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Author Topic: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...  (Read 2052 times)

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Offline zjrog

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I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« on: August 19, 2013, 12:36:16 AM »
Yes, its been 30 years since I GAVE away my last one...  And since then, I've had a family, retired from the Navy, THINK I've finally settled into my final home...  And I have a silly idea for a Pinto build.  That was a 1972 Blue Runabout with the 1600cc...  My wife of 30 years, had a 73 Pinto with a 2.3 and auto, sort of a Mustard Yellow.  But, both of us moved beyond our Pintos before meeting...

Last summer my son and I stripped his 1990 Ranger and 1994 Explorer and put all the Explorer stuff in the Ranger.  Which left me with a complete 2.3 and 5 speed drivetrain sitting in my garage.  That includes the entire truck's wiring harness and computer.  Over the years I've become a Jeep guy, and learned to weld and other fun stuff.  With this stuff sitting around I thought about things to do with it.  I've given some thought to a 4 banger Bronco 2.  But the Utah safety folks don't like my plan to cut the roof of the Bronco 2.  Still an idea, if the right truck shows up.

Now, I am waiting to hear from a buddy about a Pinto.  Depending on what condition its in, I'm thinking some sub frame connectors and a roll cage will stiffen things up.  The Ranger dual plug engine is easily about 20HP better than an existing tired 2.3 would be...  The Mazda 5 speed I have is a 4x4 unit, so, I'll have to alter the floor pan and driver's seat mounting to fit a transfer case.  And will have to get a front sump oil pan and pickup.  No, I won't adapt the Ranger TTB to the front, but I believe I can use the Jeep Dana 30 front axle and coil springs.  And a matching Dana 35 in the rear. 

Yep.  A 4x4 Pinto, but different.  I'd like to keep it as low as possible.  And roll on 235/75-15s.  I have my Grand Cherokee for harder wheeling, this will be a fun to drive sort of car that will manage winter snow better than stock.  And a "Special Interest" vehicle for any car show I want to consider....

But first, I need the car.  My buddy knows someone with a non-running car.  Sedan?  Hatch?  Wagon?  I don't know.  Wagon would be best though.  And of course, I"ll HAVE to paint whatever I get, a nice mustard yellow...

So I have a few questions.  Anyone know if the Mazda 5 speed I have will fit the Pinto tunnel?  I'm certain I'll have to cut a new hole for the shifter.  Next question.  I'm curious about the distance between the centers of the coil spring buckets for the Pinto.  It would be nice if the distance is similar to the Jeep axle I want to use.

All I need is the car.

Offline dga57

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Re: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2013, 12:55:52 PM »
WELCOME zjrog!
 
Dwayne :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline arkyt

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Re: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2013, 10:40:56 PM »
Where are you located?
78 sedan
77 V8 cruizin wagon
73 MGB
09 Challenger RT

Offline zjrog

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Re: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2013, 09:10:11 AM »
I'm in Tooele, UT. 

I guess the best way to describe what I want out of this project, should I find a car, is to make a Pinto version of an AMC Eagle SX/4.  I'm not sure I'm smart or skilled enough to fabricate an IFS setup to lower the project further.  Though I do have a few ideas for that too.

The complete drivetrain I have, gave me 28 MPG average when I drove the Ranger for my commute a few years back.  The truck was taken off the street after I found several big safety issues and we spent the next couple summers doing various projects and got it road worthy again.  Then last year we planned to strip both the Ranger and the Explorer down.  Over the years that truck was completely torn down and literally every bolt touched.

We think it came out pretty good and it has been all over the state since completion.  Bigger tires will come in time, as the "boy" is still a student and currently a term limited intern.

I've thought for years about another Pinto in my life.  And a non-running car would be ideal.  But, they are hard to come by here.  But, I'll keep my eye out and see what my friend finds out for me.   

Offline zjrog

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Re: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2013, 10:51:02 AM »
Anyway, back to my questions.

The Mazda M5OD 5 speed from the Ranger is a decent sized item, but narrower than the A4LD from the Explorer.  I don't know how it compares size wise to the 4 speeds and C4 automatics that came in the Pinto/Mustang II.  Something I have found, the 2.3 version of this transmission is pretty rare as a 4x4 trans.  I am looking for a 2WD version as a means of getting a project running and drivable before tearing the car up for 4x4 conversion.

Just wondering if anyone has their front suspension apart and could measure the distance between the coil buckets on the car, center to center preferred.

Thanks.

Offline Reeves1

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Re: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2013, 04:50:15 AM »
The 71 - 73 & 74 & ^ will measure different. 74 ^ are wider cars. I think.

I have a 72 in the shop & meant to measure it yesterday..... .got busy building a new 15x20 shed for storing stuff.
Will try & get it measured this week....

Offline zjrog

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Re: I really need another Pinto, and a couple questions...
« Reply #6 on: August 21, 2013, 08:12:45 AM »
Thanks brotherman!  Good luck building that shed.  I need to cull my hoard down some before winter, my own 10x14 shed is overflowing with tires and stuff I never should have picked up from people. 

For the 74 & up cars, you mean wider in the trans tunnel?  I can't imagine the whole car being wider.  Guess I could be wrong.  I do appreciate that measurement when you get the chance.

I realize I dropped in unannounced and all, and dropped a seriously odd idea on everyone.  I've got a head full of stuff I can never afford to do.  A few years ago I had collected everything I needed to convert a Dodge Caravan to RWD and make it a pre-runner desert toy.  With a Chrysler 2.2 Turbo 1 engine...

The 71 - 73 & 74 & ^ will measure different. 74 ^ are wider cars. I think.

I have a 72 in the shop & meant to measure it yesterday..... .got busy building a new 15x20 shed for storing stuff.
Will try & get it measured this week....