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Author Topic: Bobcat Interest/Questions  (Read 2904 times)

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Offline BobcatWagun

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Bobcat Interest/Questions
« on: March 13, 2018, 07:16:14 PM »
-New member here. Recently I have gotten an interest in Bobcat and Pinto Station Wagons. Why? Well I've liked station wagons for a while now + the fact I first learned how to drive a stick in a Bobcat back in 1978.
- I have two other old Fords, a 73 Gran Torino and a 63 Econoline van. Both very fun and I was daydreaming about a Bobcat Wagon.
- From what I can tell, the Bobcat Wagons are fairly rare. I go to car shows often and see the occasional Pinto, but never a Bobcat. I was wondering just how rare they are? I've searched for production numbers but can only find specs. Any link to numbers would be great!
- In my brief research I also saw there was a V6 option. Is there a bolt in V6 that can be put into a 4 cylinder car?
- Lastly, I saw a Bobcat station wagon for sale on craigslist recently and noticed the bumpers were a lot like my Torino front bumper...big as hell! I was comparing pictures of old Pintos with 78ish Bobcats and it looks like you could without too much trouble install old Pinto bumpers on a Bobcat...is this true or is it a more difficult task than it appears?

- Thanks and looking forward to learning more about Pintos/Bobcats and possibly owning one soon!
----Brent

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2018, 10:31:34 PM »
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. 

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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2018, 11:17:46 PM »
Thanks for the info and reply. Sounds like you have a few good projects too and hearing you talk about your car and plans reminds me of all the stuff I have to do to my cars. lol
These cars seem to be alot like my other ones...The Not so Popular Classics that are hard to find parts for. Just I like unusual vehicles that not everyone has at a car show.


Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2018, 11:50:56 PM »
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
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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2018, 01:18:09 PM »
Did you win the Camaro? 

I'm going to look at a Bobcat Station Wagon soon. It's going to need some work, How is it getting interior parts like Dash pads, plastic panels etc for these cars?

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2018, 11:58:08 AM »
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.
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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2018, 01:40:26 PM »
Thanks for the info. I went and looked at that wagon last weekend. It happens that the owner is a member on this forum. He was really cool about letting my girlfriend and I check out his car and ask a bunch of questions. I decided not to make an offer on his car because it needed more work than I am able to do at this time. The car however is an excellent candidate for a restoration project because it is pretty straight and no rust at all.
I'm going to keep watching for something to pop up for sale, but it seems that I probably won't be getting one anytime soon. I'm surprised how few there are for sell nationwide and how difficult it is to get parts.

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2018, 09:15:31 AM »
What's your price range on the wagons? Or sedans?
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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2018, 01:11:36 PM »
I'm only interested in the station wagon version although my history with Bobcats was driving my Mom's white liftback.  I was thinking I could get a pretty decent one for less than $5K or one that was complete but needed some TLC for around $2K.

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #9 on: April 18, 2018, 01:30:41 PM »
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!
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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2018, 03:02:02 PM »
I posted the one for sale in AZ. I'm not interested in that style. I don't see the one in New Mexico on Craigslist, perhaps it's been sold or the ad deleted?

Oh wait, I've seen that one...it's a white Pinto Wagon.

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #11 on: April 19, 2018, 11:48:00 AM »
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.
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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #12 on: April 19, 2018, 01:01:43 PM »
I think you miss-understood, It's not my Cruzin Wagon. I just posted it when I saw it for sale on craigslist in case someone here was interested in it. I belong to a Van Site and we do that a lot with first generation Chevys, Dodges and Fords.

That white pinto does look like a good deal. And I agree, the big FORD letters on the grille would have to go. 

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #13 on: April 19, 2018, 02:13:26 PM »
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.
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Offline JoeBob

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #14 on: May 03, 2018, 10:28:22 AM »

Dear B wagon


A few years ago I posted all the manufacturing numbers. I will look for them and post a link. My numbers did not list wagon numbers separate from sedans.
As far as the bumpers go, I came up with a simple idea you might like.
Bill


 http://www.fordpinto.com/your-project/simple-fat-bumper-fix/
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Offline Wittsend

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #15 on: May 03, 2018, 12:31:45 PM »

"Love that Bobcat..., love that Bobcat"


Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #16 on: May 03, 2018, 01:00:56 PM »
Good Info Bill thanks, I'll certainly be doing something with those bumpers when I get a car!

And I've seen that youtube video about 2 weeks ago looking at Bobcat stuff on youtube...scar y thing is I remember it! It was about the time of the "dancing cats" Purina cat food commercials lol

Offline flash041

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #17 on: May 05, 2018, 02:29:04 PM »
I have a friend selling a Bobcat wagon in Kentucky. They bought it out of California a few years ago.
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Offline flash041

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1978 Pinto Cruising wagon (I am the original owner ! ) Built Aug 15th 1977 in NJ
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Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #19 on: May 05, 2018, 03:23:01 PM »
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.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #20 on: May 05, 2018, 10:10:33 PM »
A "Pinto Barn" sticker in the rear window (and two pinto's in the picture).  Never figured out who they are. California based but I don't recall them on this forum (by name) or anyone ever mentioning meeting them at So. Cal. events. Sort of the "The Stig" on "Top Gear."

Offline JoeBob

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #21 on: May 10, 2018, 10:35:44 PM »
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.
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Deuteronomy 7:9

Offline JoeBob

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #22 on: May 10, 2018, 10:43:12 PM »

Brent


Here are the stats I promised.
[font=&amp][/font]
[font=&amp][font=]1975[/font][font=]2 door hatch   factory price      $3189     total production   20,651[/font][font=]wagon                                    $3481                               13,583[/font][font=]1976[/font][font=]MPG runabout                         $3338                               28,905[/font][font=]MPG villager                            $3643                               18,731[/font][font=]1977 [/font][font=]runabout                                $3438/3739                       18,405[/font][font=]villager                                  $3771/4072                       13,047[/font][font=]1978[/font][font=]runabout                                $3537/3810                       23,428[/font][font=]villager                                  $3878/4151                        8,840[/font][font=]1979[/font][font=]runabout                                $3797/4070                        35,667[/font][font=]villager                                   $4212/4485                        9,119[/font][font=]1980[/font][font=]runabout                                 $4384                                 28,103[/font][font=]villager                                    $4690                                 5,547[/font][font=]Information was provided from "The standard catalog of For1903-1998"[/font]


[/font][/color]
[font=&amp][/font]
77 yellow Bobcat hatchback
Deuteronomy 7:9

Offline dga57

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #23 on: May 10, 2018, 11:25:42 PM »
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
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline BobcatWagun

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #24 on: May 11, 2018, 08:31:39 AM »
That font is crazy small on those stats, but I was able to view them after I copied into another program and increase the font size. Seems there were about 68K Bobcat Wagons made between 75 and 80. Thanks for finding the data Bill!

Stats for Bobcat Production:

1975  2 door hatch price: $3189  production#: 20,651   Wagon $3481  13,583

1976 Sedan $3338  28,905             Wagon $3643   18,731

1977 Sedan $3438/3739  18,405     Wagon $3771/4072     13,047

1978 Sedan $3537/3810  23,428     Wagon $3878/4150        8,840

1979 Sedan $3797/4070  35,667     Wagon $4212/4485      9,119

1980 Sedan $4384   28,103             Wagon $4690              5,547


          155,159 total Runabouts           68,867   total Station Wagons

Since I'm only interested in a 75-78 Wagon, I'll have to find a nice survivor of the 54,201 made.

Offline Lonny Candel

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Re: Bobcat Interest/Questions
« Reply #25 on: May 11, 2018, 10:49:45 PM »
Thanks for that information. That was great! I have never seen production #s on Bobcats. Good looking out.
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