I am knee-deep in making my '76 (with 40K miles, but she sat for 25 years!) run like new. She's back on the road now, and so far, runs like a champ, auto trans, power steering, and all.
But one thing frustrates me: parts are harder to find than I thought they would be. Question: What are the best sources on the Internet (or otherwise) for parts? For my '72 Karmann Ghia, I found lots of sites that have almost everything...you could probably build this car from the ground up (at a huge expense). But I have found no such site for the Pinto.
Every part search so far has been a struggle, though each time I have finally found what I needed.
Have I just not found the right Internet sites and companies yet, or am I in for a search for every part? (Most recent example is a gas tank and guage mechanism, which I posted here this morning).
Thanks, you guys and gals!
Welcome to the madness. I bought a '76 wagon in 2008 which is now stripped down to nothing, getting ready for bodywork. The whole effort has been a real trial in logistics, as I concur with your opinion. Here are some useful resources I have put together in finding parts (many recommended here):
Rock Auto (www.rockauto.com (http://www.rockauto.com)) - a LOT of "generic" parts, but nothing specific.
SSC Enterprises (sscenterprises.net) - some very unique parts, the guy caters to the MII crowd but has made headway into Pintos.
SMS auto fabrics - (look up on web) OUTSTANDING choice of vintage fabrics/headliners/carpets, will send free samples if you offer VIN codes for your car.
Green Sales - (look up on web) GREAT selection of NOS parts but expect to pay accordingly. Be prepared with factory part numbers when calling, they are a great resource, but they don't always have what you need. Really great when looking for "odd" parts.
Hope that helps. I wrote an article for Pinto Times called "What they don't tell you about Pintos", that captured the concept we are talking about here. These cars are really great, but restoring them is a challenge since most everything is NOT available!
Chris
PS - Gas tanks are NOT available as repros, SSC was supposed to be doing them. Gauge mechs? Same deal. Crumbling white plastic, especially on the '76. You need to find one in a junkyard or from someone here. Good luck!
Thanks, Chris! Not what I wanted to hear, but at least that's a start...
Hey Chris what's up with that you forgot ME. Fred :)
Pinto's are parts bin specials. 90% of the stuff on them was used in another ford product if you know where to look. Anything front end related will pretty much exchange with MII parts and the aftermarket is built on the front suspension design. trim and interior is a bit of a struggle for some things. someone has started to repop the fenders and quarters recently along with door and windshield rubbers
google and the original part numbers eg. d6xx-xxxx-xx are your friends
post what you need and someone shall source it for you
The other question is does it have to be stock? solutions abound if you are willing to restify instead of restore, plus with proper planning you can take a pinto shell and use running gear modern enough to walk into the local napa and repair any problem that occurs.
OhSix'
Quote from: Fred Morgan on April 29, 2010, 10:15:15 AM
Hey Chris what's up with that you forgot ME. Fred :)
Funny you said that, Fred. As I hit "post" on my message, I thought of you. Sorry, my bad.
FRED IS YOUR BEST RESOURCE FOR USED PARTS, bar none. Seriously, I'm not just saying that - he has helped me (and others) countless times.
BTW Fred, the rad support brace you sent me is welded into my car and it's AWESOME. Pics coming this weekend.
Chris
Fred's my man, then! Just ordered a tank from him and look forward to many more orders to come.
Just finished installing the tank.....everything works great. Fred is da' (parts) man!!!!!