Hi guys:
Those following the "Rust loves to hide" thread have seen that I am making a reasonable amount of progress on restoration with my interior. As I have continued my teardown, I have done a lot of thinking about what the "plan" for the car is.
Having been into cars for many years (though sadly owning only a handful), I am keenly aware that cars are really an artist's palette, and can truly be made into most anything the owner wishes. I have always been a fan of "original", though I >do< enjoy tasteful modifications.
Which brings me to my point. What would your opinion be on the following ideas? I am curious as to whether the changes I mention would be "counterproductive", acceptable, or interesting to others? Keep in mind this is a 1976 wagon, Medium Chestnut brown with a tan interior.
1) CHANGE PAINT color - I would like to paint it red. Why red? I have seen the color combination of red/tan interior, and I like it. The metallic brown doesn't do a lot for me, and by keeping the interior tan, I save time and money (since the seats/headliner won't need work).
2) REMOVE rear seats, and create a nice rear deck. I don't really need rear seats, and the seat area could be built up to make a nice long carpeted deck. In fact, I could make myself a place to store the battery, if I wanted to move it.
3) PANELIZE it - yes, the panel wagons did not start until 1977, BUT, if panelized, it would make a nice one-off unique vehicle. I would actually opt away from the factory panels and probably weld up a solid side panel. Additionally, eliminating the side windows saves me the trouble of maintaining the rubber seals, which are pretty dry and nasty at this point.
Thoughts, comments, other. Thanks guys!
Chris
1)Go for it!
2)If you don't need them extra space, Do it.
3)Best idea make it a panel truck, so to speak GREAT IDEA.
Poobumper
I think they look goor in red as well
if you are making it a panel wagon my undestanding they did not have the rear seat any how. At the same tine why not just fold the seat down and have the same effect and the seat would be thee if ever needed?
Phils toys
Yes, an option (keeping seat down) though I was thinking of maybe building in a custom "toolbox/storage box" where the seats were, perhaps even moving the battery inside.
One other thing I had considered was to add some alternate seat mount holes, so I could move the front seats back a tad. I'm 6'3, and while I am still "comfortable" in the car, I could use another 2" of leg room.
Chris
You can put speakers in your cowl holes.
That way you have awesome sound when working under the hood. ;)
And a tool box and wire welder in the back...
FrankBoss
Ouch! Those would be some small speakers now, but I can enlarge the holes :o
Chris
Chris, my philosophy with cars has always been do what makes you happy. If (like in the Mustang world) you are worried about resale value, then that can temper what you do. But I say go for it.
Btw, I am considering removing my rear seat as well, for the same reasons. I have a 79 hatchback, and want a place to carry tools that is out of sight from potential thieves. Moving the battery is an option too, but in the Pinto it would be for theft reasons, as opposed to performance. But it is nice to have a 6-10 inch battery cable, so it may stay in place. :-)
Russ
I have everything measured for my Wagon, im also removing the seats, and going back with the Original Set-up that was in the car when i bought it. but where the seats were one side will be storage the other Amps/ other Misc Electrical items. gotta have amps to power Pioneer IMPP 10 inch Subs. So do what you want to your car man, Enjoy it while you have it
What did you decide!
Thanks for asking. Been doing a whole lot of nothing on the car, with daily temps in the 100's - it was 105 yesterday!
The question was really for "planning", i.e., deciding what may happen. I am trying hard to find a spot where I can work on the car indoors for a while, but that is not necessarily working out. Costs are reasonably high, and trying to roll several willing participants together is a real task. There are several logistics to consider.
Enough on that. If and when I get to that point, I would like to panelize it, and paint it red. I am hoping this Fall/Winter are very productive. I am anxious to make progress.
Chris
My suggestion would be Paint the entire thing John Deere Black...
Paint your rim's Red.
Paint the roof gloss White Boat paint with insane flake!
Have a Dallas pin striper do the dead down the sides, hood and the back hatch in white and red.
Other garnishments would be a cloth top from the back of the doors all the way back like a carsons top. And louvers in the top of the hood, the upper rear of the fender and the back hatch.
Some round peep mirrors and white walls.....
Fill the gas tank and lock up the check book for a while.
FrankBoss
This suxz ..I can go on for a while about this....
YOu need lakers frenced in the sides and paint the motor red with Copper and brass everything you can find Fuel lines ect...Heavy fins on the valve cover air cleaner and coil. Tuck all the wiring you can in side the fender above the enter fender.
A big flying eyeball on the bottom of the hood...
The seats would have to be plush Tuck and roll
Man I might have to print this out and buy myself another wagon....
FrankBoss
You my friend are "outta your mind" ;D ;D ;D
This seems to describe more of a 1957 Chevy color scheme!!
Have you considered a long and storied career in high fashion? ;)
I can't even picture this - somebody grab me some software or a Pinto coloring book....... :read:
Chris
well every one has seem a cruiser wagon...make it legendary !!!
Put a little FrankBoss in it
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/fcanon/SorryCiara.jpg)
AGGGHHH!!! I suddenly went blind!!!!
Dwayne :smile:
I think I have just been permanently scarred.My inner child will never be the same.
Thanks allot Frank. ;D
I'm maybe an odd duck. If I had a car, in say, my favorite color and found out the original color from the factory was a color I hated....I'd get it repainted in the original color.
It's MY car, and I have this odd sensation that I should love it for what it is or was. I guess I'm just a purist, but I want to see my baby as it was born.
Do what makes you happy.
I think I just have an OCD problem with keeping things the way they were! :P
If Ford didn't approve the "swat team" gas tank fire shield, I'm not sure if I'd have the heart to install it! :police:
I say, make it your own, you are the only one who needs to love it. Red with beige interior with paneling, sweet. Tere are no ugly Pintos, only ugly Pinto owners.
Thanks for keeping the thread alive, guys, I appreciate the inputs. As yet I am "undecided". I even thought about doing a Stallion paint scheme - yes, on a wagon - that would be unique!!
Chris
One more!
http://five.flash-gear.com/npuz/puz.php?c=v&id=3104844&k=81924296
I put it together, but I got sort of nauseated ;D
Dwayne