I am so in awe of everyone's cars! I look at the work and admire what you do. I have spent hours here reading countless threads, looking thru galleries, watching vids and looking at everyone elses projects. I dig the turbo pintos! That project is a little more than I could handle right now, so lets work on getting her cleaned up real good first! First thing today was another trip to u-pull-it. Here are some of my treasures
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2930662770_c8f16bb2af.jpg)
a set of wheel well trim, its a little beat up but it was free!(because it was a little beat up) I spent two hours tapping the dents out with a spoon dolly and a pick hammer, when I was done I realized the memory card on the camera was full. You can still see some of the little dings but they are fairly smooth and have been test fitted on the car. My plan is to rough them up real good with some 40 grit, use a skim coat of Bondo, wet sand them and paint them mettalic blue.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2930663618_5bd826448e.jpg)
a very nice (after I cleaned it up) original shift boot and knob!
I also got a very nice pair of blue kick panels, none of the tabs are broken. these are keepers in case I want to take the 6 1/2s out and go back to original.
I found a dome light in light blue! mine's black.
So when I got home, I cleaned out my trunk:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2930664232_753fd76960.jpg)
and found the floor!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2930664316_67b1ae5156.jpg)
I went to Pep Boys for some "Super Clean" in the purple bottle, good stuff! While I was there I found these:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/2930663780_18db00b761_m.jpg)
They're plastic peel'n'stick, but hey, they're $1.99 each and it took less than five minutes to install. I've seen a lot of pictures of other Pintos and I think mine's supposed to have lettering spaced out across the front of the hood but mine has no holes for letters or letters, so I improvised. I saw a 74 at the junkyard and on it the letters are clustered in the corner, I liked that look, so thats what I was going for.
Bad news. upon closer inspection of the hood the 4 "scratches" I saw are not scratches at all, there is a patch of bondo and its cracking! Tomorrow I'm going back to u-pull it for a hood and a nice set of blue cloth seats I saw in an 86 escort. so look for pics of those in a few days. This time I'm going in a truck, not the Pinto!
Here's some before pics of what my interior looks like right now:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2929806547_cd438bf290.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2929805449_85e80a68e9.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2929805367_3ae36ae030.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2929805297_e1ac7530db.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2929805067_85153ed00a.jpg)
I got excited and clicked "post", sorry,
Back to the story, I also found a very good set of light blue door panels, my passenger side one was a little rough, so this was a blessing!
So while I was working on the car I swapped out the passenger door panel, and the window cranks(also from u-pull-it, $1.00 each) from an 80 Mustang, now it has black knobs instead of the faded yellow clear jobbies. :)
There's a bit of body work I need to get to:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2929805967_8875b37d22.jpg)
that's the only cancer on the whole car, and I think it was caused by a plugged drain hole and dried out weatherstripping. I have another door (had it for a while) but I'm not ready to paint the car yet, so I was thinking I'd grind the hell out of it and patch it up with some screen and bondo for now, the hole is the size of my pinkie and the outer area is smaller than my palm. After that I was thinking I'd paint the bottom of the car the aforementioned mettalic blue that I'm going to paint the wheel well trim. That should hold it for a year or two.
I seem to remember somebody mentioning that they were looking for a salvageable 78 grille, when I was cleaning the trunk I found this :
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2929806067_e4c88c54ec.jpg)
I can't remember who you are or where I saw it, I'll try looking again. If you see it and you want it before I find you, send me a PM, I don't want anything for it, it needs to be stripped (cheap black spraypaint) and there are a couple tabs are held in with what I think is silicone, but its in one peice! If you pay the shipping I'll send it to you!
Well enough about me, I'll put more here in a couple days, I'm off to see what you all have been doing! :afro:
So I got to u-pull it this morning, and got my seats
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2931823251_6b8d838282.jpg)
it was very windy today! That's my neice trying to get comfortable. I cleaned the seats with "Tuff Stuff" and they look pretty good. They are from an 87 EXP. Then I took the tracks off the new seats, pulled out my driver seat, took the tracks off of it, and then I realized I have to drill out the knock-outs on the new seats, and the width of the holes is different. The pinto's holes are about 12 1/2 inches apart and the escort holes are about 13 3/4 inches apart, so I either have to improvise some brackets or drill holes in the floor of the car. Bummer.
And more bad news, they crushed the two wagons with v-6's so I didn't get a hood because the one on the 74 had a big dent where bondo used to be and the 78 wagon had been wrecked in the front. The bumper is gone, the extensions are trash and the hood has a huge crease in it.
I came inside because while I was messing with the seats some pretty good storm clouds moved in.
Anyone know where I can get some door lock grommets? I checked the Help! section at Pep Boys, Autozone, and Checker and no luck.
Is there enough room on the frame of the new seats to just drill new holes? Personally, I prefer to drill holes in the floor of my cars as little as possible.
Jumping off just a little bit but if you go back to that junk yard, see if they have a water pump for a V6. My white wagon needs one BAD.
but you car is looking good. I found a little trick to repairing window felts if yours are cracked and coming apart. A little rummer cement to put them back together and a product called plasti dip. It's the stuff you can dip the handles of your tools in to put a plastic/rubber coating on them. it works great when you cant afford new window felts
Sorry, I mentioned earlier the wagons are gone. There are a few mustang II's. one has a v-8(!) I didn't look under the hoods of the other two, but I can, give me a few days. The 2.8 is the same between the Pinto and Mustang II, just like the 2.3, right?
Agreed, I'd rather not drill holes in the car! There's no metal on the escort seats where I would need to drill holes, the seats aren't too wide though. Maybe a flat piece of metal attached to the original holes in the new seats and drill holes in that?
Quote from: discolives78 on October 11, 2008, 05:36:25 PMAgreed, I'd rather not drill holes in the car! There's no metal on the escort seats where I would need to drill holes, the seats aren't too wide though. Maybe a flat piece of metal attached to the original holes in the new seats and drill holes in that?
Yah. Try some flat iron from Home Despot.
Their aluminum is easier to drill, bend, and jack saw.
60 Dollars new at Autozone. I just replaced mine
Quote from: 78squirewagon on October 11, 2008, 05:24:53 PM
Jumping off just a little bit but if you go back to that junk yard, see if they have a water pump for a V6. My white wagon needs one BAD.
Quote from: 75bobcatv6 on October 12, 2008, 04:46:15 AM
60 Dollars new at Autozone. I just replaced mine
Ok, thanks.
Did not mean to hikack the thread. Keep us posted on your progress. I have some blue parts if you need them
so the seats went back to the planning phase. I opened the hood today to check the oil and decided I need to replace the cam cover gasket. I found a rubber Fel-Pro gasket at Pep-Boys for $18.99. I got the plug wires and air cleaner off, pulled the cam cover, and thought "That's really greasy, I should clean it" so 6 rounds with the "super clean" and an an old scrub brush, I decided it was missing a little too much paint. 2 hours of 80 grit sandpaper later, I washed it in the bathtub with plenty of dishsoap and a green scotchbrite pad, hand dried it, wiped it with a tack cloth and applied two coats of Ford blue from a spray can. Then I read the instructions on the can and it dries "to the touch" in one hour, but can be handled in 3 hours. So here I am waiting for the paint to dry so I can put my car back together. I have a doctors appointment at 10 in the morning tomorrow, and after that I want to go back to the u-pull-it yard. I misplaced my memory card reader, so no pics today. I'll post some tomorrow, thanks for stopping in!
I spent most of the afternoon at u-pull-it, so I didn't get too much work done, but here are some pics from yesterday:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2940569574_401affdf83.jpg)
before
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2939657707_32ae537963_o.jpg)
after, at least 'that' is clean!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2939656775_6e443f86cc.jpg)
the stickers weren't perfect, but I masked them off anyway.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2940511812_6239002a27.jpg)
The new washer bottle on the left, the old one on the right. Improvement, right? I got it installed and the pump actually works! So now I have windshield washers :surprised:
More things on the list:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2939655295_a5d108a405.jpg)
a hood and trunk lid! they crushed two wagons that were there two weeks ago, and today there were 2 new pintos! a blue 78 sedan and a green 75 hatchback that I used to own(!) I sold that car for $100 in 2000, it didn't run, so someone must have fixed it or tried and stashed it.
I also got a hood cable, a blue console (mine is black), extra door sills, and some wiring odds and ends.
I checked all the cars for the guage cluster holder ( the white part), but none were salvageable. I grabbed everything I could afford, because I was there saturday and found a mustang II with a console, today the entire interior was gone from that car!
Next couple weeks,new plug wires, new heater hoses, radiator hoses, and a new timing belt (it's been 5 years, and I had an oil leak from the front of the cam cover) not to mention I need to paint the timing belt cover too. much easier when its off the car!
My doctor told me today I can go back to work (finally, going CRAZY!) So I have to be at work at 6:00 am, More soon!
Its raining off and on today, I got off work at noon and drove home in a downpour (yes, in the Pinto) I boxed up some parts and sent them off, one to oregon, another to missouri. UPS is expensive! $11.78 for one package 4.25 pounds, 10x12x10 and $10.82 for the other 2 lbs. 2x10x12! Anyone know a cheaper way to ship parts? I'm installing the blue console, between bouts of rain, and I took out my gauges, the plastic oil line that came with the gauges contributed to the oil all over the engine, and the temperature gauge never worked right (old fashioned gauges), so on the list of improvements is electronic gauges, and a volt meter instead of amps. I liked the wood trim 5 years ago when I did it, but I think I outgrew it, so it's coming off the dash too ( I used Permatex to fasten it, no holes!)
Heres a couple of pics with a question attached:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2940510874_b69b1c45c8.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2939657231_6eb52ba28a.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2940510506_b7c8bcc804.jpg)
can these be chemically stripped or do I need to sand them? The paint is very dried out and cracked.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2939657983_47a4f5ebf4.jpg)
these are the cracks in my hood, they're about 4 inches long.
More later, gotta get some work done.
I ship all my parts at the post office. About $1.20 a pound if the box is small. I,ve shipped cylinder heads / sway bars / headers / etc-etc with very good service. And their only 1/2 block away from work.
I second that the USPS post office is the best for shipping rates!
Your headlight surrounds/extensions look just like mine, all cracked and what not. Mine is due to the incorrect primer used which caused the paint to crack and lightly flake.
Your project car is coming along very well! I'm thrilled to see another 78 Sedan being restored with such vibe and excitement! I feel like I've found a twin! ;) :P :D
The way the body shop fixed mine a couple of years ago was to sand them down and lay several coats of good primer before painting. I have not had issues since.
I wish I would have known how to take those off the junk wagon I stripped because I would have had two more :lol: Oh well, it was more fun to tear them apart.
I like the progress. Now what you need is a blue console and radio bezel which I just happen to have. The console is an A/C one so you can install your gages there. I even have the wood trim peice you need for the dash ;D
I found a blue console in the car the fender extension and trunk lid came off of, but its for a non-air-conditioned car. I would be interested, but I kinda blew my wad this week, so I gotta save up some cash. Been out of work for 2-3 weeks, so my savings dwindled too. Nice to see other guys with 78s!
They are not going anywhere anytime soon so if you want, I will set them aside. I only have one other person interested so I will let you know for sure. If someone wants the blue one, I will save you the tan one and you can paint it to match ;D I will toss in the kick panels, sun visors, radio bezel with cassett deck still attached and whatever else I dont need for one low price of 40.oo plus shipping if that seems fair.
I have two 78's that I am keeping as stock as I can. I will take off the A/C unit and the smog crap off of my white wagon but leave the rest alone
Ok, I am in need of some defroster parts or advice on how to re-attach the wide part (that goes to the ducts in the dash) back to the dash. There isn't much clearance there, I tried to get a wrench and a pair of channel locks in there to bend the tabs the other way, but couldn't. The slots that the tabs go thru are broken. Is this peice just supposed to 'snap' in place? duct tape is the temporary solution, but I don't think that will last too long!
Update for thursday:
I'm not feeling good again, I woke up late and could barely move, so I skipped work, I have to go back to the hospital for more testing tomorrow ( I hate hospitals). I did get some work done on the car today but it was very slow going, and I was kinda weak, so don't expect too much. Here are some pictures:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2947664739_946544d7c3.jpg)
first I attacked the rust hole on the driver door with a wire wheel on a drill, plugged the hole with screen and bondo'd, sanded first with 80 grit, followed by 40 grit, then 400 wet, then 800 wet
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2948520084_dd9a17e261.jpg)
Then I pounded out the dent behind the back wheel on the driver side (should've done this while I had the filler neck out last week!) Hit it with the wire wheel, this is before sanding, same process as above. this wasn't rust, the car blew a tire, this section got in the path of flying debris and was bent under. I hammered it out pretty close, the bondo was about 1/4-3/8 thick before I started sanding.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2947664889_fc86603a6b.jpg)
4 thin coats of spray primer, 2 mist coats of white, and one heavy coat of white.
Not perfect, but it looks better than it did!
And now for the bad news. I think the front seal on my differential is shot
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2948520290_b9073cbb81.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2948520368_9cb59389f5.jpg)
The yoke is black and everything else is brown or wet.
Here are a couple shots for popbumper
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2947665225_8db52b913a.jpg)
I could have sworn it said 'made in canada' but I must have been thinking about one of my other pintos, but this IS the original muffler!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2947665333_3966ac6032.jpg)
and its in pretty good shape!
Well, thats it for tonite. See y'all this weekend sometime
Chuck
Hey Chuck!
Hope you'll soon be feeling better. Hang in there!
Dwayne :smile:
I'm sorry to hear you arn't feeling well. I hope you heal quickly and well.
From the pictures you posted, I would definitely say that your front differential seal is bad. When mine went bad it did the exact same thing. Even after replacing the seal it still did it.
If you plan to do the work yourself, be sure that after you replace the seal, that you put a ridicules amount of RTV high temp gasket sealer on the flat mating surface on the nut, then put it back on. The oil finds its way around the threads and sprays out of the front of the yoke! I figured this out after reassembling my differential and driving it for a couple days, then had to go back under and fix it.
Another thing to be VERY careful about is when you tighten that nut. I haven't found ANYWHERE in town or on the net that sells the pinion preload spacer/crush sleeve and I overtightened mine, which is causing an incorrect offset on my pinion and ring gears, making a "thud" sound if I let the clutch out to quickly. It also leaves a 1/4 turn of the drive shaft of play, which is excessive.
I'm seriously thinking of taking some heavy duty tools out to the salvage yard and pulling the preload spacer out of the bobcat I have been parting out and see if I can get someone to reproduce it. Even if it is already crushed, perhaps one can be made slightly longer.
Well, nothing gone done on the car today, my appointment was at 12:30 and I didn't get home till almost 6, thanks for the kind words everyone, I had some blood drawn today, and I won't really know anything till next week. I'm going to try to work next week (at least a couple days). I ran short on cash and having to pay for prescriptions doesn't help. I'll be listing a few items in the classifieds, and if anyone is interested in model cars, let me know, I'm selling probably 8-10 kits (not the exp) about 6 are unopened, still shrink wrapped, ask and I'll send you pics.
Chuck
Update for Oct 19
So I got the blue console in, but its not perfect, and I have my doubts. I may use the black one I have instead, its in better shape, at least until I can get the A/C console from 78squirewagon. I had a plastic radio plate that was "hacked" beyond repairing to use for a 2 knobber, so I finished the job with a hacksaw and some misc parts, and now my radio is back in the factory location. I took the wood off the dash, but I gouged the metal pretty good next to the heater control, and I forgot that I "drilled" 2 holes for clearance for the "Ford" blue oval, so I'm thinking I'll use a little bondo for now and paint the area between the heater control and the vent black for now, and add the factory woodgrain trim next month. Here's a pic of what the radio looks like now, and a couple pics of my kickpanel speakers for Joe aka thewhitebeast
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2956998262_e9c97b1a67.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2956997414_ce18ba266a.jpg)
see the gouge in the dash? bummer :'(
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2956997636_dc62f3a8c6.jpg)
5 1/4 " speaker in pass side panel (so THATS where I left my tire gauge!)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2956997854_5c455ff629.jpg)
and that's the driver side. Man I need to clean my carpet!
These pictures were taken in the dark with just the dome light and the flash on the camera, I think I like daytime pics better!
I started wet sanding the junkyard hood today, It's in surprisingly good shape, except that its from a 75 so I will have to swap the hood prop from the driver to the passenger side (yes, I got the prop, spring, clip and both washers when I got the hood), The 75 hood doesn't have the hole in the driver side for the 78's prop rod, but the radiator support on the 78 has the hole for the 75 style prop rod, which lays across the front instead of along the fender. I will have to make a "hold down" for the 75's prop rod though, should be a piece of cake, there are 2 threaded holes in the radiator support on the driver side that aren't used for anything, so I'll mount it there.
Pics of the green hood after sanding will be here tomorrow or tuesday. I think I'm going to go back to closer to stock though, I would like to get new tires for my stock rims and put them back on with the "deluxe" full wheelcovers I have, maybe by Christmas
Screwdriver in hand, heart in throat, here goes:
I had to fix the defroster, the duct tape held it for two days, but the only good way to get at it was
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2962570095_a61fdddab9.jpg)
to dig a little deeper, so I got to it
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/2962570225_33a73411aa.jpg)
I cleaned the defroster duct and the inside of the dashboard with windex, then rubbing alcohol, applied some Permatex RTV, the blue, my favorite, fitted the duct in place and secured it with more duct tape to hold it while the permatex set, here's the tricky part
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2963415356_d643630318.jpg)
getting this baby out in one piece, great care and patience was utilized here!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2962570811_a2bb6212f1.jpg)
and I took it apart, changed the face plate and bulbs and 'freshened up' the needles very carefully with a red permanent marker (about 4 coats), and I replaced the transparent green card for the turn signals, mine had faded to light blue.
I 'spongebathed' the outside to freshen it up, it's a little dry, a few hairline cracks, but not disintigrated!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2962571037_800d97cb6e.jpg)
and it's back together!
I can't figure out why this car has a "tailgate" light in the speedo cluster, there wasn't a bulb in it.
That was yesterday. My free time today was spent with polishing compound and turtle wax, I only got the driver side and trunk lid done, but it does have a nice shine!
The only thing is being that close to the car, I noticed every little scratch and rock chip :'(
More in a few days!
Your cluster looks amazing! I can only wish that mine still had that much chrome left on it to shine soo well!
I have a black cluster face from the 77 Bobcat I have been parting out, which I plan to do some "experiments" with, as far as re-chroming goes. I plan to buy this stuff called "Bare-Metal Foil" which is used primarily on model cars. I do not know how well it would stand up to an actual vehicle and the frequent detailing my own car goes through though.
Is your gauge cluster soft or brittle at all? If it is, I am impressed that you were able to remove it in one piece! Something I have read here on the forum about another member doing is coating the white section with PVC cement to keep it together, should it ever decide to disintegrate. I am planning to do this to my own soon.
I like new look that the touched up needles on your gauges gives. It really, as you stated, freshens up their appearance!
All I can say is....wow! :o
BMF Is pretty good stuff but you have to be real careful with it. If it's going in a place that will not see a lot of abuse, it will come out ok. I build a LOT of model cars and have had pretty good luck with it. I even used it on the base of my shifter in the 1:1 wagon so going around a dash cluster should be ok. Just use a VERY sharp hobby knife and q-tips to apply it
Looks great!!
If I had known you needed a good defroster duct I would have sent you one for the cost of shipping. I still will if you want it as a spare.
Bill
Bill
I would like to take you up on the offer of the duct, but it may take me a few weeks to come up with the $$$ for shipping, I'm trying to get some parts from 78squirewagon too, I like the idea of the a/c console with the gauges.
Dave
Thanks for the kind words, as far as I can tell the gauge cluster is still relatively solid, like I said, it has a few hairline cracks and a little flaked off around the screwholes. As far as bare metal foil, I've never used it on the interior of a car, but I've used it on plenty of model cars and it does hold up fairly well, definitely use a very sharp blade and qtips to 'burnish' it. I used it to redo the trunk emblem on my Peugeot 505, it held up for about 6 months and then started to peel, but that was after about 10 washes and 3 good rainstorms. It's not as 'shiney' as the original chrome on the plastic parts when you use it in wide strips. I've read about other guys using "foil pens" that are appearantly available at hobby shops like Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
I don't have any new pics to post today, mostly I spent the day on the passenger side with polishing compound and wax, still need to do right front door, roof, fender and hood, then I'll post some pics (for 20 year old paint it came out pretty shiney!)
I also spent time cleaning the door jambs and inside the edge of the trunk.
Sounds like it is time for updated photos! :D
Some new pics. These were taken at twilight, car is starting to look good!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2968469228_24fba6d9fd.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2968469226_864d5c843d.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2968469210_3b648befab.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2968469234_6dd26880d1.jpg)
Here are some pics of Bare metal foil being applied to my vent, it's pretty shiny once it's buffed with a q-tip, so I had a hard time getting a good picture without a glare!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2968507316_95d4c6cac5.jpg)
Step one, gather materials, I like the metal ruler, it has a thin foam backing so it doesn't scratch the foil. Plenty of q-tips and x-acto knife with blades, and a surface (notebook) to cut on so I didn't leave scratches in the desk.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2967662499_ce00792a33.jpg)
carefully remove the foil from the backing
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2968507470_25c6c44feb.jpg)
foil on the right edge (before burnishing) paint on the left edge
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2967662635_ef5e09ce94.jpg)
after burnishing, before buffing
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2968507644_21e61b8b5a.jpg)
pretty shiny!
Damn your car looks good in the twilight!!!!! :o :o :o
The BMF on the vent looks a little bit ragged around the edges. Is that the lighting and the effect of the camera?
I know that from working with BFM on model cars, the surface has to be perferctly smooth. We are talking less than paper this stuff here. But it still looks better that dull chrome ;D
Quote from: discolives78 on October 23, 2008, 09:10:54 PM
pretty shiny!
I am surprised the shiney police hasn't shown up to give their approval...
Quote from: discolives78 on October 16, 2008, 08:59:58 PM
Update for thursday:
I'm not feeling good again, I woke up late and could barely move, so I skipped work, I have to go back to the hospital for more testing tomorrow ( I hate hospitals). I did get some work done on the car today but it was very slow going, and I was kinda weak, so don't expect too much. Here are some pictures:
Here are a couple shots for popbumper
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2947665225_8db52b913a.jpg)
I could have sworn it said 'made in canada' but I must have been thinking about one of my other pintos, but this IS the original muffler!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2947665333_3966ac6032.jpg)
and its in pretty good shape!
NIce shots Chuck! I think that's way coool, gotta love original, unmolested equipment. Having grown up in the great white North, we were never treated to stuff that lasted - the salt roads absolutely tore everything up on an undercarriage. Thanks for sharing, hope you get to feeling better!!!
Chris
One more reply, geeze Chuck, your car is looking GREAT! Mine is so tore up right now that it will be months before I am driving it (the interior is pretty much disassembled - I understand the "fear" of tearing up the dashboard)! My dash cluster was crumbling nothing, I got another one. I also spent about 8 hours foam filling and repairing my vinyl dash cap to have it rewrapped, and the dam@ shop that did it really did a crappy job $60 + materials down the drain.
Glad you are having fun. I have a LOT of work to do yet and a LOT of $$ already spent.
Chris
Ok, about the foil, the first pic of it on the vent is before it was "burnished", meaning rubbed down to securely place and attach it, I only did one edge of the vent for this picture, so the other three edges look a little sloppy from the model paint (I should use a q-tip and some paint thinner to clean that off before I do any more) I have spare vents, so it's ok, I think the edge on the foil itself looks kinda funky because I was sitting in front of the computer under flourescent lights, and the flash was on. by the time it was burnished and buffed, it was so shiny that I couldn't get a clear picture even with the flash off!
About my doctor appointment today, I don't know which doctor to believe anymore! When I started having problems 3 years ago at work and keeping things together at home, they said I had bipolar disorder and heavily medicated me. Things didn't really improve, then a year-and-a-half ago, I got much worse. So they started changing medications, and put me in therapy. last October, I was diagnosed with neuroleptic parkinsonism (Parkinson's simptoms caused by neuroleptic medications)
I have been very shaky and not very focused and had physical feelings of being unwell, and a perpetual "jetlag", for a year now. The blood tests are in, and I have a type of anemia that I can't pronounce, much less spell, I'm going to look it up later. Because of that, my body doesn't absorb vitamin b12, and almost none was present in the bloodwork. More psychological testing was done and now they say I have ADHD and want to put me on a medication called Stratera, this will be about the twelfth medication I've tried in three years. I hope they get something figured out soon! I lost my land 3 years ago, my 5 cars 2 years ago, my job last year, most of my savings to medical bills, and I still haven't been approved for disability!
I want to get "something" finished for a change! I like working on my car, but looking back, I have done just " a little of this and a little of that", I want to finish detailing my engine bay, finish my interior, replace my driveshaft seal, and simply enjoy my life and my car!
Sorry for the rant!
I'm going to do some more work on my dashboard, look for pics later
I'm sorry to hear about your health, but at least you are having it looked into and figured out by professionals instead of sitting around wishing things would be better and not doing anything about it. I have a few friends that do that and they want everything just to happen without ever taking personal action!
Keep yourself busy and happy and let the professionals figure all of the health problems out. It could possibly be the only way to stay out of depression and continue to be functional. Keep up the good work and don't let things get ya down, I'm sure there are a lot of us here willing to listen if you ever need to rant (myself included)!
My son takes Stratera. He has ADHD ( has has it all his life ) and He is 23 now. He claims that it really keeps him focused and it improves his life. The doctor that prescribed it is a specialist and I trust her 100%. He has been taking this for about 4 years now ( he use to be on dexidriene ). I can tell you that from my experience it probably is a good thing. My 2c.
Sorry to hear about your health mate, Bes suggestion i can give ya, get on their butt and Stay there till they get it figured out, Dont let em BS you into a drug that might not work, or doing something if they are not 100% Sure what they will give you will help. I work in the Medical field and have for 10 years. if you dont do anything they stick you with what the think might work.
Hey Chuck!
I feel for you, man... getting to the bottom of a medical problem can be a real pain (no pun intended). My wife was misdiagnosed with depression about 10 years ago by her primary care physician who then proceeded to try her on an endless array of antidepressants. Some of them helped a little but, for the most part, things got progressively worse. Finally, about 2 1/2 years ago, all the med changes resulted in a total nervous breakdown. It was at this point she got her first psychiatric consult and was correctly diagnosed as being bipolar. After several weeks of detoxing from the antidepressants, she was started on mood stabilizers and the results were dramatic. Unfortunately, about a year later, just when she was feeling better than she had in years, she suffered a ponteen stroke which has effectively disabled her and ended her 24 year nursing career. Interestingly enough, in spite of her physical limitations, the bipolar disorder is still very well controlled and her mood is generally optimistic.
Just want you to know you are not alone. As dave1987 pointed out, you have friends here who are willing to listen... probably more so than you would ever think possible. Hang in there! And, by the way, your car is looking sharper and sharper!
Dwayne :smile:
Hello everyone!
I've been feeling pretty good for a couple days, and haven't spent much time posting because I've been working on the car. Here are some fresh pics!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2980904703_42060144d7.jpg)
Shiny!
got my choke fixed!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2940510714_7fd8bfc536_m.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2981761998_2ff115e66c_m.jpg)
before and after. note the green wire holding the butterfly open on the before picture, that got me through the summer, but now it's in the mid 40s in the morning, so I got a second assembly and switched some parts, I had to pull the splined pin out and apply Loctite, and gently hammer it back in. It's been together for a few days and seems to be working and adjusted ok. note the blue plastic piece holding the rod to the butterfly in the second pic, I had to fabricate that from a piece of tube, it was either that or buy a rebuild kit.
Now back to the interior
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2980905521_d6bb6799b6.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2981761156_8950e86d6d.jpg)
front floorboards, pretty solid, just really dusty
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2981761062_7dd39e5417.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2981761406_8f72023d7b.jpg)
back floorboards, some surface rust on the driver side
cleaned up and painted the driver side rear floorboard
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2980905837_20168b7547.jpg) (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2980905923_f6577d59d2.jpg)
I applied some rust converter before paint, but it didn't even change color! there are a few pits, but they aren't very deep and are barely noticeable after pain. Good thing I found this, that might have turned into a hole in another 10 years!
And now for some really good news, because of my health problems I qualified for a program thru the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, They found me a job as an apprentice in an upholstery shop! I start next monday and will be in OJT for 3 months. I'm quitting my retail job because I just can't get out of bed early enough! I'm supposed to be there at 5:00 am most days, that means getting out of bed between 4 and 4:30. The only way I could get there on time was to stay up all night, which throws off my sleep schedule for weeks!
I've started 'weening' off Geodon and Trazodone, getting ready for med changes. I can still take Vistaril to slow me down to reasonable if I need it. Hopefully things are getting back on track!
Chuck
Car is looking good! Sorry to hear about your other troubles.
Good to hear you are feeling better! The car looks great and it sounds like you are "winter-fying" it well. :)
Hi Chuck. I hope you're feeling and getting better. What you're doing with your '78 is inspiring. However, I have a question: Where did you get that piece of wood with the Pinto script that was below the radio, and what are your plans for it?
I got the piece of wood from home depot, it's unpainted base molding for the house, with two coats of polyurethane. The emblem is from my 75 Pinto, painted with testors model car paint. There was a matching strip of moulding between the heater control and the vent with a 'blue oval' emblem, that's also been removed. I have since removed that console and it was donated to Joe aka 'thewhitebeast' to make it easier for him to install a cd player, since I moved my radio to the stock hole. I used permatex grey to attach the wood to an extra console and the install kit was for a 87-93 Mustang.
Chuck
check out the console in joe's car
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,10734.0.html
As always, nice work Chuck! Glad to see your motivation is paying off. Your floors were far better than mine, and that's a blessing in itself! Had I thought otherwise, I would have far rather owned a car that did not require as much work as mine does - it's definitely dragging me down, and actually motivates me less. With the money I have in it by now, I could have bought a nicer, road ready vehicle. Yours is a great example of a car you can enjoy and tinker with as you go!!
Regardless, you are doing some great work - and best wishes on your new career path. Hope it works out well for you!!
Chris
The career path was chosen based on interest! I like to look at upholstery, and sit on upholstery, and nice upholstery makes me smile! I have thought about persueing it for years, I happened to get a 'silver lining' in my dark cloud! I start tomorrow and I'm pretty excited! Once I learn a little bit, I want to redo my interior (including the headliner, it's starting to come apart) and help other guys and gals with their cars.
I've decided to swap in a 8" rear out of a 76 Pinto with a v-6 instead of fixing the leak on mine. I'm hopefully getting it from the u-pull next weekend. Here are some shots of the battery tray issue I need to address, the tray isn't rusted through (that I can see) but its pitted pretty bad, I'm gonna check out the ones in the yard while I'm getting the diff. I think I need to take the exhaust off to get the bolts out.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2981762128_085e204b1a.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2092/2981762254_4caecdaa0d.jpg)
I lucked out and found one of these on my last trip to the boneyard
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2981762376_179ebbc02d.jpg)
my old one is on the right, it has a crack in it next to the bolt hole on the inside.
found this under the carpet
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2981761514_cd466b5457.jpg)
and this on the radiator support
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2981762502_5b37d3f017.jpg)
and while the carpet was out I installed the original shift boot
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2980906051_f484ca9a66.jpg)
Hopefully this week I'll get pics up with the tire/wheel combinations I have in mind.
Chuck
I have my original battery tray from my car in my storage unit if you cannot clean yours up or find one in good shape in a yard. I am hoping to go back to JJ tomorrow to pull the one from the 77 Bobcat, since I start working grave yard tomorrow. PM me if you are interested!
I really wish I could do an 8" swap right now. I have a fellow Pinto member holding one for me, but he is in washington and I will have to wait until next spring to pick it up during a northwest meet that apintonut is organizing.
Your car is coming along great and it almost makes me jealous in great in shape yours is compared to mine. Maybe it is just me nit picking at my own Pinto's defects, but then again, I would notice them more since I drive it every day. :P
You have me modivated enough to pull my valve cover and belt covers off and repaint them! Thank you chuck. :)
I agree! You did a fantastic job on the covers. When this little beastie is finished it will be that much more special to you because of the blood, sweat and tears that went into her to restore her your way. I miss the days where I could cruise to the junkyard (Ecology is the big one here in San Diego county, with three or four locations) to get stuff to improve my blue baby. As for the Pinto script on the piece of wood, it is beautiful what you did with them. The red-white-blue in the P looked brand-new. The upholstery job is a great idea- especially since you're eager to do that. Things are looking up, it seems. Thumbs up to you!
I haven't done anything to the car in a few days except add a quart of oil and put gas in it. It seems to be handling the 8 mile commute to the upholstery shop just fine. I've been working every day so far this week. I like my new job, I stripped 3 living room chairs down to the frame and yesterday I started putting a 70 VW Squareback back together. I'm just getting the hang of things, so they put me on simple tasks, like re-installing seatbelts, sunvisors, door handles (stuff I already know how to do). Hopefully soon I'll get to play with the sewing machine!
Chuck:
You are killing me - you have done more work on your car in the last few weeks than I have done since June!! Good grief, it warms my heart to see you take a break. Glad the new job is working out and that it seems promising. Have fun and keep us "slow guys" up to date on progress.
Chris
...who MUST MUST MUST get his brakes done and change the windshield gasket and repaint the dash while the windshield is out and pull the gask tank to fix the leaks and recarpet the floor and etc etc etc etc etc :o
Chuck,
first off good luck with your health & hope all turns out well for you. As for the car, great job with it. Your 78 is looking really good & makes me want to do some more work on my 77. Her condition is not nearly as good as yours is, but it's mine, none the less.
Looking forward to the next update & pics of yours.
Chuck,
Your car really is an inspiration. It looks great! Glad to hear you like the new job. I'm sure there are lots of us here who could loan you seats to practice on once they let you at that sewing machine! LOL. Take care!
Dwayne :smile:
My boss likes me. Yesterday he had me pull the dashpad out of my car so he can show me how to recover it! Look for pics in a couple days. I got my package from Rock Auto today, new pinion seal, rear cover seal and leaf spring bushings, and new spark plug wires, and I got my winnings from E-bay, a very good owners manual with other docs, including car and tire warranty booklets, I'll post pics of them soon. I'm going to have to live with the 6 3/4 rear for a while due to budget.
before, the old dash pad:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2924489811_6264653d70.jpg)
That's great about your boss. Sounds like things are really going good at your job. Those seals are pretty easy to replace on the rear end. Been there, done that. Looking forward to the pics of the recovered dash.
Sounds like you are on a good and steady road of the restoration of your Pony!
That is really cool that your boss wants to show you how to recover your dash, even better that he likes you! :D
I'll be checking up to see what documents you won off ebay. I know I have pretty much everything that came with mine, even the car's first third party battery replacement warranty from Sears!
Keep up the great work!
Sounds good! Please post lots of pics of your dash. A write-up of how to recover a dash would be much appreciated!
Hey guys:
As you know, Matt Gunter is driving to build the kickoff of the first Pinto Magazine in late Winter 2009. Having had some experience in dash cap restoration (and, in the middle of another right now), I am writing a lengthy article on dash cap restoration, including materials, photos, and procedure. This will be my first submission for the magazine, and I hope to do others. I hope this article is a good adjunct to what Chuck has to say about it.
Stay tuned!!
Chris
Cool! WIll do. :drunk:
The dash is done. The batteries in the camera are dead, hopefully tomorrow or tuesday I'll post a pic (it's back in the car) Doing this project is like painting, prep is everything. First the dash pad was removed and the high spots and loose vinyl were ground off with a "nitty gritty" pad ( a plastic pad on the drill that looks like really coarse sandpaper). Then the rest of the vinyl was sanded with about 80 grit paper. I covered the dash with 1/4 inch high density foam, using upholstery adhesive shot from a spray gun. applied adhesive to both dash pad and foam. new foam extends from underside of bottom to top edge of the top, but not around the sides. the vinyl has to be stretched in places to avoid the need for seams and avoid wrinkles. The application of the vinyl started at the right edge of the gauge opening and some stretching was required to get the contour. then the passenger side, about the last 8 inches and around the corner were glued in place, much stretching and heat gun needed to wrap the vinyl around the edge. Driver side edge next, same process. Then the entire lower edge was glued and stretched to remove wrinkles. Finally the section between the gauges and the passenger side was glued and stretched into place. The adhesive needs about 10 minutes to tack up before fitting the vinyl. The vinyl was left about 6 inches longer than needed on all sides and trimmed after installation. It was so long in places that we used the factory bolts to hold the stretched vinyl in place while the adhesive set. After everything was glued down, I used a staple gun and 3/8 in staples to secure the new vinyl to the old pad.
Congrats - VERY much looking forward to seeing the pictures. I may have some to send you to wrap ;D
Chris
Some pics of the new dash pad taken today
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3057530676_20467cdfcc.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3057530806_8d86b4ef69.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/3056693963_0e9cb8b110.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3056694167_b461e3fe39.jpg)
Keep in mind this was my first attempt. hopefully I can get it a little tighter next time. Just need a little more practice. This actually took about 6 hours from start thru prep and then drying time and trimming.
I just wanted to add that this is one of those things that's not as easy as it looks. I can't stress that enough!
Looks good. Nice job
That looks awesome! I will send you my dashes, yes more then one, and let you practice some more!!!! :D
I wanna know where you get the nice looking instrument panel? All 4 of mine have a smokey clear plastic. Yours looks brand new!!!
I will have to say though on the dash pad part of it. I will probably just buy the aftermarket cover. I am not one for alot of patients, and it looks like it took some to do that nice of a job!!!!
Kim
The gauge lens are the original. looks good from here but there are a few scratches if you get close enough. Thanks for the compliments.
Beauty, Chuck. I am restoring these pads the "old, hard fashioned" way with foam, filler, and a lot of sanding (just like doing bodywork). I had a local upholstery shop recover my original pad, I brought it home, the vinyl lifted in 2 days. They tried to fix it and ruined it.
Great job for a first time attempt.
Chris
They dash looks fantastic, Chuck! Keep up the good work.
Dwayne :smile:
Awesome work on the dash! I sure wish I had a spare dash to try this on!
Let us know how it holds up to the weather changes and what not.
Keep up the great work!
That looks much better than what you started out with. Good Job!
So I got the pinion nut seal and the rear cover gasket replaced. Everything went ok. No leaks so far. Sorry no pics. I've been busy at work, just got done putting two 1979 Trans Ams back together for a movie. I'll bet alot of you don't know the film business is booming in New Mexico. When the guy came to get the second car, he asked about the Pinto, and offered to rent it for a film, so I exchanged info from him. I think it would be cool to have my car in a movie!
That is freaking Awesome i hope you get to do that man.
If it all goes through, you had better be sure to let us all know so we can see a fellow PCCA member's car in theaters! ;)
I forgot I had these. Pics of documents I scored on e-bay
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/3078640649_bfc46ba18f.jpg)
The owners manual (very nice condition) and 1978 warranty tri-fold pamphlet
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3079474940_a6b57a6fba.jpg)
and the bag it came in
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3078640297_9de0035a82.jpg)
A dealer sales brochure, from canada, notice the wording under 1978 ford pinto is different from the american ones, don't believe me? theres another one on ebay that's different than mine
What exactly does it say? I just pulled mine out and it says "America's traditional best selling better idea subcompact.".
I am going to e-mail you a copy of the starting instructions (goes above visor) as well as copy of the dash sticker.
The starting instructions you can print out on card stock paper and the dash sticker you can print out on label paper. It makes a nice addition to a car. I have them for mine and it just adds something to it I think.
Nice work so far. Let me know when you get the box of parts
Mark
So this is my first post in a couple of days. Is the registration agreement going to pop up every time I post something? Also every time I try to send a "personal" message to another member, the member bar changes it to "spike", does all correspondence now go through spike, or is this a transitional thing? I do like the Pinto Snow on the homepage! Now on to the reason for posting.
I got my box in the mail today from Mark (78squirewagon) Thanks! It's like an early Christmas! Two sunvisors, a passenger armrest, a vintage(not factory) am/fm/cassette player in a radio bezel. The bezel has a small crack, but I can fix that. Also, the wood trim between the heater control and passenger vent (no fasteners though :-\) , and a blue "long" console from an a/c car! Mark: I'll get a money order out to you during the week, many thanks!
I got cut off the other day, so back to the paperwork: Mark also e-mailed me the visor "starting instructions" which has "seatbelts for dummies" on the other side and the dash sticker, I haven't had a chance to print them yet (need something to print them on, and money's tight) but that's totally cool! I have a copy of the visor card, but it's been folded in half and is sort of deteriorated.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3078640547_bb9b9b5f75.jpg)
On to Dave: my brochure says "North America's traditionally best selling better ideas subcompact", when you open it, on the right side of the first page about half way down, it says 'Pinto has the 4 passenger comfort Canadians want.' It makes several references to "North America" as opposed to "America", it was printed in Canada (says on the back). There's one on e-bay right now that says "New standard equipment makes it an even bigger value."
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3078640433_38eeda6a55.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3078640361_ecb2fe13c2.jpg)
I also got the Goodyear tire warranty booklet, and a consumer information page that tells you about passing distances and speeds and stuff
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3088318390_e4a910ca29.jpg)
My passenger seat is on my bench in the upholstery shop right now, so it's kinda like driving a race car, but you can't finish a project without starting. Tomorrow I'll install some of the parts from Mark, hopefully I will get some pictures up.
JUST KEEP YOUR MONEY (unless you have already mailed it out) ;D MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I am glad you can use them because they were on their way to a scrap yard before I stipped the wagon of anything I could either take out or pry loose ;D
I'd say you deserve a 1 up for that one 78squirewagon!
Quote from: dave1987 on December 08, 2008, 09:02:49 AM
I'd say you deserve a 1 up for that one 78squirewagon!
That's just how I am. It am a firm believer in good karma and even though I could use the money, I dont need it. I would just spend it on crap I do not need. Besides that, IT'S CHRISTMAS. If the parts can go to a good home, then that is thanks enough.
Quote from: 78squirewagon on December 08, 2008, 06:23:09 AM
JUST KEEP YOUR MONEY (unless you have already mailed it out) ;D MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I am glad you can use them because they were on their way to a scrap yard before I stipped the wagon of anything I could either take out or pry loose ;D
Thanks Mark! I really appreciate the parts and they will go to good use. Currently 5 Pintos live thru my one and 4 others live thanks to parts from 3 of mine. I think that's just how most Pintos are. Don't send your car parts to heaven, heaven knows we need them here!
Seasons' Greetings everyone!
P.S. I have been feeling
great lately! I
love my new job, I'm sleeping better, more energy, life's good.
Chuck,
So glad to hear you are feeling well and that you like your new job in the upholstery shop. Happy Holidays!
Dwayne :smile:
Chuck, if you still need the fasteners for the dash wood grain trim (metal self threading bolts), I have all three from the trim I pulled off the bobcat. Provided that the trim that you have has all three mounting posts still on it, they would work just fine.
Quote from: dave1987 on December 12, 2008, 09:34:53 AM
Chuck, if you still need the fasteners for the dash wood grain trim (metal self threading bolts), I have all three from the trim I pulled off the bobcat. Provided that the trim that you have has all three mounting posts still on it, they would work just fine.
The trim does have all three studs, I went to napa today for the steel 'thread cut' nuts for the mustang, but they didn't have any big enough for the pinto.
the steel "thread cut nuts" were what I was referring to. They are the correct hardware that goes to the trim, and I destoryed the trim I have while attempting to cut out holes for my gauges :(. Shoot me a PM with your address and I'll send them your way!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3113832845_15cbb3fef0.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/3113832837_fa2b090d8e.jpg)
not getting much done today!
Seasons Greetings everyone!
Brrrrr! Merry Christmas Chuck! Your baby looks good in snow!
So, you want to see Pinto's in the snow? Let me take a few pictures of my "other" 78 wagon and Bobcat that are currently covered in the white stuff LOL!!!!
I want to see pictures of my parts I sent LOL!!!!
whats snow? we never get it here. just rain and incessant heat...
Quote from: 75bobcatv6 on December 17, 2008, 12:46:42 PM
whats snow? we never get it here. just rain and incessant heat...
It is white soft and fluffly just like cotton but alot colder. :lol:
I would send some to you but i think it is against the laws of nature to share
Phil
lol. thanks phil but its nice enough here as it is now. 50 degree weather is nice.
We're back to normal for now, light rain this morning and sun. 45 degrees, snows all gone.
It was near 70 degrees here today. Talk about a switch!
Chris
Quote from: 78squirewagon on December 17, 2008, 07:06:31 AM
I want to see pictures of my parts I sent LOL!!!!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/3129688300_40818ecc09.jpg)
pictures of parts you sent :cheesy_p:
Well I've been working pretty close to full time. I've learned a lot so far. I'm doing just about everything except stitching (strip, springs, foam repair, frame repair, install new covers, re-install/re-assemble). My boss said it's going to be slow for the next two weeks, so he'll show me how to sew then. After that I'm going to do my car. Just an update and thanks: I am going to install the 1/2 vinyl top shown in the 1978 brochure, but not till spring. The boss said to wait till it warms up, much easier to install the top when it's warm and the glue grabs better! and now the thanks: Fred Morgan, chrome raingutters, I heard you were the man! And Dave1987, who found me the roof trim, and sent the steel nuts for the wood dash trim.
Happy Holidays!
One more quick update. My cam timing pulley ate my #1 spark plug wire. Good thing I had a spare, but that was a new set >:( So now I have to look for some wire looms. Oh, and that cured the backfire problem.
Do you need some of those plastic retainers for the spark plug wires? I have a set for the Pinto that snaps onto the brackets welded to the valve cover. I also have some of the ones that just hold the wires together. Let me know and I will send them your way!
It might be a little bit before I can get your roof top trim. We have had a couple feet of snow fall in the past week and a half and the yards are really hard to navigate and walk through. The car that your trim is on is on top of another one, and with snow on everything, climbing on other cars to get to it isn't to much fun right now.
Dave: I understand. Like I said its not going to happen till spring anyway (good, I'll use that money for last minute gifts!)
Chuck
Well, you know we all get busy with other things during the holidays, now life's calmed back down a little bit. Not much progress lately. I got the woodgrain shift knob from e-bay, I installed that this afternoon. It's quite a bit bigger than the base model black plastic one. I also got the rubber sun visor rod tips from ssc, but I used e-bay, simpler. Now my sunvisor won't flop down every time I hit a bump. Thanks Dave for looking for the trim. I understand parts like that are "as is, where is, when is".
Update for Monday
Went junkyarding yesterday, only one pinto still there, the blue wagon (77) and most of the good stuff is gone. I scored some chrome tidbits, a door lock knob, a very good set of ford radio knobs, an original two-knob metal radio plate (that's been filed a little), and chrome heater control knobs from a fairmont. I installed a wider day-night interior mirror, painted my "sport" mirrors white to match the car, they were black. I also got a set of "tailor-made" seat covers for my car, they slip on and have loops and ties like store-bought seat covers, but he made them for my car, so they fit very well. he also made me covers for the back. This is a seven piece set, two pieces for each front and three pieces for the back. It was $150, but that was a good investment I think, because now I can relax and learn my trade, and I can do my car after I destroy(I mean learn on) somebody else's stuff. :look: And after I do my upholstery I can use them to protect it.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3229880661_0fcbbc4d16.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3229847307_a4e1383f60.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3229853777_c9d47348ec.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3229865165_543798922b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3230631704_1e89e39f38.jpg)
I got my chrome trim on the raingutters too!
Awesome junk yard finds Chuck! I found rain gutter trim for my car at a junk yard in Caldwell a month ago. They were just getting ready to crush the car too!
I'm liking the seat covers. They look REALLY comfortable! X_X
The car looks fantastic, the seat covers were a nice touch. Yep!!! been doing the salvage runs myself, only problem is I bought some things the other day, that just won't work on my car. Oh well, I'm sure I'll find someone who can use them. I was missing a seat release knob for the driver's side seat I found on an earlier junkyard find, have since had the seat recovered, looks great!!!. Seen one on EBAY I thought would work, but found out it wasn't for a Pinto. Good news is the seller e-mailed me back, and actually had the knob I needed, and it was less expensive than the one on EBAY. So, hoping I can get the knob, that'll finish up my interior items, with the exception of an original Ford Pinto radio. I'll find one of those soon enough. Good luck on your car, it's looking great!!!! Larry :police:
I found NOS center caps for my sawblade wheels!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3240507474_4359b0f255.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3239671015_f5d1885c44.jpg)
Cool, huh? Shiny Chrome! American Racing center emblems. $41. inluding shipping from Oklahoma.
Better views of the seat covers (more light)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3239670961_4a077707fd.jpg)
The front
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3240507344_47345a8ed7.jpg)
The back
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/3240507778_fa28bac4f9.jpg)
The bottom cushion
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3239671065_8d06866de8.jpg)
They're tied on with black rope, no cheap elasic and hooks here.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3422/3239671131_cf5ea026b1.jpg)
He did the front and back all as separate pieces. The material is soft and durable, I bought a set of covers from him about 4 years ago for a van I had, the covers outlasted the van!
Well, that's it for today, trip to u-pull it tomorrow for the back bumper with rubber trim that matches my front bumper. One speed bump at a time :drunk:
First, today's scores:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3245428823_3055a856bf.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3246257276_67aced708a.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3246256808_258246a53a.jpg)
Then some installs:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3245427867_6574cf33dd.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3246256966_512cb48dcc.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3246257042_9ffc31d814.jpg)
The woodgrain e-brake is from a 78 bobcat wagon that wasn't there last week. The bumper guards and back bumpers are from a 77 Pinto wagon
It looks wonderful! I think the wood grain interior accents are going nicely with your car. I've been debating on putting the wood grain dash panel and e-brake handle on my car, but with my black and silver interior, it just wouldn't match. I am going to be modifying a wood grain dash panel soon though.
Is your original bumper in really good shape? Mine has a lot of fading/oxidizing on the passenger's side and isn't shiny at all. I've been looking for a replacement aluminum bumper in really good shape, though.
The original bumper is shiny on top and faded (clouded, water streaked) on the lower half. there is a fairly deep scratch on the left side face and a red paint transfer scuff on the lower rear corner, and the usual "mild" scratches associated with it being 30 years old and seldom garaged. It sits straight and the aluminum is solid. (this car has never seen salt) I can get some better pictures to you tomorrow or tuesday.
Chuck
Naw, it's cool. Sounds to be in about the same shape mine is in with hard water damage. They just had to go and use aluminum bumpers on the 78, didn't they? :(
What I could use more is a front bumper, as mine has so many DEEP scratches on the corners, and warped upwards on the drivers side corner, that it's surprising the body isn't crushed on these areas.
Well, it's been a while since I did any 'projects'. I've been out of work for 3 weeks because of health problems again. I've been keeping busy with small stuff as I can, and selling some parts to get a little extra cash. I've been battling with agorophobia, so I don't get out often or for long. I'm glad this site is here, you all have become my extended family. We get to remind each other to cherish the small things in life, and encourage each other to keep going. I got the factory sport mirrors with remotes from a 79 wagon on the last trip to u-pull (I usually can't go alone, it's bonding time for me and my brother) They're cherry, except for the oxidized light blue paint and the missing right glass. Hopefully I'll get to that this week. I haven't done my timing belt yet, and the backfire is back (louder too), so I probably need to do some carb work and check the timing. I went to a friend's house (the Corvair nut) to borrow a timing light last week. We spent time walking around his lot and talking about the 15 or so cars on hand from a 63 corvair convertible to my old Peugeot (how we met) to a handfull of Citroen DS's and a Citroen 2cv 'truckette'. Then we went into his garage, and talked about the Fiat 600 Multipla he has, and he gave me a couple 8 track tapes, Ford Motor Company Presents...Stereo for Today 1975 and Stereo for the 80's, and they work! We listened to most of Stereo for the 80's on his 8 track in the garage, and I had a peaceful drive home. Then I remembered I forgot the timing light. Well, that's my story for today.
Peace to All
Chuck
Hey Chuck!
Sorry to hear you're having problems again. My wife suffers from agorophobia also and her psychiatrist just suggested treating it with hypnosis... says it has been very successful. Have you ever tried that? We're looking for some kind of answer because getting her out of the house is becoming increasingly difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dwayne :smile:
Thanks Dwayne. It's comforting to know I'm not alone. My prayers are with you too. Unfortunately, I wasn't successful with relationships. Your wife is blessed to have you. :angel:
So here's a project I got done without leaving the property. An e-bay score, and I really like the way it looks, get ready!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3297930270_8b09ba1c30.jpg)
The rim is in pretty good shape. It had a black plastic trim that I swapped out for the wood trim from a Bobcat. I also cut out the molded in crest in the horn button and installed the one from the Bobcat.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3297930192_2c4c1849cb.jpg)
Now all I have to do is adjust the holes on the dash for the wood trim 78squirewagon sent me. I got the blue a/c console in too, but that was after these pics were taken. Thanks again Mark! ;D
Chuck
I saw that steering wheel on ebay!!! I thought about getting it, but it doesn't go with my brown interior!!! Looks great in your car!!!!
Kim
Wow.....It's PERFECT in your car! I'm not trying to be overly dramatic, but it really looks great. The new steering wheel really changes the interior appearance and gives it that luxury feel! I likey, I likey a lot! 8) 8)
Looking good, the interior is really taking a nice road to recovery. Sorry to hear about your health, I hope things get worked out. :)
-beegle55
Chuck, the wheel turned out great. It looks right at home in your car. I am glad you are happy with it. Tigger
I got the wood trim on the dash. I mounted the a/c style console and filled the hole with a piece of trim from a 72 (with the pinto emblem!). I fixed the horn.
Next step is to replace the turn signal cam (right one doesn't cancel). Then it's on to the carpet, and hopefully I'll be able to live with my interior for a while. An 8 track player is on my list, I just haven't found the right one yet.
I had a meeting with the Social Security people about my disability yesterday. The paperwork's all done. There's nothing comforting about a government employee saying 'now we wait...' though.
No pics of the improvements, if you haven't watched my you-tube video yet, that's where you can see everything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBE17mcwBYY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBE17mcwBYY)
Been feeling a little antisocial lately, so forgive me if I don't jump in like I usually do :lost:
Chuck
Good luck with that, Chuck! My wife has been waiting almost two years and still no Social Security! It's a long, drawn-out process and there are hoops you have to jump through. In the end, it will all work out.
Keep the faith. Good luck!
Dwayne :smile:
Been feeling a little antisocial lately, so forgive me if I don't jump in like I usually do :lost:
Chuck
[/quote]
We all have our moments Chuck, hang in there and remember, we're all friends here so feel free to vent if you need to! :mad:
Like Dwayne said, when you are dealing with agencies like that you get the same answer every time: hurry up and wait! :cheesy_n:
I'm thankful to be relatively healthy despite being a type 1 insulin dependant diabetic (30+ years!) :D
I enjoy reading your posts and the information you bring to the site as well as links to outside info, I'm sure others do as well. Hang tough good friend, oh and BTW,
I've found that a nice long ride in a Pinto can do wonders for your mood!! :laugh:
I took your advice. I dusted myself off and went for a cruise. It wasn't easy, but I did it!
Check out my adventure:
http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,11691.0.html (http://www.fordpinto.com/smf/index.php/topic,11691.0.html)
:afro:
Good to hear you are feeling better Chuck! I was starting to worry. 71pintoracer is inspirational! :)
So I got the turn signal switch fixed (I guess you all know that by now ::))
Haven't been up to much lately, I'm trying to spend at least an hour or two outside every day, more if I can stand it. My car looks pretty good right now, so I'm probably going to tinker with something else for a while.
It looks like I'm getting the 78 back bumper guards from Carolina Boy, so my car will look like it's supposed to, not like a 77. He also sent me some other parts (we worked out a trade ;D). They will get installed, and I'll put pics up when it's done.
I'm just filling out paperwork and 'jumping thru hoops', like a good boy :angel:. Hopefully I'll get a good tax return and have some more money to spend. :look:
Chuck :afro:
Well I guess my health is one of my projects, so I'm gonna park it here for a minute. This has been a bittersweet week. I lost someone very dear, but I gained a lot of insight into how life and the universe and whatnot work, so I'm gonna share. It's not about the Pinto right now, so If that's what you're looking for, come back another time, thanks for stopping in. :drunk:
On the health front, here's one for you medical guys: Pernicious Anemia with Peripheral Nerve Damage (aka peripheral neuropathy)
That's a mouthful, huh? I've done alot of reading on the subject, and it explains a lot about what I've been thru. It manifested as mental symptoms, but started as a physical condition from a vitamin deficiency. Symptoms are a lot like depression, though. People suffering start pulling away, because the slightest touch is painful. In it's advanced state people don't leave the house because their skin is so sensitive they can't handle shoes and socks touching their feet.
I have a lot to talk to my doctors about on Tuesday now!
On the homefront, my friend blew me away again! She left me her 8 track recorder/turntable/am-fm stereo, about 20 records, 15 8 tracks and 15 cassettes, all stuff we used to listen to together when we talked. It's kinda like losing my mom, I started listening to her music to keep the bond alive. Music is an important factor in the human condition.
Enough for Today
Chuck :afro:
That's so true, Chuck- about the music. I guess that's why I've been collecting songs that my Mom listened to when I was a child. It keeps me close to her. Sometimes they even bring back memories.
Your PA w/ PND sounds a little like what my Mom had a year before she left us. Hers was a neuropathy caused by diabetes. She went through hell just being alive. One side of her body was "on fire" so laying down, riding in a car, shifting positions, etc. were forms of torture. It was the only time I ever heard her want to end her own life. It was replaced eventually with something more scary.
I hope the PA w/ PND is curable or can at least be put under control. I'm sending you warm wishes and hope for you to get well.
Glad to hear you found out more about your condition. I don't know if it is something that is curable, but it reminds me of what I was like before I really started getting into the workplace and "getting out". I'm better now, but I still fall back into little stages and I am squirmy and wonder what is wrong with me, but anything that I do just doesn't satisfy. Eating doesn't make me feel better, a shower, movie, leaving the phone off. For about two years the only thing I looked forward to each day was going to bed to sleep. Sleep was the only peace I ever got, and often still is. Then the stress pops in and gives me restless sleep and not even that helps.
I will keep you in my prayers Chuck, here's to hoping you well! :drunk: :drunk:
What a beautiful spring day here in the Land of Enchantment!
I went on a mission today with my new found confidence. I drove to Bernalillo (20 minutes on the freeway at 70) to drop off my dog with his buddy "Charlie". Then a shopping trip, then a trip to my friend Gordon's house. Sounds like a pretty good trip, huh?
I sat down at Gordon's house, and after 1/2 hour of chit-chat, I need a smoke. No smoking indoors, clearly understood. (besides, I prefer to pollute fresh air ;D). I pull out my pouch of Top, and roll me a nice splief, and I can't get up.
Gordon helped me to my feet and I had a lot of trouble steadying myself and finding my balance. I was in intense pain-everywhere. So a trip to the emergency room. A lot of talking between them and some to me (with my printouts of my research in hand) we decided a trip to a pain specialist and a neurologist is in order, along with bloodwork, stat.
I'm home, but I'm walking with a cain, and everything still hurts, the only pain meds they offered me were narco's, and I've had trouble in the past, you know :evil:. I chose to stick to my natural pain meds :coolrasta: for now as I already have trouble swallowing the 5 pills I have to take already, even one-by-one.
My mental state is good, my outlook is good, but man, everything hurts. :(
I'll check in when I can, but I probably won't get much done with my car soon. That's good because it looks and runs great.
Chuck
Wow. I hate to hear that. I hope you can get to the bottom of this and the bloodwork will help figure out what is going wrong. I'll pray for you and I hope you find a solution to your problem. :)
-beegle55
keep that positive attitude my friend and in time you will do well. I personally live with spinal stenosis ( also know as Spinal degeneration). ive lost two inches over the last 5 years or more. went from 6ft1 to 5ft11. i understand pain, and its management weather herbal or narcotic. I choose neither. i manage it by blocking it out of my mind. meditation helps.
Chuck
Sorry to hear about your most recent problem. When my wife experienced a similar phenomenon about ten years ago, it ended up being diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. That predates her problems with bi-polar and the stroke that occurred a couple of years ago.
Wishing you the best, man.
Dwayne :smile:
Wow Buddy, hate to hear of your health concerns. I think we as humans sometimes just take our health for granted, never knowing that in the blink of an eye, we could go from healthy to unhealthy. A pastor from our church, in great health, walking from his office to his home one day, had a mild stroke. Thinking it was nothing more than a headache, and maybe the flu, he held off going to the emergency room for about 16 hours. Once there and diagnosed, the treatment began. That was 9 months ago, and he's still not recuperated. I wish you the best, and will keep you in my prayers. Good luck....Larry :police:
You know, things like this start mildly and innocently, and sometimes in youth when it's not expected. I can sympathise with your pastor about "headache/flu". I started seeing doctors about 10 years ago with mild complaints: headaches, tiredness, appetite/weight fluctuations, body/muscle aches. The doctors all had about the same thing to say, "you're a young guy, you work pretty hard, party, and do alot in your 'spare' time. At 26, 185 pounds at 6'4", their advice was to 'take a little break', 'slow down a little', 'get a little more rest', 'watch what you eat', 'quit smoking'. So year by year, I slowed down, stopped partying, got more rest, paid more attention to my diet (when I could eat). Little pains started happening in random places. The doctors told me there was nothing physically wrong with me. Then any kind of touch started feeling uncomfortable. First I shyed away from my love life, she thought I couldn't touch her and she couldn't touch me because it was 'her'. As the sensations got more intense, I started to shy away from shaking hands, and rough housing like I did when I was younger. My analytical brain needed a justification for the physical pain. Poor memory/depression/confusion caused my analytical brain to subsitute memories for sensations. When it started happening, a lot of good memories were hard to find, so my mind started slipping in the next best thing. Trauma. After 4 years of subconsiuously doing this, I had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. That was 3 1/2 years ago. Intense mental treatment resulted in 'starts and stops'. Projects stopped getting done because it hurt to move/touch things, and every pain reinforced the trauma, hence the PTSD diagnosis. Physical symptoms were diagnosed "anxiety/depression". Enter Lorazepam. Initially it offered mild relief, as the weeks passed the effects lessened. Up the dose by dr. advice, 1mg to 2mg to 4mg to 5mg. Last June the feelings were intense, and the pills were offering almost no comfort. I forgot I took it, and took it again. Overdose. 3 days in the hospital. Changed to Vistaril. I'd feel good, start something, feel pain, and stop. The treatment also put the physical stuff on the back burner, until November. I was starting my new job. I was so nervous I couldn't stand it. I wanted to make sure I could do my best. I got a checkup and bloodwork. Good cholesterol 2pts low, B12 dangerously low. Everything else fine. Good liver/thyroid/kidney function. Still complaining about not much energy, my doc told me to start taking b12 supplements. 3 weeks later, severe stomach cramps, no appetite, severe pain. I stopped taking the supplements and started getting injections. Of course, touch is pain, so I put off getting the shots, just like 2 years ago when another doctor diagnosed the anemia, 3 shots and I couldn't take anymore. I started, and started moving and doing things again, but I was sleeping alot. Like Dave, my only refuge was sleep. I would sleep for 12-14 hours a day, but it would be fitful sleep, and I'd wake up feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. After 3 months at the upholstery shop, I was having difficulty standing for very long, the sensations in my hands were almost unbearable, and I was having some strange involuntary movements. I ignored signs of physical problems, associating the tingling/shaking/rapid heartbeat/chest tightness as 'anxiety'. I take Vistaril (a derivative/relative of Benadryl) for 'anxiety', as it's safer than the Lorazepam. I stopped taking it within the last few days because it wasn't helping, just like the benzo's. Also, I know now that it wasn't anxiety.
This will all take some time to sort out. I just watched a good friend lose her life because she waited too long to address her health. She suspected 2 years before she went to a doctor. When she finally went, a marble size lump in her breast had metastecised. It was stage 3, liver, stomach, lungs and brain.
I haven't hardly let anyone touch me in 6 years. I've missed out on the physical bonds of the human condition and felt very lonely, even when surrounded by people. I stopped going out because I was in pain. The agorophobia sprouted because I was simply afraid that someone would touch me/bump into me/etc. and I knew that it would hurt. I've started to let that go. I embraced my loved ones and my friend's loved ones at her finishing ceremony (I don't like the 'f' word :'(). I am now willing to accept a certain amount of pain in exchange for the warmth and comfort of others. Hopefully the pain will be managed well, and I will live a long life. No matter, I want to know that my time here is well spent.
I certainly don't want to miss out on anything. Time is short and I want to taste everything life holds for me. If it hurts to walk, at least I can walk. If I don't have anything, at least I will be able to see that I don't have anything. Each step is a blessing, each sensation, every sight. Take good care of yourself, Pinto people.
Thank all of you for your support.
Chuck
Chuck,
Your multiple physical problems may seem insurmountable at times but the attitude you exhibit is phenomenal. Hang in there... you'll make it!
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Dwayne :smile:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3372425488_f7d9774fb3.jpg)
I'm not going down without a fight! I'm going to research everything they say, everything they will give me a copy of. I have a mental self image. I stand on my own two feet. I get what I want.
I feel like I'm in school though, I feel tired, but determined. Check my mental state:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3371626319_9a2aa2a55c.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3372440140_6f3d2b79ac.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3372443290_b3608462a7.jpg)
That's just a taste, my stack is about an inch thick. The doctors are going to hate me! :lol:
The truth is out there!
Chuck
Yes, the truth IS out there!
and...
Knowledge is power! (I am a strong believer of this one).
Ok, I feel alright today. I went with my brother on a little 'errand' today, and was handsomely (I think) rewarded for the effort. First the pretty good news. I made it most of the way thru the day without the cane. Very encouraging!
My mood is still up, but I'm taking a break from that for some good clean entertainment.
I'm listening to 'Fly Robin Fly' and I got to thinking, it's kinda late, but I should share this with my friends:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3374061433_31e255b07a.jpg)
Well that's not the best picture, but
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3374876550_274d689f4b.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3374876562_f6fdd3c92a.jpg)
I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure these keys are from the original purchase of the car, they 'feel' different than my chromed brass keys. There are two tin tags that have a code on them (one for each key), and two tags with the 5 digit number, one's a stub, the other has the description of the car and the last 6 digits of my vin. I'm guessing I should hold on to these? These were found in a box in my friend's closet during the week with a couple other things like:
Copies of the registration for different years for her and her dad.
Some maintenance records
Her plate thats on my car in the polaroids
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/3374876570_7295bcd8a9.jpg)
The bottom plate was from my Peugeot (I just like the frame ;D)
Her dad's plate (issued 1978, expired apr 86) now on the front of my car, full circle. (you can do that here, it's just like having a novelty plate)
Her roommate (my brother's mother in law :)) said she found 4 pics of the car when it was wrecked. Of course the house is pretty chaotic right now, when they turn up, she's going to call me and I'll share them here. There's documentation. I was wrong about the date, the car was wrecked in 1992. It sat for so long at the shop that the plate was cancelled and they gave her a new one. I have this license plate too. How many of you guys have every license plate ever registered to your car? New Mexico is plate-to-owner, so every time it's sold you get a new plate. Texas gave new plates every 8 years when I was there in 1990-1991.
Chuck :afro:
That's pretty cool stuff. I have a 1978 WI plate that I put on at shows. I know that I have all of the plate for my other cars that I have had over the years and I will eventually turn them into bird houses and feeders (Except for my 70PLYSS).
The keys look original and if they feel kinda "soft and plyable" then they are the real ones. Just dont use them too much because they break really easy.
COOL STUFF
M
WOW!!!! WOW!!!! WOW!!!! What a fantastic find. That is so cool 8) you have been able to get your hands on these types of items. It's like finding a buried treasure or time capsule, isn't it? Anyway, every once in a while I too come across something from my past, just a strange circumstance causing it, like it was meant for me to find it for some reason. I'm soooo happy :) when I do, I then move it to a safe place, where I'll never lose track of it again. And remember, I'll continue to keep you in my prayers :angel:, good luck... Larry :police:
VERY VERY COOL!
Now I am wondering if my mother still has these things from my car, stashed somewhere....
Drop one of the keys on the table, then drop one of your newer keys. If it sounds significantly different, then yes, they are the originals! And in PRISTINE shape! They are actually make out of solid aluminum. I still have the originals to mine, but they are so worn that there are nearly no markings left on them.
nice peices very cool find.
hope you get better soon
phil
Quote from: discolives78 on March 21, 2009, 11:52:52 PM
The bottom plate was from my Peugeot (I just like the frame ;D)
Pinto archeology at it's best....I
LOVE the 8-Track lic. surround on your Pooh-got ;D, it's interesting to contemplate the past of these little cars. The human stories within the Pinto story.....I'm still amazed that
ANY Pintos survived the never ending on-slot of 2 ton metal projectiles being hurled at them for nearly 40 years :drunk:
Life is good! The weather is great and everything is turning green! :D I love springtime!
You didn't think I'd really be able to not work on my car, did you? I started this morning by washing and drying it, then cleaning out the junk inside, dusting and vacuuming. I've got the 1978 only bumper guards on front and rear now, and as I mentioned, the front plate was the 'original' plate.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3376978305_e1ba26f3bd.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3376978097_898334744f.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3377012741_efbc65c2ba.jpg)
But I didn't stop there. To be continued... ;D
Part two. I noticed the seat covers were kind of interfering with the latches, so I took off the stoppers and the latch, and tucked the seatcover under them and reinstalled:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3377792332_ae6b8c4e6e.jpg)
I got the door lock grommet issue resolved, these are for a 64-66 Mustang, but they fit nice, $2 on e-bay:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3377793866_0a002bd53a.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3537/3376979063_f4fd6a5fa9.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3377856124_337a0c6ce4.jpg)
You can really get a warm feel from all that woodgrain trim! I got the upper trim and the blue console from 78squirewagon (thanks again! ;D), the trim on the console came from a 72 wagon at the u-pull-it, that was a while ago, it's in the first u-tube video. I'm gonna go back to a more retro, but probably not stock radio. Carolina boy sent me the center dash vents for the a/c cars, so I'm gonna move the heater controls down to the a/c console and rig the center vent to the defroster vent so I can have heat on my face too, not just my feet and forehead!
Todays mileage:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3377059007_fbc4e88dd2.jpg)
I hope all of you had a special moment with your Pinto~ today!
Chuck :afro:
Dave: at some point somewhere, I think you asked about the mirrors on the car. Here's the skinny:
These mirrors came from Pep Boys in 2003, they were $20 for the pair. They have potmetal bases and plastic bodies. The base has a ball and the body has a socket. The 'glass is fixed, so to adjust, you move the entire upper section. I mentioned that I picked up an original set of remote mirrors off a 79 wagon (and the correct trim). I need to repaint the mirrors and track down a 'glass for the right side, and then I'm going to install them on my car. I'm thinking I'm going to mount the remote in the vinyl panel instead of the metal upper part of the door, though, as with my lack of coordination I'm pretty sloppy with a drill ::).
Here's a couple closeup shots (this is passenger side, but you can get the idea, the driver one is similar). The ball/socket arrangement has gotten sloppy over the years from being bumped and moved, so their time has come (and gone).
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3377793470_37fd328299.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3377793572_1c9cfd7f7b.jpg)
Just an example of settling for 'close' and making due with what I can find.
Chuck :afro:
The mirrors look pretty nice on your car!
Doesn't a nice clean car just make you feel so much better? :)
I wish it would stop storming here in Idaho so I could get mine washed again. :(
Well, I've been keeping busy!
I got the cassette player from 78squirewagon and the equalizer from carolinaboy installed today. Took me a little longer than it used to, but that's ok, I got it done. Sounds a lot different than the cd player I'm used to. I forgot about tape 'hiss'. :-\
I got a couple pics, but I left the camera in the car, and I'm tired. :sleep:
I'll probably do a youtube update on the car, quite a few things changed since the last one.
Chuck :afro:
anyone heard from Disco in a while?
He last logged in May 2
Last I heard he was going to Knott's with Becky (aka blupinto) and I haven't heard from him since. Becky's not talking..... ???
Kinda worried since we know about his health issues and all. Just wanna make sure hes ok
Sorry folks...Chuck wrote me a few days ago and he's having health issues. He was in the ER but came home. I told him me and the gang miss him. :(
Becky, Thanks for the update.
I'm sure I speak for all when I say that I hope all will be okay with him and he has a quick recovery.
Glad to hear he is okay. I am soon to be on the same path with declining health, and it's nice to see we have such a caring community here when people need each other.
Here's to a speedy recovery Chuck, we're all here for you! :drunk: :drunk:
Becky, please keep us updated, and no disrespect to you or Chuck, just joking around. ;) Tell Chuck we are thinking about him and keeping him in our prayers. WE MISS HIM!!
Thanks becky, send best wishes and a speedy recovery from me and my family
Will do.
It is a great community that cares for one of its own. I'm proud to be part of it. :) I didn't know how much Chuck wanted me to divulge so I didn't just put it out there. I wrote and told him we miss him, and if all goes well he has happy plans. I'll let him share that when the time comes. ;) Thank you guys for caring.
Hey everybody!
Thanks for all the wishes!!!
I'm getting around a little better now, and I've gotten settled into my new pad, but it's a kinda far drive, so I'm only getting up here once every week or so. Now I only get a few minutes instead of the few hours I used to have, so I have to prioritize my time.
First come e-mails to Docs and stuff, then the fun stuff, but I don't always get to the 'fun' part of the fun stuff, that's why I've checked in with Becky, and not here. Reply to messages then run out of time!
The Pinto is running great and still getting me around, and I've been keeping her clean and checking the oil regularly. Up to 87,300 miles now.
Stay tuned, I'll be back!
Chuck :afro:
Hey Chuck!
:welcome: back - we all missed you! Hope everything is going well.
Dwayne :smile:
Glad to hear you are doing okay Chuck! I think that goes for all of us! :D :D
I hope you are enjoying having your new place! Is it all to yourself? If so, I'm sure it's worth the long drive and time away from these boards, I know having my own place was! Just waiting until I can afford that luxury again. :(
CHUCK!
I was asking about you and several other (missing) members a few days back. Great to have you along again!! Hope you are doing better, it's tough when things are pulling you down.
Looking forward to your posts. I have been making a lot of progress myself. Thanks for joining us again!
Chris
Chuck, glad all is better with you and you are back on the site. Enjoy the new place!
Hey guys!
I like the new place, it's out of the county, so no smog laws ;D. I'm sharing a 16x80 mobile home with my brother's mother-in-law (we're a close family). It's nice because she's older and quiet. The dog came along and he's doing well, and has his old buddy to hang out with. There's lots of space for me to store car parts, so that's cool. I will hopefully get a computer of my own soon and be able to spend more time here again soon!
Thanks for all the prayers and wishes! :angel:
Chuck :afro:
I missed you Man!!! Welcome back to the land nuts and Pintos. So glad to hear thing are good for you and you're buddy and that the Pinto is well. Looking forward to more posts from you, Hav had to put up with Blu Pintos shenanigans.
Well, it's my lucky day! (mostly...)
I got to spend some extra time up here today. My box with the factory sport mirrors, my extra driver headlight bezel, CB's bumper guards and other goodies was packed up back in the garage, but I got it out! I got it packed into Buttercup for the ride home. Some sizing up revealed, however, that when I got the chrome trim for the top edge of the door (for the sport mirror on the pass side), I got the trim for a Pony. It's only half the width of the one on there. :embarrassed: :mad:
I lost half of the window channel trim on the door edge of the driver side on my way up here :fastcar:. Good thing I have a spare door. :lost:
Hope to see more of you guys very soon!
I'm feeling fairly good these days, so keep thinking happy thoughts!
Chuck :afro:
Chuck
im just glad your ok. and you are doing better. keep us posted on your progress on the car and you health please =)
Glad to hear you're feeling better and life is treating you well, Chuck!
Sorry to hear about your car loosing things on your trip, hope she's doing well aside from it all.
Hello all!
I've been looking at the brighter side of things.
I have my very own carport now! ;D
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3630866291_2ca785900e.jpg)
I forgot to put up pics of the cassette and equalizer after they're mounted:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3631533160_49ed48a008.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3630720143_567649a129.jpg)
(note the penny for the tuner knob! ;D)
I need to find some appropriate chrome knobs. I have some factory knobs, but they don't fit these shafts (factory are 'D' shaped and aftermarket are split).
Just been puttering around the house mostly. Have a neurology appt next month. Hope all of you are doing well :)
Chuck :afro:
Hello, Pinto Pals!
Well, a sad day has befallen me. I've decided to sell my pride and joy ( :'( :'( :'( :'()
I need a car with an automatic, and as it sits, I can't afford insurance on my car, so if I could come up with $1k in cash and $1k worth of other old car, I would be able to scare off the wolf at my door until I can get gov't assistance (about 3-4 months away) Thanks to all who have followed this story. I won't let this be the end of my involvement (even though I haven't been around much lately).
Chuck :afro:
:'( :'( whahhhhhhh!!!!
:'(
You're gonna make me start crying (again :() It's going to be hard to part with her, my 'Buttercup'. Six years thru thick and thin, thru upgrades: stereos, seat covers, wheels, pinstripes, the wood trim...and the loving massages under her greasy hood (very late into the night at times...the time I spent on the kitchen floor with the empty Bud case full of carb pieces...replacing the waterpump...fixing all the lights...I should stop there... :'(
Hopefully my Pony will find a good home, this is a great chance for one of you to get a great starter Pinto ;)
Hopefully another Pony will find it's way to me and the saga will continue...
Chuck :afro:
Chuck im so sorry to hear that you have to sell her. that really sucks. Im sure someone here can help you get an Auto for it. fred maybe even. anything we can do to help you keep her?
That's a kind offer, but even with a 'stimulus'( :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:) that wouldn't solve the problem that I need a car with an automatic (and preferrably power steering). I am hoping that putting the line out will land me with a suitable replacement...
Chuck :afro:
it was not Just an offer, im extending my hand here to help you get the parts you need to make this one so you can keep her. and im Hoping some others here will back me on this and help we dont want to see you lose a car that is very dear to you.
I'm just visiting at my parents to pay my phone bill right now and check up on a few threads, for some reason I have found you and your pinto to be very close friends, and everything you post seems to strike my interest. It is very sad to hear you have to give up your beauty, I am in a similar situation right now where I cannot drive mine due to lack of funds to register it, it may be months before I can drive her again. :(
I soo wish I could come down and buy your car from you, just to help you out. Hell, I would even swap out the tranny for an auto for you and give the car back to you!
I hope you won't be leaving your fellow Pinto owners, I would hate to see your drop off these wonderful message boards.
Here's to a great guy who goes by the name of Chuck! :drunk: :drunk:
Ohhhh Chuck! You've done it damn you! You got me crying too. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( Damn my governor for cutting my pay! I want to send you some cash so bad and also chip in to convert Buttercup to an automatic so you can keep her. You bought her from your dear friend who was reluctant to sell her to you. It can't have been easy a decision. I want to help you keep her if I can. Damn this economy. Where's the stimulus Obama!? >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( I think we all want to help if we can Chuck.
chuck let us know what we can do to help other then buying that nice pinto of yours. if we can get you a transmission can you keep her? or a p/s pump and rack and the line? let us know im sure we can all pitch in to help somehow. Selling the one worldly possesssion a dear departed friend had sold you is the worst.
chuck i have a auto trans and bell. no convertor. if it will help you keep your car i will send it to you.
i am leaving for vac. wont be back till the 13th. i have never ran it but it should be a good trans. like i said let me know send pm i will send it to you when i get back.
It is tempting to switch the car to an automatic transmission...
But, I am somewhat of a purist, believing that a car's original mechanical configuration is best because there are almost always 'tidbits' that get overlooked in the swap. That's reason one. Then there is the thought of whether I would be able to complete the project (I'm having great difficulty in this area right now). I don't want to start what will turn into a two year project. That's the second reason.
Now, my dear friend DJ, bless her soul :angel:, taught me some life lessons. She held onto things from tragic circumstances (her husband & father's death) to the bitter end without necessarily being able to care for them herself (see the pics of the car when I first got it). That's reason number 3. I have deliberated alot about this decision, and it's ok. I need periodic change to 'shake things up'. Sometimes in life we just need to move on.
I'm only offering the car in the Pinto community right now as it is important that if she changes hands, it's to a good home.
Life changes and needs change. I was blessed all the while, this Pony earned her keep. :)
Chuck :afro:
Well my friend, I hope that someone here can do just that and buy her from you and she goes to a good home. If i was made of money Believe you me, She would be in my parkin space right now. I grew up in these cars. I wouldn't trade those experiences or the one that I have now. not for the world would I give her up unless it was for one of my kids. They arent just a car to me they are a way of life.
We need to find a very nice Pinto member close to Chuck. Perhaps they will do the swap for him so he can keep his Pinto.....I would do it in a heartbeat if I wasn't on the opposite side of the states (northern).
Disco
sorry about your decision, I know how hard it would be for me to get rid of my bobcat, and i have only been in to pinto for about 4 yrs. if we were closer and i had money i have the 4 door maverick auto and power stearing you are in search of. but we are on the oppsite side of the country. anyway sorry i am not able to help right now. i will keep watching and see if i can in the future.
phil
An update.
First: I have no intentions of 'ditching' the Pinto Club.
Second: A tentative offer has been made on the car (from someone about 500 miles from here)
Third: I'm going to be looking for a cheap 'beater' Pinto with an automatic.
Basically, nobody in my family (here or on the outside) wants to see me sell this Pinto, but if I have to, then everybody would prefer for me to get another Pinto to replace it. Chuck without a Pinto is no Chuck at all. My family is used to me selling a Pinto and replacing it shortly afterward.
So just chill, ok :drunk:
Chuck
Chuck, I just read this complete thread and I am touched that I am getting a pinto that has seen the love and caring that you have given it. I too am a old pinto guy. This Pinto is replacing my 74 sedan that I had to sell in hard times. I feel like I'm coming home to a wonderful car that I already care for.
Can't wait to pick it up, and beleive me, it has a good home and you will see any and all changes that I do to it.
John
dyerjg, welcome aboard. I'm sure you will enjoy the time you spend on this site with that car that is coming from a very nice guy. Look forward to getting to know the new owner of Chuck's car.
:welcome: John,
So glad to know that Chuck's Pinto has found a good home! We'll be looking forward to your updates.
Dwayne :smile:
Welcome john, Awesome that you got Chucks car now. Im sure it will have a great home. and maybe you can help chuck find one right for him ?
Thanks guys, I was on the Forum years ago as "jdpinto", so I'm not really new, just haven't been around.
John
in that case
WELCOME BACK
[/b]
What Phil said.... Glad to see somebody got the car that won't just trash it up. It was too nice a car for just anybody to get it.
Welcome back, John! :) :welcome:
As most of you know by now, a deal has been made on the car, and it should be in new hands on Saturday.
To John:
There is much reading that can be done on this car on the site. I think there are bits of info in many threads. I've been very happy with this car, and in building it, it wasn't my intention to sell it, so heart went into it, not just time and money. I invite you to check out the gallery if you haven't yet, there are many pics of her there. There are also project threads outlining the rebuilding of the Turn signal switch and radio. I hope you will be as happy as I have been, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure it's a smooth transition. :)
To everybody:
I have a line on a 79 wagon with automatic and p/s p/b in Santa Fe. It's a fixer-upper (which is good because I need something to tinker with. I'm going to look at it this weekend. Stay tuned!
Chuck :afro:
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,11698.0.html (http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,11698.0.html)
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,11921.0.html (http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,11921.0.html)
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,11733.0.html (http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php/topic,11733.0.html)
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=97;u=7260 (http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=97;u=7260)
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=70;u=7260 (http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=70;u=7260)
Chuck,
I have been looking at all the pics and I am amaxed at how far you came with her. I'm a old guy, but I feel like a kid again looking at her. I know I will have good times taking care of the pinto. She is going into the garage and I am going to get her ready for All Ford Nationals in Carlilse for next year and the following year birthday celebration. I go to the All Ford Nationals every year with my good friend Tom (78Squire). He just bought a 78 Squire wagon that looks and runs great. He is a member here too. I look forward to meeting you Saturday and wish you luck with the wagon you are looking at. I'm sure we will be trading stories of Pintos for years to come.
See you Saturday!
John
Well, you can tell a lot about how a car's been treated in the first few minutes with it. The factory seat belt and key-in buzzers work, the driver door hinges are tight (it doesn't 'drop' when you open it and you don't have to lift it to close it). The dome light comes on the instant the door is opened. The locks work smoothly, all doors and trunk open and close right. There's no resistance turning the key in any of the locks, the glove box doesn't rattle, nor does the glass or any plastic panels. The taillights are as perfect as you could ask for, very minimal fading. All of the trim around the windows is intact. The pedals are straight and in their proper positions. The reverse lockout on the shifter still works (you have to push down to go into reverse) Every light bulb works except the light in the radio. The seatbelts all pull out and retract, latch and release. The emergency brake holds the car on a hill in neutral. The fuel gauge works smoothly all the way from empty to full and back down. The speeodometer needle works smoothly indicating not much wear in the gears or cable. The washers work and the wipers work on both speeds. I have kept the blades 'fresh' so there aren't the 'arc' scratches common on the windshield. The horn works but the sound is off a bit. The turn signal switch works just like new as it was just rebuilt. I've added a lot of tidbits from other Ford cars over the years to dress up this 'plain-jane' workhorse sedan.
The car was bought new outright (no loan) in late 1977 at Rich Ford in Albuquerque, and used by it's original owner (retired) to get to the grocery store and church until 1986, when he passed away. The car had an estimated 28,000 miles at that time. His daughter inherited the car at that time and started using it as her daily driver. She drove it until 1998. It was in wreck in 1991 or 1992. The front fender, hood, grille, and bumper were replaced and the entire car was repainted. There was no frame or suspension damage. I have pictures of the car before it was repaired showing the damage. The car does not have a salvage title. The car has four plates for three owners because the car sat so long at the body shop that the plates lapsed. When the car was completed, new plates were issued. She continued to drive it. The car overheated one day and she had it towed home. The mechanic told her it probably had a bad block as anti-freeze was spewing from the 'front of the engine'. Disheartened, she parked the car. That was the last time the car was driven until I entered the picture and resurrected her in 2003.
Here's the laundry list of 'cherry-picked' options I've added to the car over the years:
Blue Vinyl Pinstripes
Dual Sport mirrors (not remote)
Woodgrain appliques to dash and Ford 'Custom' steering wheel. Woodgrain shift knob and e-brake
14x6.5 American Racing Aluminum wheels with 185/60R14 tires on front and 215/75R14 rear.
Tires purchased new fronts in 2004 and new rears in 2005. Less than 10k miles on tires.
Glove box light.
Chrome Cigar lighter and Chrome ashtray knob.
Chrome turn signal knob and heater control knobs.
5.5 inch speakers front, 6x9 speakers rear deck. AM/FM cassette player in textured bezel.
New velour seat covers front and rear.
A/C style adjustable dash vents and console with wood applique.
Deluxe bumper group (guards and protective rub strips)
Metal raingutter trim from early model
Halogen headlights
This car was a very base model radio delete car. The next step lower was a 'Pony' which would have had a black dash.
All in all, this car will not dissappoint. At the price, it's a great value, and a car that can be enjoyed while you do the finishing touches.
Chuck :afro:
Well, she's still here. John got here early this morning and we went for a short ride and talked for a good hour-and-a-half. He's a really nice guy, and like most of us, he's looking for 'the one. In the end, it wasn't his cup of tea, so he went away empty handed. I think the 74 is more his taste. The 'french cut' front end and half&half taillights are an acquired taste. That means my plans of checking out the wagon got put off :(
Oh well...
Chuck :afro:
Sorry Chuck, bum deal, that's lousy. I hope it all works out for you.
Chris
My car is for sale on e-bay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-Ford-Pinto-Sedan_W0QQitemZ180384104318QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item29ffbaff7e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-Ford-Pinto-Sedan_W0QQitemZ180384104318QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item29ffbaff7e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317)
I need to sell this car soon and replace it. It's difficult to walk the mile to the train station in the New Mexico heat! It's around 100 degrees here in July!
I've lowered the price to $1600...with a lower reserve!
Have mercy!
Chuck :afro:
Good Morning Pinto Guys and Dolls! ;D
Well, there is good news today! I got approved for State disability, so I have some income. I got back pay from May to July in one lump sum so I got to catch up on my bills and needs, and I got insurance for Buttercup. I drove her up here today, and I didn't do that bad, so I'm reconsidering the decision to sell. I appreciate everyone's input and concern. The car has 3 days left on e-bay, and only one bid. I can't figure out how to delete the ad, as I'm actually hoping now that it DOESN'T sell! If anyone knows how to end an auction early, I'm listening. The only bidder has NO feedback! I could have sworn I blocked bids from people with less than 3 positive.
Cheers! :)
Chuck :afro:
I don't know, as I've only been a bidder, not a seller. I have seen people who are selling state that they can end the auction at any time. As for buyers with no feedback being banned... a buyer has to be able to buy to get feedback, so I don't believe folks are banned from bidding- you the seller have to make concessions (?) to make sure the buyer doesn't flake and leave you holding the bag.
The decision to keep Buttercup is ultimately up to you, but I'll confess to hoping you keep her. She's too special of a car- aside from the fact she's a Pinto! lol. Your health comes first Chuck, and you need to look long-term to help you decide whether to keep her. I know you don't want her modified (automatic tranny swapped, p/s added, etc.) because you want her originality kept intact. Remember, though, you already modified her (woodgrain dash strip from earlier Pinto, emblems with red-white-blue- also from an earlier Pinto, Mustang II steering wheel, side mirror (aftermarket), rims, etc.)
Whatever you decide Chuck we'll be behind you. Get Well! ;D
Chuck,
Listen, do what you have to do and most likely the hardest part is after you sell the car to let go and remember it is no longer yours. tehy , the new owners, will want to make changes just as you did and so be it. As in life things changes. Those that survive adapt and go on....
As for youe signature block, I am honored....
Chuck, not sure about ending early but if you don't meet the reserve you don't have to sell and you can re list within a 60 day period free.
All good talking points, my friends! :)
The decision to block 'no feedback' participants in the auction was made due to a person with no feedback choosing 'buy it now', not paying the required deposit, no longer being a 'registered' e-bayer after he 'completed' the transaction, etc. My feedback started at zero, but there are plenty of small items you can buy on e-bay to start out your score without feedback. My feedback is 31 (all from transactions less than $30) and ALL positive! A large purchase, such as a car, or more than $500 or so, do take more consideration! I also have seen people 'reserve the right to end the auction early'.
As far as modifying the car:
Mechanical modificatiions take special considerations that cosmetic parts don't necessarily require. Like I said before, it's not just a matter of trans and bell housing. There is also the radiator, pedal assembly, shifter, drive shaft, and possibly carburettor. Then the rack, pulleys, and pump to change to p/s, and master cylinder and booster to go to power brakes. It does add up to time, parts and $$$. I won't modify the basic mechanics myself, but if someone were to purchase the car, I wouldn't say anything or do anything to hinder that effort. Upon transfer, it's the new owner's baby...(s)he is free to change anything (s)he likes, as I have been. I've understood this concept all along. I did, at one point consider a v-8 swap, I even had the motor and tranny!
Chuck :afro:
if i could i would just buy it from you tell you to use the money to do the swaps lol.. but my plans for the money im saving are set for the 76 fred has. and a new computer for myself cause mine is dying.. its 8 years old now
I don't want to 'put anyone out' in order to help me out! :embarassed:
Please, don't misunderstand! I set the price high enough that it shouldn't end up as a 'derby' car, but low enough that someone would have the money to do modifications and repairs that they would like. I am driving right now, and I plan to insist that the neurologist look into the matter such that I will be able to drive my car regularly, and with confidence. Like I said, if the e-bay thing doesn't pan out (it has less than 2 days now), then I'm keeping it. I'm sure this car means more to me because of it's story and history than it will to almost anyone else. I also feel comfortable with this car, in particular, because I know it's history of foibles and repairs. I trust this car! :)
My financial situation is looking up (very recently), and if it continues to be a problem I will get a second car and use this one as I planned from the beginning, as my 'weekend toy'.
I do appreciate all of the support I've found here at the Pinto Club! We have great people here! :)
Chuck :afro:
Chuck,
Your comments about "no feedback" buyers on eBay are very true but, believe it or not, my very first purchase on eBay was $3500 for a 1979 Lincoln Continental Collector's Series in 2005! I did, however, make contact with the seller and we exchanged emails and spoke several times on the phone leading up to the auction's end. He had the "Buy it Now" set at $4500 but I met reserve at $3500 and ended up winning the car. I'm sure he had reservations about me at the beginning but it worked out to be a smooth transaction. My feedback score is now 160+ and that includes four additional auto purchases, one being my '72 Pinto. So... some "no feedbacks" are okay, but they should go the extra mile to convince you of that, and then follow through with their purchases.
Dwayne :smile:
Hey, everybody!
The car didn't sell, so I'm going to be a man of my word and keep it. I have been driving it almost every day this week, and that's made me feel a little better. I have to turn down the radio and concentrate on shifting until I hit cruising speeds, but that's ok. Maybe if I install a tach I'd feel better.
I made a new back shelf from some leftover "Masonite" and painted it black, looks great, and at a fraction of the $40 for a replacement!
I got knobs on the stereo, but I'm still looking for an 8-track (preferably 4 channel, or Quadraphonic). There's time to do that though, I have a radio for now.
I installed a new timing belt. I lost my USB cable for my camera, so no pics for now.
My neuroloy appointment went well. There don't seem to be any problems like Parkinson's, etc. He said that my anxiety was obviously high while I was there and that could be causing most of my problems. I called my Psychiatrist yesterday, and she called in to the pharmacy another bottle of Vistaril, so I'm taking 4 a day instead of 2, but same dosage.
My confidence is up, and I'm getting out of the house some, let us hope that continues.
Wishing all of you the best day possible! :)
Chuck :afro:
Glad to hear you are up and about. Remember there is always something to smile about. Keep on truckin!!!!!
hey chuck, glad to hear it. and glad to hear you are doing a might bit better. keep us posted.
Thanks guys.
Today I took off the EGR valve and removed the top. Cleaned out the passages, made sure the plunger and diaphram are working, and got it back together. I set the cam timing while we (me and my brother) were doing the timing belt. The ignition timing is spot on, and after re-routing a few vacuum hoses, it's got a heck-of-alot more pull on the take-off! ;D The hesitation is completely gone too! :fastcar:
It's still backfiring, but it's been narrowed down to the large crack right next to the exhaust bracket above the axle >:( couldn't be in a worse place. I think the muffler is plugged up too. (keep in mind it's the original exhaust! :D). So it's getting new exhaust hopefully around the beginning of the month. The car runs so smooth now that it's much easier for me to drive. I think I placed the blame on myself (and not the car) for the car being out of tune. :embarrassed:
Chuck :afro:
Glad to hear she's up and kickin' again! I'm curious what you did as far as re-routing vacuum hoses. I have some hesitation when I initially take off from a dead stop. The only cure I have found to fix it so far is to adjust the carb rich.
And the saga continues...
I felt the overwhelming need for change, and since I'm keeping the car, I'm just going to change her. I always wanted something a little more attention-getting. The last straw was my therapist seeing the car a few weeks ago (by accident, he was walking across the lot as I was pulling in). He said with my personality and strange taste in clothes and music, he was a little surprised that I drove such a boring plain white Pinto. Here's my solution to that:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3816336626_184317a3be.jpg)
I painted the bottom dark metallic blue and striped it in red and blue, mimicking the factory 2 tone offering, but with a little more "pop". I figured patriotism never really goes out of style, and I'm proud of it being American and lasting this long, so that's the theme. I added self-adhesive chrome trim along the "belt line" (ding-line ;D :lol:) while I was here.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3816318996_38cb4267dd.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/3815456731_fd15b4a1a2.jpg)
And fiddled with pinstripes around other 'features', like the antenna and gas cap.
This is what happens when Chuck has too much free time! ;D
It's a work in progress, I still have to finish the back and around the taillights, so stay tuned!
Chuck :afro:
Wow!!! Looks great Chuck!!!
Can't wait to see the rest!!!
Almost makes me nostalgic for the Bicentennial. :afro:
that chuck is sweet! looks great.
Very nice Chuck. Tasteful and patriotic. ;D
Well, THAT certainly spruced things up :surprised: Looks great!
Dwayne :smile:
Grounded again... :(
Don't want to get too graphic, but basically she's parked again. Money wasn't there for registration, and State Farm dropped me because of my aforementioned credit problems thanks to my medical situation.
I've been popping in as often as I can, but a few weeks now into not driving, I've only managed to get up here a couple times. Competition is fierce for the computer too, there's usually one person in line in front of me, and one waiting, so time to type just isn't there lately.
I did manage to find a cool AM/FM/8 track 4 speaker stereo in a 78 Olds at the u-pull, it's cleaned and in the car, but I didn't get a chance to take a pic though.
I haven't given up, and I'll still lurk in the shadows around here! :devil:
Chuck :afro:
Hopefully things will start turning up better for you soon brother. Keep the faith! Maybe in a short while I can meet you and others on this site at a SouthWestern meet sometime. ;D
--Doug
Quote from: discolives78 on September 12, 2009, 09:33:25 PM
Grounded again... :(
Don't want to get too graphic, but basically she's parked again. Money wasn't there for registration, and State Farm dropped me because of my aforementioned credit problems thanks to my medical situation.
I've been popping in as often as I can, but a few weeks now into not driving, I've only managed to get up here a couple times. Competition is fierce for the computer too, there's usually one person in line in front of me, and one waiting, so time to type just isn't there lately.
I did manage to find a cool AM/FM/8 track 4 speaker stereo in a 78 Olds at the u-pull, it's cleaned and in the car, but I didn't get a chance to take a pic though.
I haven't given up, and I'll still lurk in the shadows around here! :devil:
Chuck :afro:
Hang in there chuck, you can do this. We all get set backs now and then but just know we are all pulling for you.
I know about the withdrawal symtoms, I pulled my instrument cluster down to replace some dash lights and the white plastic piece just fell apart. I am waiting for the arrival of my new instrument cluster [Thanks Bill] but I nhaven't been able to drive the car for about 2 weeks and it is driving me crazy... I need my pinto therapy... :lol:
jim
I hear you both, Chuck and Jim! I was driving my wagon today after not having ANY Pinto to drive for a month or more and realized what I missed. They are so fun to drive! To think I was intimidated with the thought of driving a stick shift...
Chuck, hang in there. Things are tough all over. I got the news today that the refi person who assured me she could refinance my mortgage told me if I only had $200 more in my paycheck... thanks Arnold Governator. :devil: >:( :showback:
Hang tough Chuck! Good luck in the great gauge cluster adventure Jim! ;)
Tough break on the refi - something else is bound to work out though. Thrilled to hear the wagon is back on the road. I know you've missed driving it!
Dwayne :smile:
Chuck: Just looking at your pix of your Pinto...WOW!!!! I love it. It looks really good, bet she's a real head turner. Fantastic Pinto you have there...good luck!!!!! Larry :police:
Ok, I'm all stoked right now! ;D
First, the eight-track:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4012235099_bd596ff69a.jpg)
It's from a 78 Olds Delta 88. I like it because you can't tell it's an 8 track, unless
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/4013003982_5cc80f9af6.jpg)
there's a cartridge in it. I also like it because unlike most of Ford's 8 tracks, it's 4 channel, meaning 4 speakers, not two. The 8 track works great and the FM and preset buttons all work. Only thing is the tuner needle is sluggish going up the dial (but not down) and I can't seem to get any AM stations. The Mustang decal is hiding the GM-Delco insignia (wouldn't really want to show that off would I?)
Stay tuned, more coming! :D
So, since I'm not really going anywhere anyway:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4012998298_08e1314531.jpg)
I figured I'd have some time to take her apart and replace the bottom hinge on my driver door
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/4013093706_290d144553.jpg)
no rust thru! just a little surface rust to clean up
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/4013112204_17026a4c05.jpg)
I left the door on and closed and removed the bottom hinge without loosening the top hinge.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/4013000950_86cb7a17e4.jpg)
new one on the left and old one on the right. the old one was missing the big spring that holds the door open on a hill
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/4012233189_2682916f5e.jpg)
back together, but will it blend?
Got some work done in the engine bay too, pics next weekend
:afro:
Quote from: discolives78 on October 14, 2009, 07:35:20 PM
Ok, I'm all stoked right now! ;D
First, the eight-track:
Get down and boogie! :afro:
Hey, you need tunes to listen too while fiddling with your Pinto!
Quote from: discolives78 on October 14, 2009, 07:35:20 PM
Ok, I'm all stoked right now! ;D
First, the eight-track:
Only thing is the tuner needle is sluggish going up the dial (but not down) and I can't seem to get any AM stations.
I'd try some careful spraying of Tuner Cleaner, aka: Contact Cleaner, on the tuner mechanism and AM/FM switch.
DGH
Wow!!!!! I am impressed and amazed at the quality of your work. Now I have some motorvation. Keep up the good work. Hey those bumper guards look great, too. :look:
WOW!!!!!! I don't know that I could take my Pinto apart like that. I'm afraid my local mechanic would be replacing my door hinge for me....lol :D Your Pinto is nothing short of fantastic....I love it...keep up the good work.
Larry :police:
Disco great job man. Thats the only way to do it taker down to the bone and fix it. ;)
Hey guys!
Well I haven't gotten here in a while, thought I'd catch you up...
I've been driving again these last couple weeks. Health is so-so (which is actually very good relatively), and life just keeps going, day after day.
I had to replace my steering rag joint last weekend (too bad I didn't have the camera handy!). the old one shattered in 4 pieces (I turned right and it "clunked" and then the wheel had a lot of play in it! Thank goodness I didn't lose control of her and break up on re-entry ( :laugh:). The only pain was cutting the rivets on the yoke (thank goodness for portable band saws!).
Other than that, no news is good news...
I'm off to catch up on my reading...
Take care friends!
Chuck :afro:
WOOHOO! Glad to see you back in the game chuck! :D
Glad to see there's minimal rust on the car. I just hope the wagon I just bought isn't bad...
Good to hear things are going well for you. Lucky you, you don't have to drive in snow!