PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: JohnW on April 12, 2012, 01:14:35 PM

Title: Replace later tail lights with early ones?
Post by: JohnW on April 12, 2012, 01:14:35 PM

Can I install taillights from an early Pinto on my '80 without modifying anything? Or did they change the sheetmetal on the back?

Title: Re: Replace later tail lights with early ones?
Post by: oldkayaker on April 12, 2012, 03:05:22 PM

The late model tail lights and associated sheet metal openings are taller than the early models.  The earlier lights will not bolt up and cover the larger openings with out some modifications.  I have the outside portion of a late panel and the early light bolts up but has a visible gap at the bottom.  Not sure about the center portion fit.  Probably have to fill/drill the panel for a proper fit/placement of the early lights.  This ebay vendor presently has photos of both panels for comparison.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1971-1976-Ford-Pinto-Rear-Body-Tail-Light-Panel-/110821469181?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item19cd796bfd (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1971-1976-Ford-Pinto-Rear-Body-Tail-Light-Panel-/110821469181?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item19cd796bfd)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1977-1978-79-Ford-Pinto-Rear-Body-Tail-Light-Panel-/120837922512?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item1c22805ed0 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1977-1978-79-Ford-Pinto-Rear-Body-Tail-Light-Panel-/120837922512?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item1c22805ed0)

Title: Re: Replace later tail lights with early ones?
Post by: JohnW on April 12, 2012, 06:38:55 PM

Thanks, that's what I figured. I'll have to cut the metal out when I find a donor. I think I saw a trashed Maverick in a junkyard, might have to go find it and do some cutting and welding...