Where do I start?
I came across this site while looking up the car I had just purchased. A white 1977 Ford Pinto hatchback, the listing caught my eye. at the price I got it for it was the only car with the ability to drive. I picked it up unregistered - The engine was loud, the exhaust smelled and it was my first time experiencing a car that didn't have power steering or normal brakes. Upon driving away with the vehicle I got a text from the guy who sold it to me "Let me know if you get home okay" . . I immediately put my palm to my face
but I also put blind faith in the car and took it 40 miles that night, over the San Mateo bridge to my girlfriend's house. The next morning I took my girlfriend on the trip we were planning to Santa Cruz, that's a round trip of over 200 miles in a car that is unregistered and unproven. I was completely unfamiliar with the vehicle and just set myself down a 200 mile road that sometimes loses cell phone reception, this may of been the most risky decision I've ever made with a car . . . but, it made it!
That's right, unregistered . . smogging galore down the California streets. The car made it there and back safely. Even with a cop behind me at one point
Here's the problems, I've never really worked on a car and I feel over my head but I'll be damned if I'm going to get rid of this thing for less than I paid for it! . . mrrrrumph!
it doesn't start up right away if it's your first time driving it that day. It starts up easily but you need to give it some gas . . what's the diagnosis and how do I fix this?
the exhaust smell . . what can I do to fix this? Sadly I once had a 1997 Ford Probe that had a similar exhaust smell.
the engine seems to be all original, what can I replace and how much will it cost me? What should I do first to get this car up to road worthy standard?
also if we have any interior experts here, the carpet seems to have some rot and some tears . . I've found a carpet kit for the car but I looked up a video of how to install and it seems like a large task to undertake . . you have to lift the car to remove the seats and then tear out the old rug and place rug in it . .
I bought window handled because the car came with clamps to open the window, I ordered them online and they're suppose to be for the Ford Pinto, it looks like they fit but then they just don't grip the screw thing