I own a '78 Mercury Bobcat, and it has mostly been parked since I purchased it in 2014. I have done some small stuff to it, and I have done some bigger things to it like have the 2.3L engine rebuilt with a Ranger cam. Currently, I have it at a handi man's house out on the range (getting all dusty) who is going to install recently purchased leaf springs, shocks, built drums, built rotors, upper and lower control arms with new ball joints, and coils. I also have another Pinto axle, but I don't think I will use it b/c it is 3.00 gears according to the tag, and my axle is 3.18 according to its tag. I read from these forums that the ideal gear ratio is about 3.25 for these cars when running 13 inch wheels.

As far as your bumpers, the pinto and the Bobcat are direct fit, and can be interchanged as far as I know.  Sorry I have never come across production numbers for Bobcats. I just know the guy that I purchased the Bobcat from said that for every 4 Pintos one Bobcat was made - so figure 1 million Pintos and 250,000 Bobcats. And bolt on V6 to I4 platform - I cannot say either. But I did own a 76 V6 Pinto for one month, and ended up selling it due to some issues that I didn't want to dive into at the moment b/c I have all my other cars -lol. It was nice though with the engine being rebuilt in 2003 by someone who seemed to have bored it out. It had no issues keeping up with traffic.

I also own a 81 Mercury Zephyr and used to own a 64 GMC Handivan (loved it) and a 76 Chevette, but I traded the 'Vette for a 85 Jeep Wagoneer. 

Exactly, uncommon! I just recently entered a contest to win a 69 Camero Z28 with tuned 350 engine. But since they offer 'Or cash' option. I would take the 35,000 dollars instead of the car even though some would be naysayers on that. Then I would use about 3 grand of it to paint the 78 Bobcat. And of course I would tithe 3500 to the local church. Seriously doubt I would win though. lol

Nope, did not win, but the guy who did took the 35,000 cash option. I was looking on Ebay for a dash replacement. I found one for 299 dollars. I imagine that if you keep a look out that there are some for a lot cheaper than that. I think I have seen them before on Ebay for about 100 dollars. I know where there is a parked 77 Bobcat with the full window option, but it needs a lot of tlc. It has the 2.3L with ac, 4spd. Body is straight except for a dent in the hood, but I think it could be popped out from the underside though. It has a lot of surface rust on the roof and other places. It needs the key lock cylinder on the steering column. Someone took it off, and in the process damaged the plastic around it. The brake pedal goes all the way down to the floor. The owner said it has no title.

What's your price range on the wagons? Or sedans?

Well, there is the one posted as 'Cruisen Wagon' on this site. Just scroll to the bottom, and you will see it. It is located in Phoenix, AZ. And there is a wagon with windows located on Craigslist in Rio Rancho, NM. Both are Cologne V6s, and are listed for around $4,000.  I have talked to both of them about trading, but have not had any closing on the deals as of yet. Good luck!

yes that is the one. It looks clean with only 56K on it and ac. I would probably take off the huge F O R D emblem on its home made grill. Though the grill is still nice.
Let me know. Maybe you can take your cruising wagon to NM where I could check it out.

LOL. Sorry for the mis-understanding. I used to own a 64 GMC Handi-Van. I had the standard trani rebuilt. It was primer red. I put some nostalgic wheels on it that had spinners. The guy I sold it to put bags on it, painted it black with pin-stripping, replaced the carb, put a vintage radio in it, rhino-lined the inside, and added black and white paneling. He also changed the wheels I had on it with some mags.

I have a friend selling a Bobcat wagon in Kentucky. They bought it out of California a few years ago.

Thanks for the link Flash. Funny but that is the same Bobcat Wagon I've been able to find in For Sale searches. I even enquired about it from a site called SMClassiccars, but never heard back from them so I assumed it was an old listing. They also had it listed as having 164K miles, so they either they are mistaken or your friend is? The ad I saw also said it was a automatic and a gas saver model meaning it had a highway gear ratio. I think the car is interesting and the price your friend mentioned seems fair, I'll have to look into it and see if it's something I'd consider.

Seems there were an awful lot of these Villagers painted yellow. I think I'd prefer a white one myself. Anyway, here's a screen grab from SMClassiccars.

I wonder if pinto barn is still in operation. I haven't been able to find their page on the net for some time. Post a link if anyone has an address please.

I wonder if pinto barn is still in operation. I haven't been able to find their page on the net for some time. Post a link if anyone has an address please.

A friend in California told me last year that the Pinto Barn has closed up shop.  The owner apparently moved out of state to care for some aging/ill relatives if I remember correctly.

Dwayne

Thanks for that information. That was great! I have never seen production #s on Bobcats. Good looking out.