Pinto Car Club of America

Shiny is Good! => Your Project => Topic started by: Madness on June 20, 2011, 10:21:49 AM

Title: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 20, 2011, 10:21:49 AM
This is my first Pinto project car.


(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/The%20PINTO/9855451a.jpg)
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/The%20PINTO/0e577f2f.jpg)

The Plan:

351W
9' rearend
racing bucket seats
Fuel cell


Please feel free to post up ideas and advice. I mainly do 4x4 trucks and this is my first attempt at creating a go fast mobile. Also it should be known that I live in Alaska. So everything is very expensive-- so I plan on fabricating and utilizing the junk yard as often as possible.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 20, 2011, 10:33:08 AM
A little background on the Wagon-

60,000 Miles.
Hasn't been on the road since 1983- it has been in a garage its enitre life.
One owner car-
Has every fuel receipt, maintenace receipt
The car is complete and it runs.
It has V6 and an auto transmission.



Couple questions.

What should a run for a transmission?
    - C6's are fairly easy to come by up here
    - a friend has a cmx (?) cast iron tranny for a SBF
    - C4

Does anyone sell brake convertion kits. I would like to change the bolt pattern to a set of wheels that I already have.

Uni-Body--- What are my problems going to be with it?

Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 20, 2011, 10:42:08 AM
Madness.... where in alaska are you ?  I'm in the process of building a go fast pinto myself.    I would definitely use the C4.

info on the brake conversion, this is  everything you need.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mustang-II-Complete-11-Inch-Brake-Kit-Ford-Bolt-Pattern,2008.html

unibody.............your going to want/need subframe connectors
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 20, 2011, 10:47:05 AM


welcome to the site, I'm new here myself. I'm sure you will find as I have, everyone is very helpful here.  you can check out my project thread here.

http://www.fordpinto.com/your-project/official-1980-turbo-pinto-project-thread/

ah, ok North Pole.  I'm in Anchorage...

Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 20, 2011, 12:31:09 PM
A fellow AK dweller. I would love to come down there to the drag strip next year. Hopefully I will be able to ready by then. If you come across a C4 down there let me know.  :fastcar:
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 20, 2011, 03:12:32 PM
click this link...........        http://anchorage.craigslist.org/pts/2411426656.html
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 20, 2011, 05:10:09 PM
He still has it... The guy said that it was out of his "crack head wife's car" (his words). He says it was recelty rebuilt but it sounded like he was on something also so it is hard to take his word for anything. I am going to get a buddy to check it out...
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 20, 2011, 05:45:10 PM
Do you have an engine yet ?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 21, 2011, 11:30:50 AM
I have a fresh rebuilt 351W, however it originally was going into a rock buggy that I was building so I plan on changing out the cam. Also I will probably roller rocker it. I have 2 sets of headers, a set of long tube and a set of shorties. The motor has a single plane weiend intake and a cheasey chrome kit ( I didn't buy it)

I will be going to a C4, I was imformed that it will fit in the stock tunnel without modifications.

The 9" that is being donated to this project is a narrow track and already has a locker and 4.10 gears. However the set of wheels that I have are 5 on 4.75 the axel is a 5 on 5.5, I plan on indexing and drilling to the smaller. I will post up the progress as I make it.   

Is there a company out there that makes an SBF motor mount kit?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 21, 2011, 05:57:19 PM
there are a lot of V8 pinto guys on here that should be able to tell you what kind of headers and motor mounts you need and where to get them.   and yes the C4 fits the Pinto tunnel.   a lot of pintos actually came stock with C4's .   Mine did.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 23, 2011, 06:40:54 PM
Madness, just in case you are interested, click this link

http://fairbanks.craigslist.org/pts/2409779550.html


any news on the C4 in Wasilla ?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 23, 2011, 06:56:13 PM
The wheels and tires for the wagon. It is a start. eventually I will want to go wider and taller as the times get faster.

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/The%20PINTO/af706272.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/The%20PINTO/1f04fe68.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/The%20PINTO/73523211.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/The%20PINTO/44ed6490.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 23, 2011, 07:01:46 PM
Niiiiiiiiice.........
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 29, 2011, 11:41:38 AM
What is the width of a 8" rear end? My 9" is 58"  o - o. I think this will be a touch to wide.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 29, 2011, 04:15:02 PM
Madness, I think a stock pinto 8" is right about 57"  give or take a tiny bit. someone please correct me if I'm wrong.  so your not far off .  so that gives you an extrta 1/2" on each side. so depending on the back space on your wheels ?...
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 29, 2011, 07:39:18 PM
The front brake kit from Speedway makes my front stance 2" wider also.  That also creates a delima... If my wheel won't work then I would prefer to have 5 on 4.5 rather than 5 on 4.75. This coming long weekend I plan on pulling the front wheels and getting a rough measurement to check my clearance.   
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 29, 2011, 08:14:26 PM
madness the speedway kit only increases your width 1"......... 1/2" per side

Features a 5 on 4-1/2" Ford/Mopar wheel bolt pattern (increases track width 1/2" per side).

Your 9" is one inch wider than a stock pinto, so it would make your front and rear of equal width.

your 9" is also 5 on 4-1/2" .  you might want to consider different wheels. just a thought ?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on June 30, 2011, 10:32:04 AM
My 9" is out of a Gen 1 Bronco, it is 5 on 5.5.

I am just worried about the wider rubber. The front even with the added brackets shouldn't be a problem. The back is my main concern.

I did do some shopping last night! Pictures coming tomorrow.   
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on June 30, 2011, 07:41:53 PM
I stand corrected.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on July 12, 2011, 02:55:43 PM
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/b0d71fda.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/a42879af.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/e550c510.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/c063d45d.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/d43f83b3.jpg)

Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on July 12, 2011, 03:09:34 PM
15x6 centerlines front
15x15 rear centerlines

Holley edition cast alu valve covers

fresh rebuilt 351 W
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on July 12, 2011, 03:36:40 PM
Over the weekend I checked into what transmission I have, it is a C4 with the small bell housing on it. I like having two C4's, this way I can install a stock tranny to get it moving and have another for the rebuild and put all of the hard parts in.

This build is looking like it is going to be a 2 stage build. First I am  going to put the SBF in with a stock tranny and the 9" rear. Plumb in the fuel cell and go racing. The second stage is going to be tubbed with the centerlines installed with a narrowed 9" with 4 link and 35 spline inners. Drill and tap the intake for direct nitrous injection, and rolecage the entire car.

About narrowing the 9" I will be using a car/newer rear end. You can see on the housing how it has larger gussets vs the ford truck rearends that are at a steeper angle. You can see it in the 9" housing picture. I can take some better comparative photos if anyone wants to see it.

So a little background on myself>>>  I have been a machinist for 10 years and a certified welder for 12. I now specialize in CNC programing, also I am trying to get a personal 4x8 Plasma table.  I hope to go into business for myself and I would like to use this car as a show piece for the types of stuff I can fabricate. You can see in the background in my photos that I have a Jeep/4x4 problem also. In our shop we have access to a VF5, TL2, TM2, Miller Tig welders and many more. We have a great shop and I hope to have one just like it some day!
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on July 13, 2011, 02:09:29 PM
That thing is going to be a beast. I think my build will also be a two stage affair, just kind of makes sence to do it that way.  hey, I'm in fairbanks tuesdays and thursdays, would like to possibly meet up and talk about some welding I have to do... sent a PM.

Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on July 26, 2011, 06:58:34 PM
Sweet you can start bringing me parts up from anchorage!!!  :lol: 

I replied to your email. I will send my phone number.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on July 27, 2011, 01:34:04 PM
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/d72c57b2.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/b844de19.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/a4dbbc85.jpg)

So... I am thinking the rear wheels are going to be to large for what I want. 15x10 or 12 I can handle but a 15x15 is huge. I hope to find someone to trade me wheels or buy them so I can get a slightly smaller set.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on July 27, 2011, 03:45:07 PM
heck yeah, anything you need from Anchorage brought up to you. just let me know....
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on August 18, 2011, 02:58:16 PM
http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/a159f525.jpg[/IMG

I thought some 1975 plates would be fun
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on August 19, 2011, 04:46:05 PM
Pretty cool, can you buy those and run them with an up to date sticker on them ?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on August 19, 2011, 08:30:43 PM
Yep! I thought it was pretty cool.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on September 01, 2011, 04:14:59 PM
I picked this up the other weekend. I need the tranny but it looks like the 289/302 (haven't ran the casting number yet) ran really good. I might slide it in to get me roling and then I can take the time putting the cam and port and polishing my 351 heads.

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/ca9f642d.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on September 01, 2011, 04:21:01 PM
Does any one have any experiance with a header kit that will work with my car? I had a line on some flanges and some pre bent stainless tube for a decent deal but the deal fell appart.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on September 22, 2011, 07:42:48 PM
http://www.fordpinto.com/new-classified-ads-read-only/new-v8-headers/

by the way, have you made any progress on that wagon of yours ?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: dave1987 on September 28, 2011, 12:05:43 AM
Very cool!  :drunk: I want one!  :fastcar:
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: WIV8Pinto on September 29, 2011, 07:46:19 PM
I have Hooker headers on my 71 pinto wagon, with a 351W motor...the tubes come apart for easier installation...they also wrap the frame...I would try to contact Hooker...Im sure they are still available...
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 06, 2011, 03:10:51 PM

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/422ada39.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/6a4fb939.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/088aa40e.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/73ac0757.jpg)

(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/f29ad157.jpg)


Well I havn't been doing to much car work up here I am trying to get my garage dried in and ready for winter. However I have been collecting some parts...
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 06, 2011, 03:12:12 PM
I really like that wagon. Hopefully mine will be that nice some day. I found it on the Caltrax website.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 06, 2011, 06:02:43 PM
so are you going to get a set of caltracs for your car, ?  thats whats going on mine...  remember, you need to have that thing race ready by Memorial Day next year.  and you need to be down at Alaska Raceway Park in palmer,  after a few races you will become very familiar with what the tail lites of an 80 sedan look like....
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: RSM on October 06, 2011, 06:36:34 PM
You can build your own set of Caltracks for a lot less than what they cost if your into building stuff. I plan on building my own set once my wagon is driveable.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 06, 2011, 06:41:24 PM
I may try that, I know I saw a how to write up either on here or somewhere on the web ?
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: RSM on October 07, 2011, 12:06:20 AM
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/Traction.html
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 07, 2011, 06:52:26 AM
Yep, thats it.  thanks
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 07, 2011, 06:55:38 PM
Don,
When I get around to builing my set of "Caltrax" I will build two sets. Just cost you some materials... They are really easy to make.

As for being familier with tail lights... There is no Replacement for Displacement  plus NOS!
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Bigtimmay on October 07, 2011, 11:16:50 PM
Quote from: Madness on October 07, 2011, 06:55:38 PM
Don,
When I get around to builing my set of "Caltrax" I will build two sets. Just cost you some materials... They are really easy to make.

As for being familier with tail lights... There is no Replacement for Displacement  plus NOS!

Nope but there is the Esslinger tall block! LOL 3.0 of turbocharged fury would easily hit the 1k HP mark.  ;D
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 08, 2011, 06:32:03 AM
Very good Josh, that sounds like a plan....    tell him Timmay........!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 08, 2011, 12:39:54 PM
we can also talk about generating HP vs strait torq numbers...


Lets see...

1k on the dyno after about $15,000

I can have a built 347-- 800 or 900 hp for a third of that.

For a budget build you cant beat a SBF

Ok... I will break it down for you.

Car- 300.00
302 & C4- trade
Fuel cell and parts- 500.00
9" w/ Locker- trade
Hustlers w/ tires - 200.00
nitrous 150 shot - trade

So for about $1000, I can have a reliable racer that should be able to run 12s.
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/b0f89b87.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Bigtimmay on October 08, 2011, 01:39:13 PM
Anything can be built on a budget really. 302/351/LS1/ even the 2.3 Joe Morgan pulled 10's from his pinto with pretty much junkyard parts and a shot of nitrous to spool a big turbo off the line.

I don't really care how anyone goes fast and from what I see your on a good roll.Only thing I see in your build that I would change if it was mine is the engine I'm not that into 302s yeah they are nice if they are aftermarket blocks rather not have my block split cause I built it a little bit too much. but also I'm a firm believer in the 351W those 408s are tough to beat in anything from a street car to a drag car. An with boost a 408W is just insane this is what I plan on building for my 83 Ltd wagon.

Keep up the good work and blow the doors of some camaros and mustang and hopfully a few worthless vettes too! LOL
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 08, 2011, 04:57:10 PM
I am definitly on a budget, so there will be no tall block for me. no big buck build in my future.  more of the junk yard/used/modified and home fabbed approach... just like Josh is doing.......... ;) 
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 11, 2011, 02:23:23 PM
(http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo339/joshosvold/b0f89b87.jpg)
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 11, 2011, 06:58:05 PM
Hey Josh, that is one nice tire. whats the width ?... :)
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 12, 2011, 12:38:11 PM
the fronts are 14x6 and I keep forgetting to check the rear. I dont want to go wider than a 8.5" tire, just for class reasons.... When I get around to it i will paint the spokes a charcoal finish and re polish the outer edge.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on October 12, 2011, 01:02:58 PM
I'm going to have to go to the Alaska Raceway Park website and read some rules. what class were you thinking about running ?

http://www.alaskaracewaypark.com/
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: Madness on October 13, 2011, 05:14:26 PM
What class are you going to run? I am looking at the king of street... At some tracks they have a 8.5 and a 10.5. Due to the smaller nature of our cars I wanted to take advantage of the smaller tire class.
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: don33 on November 02, 2011, 07:25:23 AM
I've always thought V8 pinto wagons would have an issue with traction.  Mmmm, I may have to rethink that.


http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/imagehosting/106653467eedcf8bc7b.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/drag-racing/479676-ford-pinto-dragracing-car.html&h=480&w=640&sz=40&tbnid=Y9cwqcke5Rd-dM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&zoom=1&docid=NnavlvhqKRVJnM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OTCxTsm7GpPSiALwgqAU&sqi=2&ved=0CDUQ9QEwBQ&dur=1172
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: RSM on November 03, 2011, 08:36:34 AM
Wagons are great for drag racing. With the extra weight behind the rear axle, the weight transfer is much better than a sedan. That's partly one reason why my sedan got scrapped and the wagon got built. Gotta love seeing a nose up Pinto  :D
Title: Re: 1975 Drag Car Wagon
Post by: WIV8Pinto on December 26, 2011, 09:49:02 PM
I don't know why any of you go-fast guys wouldn't want to buy my 1972 panel wagon...351W C4 and fast!!!! all done and ready to RUN ! ! ! C'mon guys ! ! !