Today Bob and I were putting away my Pinto parts and we got to the fenders. We were looking at the 72 fenders and the 77 fenders. Bob asked me what the difference was. You know, I really couldn't see much of a difference? I mean I could see where the rubber headlight bezel ran down the fender, but that would just be a matter of cleaning up the dirt left from under the bezel once it is gone. Only thing that I could see that may have been different, where the chrome goes on the wheel well area. The later year, kinda, looked bigger.
So, Is there a difference? Can I use a 77 on a 73? I would use the 73 headlight bezels, but other then that, wouldn't the fenders look the same?
Thanks.
From what I have seen and from what others have posted, the fenders from 71-78 are the same. The later ones even had the holes for the lower valance, even though Pintos didn't have lower valances after they went to the bigger bumpers.
Are the side markers the same? Does the '77 have holes for the emblem?
The fender are the same as said. They were just a little mounted farther apart because of the engine bay. This is the reason I want to put a front valance on my 78 from a 71-73. Also as you know the metal light bezels from a 76,work in place of the 78 rubber bezels.
Quote from: Carolina Boy on July 27, 2009, 06:36:09 AM
The fender are the same as said. They were just a little mounted farther apart because of the engine bay.
i think the differences under the hood were the fire wall and radiator support. 71-3 bumpers and valances fit fine on the 74-78. the problem area is where the lower radiator support on the 74-78 cars will hit the early valance panel. at least they fit fine on the 74 model. actually i should say, they fit fine as far as width and height goes. ive never tried or personally seen on the 75-78 i can only ASSuME.
bob
I cannot fully comprehend the exact dimension diferences, but in the process of trying to fit a '74 drivers fender on my '76 wagon, it >does< fit a little bit different. The difference is on the internal ridge where the fender bolts to the inner fender/unibody; this "piece" on the '74 seems a bit wider and bulkier than the fender on the '76.
If I really took the time to shim it up and such, I'm sure it would work, but the differences are slight. I am not disagreeing with the premise, though I am saying there are "minor" fit differences.
Chris
This is something we NEED to get to the bottom ov. I volunteer myself to solve this problem.
Now if someone would kindly donate a full 71-73 front clip (bumpers, fenders, valences, hood, etc.) and ship them to me, i'll fit 'em on my 76 and tell y'all ALL the details.
Sound like a plan...?? ??
:lol:
cant blame a guy for trying
i understand there are slight differances as popbumper says