Finally I got some spare time this weekend to spend some time on the Pinto. I went to PAP in Ontario. Haven't been there for years it seems. What a day, there were 2 Pinto's in the "Classics" section: A 78 Runabout V6, and a 75 Wagon. I was able to get the popout window clips out of the wagon, only damaging 1, but still usable, the doors were in decent shape, the chrome was so so, but still there on both. Both grills were gone. Of course no tail lights on either. There was a rack "hidden" inside the wagon, it looked better than most, almost took it, but I think we are going smooth on top of mine. If you are local or not, give me a shout with what you might be looking for, I plan to make a return trip within 2 weeks. Maybe I could bring a shopping list with me.
It sure was cool to meet the bunch of you at Knott's on Saturday, I was the one with the kids. I hope to have mine running and driving to bring next year.
Al...
I've heard a lot about Pick A Part, but never been there. I believe we have one in Indianapolis, Indiana, or so I've been told. Isn't it great to go junking though? I have a couple of salvage yards in my area (Central Indiana), and I've been junking there a couple of times. It's just great seeing the old classics again, and reliving a little of my childhood. Hope your car repairs and such go great.....enjoy it...
Glad you enjoyed your journey. I've been going to Pick A Part's (and other self serve yards) here in California for about 33 years. I plan my vacations around them.
It seemed like even into the late 80's I could still find 50% of the cars were from the 60's-70's. I was building a house 90-92 and then resumed my visiting.
SHOCK, what happened??? It seemed like the 60's-70's cars dropped to 10% in that two year period. I have a general observation. It's hard to find a car until it is about 11 years old, but before it's 18 years old it becomes hard to find. So, you have that narrow window of about seven years for a plentiful supply.
I rely on Pick A Part for my Turbo Pinto parts. Up until 6 months ago I found about five Turbo Coupes and Mercurs per visit. The past three visits I haven't found one! But then the newest one's are now 20+ years old.
Tom
Al,
What color interiors do the Pintos have?
Yes, it was great meeting you Saturday at bag-stuffing, but I didn't see you Sunday. If you were smart you were in the shade! 8) :'( (not tears- sweat! It was HOT!)
The wagon had blue interior, it wasn't completely shot yet, I actually thought to look at the door panels, but ended up moving on before making a judgement on them. I will look when I go back.
I was refereeing 6 games of Flag Football in my area on Sunday, I had planned all year to go to Knott's and we had one rainout due to thunderstorms and it delayed football 1 week. If it had not been playoffs and finals I would have had another ref fill in for me.
I will let you know when I am going back to P A P.
Al...
My project looks less bad in the driveway now. I went back to P.A.P. and the 74 wagon they had there still had the tail lights. I was there for my other car, but had to have them. I will unfortunately say, I don't think there are any more useable parts on the wagon, the only good part I saw was a good rear window gasket and trim piece, but not sure how much longer it will be there.
Al...
Hello there,
I have a bunch of pinto parts that i came into recently. Still in need of anything. Ill see if I have them. Just want to off load them. Im located in Sunland calif and i still have to pick up the parts at the sellers address.
Wow, that would be awesome, the interior is in real bad need of good parts, I would really like to get together and see what I could take care of for you. I have an "extra" 72 runabout that came with the wagon. The only bad part is that I didn't realize the rear bumpers are different between them. I am in REAL need of 73 wagon rear bumper, I have a bumper but the brackets are from the runabout. I would also be really interested in checking out your V8 setup and would be interested in any lessons learned from you. I am in La Verne and work in Irvine, maybe we can cross path's sometime.
Al....
71HotRod, are you the one who won that ebay auction for BadWaterBob's stuff (I'm very jealous if you are!) If I could've afforded it I would've been more competitive in the bidding. I really wanted that engine and some other stuff. :-\ Damn that Arnold!!! >:(
Your gonna love this...
So my 97 GT Mustang Convertible needs a new top. I know how hard it is to do, so I have been looking for a wrecked mustang maybe someone is parting out to get the whole thing and swap. On craiglist I find a 96 Vert V6 Mustang listed for $150. I call and drive all the way out past arroyo grande/salton sea. 3 hours to get there and this mustang is complete, except the smashed front end. So we load it up and take it home, whole car $150. Upon further investigation, engine is untouched 3.8L V6. We strip the interior, change the top and yesterday we put power to it and 10 minutes later I am doing burnouts in the street by the shop. So now I am going to pull the whole darn thing, injection, overdrive trans, 8.8 Disc rear. Now it looks like my daughter will get a V6 Pinstang for her sweet 16. Of course I will need to drive it till then, to get the bugs out and stuff...
Al...
Can I post a video of the burnouts up here, I don't know how...
:drunk:Way to go!!! As far as a video, Someone here will speak up and help you. I'm 'puter dumb. Have fun!!!
Good for you Al! Way to go on your Mustang score! ;D
That should be an interesting swap since the 3.8 is a 90 degree V6, unlike the 60 degree 2.8 V6, and aboput as wide as a V8.
You know the 3.8 had a supercharger option on the Thunderbird SC. Also the 3.8 is lighter than a V8. Go for it, swap and have a blast. :fastcar:
What are you going to do about the oil pan and the pick-up?
The Oil Pan question is a good one. I am hoping it will all fit. I am removing the 3.8 from the wrecked donor Stang this weekend and will have to start looking at that. I am not sure what I will do if it doesn't fit right. Not sure if I want to try to fab one up or not. I will definitely keep the sight up to date with how it is going. I am also going to consider putting the 8.8 from the mustang into the pinto. Has anyone see this and/or done it. I am sure I could use some help or guidance on that one. Saw a COMPLETE T-bird SC last time I was at P.A.P. but didn't have the engine at the time, I will be watching out from now on.
Al...
im running a 8.8 in my pinto. just cut the mounts off the housing and get a set of weld on perches for the leafsprings for about 22 bucks match the angle of the origonal rear and have the driveshaft shortened. pretty straight forward.
Update:
Got the 3.8 out of wrecked stang Thanksgiving weekend. Amazing what you can accomplish with a 3 other mechanics around, (Brother and his 2 boys in town). After removal, started making measurements to see if it would fit. Looked like it would fit width wise, but the mounts were about 2 inches off. If I have to mess with the mounts I might as well put the V8 in. I put the engine/trans combo on Craigslist, hopefully I will get enough to get a working T5 setup to go behind the V8. Of course another project got moved in front of the Pinto again. I traded my 97 Gt Convertible for a 97 Cobra that needs an engine. I think once I put an engine in the Cobra I will still be ahead in the trade. Hope everyone enjoys the Christmas party, I have a get together at the same time so I will not be able to attend this year, maybe just a drop in.
Al...