PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: fairlaneracer on January 25, 2013, 09:36:46 AM

Title: Grille interchange
Post by: fairlaneracer on January 25, 2013, 09:36:46 AM
Looking for info. I have a 1976 Pinto and looking to convert the front and rear to look like a 1971. Will the grille and bumpers interchange? Please Help.
Title: Re: Grille interchange
Post by: Pinto1600 on January 25, 2013, 12:19:34 PM
It can be done,but alot of fabricating! Good luck! Early Pintos had solid frame work,after '74 shock absorbing -heavy mounts and differant trim. The grille also mounted differantly.
Title: Re: Grille interchange
Post by: TIGGER on January 25, 2013, 09:11:25 PM
I believe a 74 or 75 grille will interchange with your 76.  74 was the first year of the cable hood release.  The 71-73 cars had a manual hood release so the grille is different and would probably have to be modified to work on your 76.  I believe the early bumpers will bolt on with some fabrication however the front valance will have to be modified to clear the larger radiator support frame.  There is a pink 79 or 80 that was converted years ago.  If I remember correctly he showed what needed to be done for the early front end in his thread.  Sorry I forgot his screen name.
Title: Re: Grille interchange
Post by: James Meter on January 27, 2013, 04:54:22 PM
I've got a '75 (vertical & horozontal bars) that I've put a '74 (vertical ribs) grille on.

Also gonna drain the bumper shocks to move the bumper closer to the car. Hope I helped a little@!
Title: Re: Grille interchange
Post by: JoeBob on January 27, 2013, 10:20:03 PM
There is an easy way to draw the fat bumpers in to fit flush, if that will help. I did it on my 77. I showed a step by step in one of the forums. If anyone is interested I will look up the link and post it.
Bill
Title: Re: Grille interchange
Post by: James Meter on January 27, 2013, 10:31:40 PM
Joebob..please?
Title: Re: Grille interchange
Post by: JoeBob on January 28, 2013, 07:14:33 PM
Here it is
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?topic=19149.msg120637#msg120637 (http://www.fordpinto.com/your-project/simple-fat-bumper-fix/msg120637/#msg120637)