Author Topic: Buying 1980 Pinto...Help please (Read 4158 times)

Yzzerdd · « **on:** August 22, 2009, 10:19:30 PM »

Hello,

Not new to the concept of forums and etiquitte. I'm sorry that my first post is a help post. And maybe in the wrong category. But I have alot of general questions, so I thought this would be best. I've done some searching.

I'm looking at a 1980 Pinto Pony. Looks great. Original owner, 77K on the 2.3, auto trans. I can get it for $700. Looks great inside and out. He let it sit for 12 years, but has done some work getting it back up to par. He redid alot of wiring where mice chewed through. He cleaned the gas lines and had the fuel tank cleaned professionally . Hes even installing a brand new fuel pump. The car runs great by pouring gas into the carb. Good tires. Not so good brakes. The handbrake works, but the regualar brakes don't. Clear to the floor. I've read alot of advice on this. The master cyliner looks OK, dirty on the outside. The fluid is awful nasty. Its a disgusting blackish brown with a film on top of the front resivour. I think that the brakes need to be drained, compressed air blasted through the lines, fluid added, brakes bled. What do ya'll think about that?

Is there anything I need to look at closely when viewing the car again? Obviously the fluids need to be flushed, refilled, etc. But are there common problems I should be aware of? I'm new to the Pinto, never seen one before today. I have heard of them, and their problems. Specifically bursting into flames and the occupants stuck inside because the doors are jambed shut. Luckily this one doesn't have that issue! Well, it probably won't burst into flames. There is a guard between the tank and differential, as well as a longer feeder from the filler into the tank(or something like that).

As I said, looks like I clean car. No huge problems that I've seen, straight body. Good paint, great interior. Pics at the link below my name. Also, took forever for me to figure out how to post. Prolly in the FAQs, though.

--Ryan
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1312840115.html

dga57 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2009, 10:27:07 PM »

I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but my opinion is: if you can get THAT car, with that much work already done, for $700, GRAB IT! Of course, it wouldn't hurt to offer a little less... you never know. Car looks solid. Shouldn't take a lot to make a nice driver out of it.

Dwayne :smile:

Yzzerdd · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2009, 10:34:20 PM »

Yeah, that was my thoughts. Guy said no one has seen it but me. I mean it looks great. But here's the deal. I'm 17, go to school, have a gf(soon to be fiance) etc. No car for any amount of time is a fairly big deal. I'm her ride to school. On one hand, I can probably get it all working right in less than a week. On the other, if I can't, I'm pretty well stuck between a rock and a hard place, because I dont have a job(I've applied at 59!!!! Places since Feb). But, I've got another car in WV. Its a nice car. AC, drives great, I've put thousands of miles on it. I can get it here to TX for $300($150 plane ticket, $120 gas). If I sell my current car for $900, buy the Pinto for $700, and then put that $200 with my other $100 I have saved, I can get the car down here. But then I've got no extra money(pretty much) and a Pinto that needs work. But see, on a whole different thing, I could just buy the Pinto, put that $300 into getting the car acting right and inspected, and maybe have a reliable car for around town. But things don't usually go that smoothly. Hmm...I guess you're right. I mean if all the brakes need is new fluid and maybe a new master cylinder, I'd be alright. Suppose I'll go check the lights and wiring on the car sometime this week. If I buy a new MC, will I have to bleed it? How is that done?

--Ryan

dga57 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2009, 11:14:09 PM »

Hey Ryan - Like I said, I'm no mechanic but I'm pretty sure you'll have to bleed the brake lines if you replace the master cylinder. You want to get all that cruddy old brake fluid out anyway

. There is lots of information here about all kinds of things, including brakes, and if you run into problems there are lots of first-rate mechanics here to help bail you out. I would love to see you go for it! My 16-year-old thinks my Pinto is the ugliest thing in the world and so far, I haven't been able to change his opinion. Whatever you decide, keep us up to date!

Dwayne :smile:

blupinto · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2009, 11:29:01 PM »

:welcome: to the land of Pintos Yzzerdd!

   First off, Dwayne's right- this sounds like a deal. If the engine runs without odd, disturbing noises and it actually moves without clunking or hesitations I'd grab it. If it were in an area that got yearly snowfall I'd look for rust in the floor pan and trunk area. The brakes sound like they have air in the lines, so it's not a bad idea to replace the lines themselves or at least test them for leaks.

   I have to address this: The '71-'76 Pinto sedans/Runabouts had a design flaw where the gas tank was situated too close to the differential so that in a rear-end collision there was a likelyhood of the car catching on fire when the tank was ruptured and/or the filler tube was pulled out. Sadly some folks were killed but not all rear-end collisions resulted in death or the car catching on fire. Many of these earlier Pintos were recalled and had a plastic barrier placed between the tank and the differential cover. '77-'80s had redesigned tanks and (I think) filler tubes and/or their connections, so you wouldn't have to worry so much. I personally prefer the earlier models but I love all Pintos and always have.

   If you have a mechanic in the family or know one you trust it's a good idea to have them be with you to inspect the car and possibly find something expensive that you might not see. I hope all will go in your favor though so good luck!

:welcome:

Yzzerdd · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2009, 11:41:45 PM »

Yeah, I'm not too worried about the car blowing up. I'm still not going to let my gf drive it, though. She can drive the Cutlass. Even if its a 1 in 100 chance that the thing catches fire, I'd feel terrible.

Moving on.

I don't have any family down here that is a mechanic, but I lived in WV for several years in the same town as my grandpa, a previous mechanic on 60s-70s cars, and my uncle, who worked on 70s-80s cars. They've taught me ALOT and I'm pretty good at getting things done under the hood, under the dash, and under the car. I'm the one called when family and friends here have car troubles.

Its relieving to hear someone say its probably just air in the lines. Thats what I thought too, but I've read some serious brake problems on here. The fluid, as I said, looks pretty nasty. I've done brake work and I know brake fluid shouldn't look like this. Plus, sitting that long, it's bound to have seeped in some water too, right? Probably best to drain the system and refill. The lines don't seem to have leaks. If they did, I think the brake fluid would already be gone. When I apply the brakes(and they arent working, as I said), should anything happen in the MC? Gurgling, visible fluid moving, etc? I mean there can't be THAT much wrong, right? It was perfectly fine when parked some number of years ago. I guess my biggest fear is that I buy it and I'm stuck working on it for awhile because it turns out the brakes need full new lines(lack of cash) and the wheel cylinders replaced. But they do SEEM fine anyhow. Everything rolls right, and the e-brake works perfectly(Surprising!).

Thanks for the suggestions, and the welcome. I hope to hear more thoughts on the situation.

--Ryan
Ive had 6 cars in the last year. Want to see them? http://www.cardomain.com/id/Yzzerdd

dga57 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2009, 11:56:06 PM »

Wow, Ryan! That's quite an assortment of vehicles! All the way from a 280Z to a Suburban! I'm 52 and have owned 47 cars since I turned 16... my original 1974 Pinto Runabout was my very first... current primary ride is 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Have pretty much run the gammut myself, having owned everything from Pintos to Rolls-Royces, with lots of other stuff in between!

What you're saying about the brakes makes sense to me but I'm hoping someone else is going to read this thread and jump in with some good advice - I'm definitely not the right person for mechanical advice! If someone doesn't help you out soon, I'll PM you the name of a member who can probably tell you whatever you need to know. You can PM him, and tell him I sent you.

As for the "blowing up" thing, it was greatly exaggerated. Don't be afraid to let the girlfriend drive the Pinto... they are actually VERY tough little cars and that issue was resolved long before the car you're looking at was manufactured - it only applied to the earlier model years.

Dwayne :smile:

blupinto · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2009, 12:08:34 AM »

I'm nobody's mechanic but that's why a) I'd have somebody (professional mechanic) look at the brake system before you buy it and b) check for leaks in your brake lines. I don't know why there's nasty stuff in the master cylinder but air does sometimes have funny ways of getting into brake lines- especially if the car's been sitting for a long time. Yes definitely drain and clean brake system.

That all said, it is an old car, and you may have to replace things like lines and cylinders but if you really want and like the car it won't matter in the end. Here's my philosophy (as if you asked! lol.

:lol:) the more modern cars cost a lot more in parts than the old soldiers like our Pintos (ever try to replace a headlight assembly on a '90s Honda Accord or replace a coil in a '97 Isuzu Rodeo? ($180 a pop- YAAAAH!) Parts for Pintos are relatively cheap but like I said- these cars are not spring chickens.

OK I'll hop off my soapbox now.

Yzzerdd · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2009, 12:14:45 AM »

Well I'll check the brakes more thoroughly when I look at it again, but it didn't seem like anything was leaking. He was an honest older guy and there was no fluid seen on the concrete the car was parked on. He had the front end on ramps and the rear on jackstands because he's been working on it(cleaned gas lines, cleaning carb, new fuel pump, etc). My problem with having a mechanic come out is the price. It'll probably be pretty costly to get a mechanic out there to run through the brakes.

--Ryan

dga57 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2009, 12:24:39 AM »

Hey Ryan,

Can you pick up the phone and call your Grandpa? He might be able to shed a little light on the braking system!

Dwayne :smile:

Yzzerdd · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2009, 12:32:07 AM »

Heh, I actually called my uncle (Grandpa was alseep most likely when I called) and he said that a car that sat that long will need new brake fluid. He told me that it's a great idea to drain the fluid and that blowing compressed air through the lines won't hurt anything, and will clear any blockages. Same basic thing I've read and that I thought. From there, its the question of which is better....Grav ity bleed the brakes or do it the standard way with a half full coke bottle of brake fluid?

--Ryan

blupinto · « **Reply #11 on:** August 23, 2009, 12:53:25 AM »

I hear you Ryan about expenses. I was just making a suggestion. Back in early '91 I was on the lookout for a Pinto and I responded to an ad about an early one a few miles away. It cost me $50 to have our family mechanic look at the car I was salivating for (did I mention I'm a confirmed Pinto nut?) and he pointed out things like the crack in the windshield my star-filled eyes missed and other things that made him nervous. It was a beaut too- dark blue metallic. I admit I wasn't experienced with car mechanics then. The previous December I lost my '82 Capri to a fuel line leak fire- that I smelled in plenty of time but dismissed it as something else.

As for the brake system- I'll hope for the best for you. I've been fortunate to not have brake issues save brake pad replacement and rotor turning/replacement on the Rodeo. If you're wanting that Pinto I hope you'll get it! I think you'll have fun in it!

Carolina Boy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2009, 08:48:54 AM »

Here is my three cents worth. Buy the pinto, bring yer good car down (have it to use while you work on the Pinto). You can take your time on the Pinto brakes and other things and get them right and safe. You do know there are many Pintoers on this site right there in Texas that would help you at a drop of the hat. Just ask.
I say go get the Pinto!!!

78squirewagon · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2009, 05:24:04 PM »

BUY IT!!!!! Then you will be part of a very special group that will help you in anyway they can. Plus you will draw more attention to you and the Pinto than you will in your "other" cars

RSM · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2009, 05:42:40 PM »

I really wish people would get off the "burst into flames" kick when it comes to a Pinto.

71pintoracer · « **Reply #15 on:** August 23, 2009, 08:57:57 PM »

Quote from: RSM on August 23, 2009, 05:42:40 PM

I really wish people would get off the "burst into flames" kick when it comes to a Pinto.

Dream on, RSM. It's like being short (I'm 5'2") you just have to learn to live with it because that's all you ever hear.
BTW, maybe I'm being a :showback:, but I don't care what kind of car I'm driving, if I get hit in the rear and the doors get jammed shut and the car is on fire, I'm comming the he** out of the window!!

DUH! The door won't open, I'll just sit here and burn up! Paleeeze!

But I degress. Did you hear about the 911 call from the woman who was sitting on Wal-Mart parking lot? Her battery went dead and she called 911 because she couldn't get the power door locks to unlock the doors so she could get out. She was getting overheated and panicing. The 911 operator was like, "Ummm, can't you just pull the little knob up and get out?" True story.

Yzzerdd · « **Reply #16 on:** August 23, 2009, 09:05:48 PM »

Oh I was just TRYING to be funny about the bursting into flames thing. I didn't realize it would spark so much commotion. My bad. Anyhow, looks like I'll get the car this week. I've got a definate buyer on my car(Or so he tells me) tomorrow, and I've got a spare I can drive around for a few weeks or so until I get the brakes working. Long story short, my brother has a warrant for his arrest, and he drives a nice Explorer that is not his, but is my dads. He's turning himself in, and could be in jail anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Score! I'll miss him(He's pretty cool) but hey, I've got a car with AC to cruise in for awhile. I'll hopefully have the Cutlass down here by Christmas, but we'll see.

Thanks for the help! I look forward to being a....Pintinian (Pintoer?) and to the many hours of hard work and frustration I intend to put into the car. And the many, many question's I'll have.

--Ryan

RSM · « **Reply #17 on:** August 23, 2009, 09:36:39 PM »

I agree...ur being an :showback:....lol

Yzzerdd · « **Reply #18 on:** August 23, 2009, 09:41:22 PM »

OH Mother ******. I called him up saying I'm ready to get the car this week and he tells me it's not for sale anymore. After spending time cleaning the lines and getting it looking nice, he decided to keep it.

GAHH! I offered him $900, highest I can go. I guess we'll see. Not like the car is the only car I'm looking at. Theres also a 75 Vista Cruiser wagon, and the option of taking my money and getting my Cutlass back in a few weeks from WV. We'll see.

--Ryan

RSM · « **Reply #19 on:** August 23, 2009, 09:44:46 PM »

You gotta hate it when that happens

blupinto · « **Reply #20 on:** August 23, 2009, 10:46:42 PM »

Quote from: 71pintoracer on August 23, 2009, 08:57:57 PM

Dream on, RSM. It's like being short (I'm 5'2") you just have to learn to live with it because that's all you ever hear.
BTW, maybe I'm being a :showback:, but I don't care what kind of car I'm driving, if I get hit in the rear and the doors get jammed shut and the car is on fire, I'm comming the he** out of the window!! DUH! The door won't open, I'll just sit here and burn up! Paleeeze!
But I degress. Did you hear about the 911 call from the woman who was sitting on Wal-Mart parking lot? Her battery went dead and she called 911 because she couldn't get the power door locks to unlock the doors so she could get out. She was getting overheated and panicing. The 911 operator was like, "Ummm, can't you just pull the little knob up and get out?" True story.

HA! I'm 5'2" too! That's all right, 71PR! We canm get into smaller spaces than the taller folks! lol.

I've heard of the panicked automatic doorlock story. Too bad automatic windows don't have a manual option in case the works stop working (in my case the relay.)

Yzzerdd, I'm sorry the guy changed his mind after you were getting interested. I'm enough of a Pintophile to hope you'll get a Pinto anyway, even if it's not that one but you'll have to do what's best for you and your situation. Good luck whatever you decide and do.

dga57 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 23, 2009, 11:37:07 PM »

Quote from: 71pintoracer on August 23, 2009, 08:57:57 PM

Dream on, RSM. It's like being short (I'm 5'2") you just have to learn to live with it because that's all you ever hear.
BTW, maybe I'm being a :showback:, but I don't care what kind of car I'm driving, if I get hit in the rear and the doors get jammed shut and the car is on fire, I'm comming the he** out of the window!! DUH! The door won't open, I'll just sit here and burn up! Paleeeze!
But I degress. Did you hear about the 911 call from the woman who was sitting on Wal-Mart parking lot? Her battery went dead and she called 911 because she couldn't get the power door locks to unlock the doors so she could get out. She was getting overheated and panicing. The 911 operator was like, "Ummm, can't you just pull the little knob up and get out?" True story.

Reminds me of a story about a pickup load of folks (three in the cab, four in the bed) who ran into a river. The three in the front survived by climbing out the windows, but the four in the bed drowned because they tailgate jammed and they couldn't get it open. :lol:

Dwayne :smile:

Srt · « **Reply #22 on:** August 24, 2009, 03:12:55 AM »

Quote from: RSM on August 23, 2009, 05:42:40 PM

I really wish people would get off the "burst into flames" kick when it comes to a Pinto.

Amen

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Author Topic: Buying 1980 Pinto...Help please (Read 4158 times)

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