Author Topic: house sale near completion, and looking at prospects (Read 11974 times)

r4pinto · « **on:** June 25, 2022, 11:17:46 AM »

As the end of the current chapter is near another begins. I'm starting to get excited while looking at all the boxes and empty shelves in my house. 9 years in the making. My garage is nearly packed, sockets organized (I found 7 10mm sockets!!!). I started looking through Pinto listings as I really want to take some of the proceeds and get a Pinto. Here is what I've decided.
hatchbacks are 100% out. I don't care if it was flawless I won't pay for one. They aren't my style.Now if someone wants to pay me or give me a free hatchback model that is in excellent condition I'd be a fool lol.

71-73 I'm not a fan of, but would consider a sedan of those years. Don't like the skinny bumpers personally. The sedan would be an exception since my mom had a 73 sedan she loved.
74-78: I would be happy with a sedan, but very happy with a wagon- preferably squire. I love the 77-78 style and can see myself putting the slant nose 77-8 on a 74-76.

79-80: not really a fan of the square nose but something about those wagons speak to me. Again I'd prefer a squire but wouldn't turn away a conventional wagon.
I know what I am getting from my house sale so there is plenty to bank while getting a nice driver Pinto. Doesn't need to be perfect as I enjoy tinkering. Deluxe seats aren't a must but would be nice. I have a pair of fronts from my 80 that I can't sell even at a price of $50 so I will save those to be eventually recovered as necessary.
While it doesn't need to be fully stock I don't want a heavily modded one, nor am I interested in any Pinto with a V8 installed. Prefer a 2.3 4 cylinder automatic but would consider any stock Pinto drivetrain if the car spoke to me.

In the end I feel I should be able to get a nice sedan or wagon for a good price, even if it means a road trip. I want a Pinto. I NEED a Pinto. It just has to be the RIGHT Pinto. One that speaks to me.

I REFUSE to make the mistake I made with the 78 hatch, 80 hatch, and 77 squire rotbox wagon, and in some degree 77 sedan. That one I wish I could have saved. I loved that car to death but it was rustier than I thought when I bought her. I held onto her for years after I saw she was too far gone. Even drove it around the block occasionally because I loved her that much.

If anyone wants to give tips on where to look or how to get it I'm all ears. The only thing I know is I know what I want and based on the criteria above it's achievable.

dga57 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2022, 09:28:30 PM »

The more widely you search, the better your prospects. I'm sure the Pinto you want is out there somewhere, but you must be patient and open to a broad search area. Unlike you, my favorite Pinto is the Runabout. In my case, it got VERY specific because I wanted a twin of the one I purchased new in 1974 when I was sixteen years old. My 20+ year search finally unearthed the right car, albeit with a slight compromise. My original had the 2.3 with a 4 spd. manual transmission while the one I eventually purchased has the right engine, but is an automatic. My hope is to someday be able to swap that out for a manual but, at age 65 now, I can't waste twenty more years searching for that! lol I got the right year and model, right color, right color interior, and I take that as a win! The body was basically solid but had a few dings, some rust which was all contained to one panel and therefore remedied by panel replacement, and it needed paint to look really good... got all that taken care of professionally . Just for the record, I found it roughly 3000 miles from home. Oh well! The sad part is that, while searching for the perfect orange '74 Runabout, I purchased two Pintos I really didn't want. Oh, I wanted a Pinto, but a very specific one and these were both poor substitutes for what I truly wanted. The first was a brown '72 sedan 1.6 with a 4 spd. transmission. It was a little rough around the edges but ran great. I purchased it in Maryland and drove it home to Virginia (about 150 miles) on the Interstate without issue. My problem was that even though it felt amazing to be behind the wheel of a Pinto again, there was nothing about the car that really motivated me to involve myself in it. I ultimately sold it for about the same as I paid for it, so it all worked out. I then bought a gorgeous '72 Squire wagon with a 2.0 and automatic in North Carolina and, again, drove it home without issue. I have to admit I did drive this one a bit more because it was so nice it practically looked new, but I never really felt any emotional attachment to it either. I tell you all this to reinforce your statement that it "has to be the RIGHT Pinto". If it's not, you'll lose interest in a hurry. Don't compromise... you'll regret it! Happy Pinto hunting!!!

Dwayne

r4pinto · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2022, 11:48:19 PM »

Quote from: dga57 on June 25, 2022, 09:28:30 PM

The more widely you search, the better your prospects. I'm sure the Pinto you want is out there somewhere, but you must be patient and open to a broad search area. Unlike you, my favorite Pinto is the Runabout. In my case, it got VERY specific because I wanted a twin of the one I purchased new in 1974 when I was sixteen years old. My 20+ year search finally unearthed the right car, albeit with a slight compromise. My original had the 2.3 with a 4 spd. manual transmission while the one I eventually purchased has the right engine, but is an automatic. My hope is to someday be able to swap that out for a manual but, at age 65 now, I can't waste twenty more years searching for that! lol I got the right year and model, right color, right color interior, and I take that as a win! The body was basically solid but had a few dings, some rust which was all contained to one panel and therefore remedied by panel replacement, and it needed paint to look really good... got all that taken care of professionally . Just for the record, I found it roughly 3000 miles from home. Oh well! The sad part is that, while searching for the perfect orange '74 Runabout, I purchased two Pintos I really didn't want. Oh, I wanted a Pinto, but a very specific one and these were both poor substitutes for what I truly wanted. The first was a brown '72 sedan 1.6 with a 4 spd. transmission. It was a little rough around the edges but ran great. I purchased it in Maryland and drove it home to Virginia (about 150 miles) on the Interstate without issue. My problem was that even though it felt amazing to be behind the wheel of a Pinto again, there was nothing about the car that really motivated me to involve myself in it. I ultimately sold it for about the same as I paid for it, so it all worked out. I then bought a gorgeous '72 Squire wagon with a 2.0 and automatic in North Carolina and, again, drove it home without issue. I have to admit I did drive this one a bit more because it was so nice it practically looked new, but I never really felt any emotional attachment to it either. I tell you all this to reinforce your statement that it "has to be the RIGHT Pinto". If it's not, you'll lose interest in a hurry. Don't compromise... you'll regret it! Happy Pinto hunting!!!

Dwayne

For sure. I'm actually looking at possibly a 1980 squire or a 1979 wagon. Both keep getting my interest and worth looking deeper at. The 79 has a v6, ac, and deluxe interior.

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dga57 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2022, 05:35:48 AM »

Quote from: r4pinto on June 25, 2022, 11:48:19 PM

For sure. I'm actually looking at possibly a 1980 squire or a 1979 wagon. Both keep getting my interest and worth looking deeper at. The 79 has a v6, ac, and deluxe interior.

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Well, I'm wishing the very best for you, whatever you decide! Have a great rest of the weekend!

Dwayne

r4pinto · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2022, 12:35:47 PM »

I want lol. If still available after my house sale I'm going after it.

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r4pinto · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2022, 01:13:00 PM »

This is the other one. It's a little closer to me.

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dga57 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 27, 2022, 11:55:58 AM »

Assuming they are comparable otherwise, I'd personally prefer the Squire... but it's your decision and will be your car. One good thing is, having gotten burned before, you have a pretty good idea what to look for!

Dwayne

r4pinto · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2022, 06:58:59 PM »

Definitely. 1: beauty is only skin deep. 2: rust is evil. 3: mechanical condition is important. 4: In the case of these cars it doesn't matter how the outer structure looks if it's rusted underneath. .

I get suspension may need rebuilt (I have full suspension kit in the garage). Color combinations are important but can be changed. I don't like brown but get a car with a good, solid base and it can be repainted. The 80 I bought too quickly and did not do research first. the 77 I wagon I wanted and fell in love with my parents old wagon. The 77 sedan I passed on and then went back to, thinking it was fixable without looking it over.

Live and learn. Both are nice looking cars but I'd want to see pictures underneath before making the drive. I'd want to have some idea of mechanical condition before going without a tow unit. Time will tell.

dga57 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 28, 2022, 11:01:08 AM »

That's the idea: do your homework! Go into it with that attitude and you'll find a winner!

Dwayne

r4pinto · « **Reply #9 on:** June 28, 2022, 11:53:16 AM »

Quote from: dga57 on June 28, 2022, 11:01:08 AM

That's the idea: do your homework! Go into it with that attitude and you'll find a winner!

Dwayne

For sure! And I can always customize it to make it my own. Having a solid base is more important since things can be swapped. I can make it look like a 77-8. I have the knowledge and parts. Having a good base is more important since structural repairs cost more money and ability.

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dga57 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2022, 11:31:50 PM »

Quote from: r4pinto on June 28, 2022, 11:53:16 AM

For sure! And I can always customize it to make it my own. Having a solid base is more important since things can be swapped. I can make it look like a 77-8. I have the knowledge and parts. Having a good base is more important since structural repairs cost more money and ability.

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Absolutely!!!

r4pinto · « **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2022, 10:46:17 AM »

House sale has been delayed unfortunately. The buyer's lender ran final numbers... got the appraisal and inspection... got final copies of their statements- PROBLEM!!!
He is a contractor by trade and when he doesn't work he doesn't get a check. Well he went on vacation. While funds were banked they are concerned about the drop in monthly pay due to the vacation. So back to underwriting it went. I'm now in a holding patter, which prevents me from getting a Pinto.

The ones I've had interest in will be there or they won't. If it's meant to be it will be. I'm at a stand still for packing and moving since there's nothing else I can do.

dga57 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 03, 2022, 12:31:55 PM »

Underwriters have delayed many a mortgage... it's what they do best! Be patient, it will all work out.

Dwayne

r4pinto · « **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2022, 01:29:36 PM »

Quote from: dga57 on July 03, 2022, 12:31:55 PM

Underwriters have delayed many a mortgage... it's what they do best! Be patient, it will all work out.

Dwayne

Yep my agent said this happens with big banks as opposed to mortgage companies. They don't see the whole picture which is what happened. The cash is there but the monthly revenue dropped so they are freaking out. I'm putting my confidence in my agent since he is good at his job. All I can do.

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Dtmix · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2022, 02:10:40 PM »

My best friend is in the business, and I could ask him to grease the wheels if his company is handling the underwriting…may I ask what company are you dealing with? No promises…but worth a try? The longer you are without a Pinto, the worse a withdrawal you’ll be experiencing!

Happy Motoring (errmm, shall I say Happy Banking?)

Dan

r4pinto · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2022, 09:05:39 AM »

Quote from: Dtmix on July 09, 2022, 02:10:40 PM

My best friend is in the business, and I could ask him to grease the wheels if his company is handling the underwriting…may I ask what company are you dealing with? No promises…but worth a try? The longer you are without a Pinto, the worse a withdrawal you’ll be experiencing!

Happy Motoring (errmm, shall I say Happy Banking?)

Dan

Appreciate the offer. Unfortunately they backed out and it's now back on the market. The buyer broke cardinal rule #1. Don't do anything that will cause a change in your financial status. He worked less and pat statements showed less income.

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r4pinto · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2022, 07:49:10 AM »

Well the house is back in contract. Hopefully it goes well and I can get a pinto soon. Unfortunately I will have to hold off to get a wagon or sedan until then. Anticipated closing date is 8/26.

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dga57 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2022, 12:05:46 PM »

At least with the current real estate market being what it is, it doesn't take long to overcome a setback. It will be a done deal before you know it!!!

Dwayne

caravan3921 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2022, 09:47:25 PM »

Thanks for the updates!
Cheering you on to the finish line.
The wait will be worth it.
The desire accomplished will be sweet to the soul!

r4pinto · « **Reply #19 on:** August 08, 2022, 07:09:24 AM »

Quote from: dga57 on August 07, 2022, 12:05:46 PM

At least with the current real estate market being what it is, it doesn't take long to overcome a setback. It will be a done deal before you know it!!!

Dwayne

It's back in contract, although the market isn't as good as it was due to rising rates. The offer I took was 19k less than the original offer, that was probably overinflated to begin with. I still look to make a good profit and be able to get me that wagon.

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caravan3921 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 08, 2022, 08:50:05 AM »

have you seen the 2 wagons on ebay?

r4pinto · « **Reply #21 on:** August 09, 2022, 10:24:58 AM »

Quote from: caravan3921 on August 08, 2022, 08:50:05 AM

have you seen the 2 wagons on ebay?

I have but I need to have the house sold before even bidding on anything. And the prices on ebay are a little higher than I'd prefer to pay. First things first... house be gone lol.

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caravan3921 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 09, 2022, 10:26:22 PM »

the wagons are listed as buy now or best offer. No one seems to be snatching them up at their listed prices.
But I hear 'ya: first things first!

r4pinto · « **Reply #23 on:** August 10, 2022, 12:29:43 PM »

For sure. Seems they are popping up all over and in good shape. I'd be more than happy to get one.

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caravan3921 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 10, 2022, 01:49:38 PM »

We share your passion for Pintos!!

r4pinto · « **Reply #25 on:** August 12, 2022, 08:02:48 PM »

Quote from: caravan3921 on August 10, 2022, 01:49:38 PM

We share your passion for Pintos!!

Which is one of the things I enjoy about this site.

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r4pinto · « **Reply #26 on:** August 20, 2022, 08:21:23 AM »

I officially close this week. Hopefully I can get a wagon soon after. Considering my daily driver was stolen I might have to use it after my rental coverage is complete. 30 days total, no deviation. The car can't even get in the shop until 45 days after

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caravan3921 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 20, 2022, 09:52:57 PM »

caravan3921 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 20, 2022, 09:53:50 PM »

is this one still available, that you showed us back in June?
Cheering you on to the finish line!

caravan3921 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 20, 2022, 10:03:15 PM »

in the meantime, I covet this one, looks like my first one I bought at 21 years of age!

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Author Topic: house sale near completion, and looking at prospects (Read 11974 times)