Well, it is about bloody time that I get around to this car. Her name is Veronica. I bought her for $50.00 in 1998 from a guy that lives next door to my grandparents. She was a mess. Front end damage, trashed interior, bad power steering pump, etc. Well, those of you who know me know that a car like that is perfect for me. Well, I got her started and she ran awesome! She had 60k miles and had just gotten a valve job when the owner hit a tree. Yes, 60k miles. That's what happens to a car in the California sun.
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Well I got a fender for her ($80) and drove her a year until the steering rack quit. I parked her, took her apart and started her restoration. I had the seats redone, the carpet made, the rack rebuilt, bought a power steering pump, everything for a suspension rebuild, shocks, instrument cluster, wheels, air dam.... well, EVERYTHING to complete the restoration. So what happened? Nothing.... for 10 years. She sat in the barn... getting pushed farther and farther back. I finished a 78 Pinto Hatch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161002@N03/sets/72157605686071804/), a 78 Fiat 124 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161002@N03/sets/72157605453044732/), an 80 Pinto wagon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161002@N03/sets/72157605434443906/), and a 74 Pangra (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161002@N03/sets/72157605568161043/), PLUS the rest of the cars I own that needed some tidying. Further and further back she went. Well, at the beginning of April this year, I dropped a piece of steel right on a box holding the brand new back seat... and sliced it open. That was the last straw. I pushed her outside on the spot and started the restoration.
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This is the plan. I am going to COMPLETE the interior to the way that my sister (sirhugh) and I have decided and then the exterior will be shot its original color, for now. I am out of indoor storage and only have outside under a car port. Plus. I am saving to buy a house and the hood that I have designed with the other items I need to build the car the way I want it will cost thousands. So, I will paint it myself in the barn for now. My estimate is 5 years until I repaint the car the correct color I want. At least I will have her on the road again. Here is what I have done since the first week of April. I have done ALL if the interior painting, electrical, mechanical, etc. No one but my sister, lovepants72 and I touch my stuff. Period. Every flaw is me, and every thing perfect is me. I can live with that.
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The paint I use for the interior is SEM plastic paint. I have used this stuff for years. It is stronger than steel, never flakes and provides the correct semi gloss finish. I have some cars that have had panels painted with this for 14 years and they are still perfect. The seat belts were redone at http://www.ssnake-oyl.com/. Expensive? Yes. 550 for all 4. Worth it? YES. I hate taking the cheap route. Spend your money right the first time. Trust me, I know exactly how not to build a car. Next I will tackle the engine. I should have that done in a few days. When I get started, I don't stop. I'll keep you all posted.
Named after the Elvis Costello song?
Sure isn't named after Elvis himself.
Or even Lou or Frank or Archie....
Good grief - that is >outstanding< work. I really do like the choice of interior color - it it very different - like a "buff" color rather than tan. NICE! I can't WAIT until my interior starts to approach that level.
Beautiful work.
Chris
Hi Alberto: Good luck with your restoration. I'm sure it will be fantastic when you get it done. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA.
It's already looking snazzy! Keep it up!
Alberto,
This car was just waiting 10 years for your superior skills to ripen :drunk: This will be your best yet you'll see...great work! ;D ;D ;D
71HANTO
Wow, thanks you guys!
dholvrsn, Yes, the Elvis Colstello song is right!
71HANTO, ain't that right! Each project I do gets better and better... as I learn what not to do from each subsequent one.
The interior is good enough to inspire me on my interior.
As soon as I get the little pest down to Omaha.
And yours is a V6 Pinto too!
All i can say alberto is wow... Thats Gorgeous. That is Similar to what i am doing with my interior, Two tone just looks right at home in a pinto or a bobcat. Very very Snazzy.
Thanks! I wanted something different and figured hmmmm.... two tone.... why not! I am getting the seats today and ill install the carpet after I do the body work and paint the outside.
Im doing the black Dash like you have it, with a Grey/silver almost Rolls royce look, with Grey inserts. Planning on doing Cloth seats with Vinyl ribbing, grey on black, Out side will be Hairy hauler red, with Shelby-esque striping starting at the front valance ending at the Winshield then starting again on the wagon hatch under the Window and ending at the rear plastic bumper insert. Should look pretty nice with the 15" front rims and the 16" rears i plan to put on. yours has kindly re kindled what my plans are. and got me started again. thanks! " Let others serve as inspiration, but make of it your own"
That dash color combo sounds nice! I would love to see that! I am glad I god you motivated! Just wait until I post what I have done now!
havent had time to take pics yet but im getting htere lol.. Kids keep me busy, so does work and friends.
".....Every flaw is me, and every thing perfect is me. I can live with that...."
and in my opinion that's the way it should be. i don't htink you'll get any flak from anyone here about that.
Since my last installment, I have completed the body work on the car and stripped it back down to its original paint. The body hid some problems and some bad body work. The rear right quarter panel had been hit and was all bondo. It was stripped down and straightened out much better. The front passenger fender needed work and the hood got replaced. There was zero damage in the doors (or rust for that matter) and the hatch needed minor work.
Note, the Pinto on the left belongs to one of the fp.com people who is a close friend of mine. It just got painted its original white. It's a 77 V6 like mine!
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After all that work, we pushed her into the paint booth and I got my trusty paint gun and I painted her. Yes I did. Rented the booth from my buddy and that was that! She came out great if I say so myself which I do.
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As for the engine... It had been disassembled and sent to my machine shop. The heads are getting rebuilt and the bottom end balanced. The driveshaft is getting rebuilt and balanced. The engine will be shot old ford blue.
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It all went to the shop in the Pangra. Yes, I used the Pangra to take all of this to the shop. Why U ask? Well, I used my red 79 to haul all of the 80 wagons crap to the shop and my Yellow 80 to haul all the Pangras crap to the shop so it was the Pangras turn now. No free rides at my house!
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More to come....
Where are you and your shop located? I might just have to drive my car up there. DAMN thats a nice paint job, and a very nice car!
75bobcatv6,
I'm in SoCal but the shop is not mine. Its a body shop that I use. I know the owner well and he lets me do a lil something on the side! Thanks for the kind words about the paint. It is a simple low cost job. It's all about the prep. It will look great but would've cost a decent body shop about 2k to do. That's my max on a paint job. I drive my cars!
with how that looks id pay ya to do mine. but i am already workin a deal out with Auto Body World out here, im hoping they will cut the cost in half if i let them put a 6 in graphic for thier company on the cars Hatch.
OK, the exterior is done, so I went in an masked the black hood stripe and the window trim. I also shot the other parts. Take note of the contrast of interior/exterior colors. I am very happy with it!
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i like the contrast man, its very Unique
Lookin good. You do nice work
So I stopped by the shop today to drop off the tinted windows and my windshield. I drove there in my red pinto and noticed quite the contrast!
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Any way, I got the heads from the shop today. I painted them and now I am finishing up the engine build. It is old Ford blue with a portion of the head shot with BBQ paint. Any one with a V6 knows that the heads where the exhaust manifold bolts up always fries the paint. This should remedy that.
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This is a shot of my 316L Stainless steel bolt kit for the water pump. Along with chemical flushes on all my engines every two years and the use of sacrificial anode radiator caps, the stainless kit will ensure that the thermostat housing bolts NEVER corrode and snap. They will not gall as the torque rating is 12 ft-lbs. I use these on ALL my V6's.
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two different sides of a spectrum ? nice red and blue. now you need a white one?
Way ahead of you....
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Plus there's this one too...
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And this...
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And lets not forget the next project...
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I think I have a nice sampling...
The tail lights have been restored. The cars trim will all be medium charcoal metallic. Hence the tail lights.
Before
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After
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The black-out windows. Note, B-window trim is getting painted low gloss black.
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I haven't seen a Squire (or Villager) sedan in forever! Does that Bobcat's rear say Villager or was that for the woody Bobcat wagons? Your other babies look great Alberto! You know your stuff!
Why thank you dear! I really do love your little brown 74 too! 74 is my FAVORITE YEAR!
Any way... the rarity of the squire or villager coupe is why I bought it. Actually, I wanted a Bobcat, and I wanted a hatchback, and I wanted a squire. Then I found that and I couldn't believe it! It does not say villager on the rear from factory. I do know that it was a one year only option. I think there is a CLEAN yellow pinto squire hatchback back east that someone here owns and a perfect red bobcat villager hatchback in arizona that belonged to a friend of a friend. Other than those two, I don't know of any. It is a neat car but a total mess. It needs a full resto!
I have to agree the mini cat is my favorite (mini version of mine) from what i know the only year for the sedan woody was 76 . I realy like the red one i have seen on the net a few times.
phil
pinto power if you need i have the Villager markings for the wagon that would work on the hatch =)
The last (and really only ) time I ever saw a Squire sedan or cooupe was in the very late '70s-early '80s in my hometown of San Diego. I remember really wanting it! Looooooooong before I could even drive! What a treat to see yours?
And thanks for the compliment Alberto! It was a pleasure meeting you and your family! You can restore my '74 anytime! lol. Like I said, you know your stuff. Seeing your work on this latest baby, I don't think Maaco or any others could give mine the same care as you did yours.
Quote from: blupinto on June 19, 2009, 03:06:53 PM
The last (and really only ) time I ever saw a Squire sedan or cooupe was in the very late '70s-early '80s in my hometown of San Diego. I remember really wanting it! Looooooooong before I could even drive! What a treat to see yours?
And thanks for the compliment Alberto! It was a pleasure meeting you and your family! You can restore my '74 anytime! lol. Like I said, you know your stuff. Seeing your work on this latest baby, I don't think Maaco or any others could give mine the same care as you did yours.
I gotta agree with you again Becky.. Only thing is There's nobody I know that can paint the car. I'm gonna end up either getting a maaco job or do it myself, and that will be an adventure in its own.
You mean they have Maacos there in Podunk Ohio? :amazed: ::) ;D Just kidding. Hey! Stop throwing that rotten food! :tgif: Thank goodness it's funky! :cheesy_p: :reek: :P
That does it... That's the last time I agree with a single girl from california :evil: :lol:
OMG.. I'm sorry, did I say that out loud? :devil:
Back to the subject.. I like that color blue you have on there. What shade of blue would that be?
It looks like Grabber or Ford blue.
Hmmm.. That's a possibility for Harold II. Still trying to decide what color to paint her in.
Did you explain to me already why not her original color (saddle bronze metallic)? That pic of HII that shows on your posts inspires me. She looks like the younger sister of mine. Oh. Maybe that's why... ::)
Phil, Thanks! My red pinto is my First car. She's a mess of bondo and bad panel gaps, but she goes everywhere I do! I got her painted for $1000 in 1998 when I graduated highschool. Just drove her to Yosemite!
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and when I drove her to Oklahoma:
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Yea, she's been around...
Becky,
Anytime! You were a pleasure to meet at Knotts! We will plan a run out here pretty soon! See you there! Your 74 has factory A/C right? It's a neat car!
Becky and r4pinto,
The color is Ford L5 Azure Blue. Its for the Mustang Mach 1.
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Well, Veronica is home! My sister (sirhugh) and I have been very excited about this project. Veronica has been pushed aside for over a decade so we are thrilled to get her together.
The complete front end has been installed and aligned. This is the first time she has a complete front end since 1995 when the previous owner wrecked her.
Note the white pinto to the right of the photo
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As for the engine, it has all been torqued and just need a water test and then an oil pan. After that, it goes in!
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(//)
I really like that color. It amazes me how glossy the paint is. Almost looks like if I look hard enough I could see myself in the pic ::) :lol:
I will add that color to the list of possible shades for mine ;D
Well, in person the gloss is "ok" I still need to color sand the car after I finish assembly.
Hi Alberto!
Wow- you're younger than me! lol. I graduated in '91, when I actually had a blue Pinto. Yes, the '74 has factory a/c but it needs retrofitting and a recharge (abd a belt! lol.) Tell the family hi for me. Believe me, the pleasure of meeting you and your dear ones was mine! ;D I would love to cruise!
That's a dream of mine... to see this great country in my Pinto. What gorgeous pictures you took! That's a great adveretisement for a Pinto if therte ever was one! :tgif: Thank Goodness It's Fantastic!
hey alberto how was yosemite? i know the guy in charge of guest relations there. i wish i knew you were headed up that way. he could have given you the 'cooks' tour'
awe no way! really? Well i'm going up there in about 4 months again, i'll hit you up!
just let me know
Bit of a break there! I had to get the Pangra and my Fiat Cabrio ready for Monterey! Back on Veronica! Here's wher I have been up to! The engine is all done and bolted up the trans!
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Lovepants72 and I installed it right quick.
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Tigger is getting me the powersteering stuff I need to convert her to the small pump.
Radio is installed and all wiring has been run
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I also wired in an auxiliary fuse block. This will cut down on wires drastically!
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Finally, bumpers and all metal trim have been powder coated 50% gloss charcoal.
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Tomorrow is another busy day!
Lookin' good!!! :amazed:
Dwayne :smile:
I hope you put the tork converter in the trans before you
bolted the trans to the motor.
Nope. I wiggled the trans until it slid in smoothly. I have installed dozens of trannys that way when they are out of the car and I have only myself to do it.
Good luck with that.
With 8 fully restored Pintos under my belt that have traveled all over the USA with no problems and a few hundred Mercedes Benz transmissions that have never come back, luck has nothing to do with it.
hey alberto the wagon looking good now if anything every major were to break ill head to your house well i know youll have alot of spare time to fix it!! ;Dlook out are you ready to buy a new fiat when they come out? whoops i forgot we are not supposed to talk fiat porn on this website got to look out for the shiney police :police: see ya chris
Chris, you are just as nuts as I am
Well, I am almost done! I got her running a few days ago and on friday she passed California's terrible smog test! Not only did the car pass, but the CO emission was .01%! In fact, everything tested was well bellow the baseline! F&#% you California! That'll teach you that old cars CAN run clean! Stupid bureaucrats. Chris1219 knows what I'm talking about! Any way.... I have installed the power steering bracket that Tigger sent me and it all worked great! The 75-77 power steering system is a bit bulky for me so i converted it to a 78-79 set up. You can see the differences bellow
78-79 V6
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75-77 V6
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78-79 top and older bellow
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installed:
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By the way guy, IF your car has A/C, the A/C compressor has to go on first. Non - ac cars also have a different rear bracket which i have now but don't need. If any one wants it just pay shipping.
I still need a new charcoal canister hose (ordered) and the cold air duct for the intake which i think I have. The A/C will be fixed at the end of the week (needs lines made and charged) and she gets carpet tuesday and tint saturday! Color sand will be next monday and then shes DONE! By the way, does any one know where to get the rubber grommet that seals the fuel filler neck to the tank? this one is leaking.
Completed engine bay:
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Alberto, I think this is what you're looking for:
Gas Tank Grommet (http://www.sscenterprises.net/4images/details.php?image_id=83)
You are awesome! Thanks! I just bought 2!
Hi Alberto: That wagon looks terrific. Are we going to see it at Fun Ford Sunday? I'm busy polishing up my 74 and working on some minor detail clean up. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
I doubt it Joe. I mean I think the car will be fine BUT we will see about getting the A/C working other wise my pansy butt will be taking the red 79 again.
Well, the interior is all done and I must say that it's my best work yet! I love the way the colors worth together and how the added insulation really quiets the car up!
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I also just installed are rebuilt upper and lower control arms along with new strut are bushings. I discovered the drivers side spring was installed 180 degrees off and that upper control arm on the drivers side was badly bent.
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all new and happy now!
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Here we are doing the alignment on the car in my garage. Am I hardcore or what?
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Setting the toe
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These are the wheels that I am putting on the car before
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and after
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Here she is at her first little car show with a friend
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Next to do is install the wheels, get the A/C charged (being done as I type) and get the hot pants kit painted. MAP351 just sent me the rear spats and as usual, they are amazing. Its sad that I have to paint them and cover the amazing finish that they came with! Should be all done in less than a week!
Better luck with the AC than I have been having.
That V6 makes me wonder about plumbing and wiring since the compressor and alternator are on opposite sides than they are on a four popper.
Well I just got the AC and its blowing at 36 degrees! The lines are very nicely run in the engine bay and as long as the condenser is not blocked and the expansion valve is working properly, there shouldn't be an issue. I have three V6 Pintos with working AC and I think they work perfectly. They all run R134A, two with york compressors and one with a sandin. The sandin works amazing around town and on the highway hits 30 at the vents. The yorks are not great around town but on the highway they easily hit 38.
Wow, Awesome job on the upholstery!! Makes me really want to get mine done in my car!!! Yours is looking pretty sweet!!! ;D
Thanks a lot pintogirl. I just test fit and mounted MAP351 hot pants rear spats. They are amazing! Ill post pix in a few hours.
Well, the wheels are installed and the car rides like a dream on the highway! I cannot believe how quiet she is on the freeway doing 80! Absolutely silent with no rattles anywhere! I also got the rear fender spats from MAP351 for the wagon. I prepped them and attached them to the body using the existing wheel lip molding holes. No sense drilling new ones. Any way, they fit GREAT! Much better than the original side parts. Plus they are rock solid and just made perfect! I was so sad that I had to sand down the beautiful finish so that the primer will stick. I will paint them Monday and install them Tuesday! I cant wait! OH! and the A/C is freaking great! Blowing at 38 on the freeway when it was 108 outside!
More pictures of the hotpants install are on my Flickr site.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161002@N03/sets/72157607371260773/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26161002@N03/sets/72157607371260773/)
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Well, it has been well over a decade since I found Veronica. As of today, she is done.
I would like to extend a thanks to all those that helped me build this car.
My sister Francesca (SirHugh), my Mom and Dad, my girlfriend Kristin, Lovepants72, TIGGER, MAP351, Pintony, Ken Taw, Azusa Refinishing, Mike "Boss Pinto", Roy Cuerillo, Harrels Transmission, Steves VW, Frank and Danny at Kragen, Brandon Rocha, www.fordpinto.com (http://www.fordpinto.com) and most of all my Grandpa.
Finishing this car has been a thorn in my side for years. Now she is done and it was worth the wait.
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She really is a beauty Alberto! I'll bet she's a lot of fun to drive too!
You're up too? HA! Thanks a lot! She really runs great. Today was her first "long" drive and she ran like a champ! I am dying to see that cute 'lil '74 of yours all finished! '74 is my favorite year and yours is fully optioned! I can't wait to see that! You coming to the christmas party? Go look under local shows in an hour or so!
Congratulations on getting her all finished!
Dwayne :smile:
Why thank you! :D
Probably not with Wildfire. I think her engine's blown. Thanks to our governor I won't be able to fix/replace the engine for a long time. I would love to have a Pinto Friend come here for the day and help me with her engine. I have that 2.0 in the garage but I haven't got a clue as to how to install a 2.0 into a 2.3 engine bay. If Green Meanie doesn't go through yet another differential pan and I have some cash I would love to come to your legendary Christmas party! Thank you Alberto. ;D
You need an engine? I think I have a good 2.3. I actually have TONS of 2.3 parts that you can have! heads, blocks, pistons cranks, etc... plus I have a VERY good machine shop that car set you all up! Email me at pintopower@hotmail.com