Author Topic: Restoring my 1971 Ford Pinto Trunk Model (Read 33075 times)

larjohnson · « **on:** January 13, 2009, 12:59:10 PM »

Well... got my 1971 Ford Pinto trunk model from Washington State on January 7, 2009. It's in great shape for what I've paid for it. It came with Ford Mustang 15 inch rims on it, and I'm replacing those with original Ford Pinto 13 inch rims, in a large part due to the help of Dave at smallfryefarms . It also had Mustang seats in it, and I wanted them replaced. Found some great original 1971 seats while salvaging, and they're at the upholstery shop being recovered as we speak. I seen them today, and they look nothing short of fantastic. Currently the Pinto is at the mechanics, and it's getting a new alternator, condenser, tie rod, alternator, and new tires. I hope to have the interior done by the end of April, and new paint on it by the fall. Hope you enjoy the pix. Larry :police:

01/15/2009 Hey!!! got the seats back from the upholstery shop today, all I can say is WOW!!!!!! They look amazing. The seats were recovered in the original 1971 Ford fabric, but they modified the design of the seats, to give them a more modern and sporty look. The best part was, it was very reasonable. I only paid $40.00 more to have each seat totally recovered, than I did to repair one panel on my 1972 Pinto. I like the seats so well, I'm even considering having the rear seat recovered, even though the original fabric and seams look great. If I decide to recover the rear seat, I'll have it done in April when I have the new headliner installed. My brother manages a tire store in Muncie, Indiana, and he's got it mechanically up to snuff, and put on the new 13 inch tires today. He sent me a text with the pix of the new whitewall tires, the car is really coming along. Anyway, just wanted to update my progress..... Larry :police:

dga57 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2009, 12:00:03 AM »

Larry!
Sounds like you're off to a good start! I wish it was warmer here so I could get something done on mine!
Dwayne :smile:

larjohnson · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2009, 12:56:16 PM »

My brother called me today and said the tie rod will be another 5 or so days coming in. Well that's okay

, he has it stored inside a heated garage

. I was able to locate the new carpet in Ohio and ordered that yesterday, and I will be ordering the new dash cap today, when I get home. Tomorrow a buddy and I are going salvaging, looking for a right front bumper guard and front turn signal lenses. I know they're at the salvage yard I found in Greenfield, Indiana, so they won't be a problem to find

. I'm going to need a new grille, and I think the Pinto's grille in Greenfield is broken :accident:. But, I'll find one soon enough I guess. Everything is going according to plan, and the Pinto will be getting a fantastic face lift over the next couple of months. I am really loving this car

. Looking forward to warmer weather, which will surely help in it's restoration. Will be posting pix, once I get it home and can start the photo documentation.
Larry :police:

smallfryefarm · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2009, 01:01:43 PM »

larry looking forward to seeing the pixs, glad to see your progress is moving along so well. I hope to get back on mine some time next week after i catch up on the honey do jobs. I guess i should not say catch up just knock a few off the list. :smile:

discolives78 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2009, 10:11:05 PM »

Larry:

Is that Reed's Pinto? It's cool that you're putting the 13's back on. 13" tires are getting harder to find, especially in sport and wide sizes. It's cool that you have access to a tire shop. Coker has some but they're more like 64 Falcon tires than the original pinto tires. Are you in Indiana? I spent a few summers around Connersville/Richmond when I was in my 20s. Nice place to be. Car looks great, keep up the good work!

Chuck

larjohnson · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2009, 08:35:06 PM »

Discolives78:
Yes this is Reed's Pinto.... and I'm really happy to have it. I went and seen it today, they had it sitting outside. Apparently when they got the new inner tie rod in, it was not compatible with the original outer; therefore, they have the new outer ordered, and the car will be finished when that comes in next week. Went to the junk yard today in Greenfield, Indiana and one in Modoc, Indiana, to look for some things the Pinto needed. Anyway, came up in bust in Greenfield, but when I went to Modoc, I found a bumper guard, turn signal lens, gas cap, and a vent knob. Bought them all for $20.00, I thought that was a steal. I have a buddy from work who's restoring a 1966 Chevrolet Corvair, I've dubbed the "CORVIEKE", because of his name. He loves to go salvaging with me, and we had a blast today. As a matter of fact, I think I wore him out, and he's half my age. I'm glad to see the younger folks appreciate the beauty of a Pinto. Anyway, if you were in the Connersville/Richmond area you've tread some of my old stomping grounds. I worked in the Connersville/Richmond area for 9 years in the mid 70's to early 80s as a police dispatcher and motor carrier officer. I loved that area, but later moved on to another career path. Anyway, I'm sure we've got some stories we could share. Anyway, Reed has given me a fantastic toy to enjoy, this car is becoming very special to me, and I'm having the time of my life restoring it. I'll keep posting pix during it's progress, and keep you all informed on how I'm doing with it. Reed is probably going to want it back, once he sees how great it's gonna look. Like I posted earlier, the seats are just beautiful, and I'm getting more and more anxious for warm weather, so I can work on it. Have a great day..... Larry

larjohnson · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2009, 08:45:57 PM »

Dave: smallfryefarms:

Yes, the car is coming along nicely, with great thanks to you. The rims worked great, and the new tires really look fantastic on this little piece of history. I'm really looking forward to this summer, when it's going to be easier to work on. I did find some parts I needed today while salvaging, and got a great buy. Hopefully, sometime this summer, when you make a trip to Eaton Ohio, I can meet you there for coffee and lunch, and show off this great little car. Hey!!!! thanks again for your help with the rims, I have really appreciated your generosity. Have a great day

Larry :police:

larjohnson · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:30:50 AM »

Well... got the new carpet ordered last week, and thanks to Mom and Dad, I've now ordered the new dash cap. Had my family Christmas with Mom and Dad this weekend, and I'm using their Christmas gift to buy my new dash cap, and a new vent knob for the driver's side of the Pinto. My Buddy, John, who has the 1966 Chevrolet Corvair "The Corvieke" as we've dubbed it, and I went salvaging on Friday, and found a driver's side turn signal lens, bumper guard (not the correct one), vent knob, and gas cap. I think the only thing I can use for now is the turn signal lens. Anyway, the project is coming along nicely, and I'm anxious for warmer weather, to ease in the work on the project, and also to drive it more.

dholvrsn · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2009, 12:34:23 PM »

You wouldn't have any trouble with those Mustang wheels rubbing on the A-arms would you?

larjohnson · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2009, 01:28:41 PM »

Well, not really sure, except the gentleman I bought the Pinto from said if you turned too sharp, the tires would rub. Since I didn't drive it once it came in with the 15 inch tires and rims, I really can't answer truthfully. I just didn't like the idea of having such large tires and rims on a car designed for smaller ones. Plus, I just like having it in an original type form, vs any modifications from the original design. I'm sure I'll be happier with what I want out of a Pinto, by just having the 13 inch rims and tires back in place. This is a great little car, and I'm looking forward to driving it. Was missing a seat knob on the driver's side seat I found while salvaging. Fortunately, I found one through an Ebay seller, and he's shipping it to me now. I think that's the last interior piece I need, with the exception of a factory radio, which I'm in no hurry to find..... Larry :police:

larjohnson · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2009, 02:08:33 PM »

Well, the dash cap arrived yesterday for the 1971 Pinto (Reeds Pinto), and I got the new vent knob and mechanism over the weekend. I've ordered the new grille and front bumper guard from Frank Morgan, and they're coming soon. The new carpet arrived today. If the car gets out of the shop this weekend, we may have some warmer weather, and I may get to start on it. If nothing else, I'll dye the plastic seat parts, and maybe paint the rims. Lovin it!!!!!!!!!! Larry :police:

Reed · « **Reply #11 on:** February 05, 2009, 11:14:14 AM »

Glad to see it went to a good home and you are taking care of it! I no longer own a Pinto, but I will watch this thread to see how my old one gets fixed up. Good luck with it!

75bobcatv6 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2009, 03:52:59 AM »

hope to see pics soon

dave1987 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2009, 09:39:41 AM »

Word of advice on the carpet.

Take it out of the box, totally unfold it and let it sit in a warm room of the house to let the wrinkles and bubble smooth themselves out. I have some bubbles in my carpet and fitting it didn't come out so well because I rushed the install. Take your time on the carpet, that stuff isn't cheap and is about 40% of your interior!

larjohnson · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2009, 07:03:25 PM »

Reed: Hey!!!!! I do love the Pinto, I'm really looking forward to enjoying it this summer. It's a great car, I'll take good care of it.

Dave: Thanks for the advise on the carpet, Yeah!!!!!! I'll do that, didn't even think about that. You're right the carpet will work wonders on the interior, but the seats are what's the real beauty.

75bobcatv6: I will be posting pictures, I don't really have any now, but once I get it home, I'll start with a lot of before pictures, and will take pictures, during it's restoration. It'll be a beautiful little Pinto. Will work on the rims, once I get her home from the shop. They're still having problems with the passenger side tie rods, hope to have that fixed this week.

I am having them check the rear end and bearings in the back axle too. Reed had posted at some point there was a noise in the rear end, so they're going to check it out. Hopefully, all the mechanicals will be completed.

When I got the new seat knob for the driver's side seat, it made the passenger seat knob look really bad, so I ordered a new passenger seat knob today. Didn't think I'd ever find these little critters, but fortunately, found a person with some old stock, and they are brand new. What a great find!!!!!!

Larry :police:

dave1987 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2009, 08:19:58 PM »

Yeah. I have spoken to people in the Ford parts department and they say that there are always people coming in and asking for several NOS parts in large quantities, and the buyers sell them and make a very sizable profit!

Last year I replaced my carpet and dash pad, it made the car soo much nicer! I was planning to do my front seats and headliner this year but debt from what was supposed to be my wife has caught up with me.

All in due time!

larjohnson · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2009, 12:41:27 PM »

Dave1987: Well I've been blessed :angel: with a new job, that gives me a little extra spending money. I have wanted a Pinto as a toy for years, but was just never able to afford it :mad:. Raising 3 kids, and working for peanuts, didn't allow much luxury items. I would sit for hours on ebay and look at some of these beautiful pieces of Ford history, and I knew someday I'd have one. Well luck has had it, I now have 2, and I'll never get rid of them. I was going to do a few things at a time to the 1971, but I've been able to move forward a little faster than I thought :fastcar:. Today helped, Fred Morgan mailed me the bumper guard I ordered from him, it arrived today. The bumper guard looks brand new, I'm very pleased. Your car is beautiful

, and with time, you'll have her finished. I hope the 1971 is done by the time of an all Ford car show in Middletown, Indiana in September..... we'll see...... Larry :police:

larjohnson · « **Reply #17 on:** February 14, 2009, 07:22:15 PM »

Well.... got the grille yesterday from Fred Morgan, WHAT A RESOURCE we have in him.....I'm so glad I found him on this site. The grille was fantastic

, and will look great on the trunk model. I also got the other seat knob today in the mail, now both my new seats will have fantastic looking release knobs on them, wow!!!!! The trunk model is still in the shop, all's done on it with the exception of the tie rods on the front passenger side

. Apparently, the new inner tie rod, doesn't match up with the old outer tie rod. Therefore, the shop is attempting to get both, which will cohabitate nicely with each other. They're hoping to have it done this week. I went ahead, while they had it, and told them to check the rear wheel bearings. Reed mentioned in an earlier post there was a noise in the rear, wasn't sure if it was the bearings or rearend. Might as well have them do something to it while they've got it. It's kinda been a God send :angel: having it take so long for the tie rods, it's been inside a heated garage now for nearly 6 weeks, so that's been a positive. :lol: Well, I'll keep posting my progress, and pictures just as soon as I get my new baby home!!!! Larry :police:

larjohnson · « **Reply #18 on:** February 22, 2009, 04:30:21 PM »

Well.... I've been trying to post before and after pictures of my 1971 Pinto seats. I bought these seats from a salvage yard in Greenfield, Indiana, and they came from a 1972 Pinto Runabout. The Pinto had all it's windows, and the seats had after market seat covers on them. I'm assuming that's what kept the seats in such remarkable condition. Anyway, I had the seats recovered, and they're ready to put in my 1971 Pinto I got from Reed in Washington State, once this silly weather breaks. Anyway, hope you enjoy the pictures, they don't do the new seats justice. The seats are nothing short of amazing in how they look. They will look great once installed in the 71.

discolives78 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2009, 04:48:14 PM »

The black seats are going to look great in that car!

Chuck :afro:

beegle55 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2009, 05:59:44 PM »

Sounds like you hard at work!

Hope to see pictures soon and hope your progress goes as smooth as it can when dealing with a 30+ year old car.

-beegle55

larjohnson · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2009, 11:11:36 AM »

Yeah!!! the problem is I keep seeing things others are doing with their Pintos, and I want to do it too. Oh well, I guess I'll get things done with mine, whenever I can. Can't wait for warm weather, I'm really looking forward to working on it.

dave1987 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2009, 02:41:09 PM »

Even those who are doing things to their cars feel lethargic from time to time. For instance, I really didn't want to do the ball-joints on my car, and put it out of commission for three days, but it had to be done if I am going to take it on road trips this year. I should get the seat hinge covers on mine, as well as the dash panel, but I'm feeling lazy and don't want to do anything right now.

pintosopher · « **Reply #23 on:** February 23, 2009, 03:44:01 PM »

Dave1987,
Caffeine , Lots of it , I'm on my 8th cup now :amazed: Lights up your mind!

All other substances could be considered illegal :lol:

Pintosopher

larjohnson · « **Reply #24 on:** February 23, 2009, 04:40:03 PM »

Well... you know.... I get those days where I just don't want to do anything either, but I haven't even had the 71 home yet. It's been sitting in a heated garage for the last six weeks (lucky there), waiting to get mechanical work and new tires. Dave1987, just feel fortunate you have the knowledge to install the ball joints. I can do minor repairs; but ball joints; never done them; probably could if I knew how. Anyway, I'm waiting for the installation of my new ball joints, and that should conclude all the mechanical work the 71 needs. Once I get her home, I'm going to be hot and heavy on the interior. Then a Macquires 3 step wax process, WOW!!!!! I can't wait to get her beautiful. Pintosopher, oh yeah!!!!! Coffee, that's what I need. :lol:

dave1987 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 24, 2009, 12:55:27 AM »

I had no clue as to what I was doing when doing the ball joints, it was my first time EVER touching anything major on the suspension. I changed the shocks last year, but that was all the experience I had. Clymers, Haynes and Chiltons manuals had not one word on the process of ball joint replacement aside from stating that Ford says you must change the entire control arm!

I had done some extensive research the past few months on it, as I knew I was going to be doing it myself. I had done some picking here and there learning some ball joint stuff in the past year though, just to get the gist of things.

My determination to get mechanical things done, is that I am VERY stubborn, and protective of my Pony. I have always been one to do EVERYTHING myself, no matter what it is. I just keep the mind set that, it will be one more thing I will know how to do, I will have the pride to say I did it myself, and I will know exactly how it was done and what problems were encountered. I will NEVER put my Pony in a shop if I can help it. Alignment is the only thing. I will send it out for paint though, but that's about it. Determination is everything, knowledge is power!

I love working on my Pony, and being able to tell people that I have never had my car in a shop in the past 20 years except for an alignment (I know the car's history, it's been in the family since it was new). People don't believe me most of the time, but I still know the truth!

Pintosopher, I had LOTS of caffeine the past week, and am still coming down off of it. Tuesday night through Thursday morning I didn't sleep one wink, Friday morning I slept 6 hours, Friday night through Sunday morning I didn't sleep and Sunday morning I slept till 7:30 at night. Working grave yard really doesn't help my schedule, but as I said, I was determined to get those ball joints done!

larjohnson · « **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2009, 09:20:44 AM »

Okay Dave.... Yes you're right, I just need to jump in with both feet and learn some of this stuff. I'll wait until after I get the 71 back, since it's pretty much done. The good news is, it's in a shop where I know the owner (honest as the day is long), and my brother manages it. So I know it's in good hands. I'll keep you posted as I experiment with the joys of mechanics. Thanks for the advice, I'll do it.

Larry :police:

pintosopher · « **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2009, 11:30:29 AM »

Dave ,
Not to diminish your dedication to self-reliance or your concern for safety protocols, You accomplished on of the dirtiest most dangerous under-car jobs by doing it by the book.
I stopped using Pickle forks after my first Ball Joint job at age 17. I later bought the "Rocker arm" tool for separating the joint from the knuckle. Cutting the rivets off with the Control arm in a vise like you did. I'm sure that my job wasn't done much sooner than yours. But My '55 Chevy had the most immaculate Chevy orange and gloss black control arms when I was done. I even Loosely assembled the whole Knuckle assy and upper& Lower arms and put upstairs in my room to dry the paint for a week :lol:
Thirty years of being around professionals ,reading a LOT, and then actually
seeing the Techs working alongside me ,taught me a few tricks too! Keep at it, and always remember "it's never a bad Idea to crack a Service manual open" just don't get discouraged at the "special tools" they use to write the manuals. (European vehicles)

Oh Yeah,
Use Melatonin to reset your Sleep patterns for Shift work. At your age it won't take much. .5 Mg , it's over the counter. I Have to use this stuff at my age.. :sleep:

Pintosopher

dave1987 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2009, 02:00:19 PM »

Larry, don't let your fear of things keep you from doing anything. I think I get my stubbornness from my father, as well as the want to do things myself. Anyone can do what a shop says, and my shop manuals have helpped immensely, the Haynes more so than the others. Even I feel like giving up now and then and just sending the car out to get fixed by a professional, then I remember that I'm basically broke and wouldn't be able to afford the work anyway, so I do it myself with what I can and the job gets done in the end. Keep up the hard work, you won't regret it in the end, I promise!

Pintosopher, it's good to hear I am not the only one crazy enough to do these things myself at a young age with little experience. I was told to use a special tool to separate the tie rod ends, but I just removed the castle bolt from the stud, put a regular one on (flush with the end of the stud, so as not to disfigure it), and then smacked it with a 5lb hammer three times and it popped right out. Undid the bolt and the tie-rod end came right down. Getting the new R&P boots on was another story... I will look into this Melatonin you speak of.

Also, these forums and Google have been A LOT of help for my repairs. Lots of research, even if it is exhausting. Remember, it is better to know more and do it semi-correct the first time, rather then have to start over again with a new car if your original car is trashed in the process.

Oh! One more....I go into my projects thinking "anything can be fixed, as long as you have the will power to do it!". This has served me well over the years. I have fixed things from power supplies, computers, VCRs, DVD players, TVs, soft-serve ice cream machines at work, and my car with these ethics. It might take more to fix some things than others, but in reality, anything can be fixed (even cheaply!) as long as the person who is fixing it WANTS it fixed.

discolives78 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 24, 2009, 04:14:22 PM »

I like fixing my car myself, and I'll tackle some pretty big jobs, but I haven't ever done ball joints, either. I've read books and online, and have the 'jist' of it. The only time my car was in any kind of shop since I've had it was a muffler shop (catalytic converter), and a tire shop (I know how to dismount and remount them, I'm just not equipped anymore.)

Chuck

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Author Topic: Restoring my 1971 Ford Pinto Trunk Model (Read 33075 times)