PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: malachi on December 16, 2012, 08:28:56 AM

Title: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: malachi on December 16, 2012, 08:28:56 AM
Guys need help..i am from Philippines and i just acquired my Ford Pinto...the papers show that it is 1972 model...but it dlooks a 1979...the previous owners said nothing was changed/ mofified...its oroginal manual says 1979 model with 2.3L engine...but the VIN is 2R10X125279 which denotes it is 1972 like the previous owner has said...but it really looks like it is 1979..i have attaches some pics...please enlighten me and the more info the better..thanks guys!
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: Scott Hamilton on December 16, 2012, 09:25:15 AM
Well, it most definitely has a 79-80 front end- If the rear has the same size bumper I would 'assume' you have a 79-  She looks good...
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: blupinto on December 16, 2012, 09:27:41 AM
It sure looks like a '79 to me. Where is the VIN you're referring to? The dash? Somebody may have tampered with it before they sold it to you. The R means it was built in San Jose, so that VIN came from (very possibly) a California car... the state where cars from 1976 up have to be smogged. I'll bet someone swapped VINs to avoid the hassle of smogging. Where did you purchase this car? BTW, it looks pretty nice. Congratulation s! ;D
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: Fred Morgan on December 16, 2012, 09:45:24 AM
That is a nice looking 79 with a 72 VIN # .   Fred   :)
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: onefarmer on December 16, 2012, 11:24:10 AM
How about a pic of the dash. If the VIN on the dash is 72 maybe someone swapped out the 79 dash for a 72?
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: malachi on December 16, 2012, 05:11:54 PM
Thank you very much guys! I bought it last aug 2012 locally from the first owner.The motor has only 52k mileage. The body is intact but the interior needs to be replaced especially that smell! I have attached some pictures to better identify its model and type of motor. Thanks!
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: Scott Hamilton on December 16, 2012, 05:15:41 PM
Looks all 79 to me...
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: 72pair on December 16, 2012, 07:43:26 PM
Definitely a 79. What alternator is that though?
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: malachi on December 16, 2012, 08:10:49 PM
thanks...so it is 79?....alternator is from a nissan i think but not sure...how about the motor guys?...Is it a 2.3L?
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: D.R.Ball on December 16, 2012, 09:32:09 PM
Check the driver side door there should be a tag with the VIN, it's where the door closes. The engine is a 2.3 the alternator looks like a Ford 3G.... Also check the engine sticker on the timing cover it will tell you how to do a tune up..If it's an export car that info will be different from the U.S......Do not lose that info....Also it might have a different VIN.....Check the Ford web site...Or it could have been ordered by a U.S. Service member and delivered to P.I.
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: James Meter on January 17, 2013, 05:04:06 PM
Wait for just a second dudes.. I've had an engine that the altenator and valve covers looked very similar to.. The engine they were on was the German Kent engine 2000cc. I learned that it was a different engine after bringing it home. The altenetor hardware, engine mounting locations, and the valve cover were all different legenths and measurements than the original one in my '75 2.3. Instead of going through the VIN trouble again, why not go by the route of comparing key differences in engine manifolds (the Kent had a flat pattern to the mounting bolts), engine covers (shorter than the later 2.3, different bolt hole locations) , and in the gas tank area (different gas takeafter the 'blow-up' cases)? The carb was the only thing that would bolt up directly.

Oh..with my Pinto cane a spare VIN plate stapled to the inside cover of the owner's manual, mabye check into yours if you've got it?
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: jeremysdad on January 18, 2013, 07:23:30 AM
Wait for just a second dudes.. I've had an engine that the altenator and valve covers looked very similar to.. The engine they were on was the German Kent engine 2000cc. I learned that it was a different engine after bringing it home. The altenetor hardware, engine mounting locations, and the valve cover were all different legenths and measurements than the original one in my '75 2.3. Instead of going through the VIN trouble again, why not go by the route of comparing key differences in engine manifolds (the Kent had a flat pattern to the mounting bolts), engine covers (shorter than the later 2.3, different bolt hole locations) , and in the gas tank area (different gas takeafter the 'blow-up' cases)? The carb was the only thing that would bolt up directly.

Oh..with my Pinto cane a spare VIN plate stapled to the inside cover of the owner's manual, mabye check into yours if you've got it?

2.0 oil filler is in the front. :)
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: r4pinto on January 18, 2013, 07:48:45 AM
That car definitely screams 79. Don't see anything 72 about it.
Title: Re: From opposite side of the globe...PLs. help me identify my Pinto!
Post by: derekrichmond15@yahoo.com on January 27, 2013, 04:03:16 PM
The pinto  only had square head lights for 2 years 79-80 engine is 2.3 if it has a automatic transmission it is a c3 transmission I have a 1980 Mercury Bobcat looks the same it has the 4 speed manual transmission good luck & nice find !!