Pinto Car Club of America

Looking for info. I have a 1976 Pinto and looking to convert the front and rear to look like a 1971. Will the grille and bumpers interchange? Please Help.

It can be done,but alot of fabricating! Good luck! Early Pintos had solid frame work,after '74 shock absorbing -heavy mounts and differant trim. The grille also mounted differantly.

I believe a 74 or 75 grille will interchange with your 76.  74 was the first year of the cable hood release.  The 71-73 cars had a manual hood release so the grille is different and would probably have to be modified to work on your 76.  I believe the early bumpers will bolt on with some fabrication however the front valance will have to be modified to clear the larger radiator support frame.  There is a pink 79 or 80 that was converted years ago.  If I remember correctly he showed what needed to be done for the early front end in his thread.  Sorry I forgot his screen name.

I've got a '75 (vertical & horozontal bars) that I've put a '74 (vertical ribs) grille on.

Also gonna drain the bumper shocks to move the bumper closer to the car. Hope I helped a little@!

There is an easy way to draw the fat bumpers in to fit flush, if that will help. I did it on my 77. I showed a step by step in one of the forums. If anyone is interested I will look up the link and post it.
Bill

Joebob..please?

Here it is
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?topic=19149.msg120637#msg120637 (http://www.fordpinto.com/your-project/simple-fat-bumper-fix/msg120637/#msg120637)