Today was a good day. This morning, 78TXPONY and I took a drive to a junkyard, and found us a, well, "gold mine" of sorts.
Setting the scene, the day was overcast, but pleasant - about 71 degrees - PERFECT. No wind; yesterday was a deluge of rain, and it was a bit muddy, but nothing to be concerned about. We took plenty of tools, and headed for the one and only Pinto on the yard - a '78 hatch that had JUST been pulled in there, and was complete, except for the rack and pinion unit.
This car was a FULLY OPTIONED sport package - V6, painted rally wheels, factory A/C, PS, PB. Amazing. Condition? Standard for a 31 year old car, a bit of bondo, faded paint, tore up interior, standard issues. BUT - it still had valid inspection stickers, the insurance info of the owner was in the car, and it looks like it might have been driven in. New tranny coolant lines, and new rear long exhaust pipe. Interesting....
Since Rob (78TXpony) HAS a vanilla 78 sedan with some body damage, he went after cosmetic goodies and some of the options. Our carry for the day?
Rob took....
Radio
Antenna
Headlight urethane assemblies
Dash cluster
Full hood/hinges
I took....
Inner fender seal beneath the brake master cylinder
Rally wheels - complete with caps
His out the door cost was $140, mine was $144. The wheels need some serious attention (bead blasting and refinish, caps rechromed), but the tires were good with reasonable tread, and I'm happy with the overall condition (besides, I wanted these for my wagon).
A shame, really, they probably got this car for pennies and it really is restorable...BUT, they do NOT sell whole cars, salvage only. One must die for others to live.
We will go back and get more - very soon. I am thinking of upgrading to a V6, myself, and he is looking for better fenders and doors....
Chris
Coolness....... ;D
I see parts I need....
FrankBoss
Call me - seriously. I can help. I need to talk to you anyway.
Chris
being a late v6 car does it have a 8" in it?
Let's see, the sport mirrors, gas cap, AC compressor, window crank, lots of stuff I could use for my V6 wagon ;D
I believe that all v6 models had the 8in rear end
Quote from: 75bobcatv6 on April 19, 2009, 12:18:36 AM
I believe that all v6 models had the 8in rear end
I thought so too but the 79 V6 hatchback I have currently does not. I guess it could have been replaced by a previous owner though.
Chris,
Good shot of me hard at work... :D
I do have to say that was the perfect day to work out there - we even had all the right tools! I enjoyed it.
I could not believe how big a pain those headlight-parking light assemblies were to get off...
I do still want the drivers side fender, both mirrors, and the rear left tail light. If they can cut out the left rear quarter, I will get that too.
Chris had already claimed the rear end along with the engine and tranny and A/C system.
The doors and passenger fender are dent free, but have to check on rust. The all-glass heated hatch is there, so is the sunroof! All seats are very good; red in color. Bumpers are badly scratched up everywhere. Door trim and door panels are nice. Window cranks were pitted. Nice chrome gas cap was there.
The dash cluster is pretty much intact, but in some areas the crumbling has began. If anyone can use it, let me know as I got it to pass on to someone who needs it.
If anyone needs a stock AM radio, let me know as i might not use it afterall. I need to test it this week.
This was one well-optioned Pinto... I wish it could have been saved.... :'(
However, it looks like we we might have it stripped down to a turkey carcass before it's all over... :amazed:
Quote from: TIGGER on April 19, 2009, 12:34:08 AM
I thought so too but the 79 V6 hatchback I have currently does not. I guess it could have been replaced by a previous owner though.
More then likely what happened. Every v6 i have come across has had the 8in rear in it. 79 the might have used the 6.75 but i doubt it.
Quote from: 78txpony on April 19, 2009, 01:42:57 AM
Chris,
Good shot of me hard at work... :D
I do have to say that was the perfect day to work out there - we even had all the right tools! I enjoyed it.
I could not believe how big a pain those headlight-parking light assemblies were to get off...
I do still want the drivers side fender, both mirrors, and the rear left tail light. If they can cut out the left rear quarter, I will get that too.
Chris had already claimed the rear end along with the engine and tranny and A/C system.
The doors and passenger fender are dent free, but have to check on rust. The all-glass heated hatch is there, so is the sunroof! All seats are very good; red in color. Bumpers are badly scratched up everywhere. Door trim and door panels are nice. Window cranks were pitted. Nice chrome gas cap was there.
The dash cluster is pretty much intact, but in some areas the crumbling has began. If anyone can use it, let me know as I got it to pass on to someone who needs it.
If anyone needs a stock AM radio, let me know as i might not use it afterall. I need to test it this week.
This was one well-optioned Pinto... I wish it could have been saved.... :'(
However, it looks like we we might have it stripped down to a turkey carcass before it's all over... :amazed:
Glad you guys got so much of whats needed, and hopefully tho it cannot be saved it will get parted out before it see's that car Crusher. Ive been to every Junkyard in the Phoenix Mesa and Apache juntion area's and nothing not even a Mustang II to speak of.
If you were closer to WI, I could use those doors for my 78 coupe/hatchback. Even if the window cranks are pitted, I could use one and I definitly need the gas cap. Even if you keep a nice one and sell me a pitted one, I could use it because it will get painted anyway.
It's a true shame that the whole car could not be saved but it looks like a lot of people here are going to benifit from it.
I am still waiting for my regular yard to bring another Pinto in. I am still pulling odds and ends off of the 77 Bobcat wagon that they pulled out there in July last year. Not much left of it's interior, but still all of the drive-train in it.
Darn, you snagged the fender plug I've been looking for! :P
QuoteIf you were closer to WI, I could use those doors for my 78 coupe/hatchback. Even if the window cranks are pitted, I could use one and I definitly need the gas cap. Even if you keep a nice one and sell me a pitted one, I could use it because it will get painted anyway
I will add gas cap and window cranks to the list and I can ship 'em to you if you want. I can send pics first.
I can see saving a lot stuff off of there to sell on to people who need them, instead of having them destroyed.
I will let you knoew when I get 'em.
COOL. I have another gas cap coming but I can always use a spare ;D
THANKS!!!!
Yesterday was a good day. Rob (78TXPONY) and I took a drive back to visit "our" little '78. She was kind enough to wait on us, having allowed only an unknown suitor managed to talk her out of a radiator while we were away.
The weather was nearly IDENTICAL to last Saturday - cool and overcast, but DRY this time (read NO mud). The goal for the day? Decide what else could be salvaged from this very nice fully optioned car.
My goal: Pull the 8" rear end. Rob and I decided to tackle it from both sides of the car, as the car was conveniently lifted off the ground. While I easily broke the U-bolt nuts on the passenger side, Rob groaned and moaned about how hard his were to pry loose. He left one for me. He was right... :lost:. BTW, for those intersted - the floors were SHOT, replete with bad homemade patches all over the place. It would have taken a LOT of work to make it right.
While the rear end did >not< turn out to be limited slip, it was still equipped with 3:40 gears (nicccce), and will find a new home under my wagon. I plan to completely strip it down, paint or powder coat it, and do all the other nice things to completely restore it. There was a guy who actually walked by and asked about it...he was upset he did not get to it first :lol:.
Robs goal: Well, Rob sees >potential< (read: he has storage room), so he went for the big fix - fenders, doors, speaker bracket, sending unit, rear taillight housing, and a handful of other manageable goodies. Want parts? Talk to Rob, he may be able to help.
Now, the poor car sits like a turkey carcass, with a few choice morsels left. Sadly, many of these goodies could still be used - we really wished we could have the whole thing. V6 motor, auto tranny, springs, seats, steering wheel, heat/air console, complete factory air setup, power brake setup, good glass hatch with working pistons, drive shaft, sway bar, etc.
Even more sadly, while checking out, Rob told the folks behind the counter we were interested in getting more. Turns out that the row of cars the Pinto was in was slated to be crushed THIS WEEK - oh my, I can't tell you how fortunate we feel that we got there when we did, and got as much as we did. Was it enough? :rolleye:
That's all for now. If there's anything else to tell, I will tell it when it happens. IF you are needing any specific parts, let one of us know, we MAY be able to get out again and pull a few more items before this car, like so many untold others, meets its fate. It's a real shame so few are left, and they have to die, so others can live.
Chris
man that's a lot of goodies good Job guys too bad you couldn't save more
UPDATED!
This car has been slated for the crusher by May 9th, so if you want anything, either visit the yard in person, OR let me know and I will see if I can get it for you.
I do not mind shipping stuff to serious buyers. I cannot bring back an engine or tranny though... (no truck)
Car is Located at:
LKQ Salvage #240
8835 South Central Expressway
Dallas, TX, 75241
PH 214-375-5555
We had already stripped many parts from this one but some good stuff is left, such as:
Front Sway bar & mounts
Factory A/C box and ducts
bumper filler strips
two rear windows
complete V6 engine (no, I am not able to pull it or transport it)
good red cloth (redone) seats & tracks
power brake booster
I already pulled the following, which IS available for anyone who need them:
VERY low-rust doors (sans mirrors) with hinges, right fender, hood hinges, factory AM radio, coolant jug, rear hatch assy, A/C controls and console, parking brake lever, shifter knob, engine flex fan, rear shocks, and usable 1976 dash cluster and I will part with anything from these that you need to help you in your project.
Just let me know via PM or email.
I could use both tail light assemblies. I think you have the gas cap and window crank handles for me already ;D Also I know someone that can use the dash trim (any pieces you can strip off of it) Also the door sill plates if they are still there. i wish i was there to strip that V-6 so that I have spare parts for my other wagon.
I will be more than happy to pay for shipping
Just let me know
Mark
Mark,
I claimed the left tail light but I am willing to part with it if you do need it. The plastic is VERY nice and the metal trim is covered with paint overspray.
The right light had a big crack in the BU light with some of the plastic chipped away. If you still want it I can pull it.
I DO have your gas cap and one window handle - PM me your email addy and i will send you pics of them. The chrome gas cap is CHERRY so it may not even be original... The window handle cleaned up well and looks quite nice. Just the knob is cracked but still intact.
I can grab the sill plates - I think they will clean up 'okay'.
What is your friend look for on the dash? There is a lot to strip and I can email you a picture of that cars dash.
We can talk the details through PM or email.
Glad I can help!
Good news (kinda) on this car...
The 4"+ of rain has postponed this car's death, so it WILL be there this saturday (5-2).
I called to verify. They said it ~might~ be there the following saturday also.
Although i will need to navigate through some small lakes to get to it, it should be possible so I plan to go there that morning.
If anyone else needs anything (who has not contacted me yet), please do so before saturday (5-2).
I am premature in posting again, but want to "bump" it - Rob and I made one last visit to the sad '78 this past weekend, right before the area got another 6-8" of rain. Timing is everything....
I pulled the dash off (which included the wiring harness and all the bezels/fuse box/trim), as well as the gas pedal assembly and brake pedal/bracket assembly. Rob snagged the steering column, rear glass hatch, heater + A/C control panel, bumpers, sill plates, shifter handle, emergency brake handle, kick panels, and a bunch of other loose stuff.
Pics later tonite. Aside from the heater, A/C box assembly, ductwork under the dash, wiper motor, seats (now soaked), engine, transmission, brake booster, exhaust system, rear springs, busted windshield, rear side markers, one broken rear taillight, rear view mirror, completely useless sloppily reglued and painted grille, and front suspension, the car is a carcass.
We done good. I sure would have liked to save it all..... ;D
Pics TONITE.
Chris
Here are some good before-and-after shots! :lol:
Chris will post some better shots soon...
For those who emailed me about parts, i will be getting with you shortly with pictures of what I pulled. A big storm event had me packing stuff up before I could take pictures. Other stuff I got but do not need will be listed in the classifieds soon.
In all, this was a lot of fun! :drunk:
"Everything but the oink....." ::)
Are you going to make another trip? If so, I could use the brake booster.
Thanks,
Mike
Geez - I knew we should have grabbed that booster!
I did not plan to go back there, but ~maybe~ this coming SAT (5-16) as I do need a rearview mirror from a GM car.
IF the Pinto is still there I will consider the trip...
Any last requests?
Chris??
I think he still wants an A/C box... ;D
A/C box? A/C box? We don't need no stinkin' A/C box... :showback:
Chris
PS - I can't imagine the SOUP that poor car is sitting in. All it's done the last few weeks is rain here, and it's POURING right now.
Man, this Global Warming is REALLY heating things up..... :cheesy_n:
Thanks Al Gore!!
Chris
Well, the 78 carcass is still there (what's left of it...)
I will make one last run this Sat AM (5-16) for the brake booster and rear hatch trim for forum members, plus some other goodies for myself.
Last requests anyone? Speak now or forever hold your desires! ;D
How about the price on the AC condensor if it's a factory AC?
Quote from: dholvrsn on May 14, 2009, 02:13:59 PM
How about the price on the AC condensor if it's a factory AC?
Given the pricing sceme I am learning from there, it should be under 30 bucks. Shipping would prolly run about 13 or so. Let me know if that is near your ballpark.
I will look it over real good and will not get it if i would not want it on my car.
I might be rained out tomorrow, but if so I will go Monday or so after work.
If the dash wood grain trim and hardware above the glove box won't cost too much, I would be interested in that. I will be pulling my dash and replacing it with a better shape one this summer when I replace my windshield and will be cutting holes for the gauges again, but straight this time!
Dave:
I have the whole dash in the back of my truck at this moment, and it has that "wood trim" piece on it. It is faded but complete. Find me that rocker molding, and I'll be sure you get the piece. ;D.
Chris
I thought I sent you a PM about them, including two links to pictures of them. If not, I will send you one again. They are expensive to ship, due to their length. :(
Did not get that message, please resend. If it helps you, I will source some adequate shipping tubes and send them to you. I usually try and ship stuff Fedex ground - a 53" box (as an example, I ship stuff often) at a weight of 5-10 lbs runs anywhere in the $12-$15 range all over the country from Texas, so I don't think that will be an issue. Let me know. If you'd like, I can phone you.
Chris
I am rained out completely for Sat, but plan to go on Sunday instead.
dholvrsn,
Were you still interested in the condenser?
Yes.
The title of this thread should be that junkyarding is an ADVENTURE!
I returned to the yard Sunday afternoon. It was 78* and sunny this time, with little mud. A black shirt was sure hot, but hides grease stains well. I came home with a little burn, but not bad.
I pulled the brake booster and outer glass hatch trim for forum members. I could not get the brake lines, as I forgot my line wrenches. Regular wrenches effortlessly rounded the fittings and there was too much grease there to even tell where the lines ran to anyways...
I also pulled the good front rubber bumper insert and the interior trim panels for under the rear hatch. They did not show too much deterioration. Lastly, I got the small rear cargo area access panels, but these need restoration (they were free.)
If anyone needs these, let me know because they are up for grabs.
The condenser was bent in two areas and tons of fins would need straightening. Many were missing! Giving the yard wanted almost 45 bucks for it, I left it. My bet is that it would be leaky or at least weakened.
I then wandered around seeking cars with rearview mirrors with compasses, lights, and auto dim features. This was difficult as the yard had a mid 90's upper limit.
After an hour of pushing tools and Pinto parts in a wheelbarrow, I finally ran across a 95 Caddy, much like my 97! I grabbed its inside mirror and also the garage door opener module to use in one of my other vehicles.
It also had a good power antenna (that I can see), so I grabbed it as the one in my Caddy recently broke. This was the hardest part, as the trunk well was FULL of brown "water" that gave off a terrible stench... After fighting the screws, battling the mosquitos that were breeding in there, I finally cut the wiring to get me out of there sooner. I did drop a socket in that crap, but luckily I had gloves on to retrieve it. Maybe should have got the bose stereo system for the Pinto... :lol:
As our hero wanders the relentless, savage ruins of ancient automobiles, what dangers will he face? Snakes? Scorpions? Giant mosquitos? Will he ever make it out alive, or will the threat of malaria cripple his adventure?
Tune in next time for another exciting episode of "The TXPony Chronicles" ;D
(Cue orchestral music, in the vein of Indiana Jones).....
Chris
Quote from: popbumper on May 18, 2009, 09:58:42 AM
As our hero wanders the relentless, savage ruins of ancient automobiles, what dangers will he face? Snakes? Scorpions? Giant mosquitos? Will he ever make it out alive, or will the threat of malaria cripple his adventure?
You failed to mention the elusive wasps and hornets that take over some of these cars...
About 12 years ago, I ran across a 1977 or 78 white Pinto sedan that had a great front end. I wanted the front clip to eventually put on mine. The car was sitting in 4' tall weeds, almost in a swamp. No wonder the car was intact! I made my way over to it, put my tool box on the fender, forced the door open, and popped the hood. I then heard a faint hissing noise, but in a junk yard, strange noises are the norm. As soon as i raised the hood, the hiss exploded into a roar as I was staring into a hornet nest about 18" around! :o :o
I dropped the hood (the roar got MUCH louder as the nest probably fell), I grabbed my tool box, LEAPED across a swampy area and high-tailed on out of there, with hornets after me. I was so lucky my tool box stayed closed... I never went back there, so lots of good parts were lost... :mad:
BTW, yesterday I saw and Olds Achieva that was smashed up so much, I actually said out load "how the h*** did that happen!" I shoulda smapped a picture. It was partially wrapped with plastic to hold it together for its trip to the yard...
You probably could have gone back to that 77/78 Pinto to pull it apart if you had frigged winters like we do. Bees and wasps hate the cold and they go into a "hibernation" state and barely move (they can't fly in freezing weather). That's how I pulled apart most of a 77 Bobcat with big wasps nests in the fenders.
I just wanted to say i got my parts today and a BIG THANK YOU goes out to 78txpinto!!!! ;D
My Thoughts too to 78TXpony. My parts came today too. I will do business with him again, that's fer sur!!!! ;D
You all are very welcome... I was glad I could help you guys out with your projects, and that is a very good feeling. Pinto parts are difficult to come by thse days.
If you need anything else, just holler, expect during my vacation next week from 6-6 to 6-14... I will be Maine, touring the coast seeking lighthouses. :D
Vacation? What's a vacation? I thought they were banned by Obamy
Make sure to take some WD40 or PB blaster with you when you goy to the junkyards. It helps not only to loosen bolts but also to spray wasps,yellow jackets, red jackets etc. One spray and they are done for. They can barely move and its only moments before they drop dead.
You Ford guys have it lucky. Wasps LOOOOOOOOVE Mopars. I've got five vehicles in the yard and at any given time at least two ov 'em are a buzzin'. A can o brake-cleenz is the easy way out... instant death and they literally fall from the sky. I've gotten so used to dealing with these lil bastards (normally i'm pretty easy to get along with concerning nature, but when i get stung getting into MY OWN CAR... there will be blood) that now i find a nest i just swat the thing and wade into it with whatever i have in hand. I'm getting pretty good at it too, hundreds ov dead wasps, a lovely collection ov old nests and i haven't been stung since that first time. The neighbors must get a kick outta me battling 'invisible enemies' every now and then. I'm told it looks pretty funny...
Cant believe you guys... you stripped that pinto faster than pirahnas would strip a real pinto fallen into the Amazon... awesome.
And whats with the rain...??.?? I thought you lived in Texas...??..?? It doesn't rain in Texas...
From complete driver to turkey carcass in about 12 hours... ::)
Too bad they would not seel the whole thing, but the floorboards were rusted through.
Never thought of WD40 for wasp killer... I used it to start camp fires though!
Yea, the parts on that car were too good and rare to be made into new crap cars. I am saving the front end for if my car ever gets restored. The rest, I hope to see to those in need for their projects.
Rain here is rare, esp. int he summer. We were at the yard during TX's only rainy month. By august, the ground may just crack open wide enough to swallow what was left of that car... :o
Hey Rob:
Check out the pics of the sandblasted dash from that '78 in my restoration thread! Can't wait to get it done!
Chris