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Author Topic: What model Pinto is best?  (Read 2423 times)

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Offline waldo786

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What model Pinto is best?
« on: October 29, 2012, 07:15:01 PM »
I've sold my Mustang and am now in the market for a Pinto hatchback to work on.  I used my grandfather's 76 Wagon in high school and have started restoring it, but it needs a lot of work.  I've always been partial to the smaller runabouts anyway so I'm looking to get one of those for myself and let me my dad keep the wagon once I get it restored.  My question is this:  I've been looking at several Pinto's and a couple here locally.  I want a 74 up, but I'm not sure which is best.  I like all the styles up to 80 with the changes they made over the years.  I just wonder if I ever re-sell it are the earlier (pre 79) more desirable?  Also the ignition on the 75 the Duraspark I isn't heralded as being very good.  The Duraspark II is the best one, and that was in 77 if I'm not mistaken?  What about 76 - can those be converted easily or are they already duraspark II?  Also the front  square headlights on the 79-80 - do they provide better visibility?  It might seem like an odd question, but I'm looking to use the car as a daily driver during summer months.  Based on resale and technology, basically is one model variation better than another?  I know this is partially subjective depending on what cosmetic features you like best, but just curious about other opinions out there.

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2012, 09:18:10 PM »
http://www.fordpinto.com/classifieds/?sa=view;id=2188
 
If I didn't already have a 5th Pinto heading my way this one would be coming to my house. I'm not sure what work it needs but if it's as nice as the pics it's a killer deal at that price.
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Offline waldo786

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2012, 09:57:17 PM »
I did actually check this out, it needs brake lines, fuel lines, new gas tank, new brakes in the rear and shocks.  Interior looks good, but there are also some areas where it needs some rust repair.  I'm considering it though.  I took a bath on my Mustang and just not looking to buy another car that needs so much work I won't get close to the money back I put into it.  Hindsight is always a bitch and 20/20 because if I had to do it all over again, the money I put in my mustang could have made something like this really darn nice.  But now I lost a lot of that money but as they say live and learn. 

Offline Reddog

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What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2012, 07:51:03 AM »
I agree with pinto5.0! That 76 is a screaming good deal! At $2000 you could afford to make any repairs required from it sitting for so long. And 44k miles?!? That is a dream come true, there won't be many more low mileage cars like this coming in the future. If it were a little closer to me I'd buy it in a heartbeat! Id think about it long and hard, most of the cars I have come across have been hacked to death, raced or are just flat out rust buckets. That car is complete and obviously never rawhided. Just my opinion brother.
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Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2012, 10:06:04 AM »
It sounds like it was parked somewhere damp if all that rusted out. It sure looks good up top. I'd shy away if the frame & floors are crumbling from rust though.
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Offline TIGGER

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2012, 10:46:08 PM »
In my opinion, in the years of 74-80, no year is more desireable than the other.  I myself like all years but I prefer the small bumper (71-73) hatchbacks and square headlight (79-80) wagons.  It is all personal preference in my opinion as different people like different years.  I think it really depends on what you like? 
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Offline Wittsend

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2012, 04:59:23 PM »
In some ways it depends on what you want to do with it, - and where you live. Here in California we don't have to smog test '75 and older cars. So, for me that is a factor.  Appearance wise I prefer the '71-'73 small bumper cars. On the other hand if you are Turbo inclined the '74 and up cars are better choices with immediate fitment for the 2.3 engine. For Californian's that means only '74-'75 cars, otherwise there are a number of alterations to turbo a '71-'73 car.

So, where do you live..., and what do you want to do to a Pinto?

Tom

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2012, 07:05:49 PM »
Also remember '74-up is waaaaay easier to get parts for, especially steering & suspension. If you love thin bumpers they will fit newer years with a bit of work.
'73 Sedan (I'll get to it)
'76 Wagon driver
'80 hatch(Restoring to be my son's 1st car)~Callisto
'71 half hatch (bucket list Pinto)~Ghost
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Offline waldo786

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2012, 09:21:30 PM »
I live in DE and I'm looking to make a nice cruiser/daily driver in the summer.  I'd be (most likely) installing power brakes, A/C, perhaps an overdrive transmission, and fuel injection swap.  I just like the style and the design of the older cars - but with modern amenities.  I guess you could say a Pinto restomod. 

Offline discolives78

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #9 on: November 13, 2012, 12:45:25 AM »
Some good replies, guys. It does really depend on what you want, I've had several years over the years. Square vs. round headlights made no diff in visibility, I converted a 78 wagon to 80 front end, can be done but you have to modify (with a small sledgehammer) the headlight openings in the radiator support to convert. As far as reliability, they got better as they went along, but then started getting worse again as more smog stuff was added. Major rust should be avoided. Other than that pick one that you like and go over it carefully before taking it home, they're all 30+ years old now. Good luck in your search.


A virtual version of my last Pinto. Was Registered Ride #111. Missed every day.

Offline dga57

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Re: What model Pinto is best?
« Reply #10 on: November 13, 2012, 09:55:59 AM »
Hi Chuck!
 
Glad to know you're still around!  You should jump into the conversations more often! 
 
Dwayne :)
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