Author Topic: Metal repro parts for Pintos - possible resource identified (Read 5252 times)

popbumper · « **on:** February 01, 2008, 10:51:01 AM »

Hi Guys:

In the few months I have been here, I have noticed that parts (especially metal) seem to be few and far between, if non-existant. Floor pans come to mind first, but there are others.

Having visited the "dark side" :embarrassed: (the Maverick forums), I have come a cross a company by the name of "Restoration Parts Source" (http://www.restorationpartssource.com/store/) in California, that is in the process of building darn near everything metal-wise for Maverick restorations.

In the process of joining several thread discussions, I have "met" one of the contacts of the company, and stated to him that the Pinto folks really are needing some metal parts for their cars. He has encouraged me to contact him direct, even including a phone number, to talk about theose parts that you guys would be interested in having produced.

Let me say that I believe this would be a GREAT resource for Pinto owners to speak up, and get the parts that they really need so more of these cars can be restored, rather than just parted out.

Can I get some feedback on what is needed? I am no expert here, there are those of you here who have much greater exposure and experience in this forum, and I don't want to step on any toes - I am just trying to suggest and drive a process. If anyone can help me with what is needed, can recommend a person through whom this information can be funneled, or can let me know that this effort is already being undertaken elsewhere (aka "leave it alone"), I'm all ears. I just think that the Pinto guys need a resource, and this just might be one.

Thanks for your time.

Chris

71HANTO · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2008, 11:28:33 AM »

Thats GREAT!! Way overdue for us underdogs. The two most needed parts seem to be the battery tray apron area (patch panels and full aprons) and floor pans. Others? Just my 4 cents (used to be two cents but due to inflation.....)

BlueGoldPinto · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2008, 11:39:04 AM »

I do know that BlackCar.org offers repro rear quarters for all years Pinto and they come to about $200 a pop. However, if these guys started to repro these as well, we might be able to get possible discounts for mulitple orders. That's MY two cents worth (I don't belive in our government anymore

)

FCANON · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2008, 11:51:30 AM »

Grills and Floor pans....

FrankBoss

www.PintoWorks .com

bobscat · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2008, 12:51:54 PM »

like someone stated before, rear quarters, and I would like to see more front end stuff for 79-80 cars cause there seems to be alot more out there for earlier models than for these. But, I don't really know what the demand for that last one is.

popbumper · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2008, 02:34:07 PM »

Keep the ideas coming. Once I give this about 24 hours, I'm gonna call Joe (my contact) and let him know what's up. Thanks guys, excellent input(s) so far.

Chris

77turbopinto · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2008, 03:31:26 PM »

I also know of a company that sells re-pop q-panels for non-wagons, they are like $200. each (might be the same one). I have the info for them somewhere.

Be aware that stuff like what is mentioned in this thread tends to be pricey to manufacture; just because people NEED them does not mean they WANT to PAY for them. (I know there is at least one person here that knows what I am talking about)

Bill

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2008, 03:33:06 PM »

I think.... floor pans can be different for early vs late Pinto's... I'm not sure but believe this to be so... can someone else post more info on this... This would be important to know if reproductions are made.

I think floor pans are one of the more important parts to have remade...

and

Patch panels would be nice too... for rust repair on doors, quarters and fenders...

of course this is coming from someone way up in the rust belt

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2008, 03:37:10 PM »

Quote from: 77turbopinto on February 01, 2008, 03:31:26 PM

just because people NEED them does not mean they WANT to PAY for them. (I know there is at least one person here that knows what I am talking about)

I hear ya Bill... I paid un-godly amounts of cash for my replacement quarter panels for the 73 once I found then... not a lot of people will do that and just because they are made not all will pony up the cash to buy em'

77turbopinto · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2008, 03:45:04 PM »

Maybe "willing" would be a better term....

I would hope that more BODY stuff is made. I am sorry, floor pans are way to easy to make.

BTW: The floor changed in 75 to make room for the 'cat'.

Bill

popbumper · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2008, 04:45:43 PM »

Quote from: 77turbopinto on February 01, 2008, 03:31:26 PM

I also know of a company that sells re-pop q-panels for non-wagons, they are like $200. each (might be the same one). I have the info for them somewhere.

Be aware that stuff like what is mentioned in this thread tends to be pricey to manufacture; just because people NEED them does not mean they WANT to PAY for them. (I know there is at least one person here that knows what I am talking about)

Bill

Bill:

Sure, like anything, an asking price of an item does not cater to everyone's needs, but this thread was not about "What do people need and are willing to pay for" as much as "what things in general would folks like to see reproduced"? Having been in other collector hobbies, the rules usually follow the basic framework of:

1) A particular item of interest is highly desireable, but rare, pricey or simply "unfindable"
2) Enough people step forward to claim interest
3) Someone clever enough to have the ability/cash/plant/interest to reproduce it does so
4) More people step forward to claim interest
5) Price is linear to amount manufactured, and hopefully "reasonable" to the potential buyer majority
6) Folks with the deepest pockets get theirs first
7) Desperate folks who are willing to sacrifice to get it get theirs next

Some folks just don't have ANY cash, and no matter what the price, they get by without it

..and there you have it, no disrepect meant. Been down this road at least a few times. Stuff costs money; money talks and the rest walks. I am just trying to let folks know there may be other options. Again, I'm just a nobody, without any car, trying to help people I don't know. Talk about unqualified... ..

Chris

Chris

77turbopinto · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2008, 05:03:01 PM »

Quote from: popbumper on February 01, 2008, 04:45:43 PM

Bill:

Sure, like anything, an asking price of an item does not cater to everyone's needs, but this thread was not about "What do people need and are willing to pay for" as much as "what things in general would folks like to see reproduced"? Having been in other collector hobbies, the rules usually follow the basic framework of:

1) A particular item of interest is highly desireable, but rare, pricey or simply "unfindable"
2) Enough people step forward to claim interest
3) Someone clever enough to have the ability/cash/plant/interest to reproduce it does so
4) More people step forward to claim interest
5) Price is linear to amount manufactured, and hopefully "reasonable" to the potential buyer majority
6) Folks with the deepest pockets get theirs first
7) Desperate folks who are willing to sacrifice to get it get theirs next
Some folks just don't have ANY cash, and no matter what the price, they get by without it

..and there you have it, no disrepect meant. Been down this road at least a few times. Stuff costs money; money talks and the rest walks. I am just trying to let folks know there may be other options. Again, I'm just a nobody, without any car, trying to help people I don't know. Talk about unqualified... ..

Chris

Chris

None taken.

I only brought it up because I have seen similar threads before, and there are some folks that get all exited but never think about what the items will cost. This COULD HURT ALL OF US IF people make requests to have specific parts made by that company, the company makes the parts, and then NO-ONE BUYS them; they probably won't make any more Pinto parts if that happens.

Bill

popbumper · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2008, 05:18:59 PM »

...in which case I think that it's important that ">insert company name here<" either takes deposits or prepayments on items before they decide to even go forward. I personally have had pinball machine metal cabinet parts reproduced and sold them, but my cash outlay was a (mere) $2000 upon which I realized a reasonable profit across several orders and a two year time frame.

(Yeah, beleive it or not, there is a very strong underground movement of pinball machine collectors out >there<, and I'm one of those crazy people who make and buy reproduction parts).

Marketing and selling reproduced parts is a tricky arena; most companies do it based on the fact that they have full coffers and can afford to take losses where appplicable, and/or there is a known demand for which, coming fuill circle, folks "pony up" for ahead of the build. I would not want this scenario either. A company or individual must also seriously consider their reputation, quality, pricepoint, markup, etc., especially for unique niches like this. Not an easy road to hoe.

My wish is that >we< could uncover a supplier that is viable, providing quality products at fair prices, to a secure, reliable audience. Of course, I wish I had my Pinto wagon back as well....so much for wishes.... :nocool:

Chris

77turbopinto · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2008, 05:31:54 PM »

Please don't get me wrong, I think its great that there are people out there like you that are willing to do some leg-work on getting parts made.

I think that there should be some DEEP thought into what parts would befit the most people (need/price) and go from there. I don't think it is a good idea to ask them to make parts that other companies are making (Q-pannels, rockers).

If the parts that are made help the most people, the more parts that should sell, the more Pintos that get saved, the more people we might draw to re-do Pintos, which will create more demand for parts......... .....

I still think that exterior body rust repair patches is the place to start for metal parts.

Bill

hellfirejim · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2008, 10:27:50 PM »

I agree that patch panels would be the first thing. For me what I need is the right front fender panel where the battery was. Now just a rusted hole.

Other than that I am good. I hope for other people this comes to pass.
jim

Pintony · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2008, 10:38:59 PM »

Hello Group,
I think the floorpans are a top priority!!!
Although there is nothing I can not make as far as metal is concerned here is a 1 of the early Pinto battery trays I made for myself.
HOW COOL!!!!
Notice how I have not drilled the bolt holes yet.....

Pintony · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2008, 10:52:13 PM »

some may remember this photo from the Blowin off the dust thread a few years back.
This pannel had compound curves and I made this in 3 hrs on an anvil with a ball pein hammer.
From Pintony

dga57 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2008, 01:50:32 AM »

I just ordered a pair of quarter panels from Black Car Parts @ $185 each. Unfortunately, with $90 tacked on for shipping, that brought my total to $460. Oh well... you've got to pay if you want to play! My gut instinct is that since I don't have a welder, I'm liable to pay that much or more in labor just to get them put on the car. Haven't started looking into that yet... thought I'd wait until the panels arrive. The '72 Pinto I just bought is essentially rust-free except for the quarters, which are absolute toast. As far as replacement parts I'd like to see reproduced; based not so much on my Pinto as on other cars I've restored, patch panels would be a godsend, although most of them really aren't that difficult to fabricate if you have a little talent and a lot of patience

.
Dwayne

Pinto1600 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2008, 10:04:10 AM »

Good morning all,
I'd like to get in on this thread if I may. I fully agree that we(Pinto owners) are almost always left out in the cold for most any replacement parts for our cars,so I happy to see that someone is spear heading a solution for us. As for myself,I am not in need of major body panels but the smaller parts such as splash pans,battery trays and some plastic parts are sorely needed. Hopefully if enough voices are raised a major step will be taken. Count me in!

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2008, 01:01:42 PM »

Quote from: Pintony on February 01, 2008, 10:38:59 PM

Hello Group,
I think the floorpans are a top priority!!!

Thanks Tony, I know Bill doesn't agree but it kills me to think good floor pans are being cut from cars to replace floor pans in other cars. My thought is... if the floor pans are still good... someone might be willing to restore it. Without floorpans the donor car is scrap. I know this doesn't apply in all cases but I see a lot of requests for floor pans, more than I do for fenders, doors and quarters...

3 of my 5 cars have "homemade replacement" floor pans and they are all crud... it's hidden by the carpet so thoes who did it didn't take the time to do it right. Only one of them will have a proper replacement as the other 2 are beaters/parts cars at this point. I will have to talk to the body guy doing the work and see if a quality repair can be done. If not I will have to find a donor car and as I stated I would hate to do that. If replacements were available... problem solved

77turbopinto · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2008, 01:43:45 PM »

Quote from: Cookieboy on February 02, 2008, 01:01:42 PM

Thanks Tony, I know Bill doesn't agree but it kills me to think good floor pans are being cut from cars to replace floor pans in other cars. My thought is... if the floor pans are still good... someone might be willing to restore it. Without floorpans the donor car is scrap. I know this doesn't apply in all cases but I see a lot of requests for floor pans, more than I do for fenders, doors and quarters...

3 of my 5 cars have "homemade replacement" floor pans and they are all crud... it's hidden by the carpet so thoes who did it didn't take the time to do it right. Only one of them will have a proper replacement as the other 2 are beaters/parts cars at this point. I will have to talk to the body guy doing the work and see if a quality repair can be done. If not I will have to find a donor car and as I stated I would hate to do that. If replacements were available... problem solved

I understand that floors would be helpful, no argument there. Truth be told, I have patched more floors than any other area on a Pinto, BUT I would have preffered to have REAL PINTO PATCH PANELS for the other areas. Exterior body parts are MUCH harder to fabricate.

It's SO easy to use replacement floor panels made for other cars, or to fabricate parts from scrap. All it takes is minimal effort to have it come out nice. (NOT so easy for a Q-panel).

You mention some crud jobs. I wonder IF someone is that much of a HACK would really take the time and effort with getting Pinto panels? If they did get the panels, they might still do a crud job installing them.

I agree that there are some folks out there that will cut up a "donor", but most "donors" that I have seen cut up have other 'issues' that would stop them from ever being restored anyway (wrecked, rotted in other areas, NO TITLE.....). IMHO: IF someone HAS a donor they might not be willing to cough up money to buy parts they already have.

I only expressed MY opinion on this topic because of how much work I have done on these cars.

Bill

Wittsend · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2008, 05:07:27 PM »

Hello,
I just replaced my passenger side front floor panel. The cost was zero dollars as I used the side of an old computer case for the metal. While I didn't have the ability to make the strengthening/drain channels, I did use a larger/smaller socket as a die to make flat dimples to strengthen the metal and hopefully eliminate resonance.

Maybe it's just me, but I enjoy fabricating stuff for next to nothing. While it is no original "look alike," I do believe one can make homemade panels as a viable replacement if time is taken to shape and acceptably weld them in.
Tom.

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2008, 08:36:55 AM »

Quote from: BlueGoldPinto on February 01, 2008, 11:39:04 AM

I do know that BlackCar.org offers repro rear quarters for all years Pinto and they come to about $200 a pop.

I went to www.blackcar.o rg and got this...

blackcar.org
This domain is expired, please renew it. Please contact us for more information.

so.... does anyone have good contact info on where to get these quarter panels or patch panels...

name??? web site??? phone #

dga57 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2008, 09:38:01 PM »

Try www.blackcar-llc.com. I just ordered a set of quarter panels from them last week.

Dwayne

Cookieboystoys · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2008, 10:19:00 PM »

Quote from: dga57 on February 04, 2008, 09:38:01 PM

Try www.blackcar-llc.com. I just ordered a set of quarter panels from them last week.

Dwayne

Excellent! found the site and panels... looks like they make most of what is being requested.

$460 for 2 quarters shipped.... not a small pill to swallow but still not to bad if you want replacements. I know I would have paid the body guy a lot more than that for labor to repair mine and as I recall I got mine shipped for about the same price if not a little more....

dga57 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 07, 2008, 12:18:43 AM »

Just another little unsolicited plug for Black Car Parts - I received my quarter panels yesterday... only eight days after ordering :amazed:. I think that is phenomenal service!
Dwayne

Pintony · « **Reply #26 on:** February 07, 2008, 09:06:21 AM »

Hello dga57,
OK you got your items FAST..
Can you take photos and post them here???
How is the quality?

From Pintony

dga57 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 08, 2008, 12:06:27 AM »

Hey Pintony!
I'll try - I'm not all that computer literate when it comes to posting photos and stuff :embarassed:. At this point I haven't unboxed them yet... simply opened one end to make sure I had two, and that they were left and right. Quality looks okay, peering into the end of the box like that. Will try to pull them out and snap a photo and see if my son can help me post it.
Dwayne :tgif:

dga57 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 09, 2008, 04:08:54 PM »

I took some photos of the quarter panels I bought from Black Car Parts but I can't get them to post. Spent $30+ on software to resize and I still get the message that they are too big. I have to go to work now but if anyone would like to send me their email address, I'll mail the photos to you tomorrow or Monday and see if you have any better luck.

Dwayne

Smeed · « **Reply #29 on:** February 09, 2008, 08:32:23 PM »

Quote from: dga57 on February 09, 2008, 04:08:54 PM

I took some photos of the quarter panels I bought from Black Car Parts but I can't get them to post. Spent $30+ on software to resize and I still get the message that they are too big. I have to go to work now but if anyone would like to send me their email address, I'll mail the photos to you tomorrow or Monday and see if you have any better luck.

Dwayne

A little off topic but...

Follow this step by step guide to resize images. The software is free and I use it everyday.

http://www.somewhere-in-time.net/tutorial/irfanview/

you can get the software here:
http://www.irfanview.com/

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Author Topic: Metal repro parts for Pintos - possible resource identified (Read 5252 times)

Pintony

Pintony

Pintony