Hey my name is Jonathan. I am looking at a Pinto this weekend probably going to buy it . Is there anything specific that I need to look for?
Thanks
Jonathan
Jonathon:
Welcome to the madness. I hope others will help you as well; having completely disassembled a '76 wagon (and in the process of putting it all back together), I am happy to comment. PLease note - if the car has been reasonably cared for, and is still driven, less will be wrong. If the car has SAT for a long time, especially outdoors, weather is a major factor in deterioration.
I hope this is not "too much" information, but from what I have found, there's really a lot to consider. Pick and choose as you will - I'm sure the owner will give you a limited amount of time to inspect, so hit the "hot topics" first.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
1) Check the cowl vent (openings between windshield and hood) for leaves. If the cowl is stuffed full of leaves, you can expect the following:
a) Leaves in your heater box
b) Rust in and around the cowl/adjoining areas
c) Leaves in your vents
2) Check for water staining on the carpet. Staining indicates one of the following:
a) Rust at cowl allowing rainwater to enter the passenger compartment
b) Rust in the floorboards
c) Compromised seals at the firewall
3) Check the bottom of the doors for rust at the drains.
4) Battery tray - check the battery tray and passenger inner fender for rust. My restoration required a complete removal and replacement of the inner fender due to extensive corrosion from battery leakage.
MECHANICAL
1) Inspect the gas tank as well as you are able, "wet" areas on the tank surface indicate slow leaks (common from water condensation in the tank)
2) Brakes - oh man, check the fluid level, check the pedal. Chances are good the brake system will need a rebuild if it has not been given attention. My whole system was shot, including the master cylinder.
3) Engine - covered in oil? Start looking for leaks at the oil pan and/or valve cover. Both dry out and rot. Also, check the belts, oil level, oil "color", etc.
COSMETIC
1) Interior pieces:
a) Steering wheel cracks - wheels CAN be found but mostly crack from age and temperature stress
b) Dash pad cracks - VERY common - there are plastic covers available, but dash pads are NOT reproduced, and NOS units are rare/expensive
c) Plastic panels - often are dry and brittle, can be scratched and make a "powder" when scratched. Restorable, but tedious to do.
FUNCTIONAL/ELECTRICAL
1) Gas gauge - if the car is running, check that the gauge works. Bad sending units are somewhat common.
2) Speedo cluster lamps - check to see if they light up when you activate the switch. If they don't, there is a good chance the speedo insert is crumbling. This is common, especially in the later models ('75-up).
3) Radio speaker - if you have any designs on listening to the factory radio, chances are the speaker cone is dried up and crumbling.
4) Heater + A/C - check them both. Move the controls, be sure they are blowing the right temperature air in the right directions.
That's MY hot list, I learned most of this the hard way. Good luck, report back with your findings.
Chris
Thanks for the welcome Chris!!
I will check what you said to and report back!!
Jonathan
The people sold the car before I could go look at it. Thanks for the help. If i see another I will go look at it. Untill then thanks for all the help!
Jonathan
Jonathan, I have a 78 to sell. Fred :)
Fred where is the 78 at?
Jonathan
Johnathan:
Fred is our resident parts supplier, he lives in Arizona. Sorry you were not able to look at the other car!
Chris
Jonathan, PM me your home e-mail and I will send you picture's. Fred :)
Fred, As I am in Kentucky, I don't think that I can get the car. But, I do thank you for trying to help.
If anyone knows of one in Louisville, KY I would love to hear about it. I would prefer the car to run and drive. It has to automatic. It does not have to be pretty and I don't mind doing some work on it. No wagons please
Thanks
Jonathan