I have seen bits and pieces of this article posted throughout the forums, however this has it all on one page and well laid out! I found this to be a VERY good topic about the Ford Pinto! I encourage you all to read over it if you haven't already (most probably have).
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1971-1980-ford-pinto.htm/printable
Pintony:
For the "underknowledged", it would be nice to know what the false information is so that they are not snared by it. Maybe that's a lot to ask, but I would hate to read it and walk away with something that is wrong. Just a thought.
Chris
Thanks for that, much appreciated.
Chris
I agree, working on your car is a much greater priority.... get on it... :D
Chris
There are some detail errors in this article but it is still a great primer on the whole history of the Pinto and the world economic woes that helped to bring an end to it. It is mostly accurate with some details thrown in that were very interesting. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Maybe when the "Pinto Magazine" becomes a reality we can have articles on each year of the Pinto that will really do justice to the car and be the last word on Pinto history. The Standard Catalog of American Cars by Krause Publications also has info., available accessories, prices and specs on all years of the Pinto if you would like further reading. Krause does not mention a V-6 engine being available for the 1980 models either.
Wow, very informative article. I would >LOVE< to have a '76 with a STALLION paint scheme like in the article. Hmm, maybe a stallion WAGON? Would be interesting...
Chris
Quote from: Pintony on August 01, 2008, 07:52:18 AM
Hello Dave,
Lots of good info there but a lot of MIS-INFORMATION too...
I found several things that are just NOT accurate..
From Pintony
1)Chrome Grill?
2)Anny one have a pic of the tool kit?
3)Third season aluminium bumpers?
4)Station Wagons...were not a part of the recall notice?
The second and forth question are of the most intrest to me.
From Leonard
The tool kits were sold by the Ford dealers' parts departments. They were just a small tool assortment and were not a very good value and very few were sold. You could do much better at Pep Boys or other auto supply stores if you needed tools. The little key tools though were quite popular and were available in a small box on dealers parts counters for years and sold at my Ford dealer for 99 cents. You can probably find the tool sets in the '70s parts books.
I would say my posting this article has been quite a benefit. Those whom surf the web and find it may eventually find their way here and see the corrections that have been pointed out.
I would be interested in learning what is accurate and what is not, to become better familiar with the Pinto's history. I feel like a huge fan of the Ford Pinto, and love mine to death, however I am eager to learn all there is about it's history and become a semi-expert on them.
Hey where can I get that pinto key? Ive got the larger one of the two and I tried to get it cut and they said it wasnt actually a key :(
One easy way to learn a lot about the Pinto's is to pick up the deluxe sales brochure on each year car. They are readily available on line and most sales literature dealers have them at swap meets. Compare the features and look to see what Ford is touting as new for each year. The brochures usually have all of the colors available and list accessories as well. Try to get the later printings of the catalogs if possible as they will show most mid year changes. For example the early 1972 brochure will not show the wagons and the early '71 catalog may not show the Runabout as it was introduced later in the year.. The brochures are loaded with information and maintain their value if kept in good condition. Be careful as it is easy to get hooked on collecting them. There are also owners manuals, color and upholstery sample books, paint chip pages, parts books, accessory folders, and folders on special models like the Sprint. It is a real challenge to get them all but you will sure learn a lot and always have the material for future reference if any one else has a question about the Pinto's. Good luck!!
Thanks gordie!
My addition to the Pinto hobby will now be the literature collection of it. :)
There is a book and two tool kits that were available for the Pinto. I have the book (it was in the glove box when I got my car) and it is called "Pinto Do It Yourself Manual"
I have never seen the tool kits. They could be ordered, the order form is still in my owners manual.The book was $2.25, the beginner tool kit contained a straight and phillips screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, 6 open end wrenches in standard and metric, 6 3/8 sockets, 2 extensions, T-handle, and a universal. Also a spark plug socket, tire gauge, fuse puller, feeler gauge, oil filter wrench with a rubber insert for the smaller filter on the 1600, spray lube and hand cleaner and a tool pouch. This kit was $28.75. The master kit had a vacuum gauge, a combination dwell meter-tachometer-timing light, belt tension gauge,torque wrench, wheel bearing socket, socket adapter, brake adjusting tool and an oil seal drift. It sold for $44.95.
Thanks for posting this article dave1987, and thanks gordie pintony 71pintoracer for the reply.