I have a 78 pinto runabout with the all glass hatch. I really do hate this thing. What I am wondering is, can I use the framed window hatch from another model year on it? I know that I will have to remove the corner pieces in order to allow it to close.
Next, I want to convert the rear drum brakes to discs, and go to a 5-lug rotor. I want to put some American Racing Torque Thrust-D 14" wheels on it. Are there any kits to perform this upgrade?
Last thing, (for the moment :) ), the "rubber" headlight doors, are crappy and have holes in them. I have looked high and low, and have been unable to find any in better condition than what I already have. So, since the fenders appear to be of the same profile, I was thinking about putting the headlight doors, grille, and hood from a 76 on in place of the 78 pieces. Would this work, or would I need an entire front clip?
Of course, if anyone has a pair of the rubber ones that they would be willing to part with, I could save myself a lot of trouble money, and time. :D
Now, I shall wait with bated breath for someone to offer their wisdom to a new guy.
Thanks in advance.
I have a good set that I will sell contact me with offer at
tydeke@adelphia.net
As for the rear-end conversion, you may be better off going with putting in a whole rear end that includes the 5-lug disc brakes. You'll probably have to go to a coil-spring set up on the rear, since this would be a more modern rear end. If you have welding and fabrication experience (for the mounts on the car's underside), this would be the cheapest and easiest option IMHO.
Quote from: Poison Pinto on January 11, 2005, 07:35:07 PM
As for the rear-end conversion, you may be better off going with putting in a whole rear end that includes the 5-lug disc brakes. You'll probably have to go to a coil-spring set up on the rear, since this would be a more modern rear end. If you have welding and fabrication experience (for the mounts on the car's underside), this would be the cheapest and easiest option IMHO.
Hmmm. Well, I don't have any welding experience at all, and to be honest, I want to leave the car as stock as is possible. Changing out the rear-end as you suggest is well beyong both my capabilities, and my budget, at least for the time being. I know that upgrading the front brakes isn't all that difficult, and that there are kits to make the mods I want, but the rear is the problem.
Wouldn't the drum brakes from a Maverick/Comet fit the axle of a Pinto? They are 14-inchers, and I could always have the drums re-drilled with a 5-bolt pattern.
Remember, I am not building a high-performance machine. As it is, my Pinto can, and has, surprise the ricers, in it's stock form. Even with an automatic!
What I am wanting to do is to massage the appearance, and clean up some of the styling problems the Pinto has. IOW, I want it to look as I think Ford should have done it. Once I have the interior redone, and the body mods/paint as I want it, then I'll start playing with the performance aspect.
I have a 1966 271HP 289CID out of a Mustang available to me. (I told my brother not to drive it on an icy road!)
That should make a fairly sweet little rice cooker, don't you think?
If you have the rearend out of that 66 Mustang your talking about, it'll bolt right in to your pinto. I'm pretty sure there are 5 lug disc conversions for those if they're not already 5 lug. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
Quote from: WVBobcat77 on January 12, 2005, 08:17:16 PM
If you have the rearend out of that 66 Mustang your talking about, it'll bolt right in to your pinto. I'm pretty sure there are 5 lug disc conversions for those if they're not already 5 lug. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
I wish I did have the entire car. No, just the engine, transmission, radiator, and some miscellaneous parts.
But, thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind. I may just wind up replacing the entire rear end any, is I do put that engine into it. I'm not sure that the stock unit could handle that power.
Anyone know about that?
robertconner, I guess you are not interested in the headlight surrounds afterall ???
Rick, I sent you an e-mail. Did you not recieve it?
Hang on, I'll try again. Yes, I am very interested them.
Oh, and Robert will do just fine. :D
QuoteI'm not sure that the stock unit could handle that power.
Anyone know about that?
I blew 2 with a 2.3, n/a, 14:1 comp. 4 speed going about 7,000 rpm in second (I knew 1st would surely blow it). Both times were from wheel hop.
WHEEL HOP =
BOOM!!