Greetings all. I'm getting ready to purchase my first Pinto. :)
There are two in reasonable driving distance from me in a similar price range, a 72' 4 speed M/T, and a 79' runabout A/T. I haven't seen either of them in person, but assuming they are both in reasonable mechanical and cosmetic condition, which do you think is the better way to go? I am much more used to an automatic transmission, but I'm not stubborn and am quite willing to learn stick. I prefer the front end on the earlier Pintos, but it's a tough choice for me due to my limited M/T experience.
What'cha think? :)
(Please be kind, I'm a newb) :embarassed:
Any opinions and advice are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! :)
From what I am reading, I think you have already made a choice:
1) You prefer the early body style
2) You are not afraid to learn manual transmission
Personal thoughts? I like the earlier body styles better too, though I have owned a '76, '77' '79 and '80. Why? Just worked out that way. I also prefer wagons. For driveability, you simply cannot go wrong with a manual transmission; some look at it as "work", I look at is as control and better fuel mileage.
That's my nickel - your mileage may vary ;D
Good luck on your choice, lots of fine folks here to help.
Chris
:welcome: I too prefer the early body style, however the condition of the overall car may be the most deciding factor. The '72 will most likely have a 2.0 engine, or it may be a 1.6. Both are good engines, parts (like from the parts stores) are a little hard to come by. The '79 will have either a 2.3 or a 2.8 V6, parts are a little easier to come by. The 4 speeds in these cars are good transmissions and very easy to drive so don't let that scare you away if it is a decent car.
The main thing you need to look for is the rust monster. Look carefully at the floor pans. Crawl under the car and get a good look. Look at the bottom corners of the doors, the 1/4 panels in front of and behind the wheels, look in the trunk and the spare tire well. While in the trunk, take a flashlight and look on both sides down where the 1/4 panels attach.
When you start the car, listen for any unusal noises. As soon as it fires, look behind you for smoke. Rev the engine and listen for any noises. The 2.3's had a bad habit of eating cams and rockers. The 2.0 is a great engine, but remember, it's 36 years old!!
The 1.6 is also a good engine, it has been used for years in other cars but was only in the Pinto 2-3 years. I never did care much for the V6. It's an ok engine, I just never fooled with them much.
If it were me, I would be going after the '72, but thats just my preference. If it's a rust bucket or junk, I would move on. Let us know what they look like when you see them, and we will try to help. just don't tell where they are or Pintony will run out there and buy them both! Like he doesn't have enough already!! :P
And again, :welcome:
Quote from: 71pintoracer on July 31, 2008, 12:02:05 PM
just don't tell where they are or Pintony will run out there and buy them both! Like he doesn't have enough already!! :P
And again, :welcome:
Tony doesn't "think" they made Pinto's after 73 and will not buy the newer ones ;) ;D
as far as the purchase... me I like em' all, even the BIG! bumper cars, but condition is oh so important and rust issues can be a very important consideration. I kind of prefer the newer ones (74 and up) because parts availability is much better... there are some parts for the early ones you just can't get or are very hard to find and will pay a high price if you do.
just my 2c
Thanks for the info guys, I'll definitely check for rust, etc. :)
I agree with everyone else, condition is everything. DON'T start with a rust bucket, you will be sorry. You can put a lot more money in body work than you could ever put in mechanical repairs, if there is a lot of rust.
Also I like the 74 and later models just because they are more adaptable if you want to put a turbo in one or even a V8. Plus there are more parts available. If you don't like the bumpers, which seems to be evreyones complaint, you can modify those as I have done. This is just my input, there are alot more peole out there with more knowledge.
Good Luck :smile:
Ray
Hi and :welcome:
Assuming the two cars are comparable condition-wise, my choice would be the '72. In most cases, the initial design of any successful automobile is it's purest form and changes made through the years amount to "tampering with success". If you doubt that, check the production numbers on Pintos and see how they fell through the years. My Pinto is a 1972 sedan, 1600cc 4 spd., not the peppiest car in the world but certainly driveable. Compared to the later models, it is uncomplicated AND it's one of the few Pintos that actually gets decent gas mileage. On the highway at 65-70 mph it will do about 30 mpg as opposed to a 1974 2300 cc I had new that only got about 19 mpg. Don't let the manual transmission scare you - it's a cinch to master with a little practice and definitely a worthwhile skill to acquire.
Good luck and let us know what you decide!
Dwayne :smile:
Very cool, goin' to check out the 72' tomorrow. :D
Driving a 4spd is fun!
Reverse can be a pain at first... Make sure you park where you can pull through or coast backwards. ;D
On the 4spd you push down and left, it should go through the lockout and then up into reverse gear.
I bought the '72 today. ^^
I'll need to put a little elbow grease into her cosmetically here and there, but she starts up and drives fine, no major damage, and she didn't look to have any rust probs. :)
:) Hi, I would go for the early year. but it would all depend on the body of the car. You want something good to work with. You don't want to spend all your money on sheet metal or bondo. When you could be getting nice chrome parts for your engine.
Good luck!!
What ever your choice you are gonna love it!!!!
Pintowoman73
were all hopping for pic
con-graduation on the find
Quote from: apintonut on August 01, 2008, 10:27:46 PM
were all hopping for pic
con-graduation on the find
Thanks, I'll definitely get some pics up tomorrow. :)
Are Pintos getting hard to find these days or what? I've been looking for months, and then out of the blue a few popped up in my area this week.
Just wondering, what octane gas should I be using with my stock '72 Pinto?
Quote from: Kid Colt II on August 02, 2008, 12:15:05 PM
Just wondering, what octane gas should I be using with my stock '72 Pinto?
It'll run fine on 87 (or whatever your basic unleaded is).
Did it sit for a while?
Quote from: ADaughen on August 02, 2008, 02:15:56 PM
It'll run fine on 87 (or whatever your basic unleaded is).
Did it sit for a while?
Yes... the previous owner said it had been sitting for at least 3 months.
Congratulations on your new Pinto. May you have a long and happy relationship together!
Dwayne :smile:
Sorry I haven't put pics up yet. I believe the last owner of this car didn't really service her too much. Gave her a full tune-up today, and I'm having some carburetor problems so getting that rebuilt tomorrow. Hopefully everything is smooth from there out, so I can focus on cosmetics. ^^
I'm rockin' original paint! (However, that may just be a bad thing :P )
She's nothing fancy, but I'm happy with my new toy.
Where are you located?