Pinto Car Club of America

Shiny is Good! => Your Pintos/Bobcats & Racers => Topic started by: larjohnson on April 11, 2010, 06:03:36 PM

Title: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on April 11, 2010, 06:03:36 PM
My Parents decided this week they wanted a Ford Pinto also.  So my daughter, granddaughter and I went to Maumee, Ohio April 10, 2010, and bought them a beautiful little 1977 Ford Pinto Squire Wagon.  This little beauty is an original 34,000 mile Pinto survivor.  I hope you all enjoy the posting and pictures.  Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: beegle55 on April 11, 2010, 06:15:02 PM
Beautiful car! The low mileage examples are some of the best and that one is definitely nice!

     -beegle55
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on April 11, 2010, 08:44:59 PM
If I were ever to add a second Pinto, it would definitely be a Squire wagon... I've always liked them and it looks like you found your parents a real humdinger!

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on April 12, 2010, 01:42:36 PM
Dwayne and Casey....this is a great example of a Ford Pinto Squire if ever I've seen one.  I picked this baby up in Ohio for a song.  Drove her home (179 Miles), and that little beauty just purred like a kitten.  I'll keep posting pictures of it, as some work is done.  There's some rust around the fuel fill area, I'm having that fixed now, and the front driver's seat had some wear.  I found the fabric in Oregon and it's being shipped as we speak.  The wood grain I'm having difficulty with, hopefully some of my Pinto Family can push me in the right direction to find that.  Have a great day...Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on April 12, 2010, 04:21:45 PM
Larry,

Check out woodgrain4wagons.com and see if they have what you need. 

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: 78squirewagon on April 12, 2010, 11:40:01 PM
JC Whitney for the wood. It's really hard to tell the replacement stuff apart from the NOS (only to the trained eye  ;D ) plus it's a LOT cheaper
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on April 13, 2010, 05:20:18 AM
Hey guys thanks for the information on the woodgrain.  I have sent an email to a place in California, it may be the woodgrain for wagons site, I'm not sure...I'll check.  I'm sure I'll find it.  I have even seen it on Ebay before.  Sooner or later I'm sure it'll pop up.  You all have a great day.....Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on April 22, 2010, 08:50:41 AM
Still haven't found the wood grain for sure yet, for this beautiful car.  But, the body shop has almost completely repaired the rusted part around the gas fill.  I'm sure the car will be finished this weekend.  Fortunately the rust was contained under the wood grain panel, so painting won't be necessary, just some priming.  I cannot wait to get this car back on the road again.  Next stop, the garage, just to tune up, replace some lines and hoses, and basically a good all around check up.  This is a fantastic car!!!!!! Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: blupinto on April 22, 2010, 03:33:12 PM
Larry I'm glad that not only you spread this "disease" to your parents, but they found a beautiful winner! Congratulations! BTW, I have your Washington '71's sister...only she's a stick-shift car with no vinyl-top.  ;D
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on April 26, 2010, 06:15:33 AM
Hey!!!!! I'd love to see pictures of your Pinto.  I'll check and see if you have a gallery set up, but if not...how about emailing me some?????  I do love my Pintos....and my Mom and Dad got a great one.....Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on April 29, 2010, 06:25:03 AM
Went to the body shop yesterday that's repairing the rust around the fuel fill area of my parent's 77 Squire.  It looks fantastic.  The guy has done a great job.  I just need to find some wood grain so he can finish up the project.  I've asked for a sample from the wood grain for wagon site in California; however, I've yet to receive it.  I'd like to get the wood grain ordered asap.  I'm looking here locally at a sign shop, they carry some wood grains which could be a good match.  Guess I'll find our tomorrow when I go to check them out.  Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: Pintopower on May 02, 2010, 12:03:16 AM
that is a beauty!
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on May 02, 2010, 07:31:06 PM
I guess that's why you cal yourself PINTOPOWER....hahahaha

I'm glad to hear there are other Pinto lovers out there, I cannot imagine anyone who wouldn't love a Pinto.   Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: pintomagic on May 04, 2010, 05:14:20 PM
Great looking car ! Blue pintos seem hard to find , I think because I hardly see them .
A real beauty .  These cars just run forever .
My favourites are the dark blue and the robins egg blue but I love them all .
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on May 13, 2010, 05:41:23 AM
Well....Mom and Dad's Pinto is getting finished up at the body shop.  I guess the woodgrain I found is being put on today.  It's not an exact match, but will do fine until such time I find better.  I think the wood grain I found in California is going to be a really nice match.  Will probably order it this month, and have it put on sometime this summer.  I had to go ahead and do something, so I could get the fuel fill pipe hooked back up.  The guy is putting in a new heater core, so it should be really nice in a couple of days.  I'll post some more pictures as I get them taken.  Have a great day!!!!! Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on June 02, 2010, 06:48:52 AM
Woodgrains for Wagons sent me a sample of their woodgrain, and guess what??? It's a near perfect match.  I have placed two calls to them to order the piece of woodgrain I need, I'm just waiting for their response.  This will be a wonderful find, to bring this little beauty up to par.....Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on June 03, 2010, 01:25:33 AM
Quote from: larjohnson on June 02, 2010, 06:48:52 AM
Woodgrains for Wagons sent me a sample of their woodgrain, and guess what??? It's a near perfect match.  I have placed two calls to them to order the piece of woodgrain I need, I'm just waiting for their response.  This will be a wonderful find, to bring this little beauty up to par.....Larry :police:

Larry,

I'm glad to hear that!  I stumbled onto Woodgrains4Wagons a year or so ago and it appeared that they carried most everything anyone would need for restoring a wagon.  Although I did not have a wagon, I tucked that information away in the corner of my mind.  Since then, more than one person has asked about woodgrain vinyl for wagons they were working on and I've directed them to the website, simply because I knew it existed.  It's nice to finally hear from someone who has personally seen their product.  I'll be anxious to hear how it all works out! 

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: 78squirewagon on June 03, 2010, 07:36:09 PM
So, you are going to do a step by step post on how to get all of the trim pieces off correct?  ;D  I know how to get the back sections (tail gate and rear)  off but have no clue where to go to from there. I am going to be doing both sides on mine in the near future and can use all the help I can get.
Oh yeah, Brian says HI  :D
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on June 04, 2010, 09:11:39 PM
78squirewagon....I'm sorry, the body shop is taking the trim piece off...I wouldn't have a clue to know where to start...lol lol lol  I'm thankful I have a little guy down the road who knows how to do this sort of thing, takes a lot of stress off of me.  Have a great day....Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on July 22, 2010, 05:16:52 AM
Well....my parent's 77 Squire is still at the shop.  Guess the guy is just wanting to take some time off.  I've been calling him and asking him to get the car ready, guess he will in due time.  Look forward to getting the squire home.  He has all the materials, he just has to put the car back together, shouldn't take him long.  I know I haven't posted for awhile, but my wife and I have been dispaced from our home.  We sold it (Yay!!), but the deal fell thru on our condo.  We're now purchasing a house in Anderson, Indiana, and should have a home again in about 3 weeks.  Should do better with postings after that.  You all have a great day!!!!! Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: blupinto on July 22, 2010, 11:09:09 AM
You too Larry!  ;D
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on July 22, 2010, 11:34:06 PM
Larry,

Sounds like you might have to light a little fire under this guy's  :showback: to inspire him to get that Squire finished up!  It's such a pretty little car... I'm sure your parents are anxious to start enjoying it!

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on July 26, 2010, 01:51:50 PM
Stopped and seen the mechanic yesterday, he thinks he'll have the squire done by the weekend.  I sure hope so, I'm anxious to get her back on the road.
Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on September 07, 2010, 01:49:09 PM
 Well...after getting on the mechanic to finish my parents 77 Pinto Squire, I finally got it back from him unfinished.  I have taken it to another mechanic who will finish putting the new woodgrain on the driver's side rear, and install the new heater core.  I cleaned the car before taking it to the mechanic, and it looks amazing.  If all goes well, she'll be at her first car show September 19, 2010 in Vevay , Indiana.  You all have a great day...Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: blupinto on September 07, 2010, 02:46:27 PM
Larry, I'm sorry for your latest misfortunes, with the house and now the Squire. I wish I could see your parents' "new" Squire in person. She looks delectable! ;D
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on September 08, 2010, 01:52:05 AM
Larry,

Once you finally get it all together, you should bring your parents and their Squire to Carlisle with you!  What a gorgeous addition to the display she would be!

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on September 08, 2010, 07:43:40 AM
Hello Blupinto and Dwayne:  Yes...she'd be a great addition to Carlisle.  She is one beautiful little Pinto.  The new mechanic is much better than the one I had been using.  The new guy, Wallace did most of the work on my 1971 I got from Reed in Washington, and he does a far better job in mechanics and such, as he's just a little more particular.  He should have her done this week.  So hopefully by next weekend I will be putting on the Macquires 3 step wax process, and make that little baby shine.   You all have a great day.

Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: r4pinto on September 08, 2010, 01:25:40 PM
woohoo!! We like to hear that lol
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on September 09, 2010, 01:04:01 AM
Quote from: larjohnson on September 08, 2010, 07:43:40 AM
So hopefully by next weekend I will be putting on the Macquires 3 step wax process, and make that little baby shine. 
Larry :police:

That should do it!  After all, as the PCCA logo clearly states, "Shiny is good!"

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on October 07, 2010, 07:02:40 PM
Got the 77 wagon back from the shop, heater core in, air conditioning working great!!! Yay!!!!  Took the driver's seat to the upholstery shop with the fabric I got, going to have it recovered.  The new fabric of course is just a little darker, due to it being new and not faded; therefore, once I get the driver's seat back, I guess the passenger seat is going to go in also.  Even though the passenger seat is is wonderful shape, I guess it should match the driver's seat, and look like showroom.  The backseat should look like a great match, as I don't think you'll notice the color difference, since it won't be directly beside the new fabric.  We'll see, I know this shop does a great job, so I'm not worried.  The wood grain on the side had some oxidation on it and I was told pledge furniture wipe would bring it back to new.  Well....it sure did, the oxidation is gone.  Once the wagon is waxed, I'll post some pictures.  I've just been busy on the new house, haven't had time to give the wagon any love......haha  Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on October 07, 2010, 08:05:08 PM
Sounds great, Larry!  You never know... there may be enough distance between the two bucket seats that the color discrepancy won't be noticeable.  At least you have the extra material if you need it!  Hope your parents are happy with their beautiful little Squire!

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on October 27, 2010, 08:26:50 PM
Well....got the seat back from the shop, it looks spectacular.  There is just a slight color difference, so I guess I'll be taking the passenger side seat in and having it redone also.  They may as well match, and besides, this is one beautiful little car.   Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on October 28, 2010, 12:01:55 AM
Quote from: larjohnson on October 27, 2010, 08:26:50 PM
Well....got the seat back from the shop, it looks spectacular.  There is just a slight color difference, so I guess I'll be taking the passenger side seat in and having it redone also.  They may as well match, and besides, this is one beautiful little car.   Larry :police:

From the pictures I've seen, it is, indeed, a beauty!

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on October 28, 2010, 07:03:22 AM
Dwayne:  Yes it is, I was trying to download some pictures the other day and had a lot of difficulty.  I finally realized my membership was expired, and this would not allow me to download pix.  I paid my membership last night, as I'll always want to be a member of this club.  Once it's all good to go, then I'll post some more pix.  Have a great day.
Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on November 23, 2010, 05:16:12 PM
Hallelujah!!!! I found another guy who will work on my Pintos.  I took him Mom and Dad's 1977 Pinto Squire last week.  We had some minor body work done on the driver's rear, and the original woodgrain had to be removed.  I took him a piece of woodgrain I got from Woodgrains for Wagons out of California, and he installed it on the Pinto.  It nearly matched perfectly.  Mom and Dad were thrilled, and Dad even had to take her for a quick drive.  I cleaned her up, and when I left Mom and Dad had a big smile on their face.  I hope it was because the Pinto looked so good, and not because I was leaving.... :laugh:   The car looks fantastic, Mom even said it was the prettiest car they've ever owned.  Maybe that's not completely true, but pretty darn close.   :lol:   Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on December 01, 2010, 03:57:15 PM
Mom and Dad were in for Thanksgiving, and Dad was raving about the 77 Squire Wagon.  Mom wasn't as happy, she forgot you can't just start the car and go like the cars of today.  She gets a little impatient I guess.  Anyway, they told me over dinner the Squire was mine, imagine my surprise.  They are going to keep her at their house and drive her for now, but it's been titled in my name also.  I  hope they're able to keep her for a lot of years to come, as I'm certainly in no hurry to get this little beauty.  They are going to fall in love with her too, and have a great time when the weather turns nice.  Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.
Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: blupinto on December 01, 2010, 06:28:48 PM
Larry, if you don't stop acquiring Pintos you're gonna rival our Kimmy! lol.

I've had to somewhat re-learn patience too. After driving 1997 and newer cars for about 10 years I had to remember that carburetors with automatic chokes need time to warm up. lol.

Larry, you will have the prettiest herd of Pintos that side of the Pecos! lol. ;D   I, too, hope your parents will be driving that Squire for many years to come.
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on December 02, 2010, 12:56:19 AM
Larry,
Congratulations on the "new" Pinto!  Like you however, I hope your Mom and Dad will enjoy it for a good long while before you take possession of it.  It truly is a beauty!  Might you persuade your parents to bring it to Carlisle in June? (hint, hint!)
Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on December 02, 2010, 06:46:16 AM
Dwayne:  My Parents probably couldn't make the trip to Carlisle; however, my wife and I are planning to making the trip in the 1972 Pinto Runabout.  I wouldn't miss this event for the world.  I'm really looking forward to it.  If I can persuade one of the boys to bring the wagon, we may do that.  Who knows.  I'm just hoping nothing keeps me from coming to Carlisle...I simply am excited about the event.  Have a Happy Holiday Season...Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: blupinto on December 02, 2010, 04:41:43 PM
Why not bring your '71 trunk model, so she can meet her California 4-speed sister? lol. ;D
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on December 04, 2010, 07:21:37 AM
blupinto:  My Mom and Dad told me the same thing yesterday, they think I too should take the 71 to Carlisle.  I just thought the 72 may do better, because of the low miles.  I'm not sure how many miles the 71 has, but it does purr like a kitten.  What I may do is try to have my two sons go along with me, I can drive the 71, one could drive the 72, and the other could drive the 77 squire.  Would be a great family time together.  At best, if my sons cannot go, I have great friend, whom I'm sure will drive the 77 and go with us.  I'm really looking forward to Carlisle.  I want to meet up with all of you from fordpinto.com there.  I can't wait to meet my new Pinto family.  BTW, I don't think I'll ever have as many Pintos as Kimmy.. :lol: See ya there.....Larry :police:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: dga57 on December 04, 2010, 10:42:08 PM
Larry,
I LIKE that plan!  I can't think of anything I'd enjoy more than seeing all three of your Pintos!  I'm really looking forward to Carlisle too!

Dwayne :smile:
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: blupinto on December 05, 2010, 01:56:15 AM
Hear! Hear!  ;D
Title: Re: Gave my Parents the Pinto Bug...
Post by: larjohnson on December 20, 2010, 11:28:06 AM
Well, the little squire has a new name.  I'm going to call her Phyllis.  I use to work with a lady in the mid 80's, who was near my mother's age, and we became good friends.  Work being the way is is sometimes, our friendship became strained.  Some 20 odd years later I tried to find her, but learned she died a violent death.  She really had no family, and I hated the circumstances she found herself in.  To honor her I'm naming my parent's little squire Phyllis.  A classic beauty with a little spunk!!!!!  R.I.P. Phyllis.....Larry :police: