Well I finally found one. I have been looking for a clean pre-75 wagon (no smog) for nearly 2 years. I wanted one that was very clean, a good driver, very few if any rust issues, and all if not most of the original parts were there. I found it in Los Angeles and picked it up on June 11th, which also happened to be my birthday. What a present!!! The car drives great, starts right up, very solid drive train, with no leaks or smoke. I'm taking it in to a mechanic friend next week who will do a complete safety inspection and replacement of all fluids, filters, etc. I replaced the two rear tires which had severe cracking issues. My intention is to keep the car in stock condition and use it as a daily driver- subject to change?? I decided to set-up a seperate post and keep all informed of the changes, repairs, and upgrades as I get this baby in top shape. My immediate repair issue is the drivers side window- the window regulator is missing all the roller bearings(?) and I need a regulator in good condition with all the roller bearings in tact. Any of you Pinto parts people have one? You can reach me at this site of directly at gwnv63@prodigy.net. (I will be out of town until Monday 6/22). I am very excited about this new find and look forward to driving and sharing my adventures with this great little wagon. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
A couple more photos. The engine compartment is super clean. The photo with my wife's Ford F250 Super Duty cracked me up. That is one small wagon. Joe
UNbelieveable. If mine ends up looking half that nice (OK, it will :P)., I would be happy. What a BEAUT!! Congrats!!
Chris
Very nice!
That is what you call eye candy!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol. I was drooling over that wagon when it was on ebay! Congratulations on scoring a real beauty! I'm glad one of us got her! :amazed: :o ;D
Shiny! Shiny! :police:
Looks just like the one at Carlisle this year.One of the venders had it,wanted $5500.It sold on Sunday.
What a find :amazed: CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Dwayne :smile:
hey joe its going to cost extra if i have to guard your air cleaner on the black car and parts off the wagon. just kidding chris
WOW!!! :o What a beautiful Pinto! :amazed: Do you mind if I ask what it you had to give for it? Not trying to be nosey :P just wondering what a pristine car like that is bringing!
Did anyone see the one on Barrett-Jackson last year? What did it go for? 11 grand? is that right? ???
Yeah... Chrisf will have to keep a beady eye on me...! ;) That wagon is SWEET!
Beautiful! I think that's definitely daily driver quality! Wow and I love some of the unique 70's colors including that of you wagon. Have fun with it! Congrats
-beegle55
Hi: Just back in town from Nascar Race at Infineon Raceway this past wekend- what a blast. To answer your question 71 Pintoracer; the previous dealer/owner had it listed on eBay with a $3500 reserve; it didn't sell. I contacted him several days later and made an offer of $2500 which he accepted. There were other fees involved, including 2 years of DMV fees and fines- only in CA!!! Once I saw the car in person and gave it a car wash and a short drive around town, I was more than happy with the deal. It's not perfect; directionals not working, passenger window regulator not working, the front cowl needs to be repainted, etc. As for the color; I really liked the pictures as posted on eBay, I thought it was yellow. When I saw it in person, it was greenish yellow. It's really strange- in direct sunlight, it looks yellow. In shade, it looks green. In normal daylight it looks greenish yellow. It's starting to grow on me as it is so different. In any case, it will stay that color for quite a while. I need to get the mechanical issues in order. Regards and happy with my new 74 wagon- Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Joe,
This is Joe in Oakland. What a nice find. I have an 06 Focus wagon I use for a daily driver and have thought many times that if I found a clean wagon like what you have there, I'd dump the Focus (although it is a really good car) and use the Pinto wagon as a driver.I'd keep my runabout for the other stuff.
Congrats!!
Joe in Oakland
Joe, I think you got a great deal, that is a wonderful looking car inside and out! :)
Hay Joe! Can we expect a wagon next time?
Hi Leonard: Absolutely; although driving the Shelby Mustang is a kick ?? Joe
Just a quick update on getting the wagon in great driving shape. I took it to my local mechanic who maintains my Pintos and had all the filters and fluids changed. It had been sitting for +two years so taking no chances everything was changed. He fixed the window regulator (replaced rollers), fixed the directional signals (fuse) which also made the electric antenna and radio work, fixed the choke and did a safety check. I was nervous about the brakes but he reported they were in great shape as was the rest of the car. I had previousy replaced the two rear tires as they had deep cracks in the sidewalls. The fronts look good. When I picked up the car, I decided to take a little drive around town which was super fun. Then home and parked it in the garage. About two hours later, my wife came in and said you better check your new Pinto-something is leaking. How about a quart of Prestone on the ground- yikes!! Long story short; I have a new radiator , hoses, and thermostat on order. Should be in next week- special order from Kragens. I'm not upset, the car is 35 years young and has been sitting for awhile so you can expect some issues. I'll let you know how it goes. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Joe, that IS a really nice wagon!
Looks like you really found a special gem... Really really neat find... She is in great shape, the engine, the interior-- a real find...
Nice,
Very good catch!!!!!!!!!!!
High_Horse
Nice looking wagon!!
I hear ya about Ca. That's the only state that assumes you are driving the car even if it isn't registered, so they make you pay back registration.. Morons.. I just re-registered my car for the first time since 12-06 and since there is only 6 months till my birthday (registration expiration) I only had to pay a prorated amount.. No fees and no questions asked, except it I have been driving it or not.
That is a great deal for that wagon though. Wish I had the cash for something like that.
Joe, don't forget the heater core when replacing the rest of the system :0)
Thanks Paul, I didn't think about that given the 100 degree temps we have had recently. I'll check it out. Joe
Just remember Joe... if/when you get tired of that ol' wagon you can drop it off here at my house... ::) :hypno: ;D
Update time- finding a radiator. The short version is the new radiator, hoses and misc. pieces have been installed and I'm finally driving my wagon again. The long version is Kragon autoparts store cancelled 2 seperate orders I placed for a Pinto radiator which they stated was available at their warehouse. After the second order didn't show up (some + 2 weeks later) I located the store owner and had a discussion. The botttom line is Kragon's inventory computer system sucks, and their source for Pinto radiators (in Mexico) no longer makes the part. He found a new one (at twice the cost) and I had it in 3 days after our little discussion. I've included a couple of photos. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
That looks like an AC radiator.
I'm not sure what an A/C radiator looks like but the new one is significantly wider than the original. The original one was 18.5" wide and the new one is +22" wide. It also has fittings on the bottom which have been blocked off (auto trans?). Hopefully bigger is better and it is definately shiny-Brad will like that. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Hi Group: Looking for some small pieces for the 74 wagon. The end chrome (or plastic) piece is missing from the turn signal lever on the steering column. It looks to be a push fit; or will take a new complete lever. Also looking for door lock knobs (X2). The ones on the car are broken and the ones at auto parts stores don't look all that hot. I'd prefer NOS stuff but pieces in very good shape will also work. Please contact me off list at gwnv63@prodigy.net. Thanks, Joe In Morgan Hill, CA
I should have a turn signal lever for you. I will check and get back to you. I will look for some door locks but I am not sure if I have any.
Quote from: redmustangman3 on August 22, 2009, 10:44:31 AMAlso looking for door lock knobs (X2). The ones on the car are broken and the ones at auto parts stores don't look all that hot. I'd prefer NOS stuff but pieces in very good shape will also work.
(http://www.superiormustangparts.com/prodimages/5R3Z-6321850-S.jpg)
If they look like these, the ones for Mustangs should work. I can't remember at the moment, but the Fox body Mustang ones MAY be a bit longer, but still should work as the threaded rod for them has remained the same diameter and thread count since at least the 60s. If you don't like the look of the smooth ones without heads, you could use early Mustang ones instead, like from a 67 or 68. My 69 F-100 uses the ones like are on 68 Mustangs, but I switched them out for Pinto knobs and stainless grommets for a cleaner look.
http://www.superiormustangparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=5R3Z-6321850-S (http://www.superiormustangparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=5R3Z-6321850-S)
Thanks for the tip on the door knobs; I'll check into vintage mustang ones. Joe
Hi Joe,
If you want to see what an a/c Radiator looks like, stop by my place- my cruising wagon has factory ac. I also may have a turn signal lever for you.
mike in morgan hill
Quote from: redmustangman3 on August 13, 2009, 09:47:33 AM
I'm not sure what an A/C radiator looks like but the new one is significantly wider than the original. The original one was 18.5" wide and the new one is +22" wide. It also has fittings on the bottom which have been blocked off (auto trans?). Hopefully bigger is better and it is definately shiny-Brad will like that. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Quote from: lugnut on August 28, 2009, 11:43:05 AM
Hi Joe,
If you want to see what an a/c Radiator looks like, stop by my place- my cruising wagon has factory ac. I also may have a turn signal lever for you.
mike in morgan hill
Hi Mike: I'll take you up on that. I would like to show you my newly aquired 74 wagon anyway and take a look at the signal lever. Regards, Joe
Update time- the paint on the cowl area needed to be redone. I don't know how or what was used to repaint it, but the paint was literally falling off? At least there was not much rust. So off to my local paint shop; they loved the car and the unusaual color. They said it would take 3 days and they would be using a water base paint which a lot of shops use nowadays because of CA/ EPA regulations on laquers, etc. 4 days later I called and found out they couldn't match the color using these water base paints. They would use lacquer which would take 2 days to order- no problem I'm in no hurry. 3 days later I call again and the color was a great match but they company had put pearl in it. Time to reorder the paint again- another 2 days. Long story short, it got painted and it looks really nice. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
I don't know what happened to the new photo but here it is I hope. Joe
Looks great! I think the 'shiney police' would be happy. :police:
Hmm... I had the same problem with my 78. Turns out the cowl is galvanized. My 76 M2 is the same. I think they did it to try and help with the rust-thru these cars all seem to have in the cowl area. The paint that I had was factory original, but after 20 odd years of Arizona sun (it started cracking/peeling in the late 90s), it was looking pretty sad.
Man that is BEAUTIFUL! Indeed these areas of the car (cwl) were galvanized, my paint has also lifted some in this area and it needs redone - as does the rest of the car.
Speaking of water based paint - I picked up some Rustoleum to repaint my dash (color was VERY close, and it saves me money not getting original paint mixed). I reda the back of the can - it said "no thinning necessary, but if you do thin, use a small amount of water". WOW! Paint technology has come a LONG way....
Chris
Chris: I'm certainly no expert of paints, but when the shop first talked to me about water based paints, they mentioned you have to put a sealer coat (clear) over them or you will be in for a huge surprise when it rains or you wash the car. Regards, Joe
Interesting - and a little scary. I might want to clearcoat it after that suggestion - or, I could just paint a "stray" piece, and water test it to be sure. Thanks for the heads up!
Chris
Hi Tigger: Wanted to let you know the parts (turn signal and door knobs) arrived safe and sound. They look really good and I appreciate your efforts to find them for me. Just in time for this weekends Fun Ford Sunday car show. Regards, Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Ok- here's a question for all you motor heads as it relates to what grade (octane) gasoline to use in my 2.3L, 4-speed totally stock engine in my 74 wagon. I have asked several very in the know Pinto people and have received several different answers. The choices in California are; 87, 89 or 91 octane. I recently received a 74 Pinto operators manual and it states to use a minimum of 91 octane; I guess in those days it would have been leaded?? What say you? Thanks, Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Joe, my '74 has her original (for now) 2.3, unrebuilt (for now) engine and I use lead additive in the gas. In the owner's manual and the repair books it does say 91 octane but I use 89. As long as your gorgeous (!) wagon doesn't have the "unleaded fuel only" sticker/embossing on the fuel gauge or the engine was rebuilt and hard rings installed, it uses leaded gas. I hope this helps. ;D
Hey Joe, just saw your post. Your 74 did not come with hardened exhaust valve seats. As far as the octane rating goes 91 is correct,however detonation will destroy the head in time. Try to use the best fuel you can buy and a lead additive like 104 it should last for years that way. Or you could go the route of having the head rebuilt using hardened exhaust valve seats and end your worries. I hope this answers your question.
Paul
Hi Gang: Time for an update. There were several items that needed attention and I wanted to get most of them done before the Knott's Berry show on April 25th, 2010. Some were mechanical and some were cosmetic. The front window gasket was replaced and thank god the window didn't get damaged- it leaked bad. The steel wheels were rusty so they were cleaned up and repainted- look great. Under hood, I repainted the valve cover, air breather cover and timing belt cover with Ford blue. While checking around, my mechanic said the timing belt and tensioner were on their last legs so both items were replaced- better now than on the road away from home? The milk bottle overflow tank was replaced with a generic plastic one and all hoses replaced.
The last item is to replace the front rug. I have one on order and it hopefully will arrive next week so I can get that installed before the show. That will pretty much be it as the budget has been overextended for this year-LOL. Look forward to seeing everyone at Knott's and showing you my 74 wagon. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA
Photos....
Show off! :lol: ;D
Looking good Joe!! Can't wait to see it in a few weeks!! ;D
OK Joe pinto is now mine I now own Joe's Pinto I love her she is one classy Lady I drive its like a photo shoot I get people snapping pictures all the time red light parking lot
Congratulations!!!
Dwayne :)
Congratulations! It sure looks like a nice clean car.
I've got Joe's black sedan out in the shop. These little cars get lots of attention thats for sure.
Very nice car! About the cowl. when I was washing my 1980 Bobcat I noticed when I looked into the cowl it was plainly galvanized metal.
I love the color!
Well Joe has sold the car I now own the car it turns heads all the time my name is also Joe
You got a nice looking car Joe :)
SWEET, congrats.. 8)
Quote from: 74 PintoWagon on May 22, 2015, 07:30:35 AM
SWEET, congrats.. 8)
Gotta admit that color rocks Art ;)
Quote from: dianne on May 22, 2015, 07:52:30 AM
Gotta admit that color rocks Art ;)
As CLEAN as that thing is, I think any color would look good on it.. :D
Quote from: 74 PintoWagon on May 22, 2015, 08:06:17 AM
As CLEAN as that thing is, I think any color would look good on it.. :D
Especially yellow ::)
Quote from: dianne on May 22, 2015, 05:17:31 PM
Especially yellow ::)
YES, and Orange would be even better.. :D
Nice, clean car. One to be proud of. Is that a second gen. Corvair (white with a stripe in the middle) in the background?
Quote from: Wittsend on May 22, 2015, 11:58:58 PM
Nice, clean car. One to be proud of. Is that a second gen. Corvair (white with a stripe in the middle) in the background?
a bit of a hi-jack here.
if your interested i have a 65 corvair turbo with enough NOS parts and used OE parts to build darn near an additional car.
Thanks, but no. I have a '61 Corvair wagon and so I tend to spot them in the background. Hey, at least this detour is "Wagon" themed. And now back to our regular scheduled post, "Joe's 1974 Pinto Wagon."
update Joe's pinto I lost the gas cap at the gas station took it off put it top of pump drove way came back gas cap gone
Looks strait and clean. That's a rare bird. Good find.
Quote from: redmustangman3 on June 17, 2009, 11:03:31 AM
Well I finally found one. I have been looking for a clean pre-75 wagon (no smog) for nearly 2 years. I wanted one that was very clean, a good driver, very few if any rust issues, and all if not most of the original parts were there. I found it in Los Angeles and picked it up on June 11th, which also happened to be my birthday. What a present!!! The car drives great, starts right up, very solid drive train, with no leaks or smoke. I'm taking it in to a mechanic friend next week who will do a complete safety inspection and replacement of all fluids, filters, etc. I replaced the two rear tires which had severe cracking issues. My intention is to keep the car in stock condition and use it as a daily driver- subject to change?? I decided to set-up a seperate post and keep all informed of the changes, repairs, and upgrades as I get this baby in top shape. My immediate repair issue is the drivers side window- the window regulator is missing all the roller bearings(?) and I need a regulator in good condition with all the roller bearings in tact. Any of you Pinto parts people have one? You can reach me at this site of directly at gwnv63@prodigy.net. (I will be out of town until Monday 6/22). I am very excited about this new find and look forward to driving and sharing my adventures with this great little wagon. Joe in Morgan Hill, CA