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.