Yes it's true, sadly enough. I haven't been on here for quite a while, just due to a very busy life. So to recap, l blew the 5.0 (after ripping on it 8 years) about 2 years ago. In that time l built a 347 roller cam stroker with Dart heads, and finally got it put in and running. On my 3rd test run l hit a damp spot in the road (in third gear with the hammer down) and it hazed the tires and got sideways. I tried to correct but l really think when l let off the gas it locked the rear tires (it's a 5 speed) and it spun back the other way and slammed the passenger side into 3 trees. So anyway, once the car is released from the insurance company l plan to strip it and start building my 77 Cruising Wagon. It's a nice solid car but l'm going to strip it as well and start from the beginning, so it will be a long process.
l have a few things on the 71 that l thought maybe someone would be interested in, if l could get some feedback and maybe what things are worth? Thought l would offer them to the Pinto people first instead of e-bay.
1. Early swap headers. (71-73) l don't know the actual condition of the right header yet but hopefully it can be salvaged because l don't think they're available anymore.
2. 1/4 glass louvers. They survived.
3. Decklid spoiler.
4. Steering column. It has the cable shaft instead of the u-joint style.
5. Summit steering rack. The right tie rod is bent but l think the rack is ok. l'll have to check further when l get the car back.
6. Disc brakes. (front)
lf anyone is looking for other 71 specific items let me know. Thanks!! l don't have any pics at the moment sorry, just tying to get some feedback.
                                                              Sadly Yours, Jimbo & The Pintoracer

                                                                   Sadly Yours, Jimbo & the Pintoracer

Wow, Jimmy!  So sorry to hear of the demise of your beautiful Pinto!  When did that happen and are YOU alright?  I'm glad you have the Cruising Wagon to invest your time and talent into and I'll be anxious to see it when you're done.  I hope you'll choose to document your progress here - I know everybody will be interested.

Dwayne

Thanks everyone. Dwayne it happened Saturday around 6:00. Reeves1 it will be a while I'm sure. I'll try to get some pics soon. I'm still mourning the loss.   I've owned her for 30 years......

Sir,
I am very sorry to hear about the wreck and your loss, it was a beautiful car, I hope mine can be as nice someday.

I saw a pair of the headers on the Facebook Pinto group for $300 I believe, kinda hard to believe it took so long for them to sell because they are not available anymore.

I almost hate to ask because as you said you are still morning the loss but you said if there is anything we want to ask, is there a possibility of getting the dash pad if it's in nice shape? Rear bumper? Grille? I have a few spare grilles and wouldn't mind someone else getting a crack at it if they really need it, but I would be interested at the right price. If you want to email me with pics and what you need for them let me know please, m14brian@hotmail.com Thanks.
71v8Pinto

Hi Jimmy!

I'm glad you weren't hurt too badly. I am so sorry about your racer.  I hear you when you say you dread to see the car. To me, a car is never "just a car".  Memories are made in them. Sometimes babies are made in them. lol. The old ones have so much character that the modern cookie-cutter cars lack.  Of course, when some of us think of you, we see your Pinto Racer in our heads automatically. To know it's no more must be heartbreaking.  

If I had money right now, I would like to buy a few of the parts offered.

Sorry for the loss of your 71. I would be willing to wager that cable steering shaft contributed to the demise. I twice put my 72 in the ditch with only a hopped up 2.0 and 4 speed. Both times on slightly wet pavement, the rear kicked around and I knew I had it controlled when it took a veer off the road. After 30 years of retrospect, I believe the cable twists and winds up under a hard load from both the rack and steering wheel then unwinds and surprise the wheels are going in a different direction. I'm seriously thinking about putting a shaft and u-joints in my 72 before it hits the road again. Glad your okay; you can build another car!

Cool sounds good Sir, best of luck with the new project. I don’t think it’s stupid either, we’re car guys and they all mean something to us, when we got them, the things we did, friends we made because of them, the feelings attached, etc. you will evaluate it when ready, and hopefully avenge yourself and make the new one better, if it were possible. Take care and best wishes from SoCal.
71v8Pinto

I would be really interested to know!!