PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: GreginColo on March 11, 2017, 10:50:24 PM

Title: Newbi Questions
Post by: GreginColo on March 11, 2017, 10:50:24 PM

Hi, I just become aware of this forum.  I have always liked Pinto's but never previously owned one, but always thoughts they were cute, so cute in fact that when I saw a clean looking one at a recent auction.  It's a 78 base station wagon in the medium jade green color, with the vinyl and cloth interior.  I will try and attach a couple of photos.

I do have several initial questions as I try to learn more about the car, so if anyone reading this can help, that would be appreciated.
 1) the car has a 4 speed, but the clutch seems very stiff (ie hard to depress).. Is that normal, or do I need to get it checked out?
2) the VIN is 8T12Y105---; can anyone help with what that tells me about the car.
3) I would like to better protect the body sides from any potential dings.  Is anyone aware of new or repo side molding, or what else have someone used as a good looking side molding.

I am in Northern Colorado, if there are any other Pinto owners/enthusiasts in the area.

Thanks for reading this post and any assistance you can offer. 

Title: Re: Newbi Questions
Post by: 1972 Wagon on March 11, 2017, 11:32:58 PM

Nice looking Pinto! At the lower left side of the screen, there is a Pinto Vin Decoder. You might want to try using it. I can't help with any mechanical issues but this information was in my Chilton's Motor/ Age Professional Parts Manual. A 1978 Y (Engine Code) had the following information: Engine No. Cylinder Disp. (cu in): 4-140, Carb Bbl: 2v, H.P.: 88, Spark Plugs: AWRF 42, Spark Plug Gap: .034, Manual Transmission: 6B, Fuel Pump Pressure: 5.5-6.5, Idle Speed: 850. You may want to use the search box to see if anyone else has asked your questions.  Enjoy your "new" car!

Title: Re: Newbi Questions
Post by: 1972 Wagon on March 11, 2017, 11:52:16 PM

I searched the archives and found some information to decode your Vin number. The 8 stands for 1978. The T means that your car was made at the Ford plant in Metuchen. The 12 means it is a wagon. The Y is the engine code. The last digits indicate the sequence of assembly at the plant so your car was number 105??? assembled. I hope this helps.

Title: Re: Newbi Questions
Post by: warhead2 on March 12, 2017, 10:48:40 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Newbi Questions
Post by: TIGGER on March 13, 2017, 02:17:41 PM

You can also try and purchase a Marti report.   

http://www.martiauto.com/martireports.cfm 

That will tell you a lot about your car.