Hi Folks:
I would like to hear ya’lls opinion on the following topic. I have a 77 Pinto Cruise Wagon that I bought in 1978. It is in very good condition but not pristine like some of the Pintos I have seen. I have done my best to conserve it in its original condition. However, some parts and components are obviously showing their age. For example, the decals on the back panels have little cracks throughout. The rug on the passenger side is a little worn, the engine burns a little oil and things like that.
So the question, is it better to restore it completely or just conserve it in its present condition? I do not want to modify it in any way and want to keep it in factory like condition (either conserved or restored). I understand that some Pintos have been kept in garages their entire life and not used much, and these should never be restored, but I have driven my Pinto every day since 1978.
In addition, if I decide to restore it back to “like new condition†does anyone professionally restore Pintos or do you know of anyone that restores Pintos?
I really appreciate your opinions on this issue.
77pintocw
My opinion would be to build it as you please. These are not like factory Shelby's or Yenco's or anything else highly collectable. I think"my" car looks it's best with a hood scoop, Weld Wheels and a turbo motor. It fits my personality as well (cheap bastard that likes to go fast hence the $300 initial car purchase) But I still like the Pinto as a stock car.....it just needed a little tweek.
Only an opinion.
Hey CHEAPRACER:
Thanks for the input, I'm looking for all different opinions.
Cheers!
77pintocw
PS: I am also having problems with the new server system. I takes me several times to "login". It
gives me an error that my cookies are not set correctly.
In my opinion, I'd do whatever it took to keep it running well and keep it looking nice. Like CHEAPRACER said, Pintos will never command big dollars even if it stayed all original stock like other muscle cars. I think people are more impressed with a nice looking Pinto than an original stock Pinto that has 30 year old carpet and worn seats.
My '77 Hatchback has the stock engine, but I repainted the exterior, put 14 inch chrome rims on it with 245R14 tires, new leaf springs that raised the back 4 inches, and it looks sweet. I turn more heads with that car than anything. Just last weekend, I was driving south on State Rt 87 about 10pm when a car pulled up next to me, slowed down to keep pace, and the passenger in teh car took a flash photo of my car while I was driving it! Good luck.
Hey pinto4you2003:
Good input! You made some really excellent points. I greatly appreciate your honest opinion.
So, did you get them to sign the photo rights to take a pic of your Pinto? ;D
Thanks again!
77pintocw
Hey 77,
I have had my pinto going on 20 years now. I built it in high school and maintained it up til 2001 when it was rear-ended and totaled. I never really had much money, so I just worked on it here and there (before the wreck) and it was a very reliable car, but it was always in poor condition (body and interior). I kept the undercarriage and motor in great condition. I had always had this dream of having a head turner, but could never afford it. Now that I have a decent income, after the wreck I found a shop that was willing to do the work. I didn't care what it cost-it was time for my dream to come true. Everyone always asks me why I put so much money into a pinto and I say, "who cares about the money, I feel like a million bucks when I am in that car!!". And even my friends that are Chevy lovers say that it turned out very beautiful. This January it went into the shop. I just got it back on 6/15. I cannot explain the feeling I have driving the car. So many folks stop to ask about it and they look it over real well and say how nice it looks (even several comments on my fordpinto.com sticker!) When I pass folks on the road, they always smile when they see the pinto. I agree with the previous posts that a customized pinto turns more heads than a stock pinto. My pinto is sleek and sexy and it really looks nice. If you want to spend a little money for a long time, then I say conserve it. If you want to spend a lot all at once, then go for the restore. If you have ideas for your pinto that go against the stock pinto, then why not go for it? You are only limited by your imagination. You can make your car a reflection of you. I love driving my pinto everywhere!! If you feel for your car the way I feel for mine, why not make it look hot? After all, it has been reliable to you for so many years. Before the wreck, I had taken my pinto to two collision repair shops. They both showed me the door, obviously just in it for insurance money. I found a shop that consisted of true professionals willing to take on something new-a challenge. I told them what I had and what I wanted and they said they could do it. My shop never restored a pinto before mine and they stood behind their work. They told me they enjoyed the project. There are shops out there, you just need to stop in and pay them a visit. Best of luck!
Tiffany
Hey 77, you and I have the same bday. Funny!
Hey sagesunrise:
You have been very helpful. I am truly sorry to hear about the accident and hope you were not hurt in anyway. My Pinto also has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. It has only failed me three times, once for bad gas, once for a dead battery and then when the timing belt broke. Recently, my local Ford dealership badly damaged and threw away many engine parts of my Pinto and it just devastated me how someone could do such a thing my car when I had taken such care of it since 1978. We do have a local auto shop that could do a fantastic job with my Pinto. Actually, it is the same auto shop that did Paul Harvey’s old car. I have talked to them several times and they tell me that the wait time now is 3 years and they just don’t need another job, especially a Pinto. They don’t know why if I want to spend that kind of money I don’t invest it into something that has real value. As you pointed out, people just don’t understand how we love our Pintos! We Pinto lovers are an interesting breed. I too get many looks and smiles when I drive my wagon and it is really fun to drive.
Thanks again for the constructive input and yes I saw that we have the same Bday. ;D
Cheers!
77pintocw
PS: Got any pics of your "new" Pinto that you could post?
Hey Tiffany,
Send me a picture of your car. It sounds like it is really sweet (sick).
Hi 77pintocw,
I'm of the restore mindset. If the car was pristine, I would detail it and leave it alone, but from what you have said, it is not. The ravages of time and exposure to the elements have taken their toll. One consideration for duplicating the graphics would be to have them painted on. You could take numerous photos and dimensions and have them painted on. By using a clear coat over them, they would last longer than the tape graphics with proper care and would be easier to redo, should that time ever come. I would make sure to keep a record of the exact colors used by the painter. There are now parts being reproduced today that weren't available just a year or two ago, such as some of the weatherstrips. Carpeting is readily available, even though the cargo area would have to be custom done. Headliners are available in the original fabric pattern and colors. Most any suspension component you could want is available thanks to the proliferic use of the Pinto/Mstg II suspension on almost anything! Many, many parts can be found on eBay if you're willing to take the time to look and search for them. If done properly, a restoration can make your baby look like new again! I think another area that people lose sight of is trying to justify the cost. If you like the car, plan on keeping it at least five years, and are going to invest $10K-$15K on a restoration (rebuilt engine, trans, rearend; fresh paint, rebuilt suspension and brakes, redoing the interior, replacing weatherstrips, etc), what new car today would you be happy with say spending only $10K-$15K on. I'd say the selection is very limited! But by restoring your car, especially the CW, you end up with a very unique vehicle that you don't see on every street corner and it looks new and SHINEY again!! Sounds good to me!!
I don't want to use up 77's thread with my pinto situation, but if you would like to check out the thread titled "Hello Pinto Lovers" you will see some interesting photos of my project (It is under General Pinto Talk even though I should have put it under Your Projects). I will have some updated pics posted this weekend-have done lots to it.
77, I wish you were not so far away because the shop I took her to, Extreme Auto in Shelton WA, is THE BEST BY FAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No "why do you want to spend this money on that car?" Just a "Yes, we can do it" and excellent customer service all the way around. To me, and to my pinto.
Hi 79panel:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree with what you have said. Money is not the issue. Trying to find someone that will do the job professionally, takes pride and stands behind their work is the difficulty. As you said, where can you get a totally new car for $10-15K like a Pinto CW? I’ve had my Pinto since 1978 and obviously will keep it until … I will takes some pics this weekend and let you all see what my CW looks like today.
77pintocw
PS: My wife says I can go down and get a new Ford Focus Wagon for $15K, what an attitude! ;D
Hi sagesunrise:
Saw those old pics, not a pretty sight. Can’t wait to see the “new†Pinto. Yeah, too bad I am not closer to your auto shop, no one around here wants to do Pintos.
77pintocw
Hey 77pintocw,
Go buy this 2001 focus wagon and you will have 9000.00 left to spend on your Cruzin Wagon. ;D
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31835&item=4559397110&rd=1
From Pintony
Hi Pintony:
I would only consider a Ford Focus if Ford would come out with a Ford Focus Cruzin Wagon.
It would be nice if they did it starting 2007, thirty years after introducing the Ford Pinto Cruzin Wagon.
Knowing Ford, this is only a dream!
77pintocw
Be original!
Make your own F.C.W.
I think the focus comes in SILVER! ;D
From Pintony
Keep lookin' 77. There has to be a shop in your area somewhere. May have to travel a few hours, but it will probably be worth it. My restoration (not including the interior) was a heck of a lot less than the cost of a Ford Focus. Ford Focus' are ugly! Think Pinto!! :D
I like sage's point about restoring a pinto to reflect your personality. That's one of the best ideas I have heard. Some cars were meant to be all original, but the pinto isnt one of them. I dont see them becoming 50,000 collectors items, either. I have been considering tackling the cool street rod project soon. And I have had a million ideas running thru my head. But after reading Sage's advice about the whole personality issue, I am seriously considering........... well I might as well voice it, A PINTO !!!CHOPPER!!! TRIKE.
I am thinking of using the v-6 and c-4 and all the goodies from racer walsh that I aint allowed to use at the track. The seat would sit where the motor used to be. Then I could use the fenders for armrests!! I still have some design stuff to work out in my head and on paper, but I think im going to do it. Then I would have my streetrod, my pinto and my motorcycle all in one.
Wow Dirt Track!! Creative, Unique, Powerful...and comfortable!
Hey Folks:
Thanks for all of the input. It has been very helpful. Finally got around and posted a few
pics of my Pinto. They are posted under "Your Pintos, Sedans, Runabouts, & Wagons".
77pintocw
I'd say whatever you do with your Pinto is fine as long as you're able to keep it on the road, keep it from rusting away.
Just don't do like my dad did with his '50 Ford -- he liked the car too much to let it go, but was too cheap to fix it up, or keep it repaired and maintained -- so there it sat, turning into a pile of rust.
Hi renton481:
I totally agree!
Cheers!
77pintocw
77PINTOCW WHAT YOU DO WITH THE CAR IS YOUR DECISION, BUT THERE ARE NOT MANY WAGONS LIKE YOURS LEFT. A MILD RESTOATION IS A GREAT IDEA,LEAVING IT AS STOCK AS POSSIBLE BUT PERSONAL TOUCHES TO SUIT YOUR OWN TASTE. MY OWN CAR IS A '71 THAT IS BONE STOCK FROM THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAD IT UNDERCOATED, SO THAT'S COMING OFF AND I'LL DETAIL THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THAT'S AS FAR AS I'M GOING WITH IT. GOOD LUCK WIT YOUR PROJECT. AND HAVE A PINTO DAY. CONSFIRE
Hey CONSFIRE:
That's probably what I will eventually do once I can find someone to help me with my project.
Thanks for the positive input! ;D
77pintocw