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Author Topic: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions  (Read 3085 times)

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Offline popbumper

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1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« on: February 12, 2015, 04:29:43 PM »
Putting this here because I don't want to use my project thread. I've been working on my 1976 wagon since 2008. We're almost to paint. Headliner is in, bodywork is 95% complete, dash is 60% reassembled, engine compartment done.

I've been extremely fortunate over the last few weeks to locate important trim items. Today I picked up a set of NOS FRONT AND REAR bumpers for $400 total. I also picked up an NOS set of wheel well trim, and an NOS passenger rocker panel trim piece recently, as well as rear taillamp housings. This is the hard to find stuff - I'm thrilled.

BUT HERE'S MY QUESTION:
This car started as an MPG wagon with smog pump, charcoal canister, MPG decals, standard shift, manual brakes, and dealer add on AC - but has a lot of nice stainless trim, even around the side windows. I want to tastefully keep "the history" of the car intact, but also want to add some desirable options. I have replaced the manual brakes with a power setup, added factory AC, and pulled the smog pump. I'm thinking of going to 5 lug wheels also, because I have an 8" rear end. The 2.3 is factory, nothing special. I am redoing the original colors, both inside and out.

I have come across a set of used but straight side panels for the cruising wagon.

Given that it's a '76 and "mostly" stock, WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON MAKING IT A CRUSING WAGON? Is it going to look too plain? Does that "destroy" the integrity of its history? Leave it as is? What would YOU do?

Thanks.

Chris
Restoring a 1976 MPG wagon - purchased 6/08

Offline dianne

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2015, 04:42:01 PM »
I would say make it what you want, a cruisin wagon is pretty cool actually. So I would. I'm taking a nice brown 73 wagon and painting it screaming yellow, but it's personalized for me, you should do the same. I'm throwing in a 2.3 EFI engine and

As for resale value, beats me. But to me, this is my baby!!!
Vehicles:

- 1972 Plymouth Duster (To be a Pro Street)
- 1973 Ford Pinto wagon (registered ride 195)
- 1976 Mustang II mini-stock
- 1978 Mustang King Cobra II
- 1979 Ford Pinto Runabout
- 1986 Chevy K5 Blazer
- 1997 Suzuki Marauder

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Offline blink77

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2015, 05:17:02 PM »
Chris,
I know you've been working on this for----ever. I think I'd do it
with windows. I've had cruisers, and I have a sedan delivery. I
love those cars. I also have three other wagons, one is my driver
with windows and the other two are in various stages of restore.
They too are getting windows, as the visibility is far better, and to
me that is the most important thing, as I plan to drive them. On
the other hand, as Dianne would say build it the way you like, as
you know what you like and want. It would be KILLER with panels.
What did I just say???? hmm!
Bill

Offline 79prostreet

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2015, 07:30:17 PM »
One thing to consider with the panels is that your car doesn't have the tabs needed to use the factory carpet pc's on the inside if you even have those pc's. Also the trim ring that trims from windows to carpet. Also there are drip rail extensions that are used on factory paneled cars. One other thing to consider is if people will ride in the back, windows are much more friendly for them. All that said, it's your ride do with it what you want. I turned my 79 CW into a full blown pro street ride because that what I wanted. any project done right will be appreciated.Ps panel make for killer blind spots!
79prostreet

Offline dianne

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2015, 09:27:26 PM »
But the cruisin wagons are ok if you think about driving a van with no windows, pretty much the same thing isn't it? There's a thread on here somewhere about converting them. You can find some on ebay like that with most parts. I like the blacked out windows and tinted dark. I have decent visibility, and I like the look and think it will look pretty wicked with the bright yellow paint and really pop.

So, you can darken the windows in the back of your wagon also. Take a look at mine with the dark windows, you might like that and it's not too expensive. Don't go to those places that have a $99 special, they kind of are like what you pay for.

Either way, I look forward to seeing your build!

Vehicles:

- 1972 Plymouth Duster (To be a Pro Street)
- 1973 Ford Pinto wagon (registered ride 195)
- 1976 Mustang II mini-stock
- 1978 Mustang King Cobra II
- 1979 Ford Pinto Runabout
- 1986 Chevy K5 Blazer
- 1997 Suzuki Marauder

FORD: Federal Ownership Respectfully Denied

Offline popbumper

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2015, 09:39:26 AM »
Thanks everyone. I've decided that because this car has really been restored in a "vintage" direction already, I'll keep it that way (with the windows). I like keeping the "history" of it as an MPG wagon, original colors and such. Can't wait to get it done - seeing that light at the end of the tunnel :).
Restoring a 1976 MPG wagon - purchased 6/08

Offline dianne

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2015, 11:24:04 AM »
Thanks everyone. I've decided that because this car has really been restored in a "vintage" direction already, I'll keep it that way (with the windows). I like keeping the "history" of it as an MPG wagon, original colors and such. Can't wait to get it done - seeing that light at the end of the tunnel :).

That will look sweet!
Vehicles:

- 1972 Plymouth Duster (To be a Pro Street)
- 1973 Ford Pinto wagon (registered ride 195)
- 1976 Mustang II mini-stock
- 1978 Mustang King Cobra II
- 1979 Ford Pinto Runabout
- 1986 Chevy K5 Blazer
- 1997 Suzuki Marauder

FORD: Federal Ownership Respectfully Denied

Offline dga57

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2015, 10:45:41 AM »
Thanks everyone. I've decided that because this car has really been restored in a "vintage" direction already, I'll keep it that way (with the windows). I like keeping the "history" of it as an MPG wagon, original colors and such. Can't wait to get it done - seeing that light at the end of the tunnel :) .

Chris,

I purposely didn't weigh in with a suggestion because, after all, it's your car and it should be the way you want it.  I have to say however, that I was silently hoping you would keep it close to stock.  That's the way I like them best!  I can't wait to see the finished product after following your project for all these years!


Dwayne :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline popbumper

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2015, 10:24:36 AM »
Glad to hear that Dwayne. I'm thinking the world NEEDS more "stock", slightly modified Pintos. Nothing at all against the big block, slamming, hi-po, wildly painted cars with ladder bars, straight axles and roll cages, but I'm thinking nostalgia and originality, keeping the historical value. :)
Restoring a 1976 MPG wagon - purchased 6/08

Offline dga57

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2015, 11:52:25 AM »
Glad to hear that Dwayne. I'm thinking the world NEEDS more "stock", slightly modified Pintos. Nothing at all against the big block, slamming, hi-po, wildly painted cars with ladder bars, straight axles and roll cages, but I'm thinking nostalgia and originality, keeping the historical value. :)

My thoughts exactly!

Dwayne :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline phils toys

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Re: 1976 Pinto Wagon restore - opinions
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2015, 06:22:56 PM »
Glad to see you still working on your wagon. In the end. Make it your way. When i first got my wagon i had to decide what to do. 10 years later i am glad i did not change a lot, and kept with a stock look
2006, 07,08 ,10 Carlisle 3rd stock pinto 4 years same place
2007 PCCA East Regional Best Wagon
2008 CAHS Prom Coolest Ride
2011,2014 pinto stampede