Well I know about the obvious changes in the front end, bumpers and dashboard, but was there any other differences from the 79 and 80 models compared to earlier models? When searching for parts, I sometimes see the 79 and 80 models or just the 1980 model omitted. I'm thinking all the models from 1975-1980 are mechanically identical.
I know the dash & pad is sqared off & the windshield is glued in rather than the gasket that '71 to '78 uses & I think thats it other than body changes.
The interiors are a bit different... the seat upholstery as different, as was the deluxe interior panels (door mostly). '76 was the last year (I believe) the Pinto emblem was on the dash panel; The speedometer only went to 85 in the latest models... I know I'm missing some stuff here...
There are really quite a few differences in the 74-78 models compared to the 79 & 80 models.
77 and up have different tail lights. I think 78 or 79 and up have glued in windshields.
The power steering pumps changed somewhere between 76 and 79.
There are some changes in the body too. The plate that glues to the firewall that the brake booster or master cylinder mounts to is different from the older cars.
Lots of interior parts are different. I know that the interior door handles (arm rests) from a 79/80 will not fit my 76, they are designed differently.
Of course you already know the grill, hood, fenders, etc are different. I really consider the 79/80 to be a totally new car, very little stuff is actually the same except the shell and suspension. There were lots of little changes all over.
I was assuming he was questioning parts that WONT interchange. You can swap in an older interior other than the dash & the mechanicals interchange.
I had to install light blue (!) armrests from a '79 Runabout into my '73 green wagon. Yes they still bolt in- but you cannot put that chrome "shoe" from the top of the earlier armrests on a newer armrest. The good news is the plastic armrest "skeletons" in later-model Pintos, Fairmonts/Zephyrs, and Mustangs/Capris hold up and survive way better than the white "skeletons" in the earlier armrests. I need to find later-model Pinto armrests in avocado green as well as a steering wheel...hint hint... ::)
I think the later model the car, the more emissions and smog stuff was added. :-\
I have an extra set of light blue 78 armrests, but they don't have the chrome shoe at the top. There are some wiring differences and some emissions differences between 78-79-80, The carbs are close and interchangeable, but not identical. Some 80 models have a test port under the dash kinda like my brother's 71 bus (71 was the only year VW did that.) The 77 and 78 don't share the front bumper "gravel shield" the 77 has a 3 piece with separate corners and mine has a one piece.
Here are some corner stones in Pinto geneology, for those of us trivia heads:
74 seat belt interlock system not used in 75 models has a silver box left firewall with a red button on it to reset (this was garbage in my wagon, I had to bypass it. New wider steel bumpers
75 catalytic converters added. No more 2.0, 2.3 becomes standard engine with 2.8 v-6 becoming optional (but only with the 'tow package', all v-6's are automatics.
76 new grille
77 new front end and tail lights, new "one piece" seatbelts, Pinto emblems deleted from front fenders, letters spaced across hood instead of off to one side. New aluminum bumpers shave weight for gas mileage.
78 carryover with minor changes. last year with round headlights and round gauges.
79 new front with square lights, new square dash and glued in windshield (my 78 uses the rubber like the older models) new taillights without bright trim surrounds.
There's more clutter in my brain somewhere....
Chuck :coolafro:
Nothing wrong with THAT kind of useful clutter! I had a '74 new and that starter interlock system was a joke right from the start. In the 2 1/2 years I owned that car, I probably had to get out and push the reset button a couple dozen times. I can only imagine what a pain it would be after 36 years of wear and tear! On the other hand, I've been able to answer questions from people here who wanted to know what that red button was for ::)
Dwayne :smile:
Quick note to Chuck's info:
Between June/July of 78 they switched windshield styles from the traditional Pinto gasket to the glue in type. You MAY run into a late 78 production Pinto which has the glue in type windshield. I found ONE of these 78 cars in a junk yard in Spokane, but it's the only 78 with a glue in windshield that I've ever seen.
My 76 has the ford letters spread across the front of the hood. My 74 does not, tho.