy Rob was again helpful as he has always been, lining up local transportation with a friend who owns a car hauling trailer. Rob and I hit the road at about 11:45 today for what would be the final trek out to the garage in which a remarkable amount of work has been accomplished across the last two years.

Backing up the "tape" a bit, Rob and I had both been struggling to accomplish the goal of making the car mobile this year - as well as completing all of the bodywiork that could possibly be done, and hanging panels (doors and fenders) which had previously been reworked/primered/painted. The weather in North Texas had been very, very favorable over the last few months, allowing for these things to happen. Interestingly, I had also been out of work between July and October, and while not having a paycheck was challenging, I had loads of free time - and filled my hours with car work, which moved my calendar up considerably. Can you say "blessing in disguise?"

With the sun full shine, we arrived at the garage. The day prior had been cold, gray, windy and wet - so the timing was perfect. After adding fresh gas to the tank, the engine fired willingly, and idled smoothly. The car was moved from the garage out to the street - a long trek in reverse, but flawless in execution.
It was WONDERFUL to see the car move under its own power again - MANY thanks to Rob, who is far more talented in the mechanical department (whereas I LOVE body and paint work). Rob's friend showed up, and we headed home.

With the engine compartment complete and 95% of the bodywork done, I yet need to work on the hood and rear door, as well as finish some minor details at the quarters. The paint in the door jambs has already been finished, as well as on the door edges itself, and around the rear side windows. I will likely remove the fenders again and have them shot seperately with the hood and rear door before they are reinstalled.

The car sits now in my garage at home, not at all a perfect place for work (two cars in the garage), but I will do some interior work over the winter (floor finish, dash reassembly, new headliner installation) as the weather allows. This Spring? Paint is what it's all about!! Then, weatherstrippi ng, dash, windshield, carpet, interior panels, interior and exterior trim....all the "icing".

July of 2012 marks the four year anniversary of the purchase of this car, and I hope to make this coming Summer one in which I actually get to ENJOY this car a great deal - in driving it, not just working on it!!

Here's a link to a handful of photos from today's trip. Enjoy!

Chris

http://s1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/popbumper/1976%20Pinto%20wagon%20restoration/Coming%20home%20after%20two%20years/

dga57 · « **Reply #261 on:** November 27, 2011, 10:53:23 PM »

That engine looks amazing! I'm sure it was a thrill to see it move under its own power! I'm betting that you'll have it 100% completed by the time that four year anniversary rolls around!

Dwayne

blupinto · « **Reply #262 on:** November 28, 2011, 07:57:14 PM »

It's so good to "hear" the pep in your "voice" again, Chris. I know this was a long drawn-out project but you're doing a beautiful job on that wagon.

As for pinholes in doorskins... you should've seen Ruby RedHot's driver's door before it got replaced... a looooong ragged hole about the length of the door on the outside... lacy on the inside...

Dwayne gave me an idea of what might've happened in my case- drain plugs in the doors not removed upon delivery to the dealership, which equals lots of sitting water after rains came and went... well... you know the rest...

popbumper · « **Reply #263 on:** November 28, 2011, 08:38:08 PM »

Dwayne & Blu:

I greatly appreciate the positive comments - folks like you keep me running "for the goal". More than halfway there now, never thought I'd get as far as I did. Years back, I did a frame off on a 1957 Chevy - got it to the SAME point I am now with the Pinto, and sold it before finishing. The Pinto WILL be finished...... it will not have the same fate! Hope to see you guys out there one day.....

Chris

blupinto · « **Reply #264 on:** November 28, 2011, 11:56:33 PM »

Well, when you're done with yours... come on over and I'll give you another project! lol You do a great job of painting, among other things. My '74, who is in the garage wasting away, needs a paint job stat!

popbumper · « **Reply #265 on:** October 10, 2013, 01:49:53 PM »

Hi guys:
Yeah, been two years since I have been out here, progress is very slow but sure. This is my active time with the weather cooperative (too hot in Summer).

A quick synopsis of where I am at - I'll post pics later to Photobucket.

1) EXTERIOR: Bodywork is 95% complete. All body panels are on the car again, but all windows are out. The drivers side, hood and rear door have been painted - allowing me to get an idea of what I missed during prime/block/sand (a few spots); I will paint the rest of it within a few weeks. Then, I will repair, resand, and send to a GOOD painter who has the proper facilities for final coat.

2) INTERIOR:
a) The dashboard goes in this weekend. It is fitted with NOS outlets, NOS control for the heat and A/C, a NOS dashcap, NOS ashtray assembly, and NOS speaker. It's absolutely beautiful.
b) Floor, roof, and side panels have been lined with Fatmat Extreme. All other interior surfaces have been repainted to correct factory color.
c) New headliner goes in within two weeks.
d) NOS windshield goes in after headliner.

3) MECHANICAL:
a) Car purchased with horrible and falling apart dealer installed A/C. Found a rotten '74 wagon that had factory A/C and we pulled the whole unit, ductwork, restored everything, and installed it in my wagon. It will be powered with a NEW compressor.
b) Rear end!! The only thing that remains to be restored. Need new springs and have to restore the housing.
This has been a five year project so far - as close to "frame off (LOL)" as you can get. Looking back I would NOT have picked this car having found what was wrong (some pretty bad rust for a Texas car, deteriorating plastics, leaking gas tank, mechanically shot suspension), but all has been long since repaired and I have fought through it. Paid way to much for it to begin with, but I'll be very proud of it when it's done.
Thanks all.

dga57 · « **Reply #266 on:** October 11, 2013, 12:47:50 AM »

Quote from: popbumper on October 10, 2013, 01:49:53 PM

Paid way to much for it to begin with, but I'll be very proud of it when it's done.

And that's what make it all ultimately worthwhile!!!

Dwayne

dianne · « **Reply #267 on:** October 15, 2013, 10:26:36 PM »

Looks awesome!!! I love the work on it and I'm sure your wife will appreciate driving it!

WOW, inspiring...

popbumper · « **Reply #268 on:** October 21, 2013, 09:58:06 AM »

Update for 10/21/13

This past week, the weather has been beautiful and I am taking advantage of some time off. Installed the dash, did some more bodywork and interior prep. Have a handful of photos to share for current status. Enjoy.
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j350/popbumper/1976%20Pinto%20wagon%20restoration/Interior%20and%20finish%20related/

Chris

74 PintoWagon · « **Reply #269 on:** October 21, 2013, 10:38:42 AM »

Looks great.

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Author Topic: Popbumper's '76 wagon - update (Read 80577 times)