Greetings all, first post here.
Last January, I picked up quite unexpectedly an 80' wagon that had all the cutting and welding done. It had a stock rear, no engine or transmission and a very clean, blue interior. It was a 4 speed car with 103K miles. The body is very straight and the fab work is good enough that I can finish it right.
Its been a busy summer but I have collected most everything I need to get it roadworthy and beyond that are custom touches to the front valance and rear pan.
The motor is a '65 289 block and small chamber heads with all the goodies. 1.94 / 1.64 valves, good springs, roller rockers screw in studs and some bowl work. The block is all ARP stuff, forged rods, speedPro slugs that should make about 10.75:1 I havent chosen the cam yet but might go with a Comp Cams Thumper Series since it will be a street driven deal. I am fabbing mounts to get the motor back and down as far as possible. I have already dropped the rack 1.5" I have a set of NOS Hooker swap headers that are a couple decades old but perfect.
The trans is a C4 with the usual treatment. I have the small, Mustang II bellhousing and 144 tooth flex plate. I am looking for a looser than stock converter.
The rear is a '58 Ford Sedan 9" that is one of the narrowest around and drops onto the pins with an elongated hole in the spring mount.
That's the basics and I look forward to sharing it with you all. I appreciate any input or advice. I have owned 2 other Pintos in the past. There are some amazing cars here and I like 'em.
I will upload some current pics soon. Thanks for having me!
Hope you checked to see if it's a late 289 block, if it an early one the C-4 you have will not bolt to it , ask me how I know , later Blaine
Everything bolted together just fine. The C4 is out of a '79 Granada and I have it all sitting in the car while I mock it up.
Thanks
great , that means you have the late 289 , my first pinto I wound up with an early 65 289 with the five bolt rear housing, and a C-4 from a 68 falcon (yep a 6 bolt pattern) , and that my friend was lesson #2 when engine swapping , nice project , it will be nice when your done :)
Here is the mess so far. The gas tank is a '67 Mustang and is half the depth of the now gone spare tire well. This will allow me to do a center exit exhaust in a custom roll pan. A white maple floor will cover the tank.
wow, cool project...mini pickem up..... :)
That looks awesome!!!
Doing a great job..
Thanks guys, I am pretty excited to get work done in the next few weeks as things calm down around here.
Stay tuned!
They kinda remind me of an old subaru brat, but way cooler. Or maybe a pinto ute? I love the odd rods, and I'm not sure I can remember an odder one than that.
I have always liked Pintos for their body style (especially early) and add to that, the weight factor and a gearhead like me starts to get pretty excited. I have built plenty of traditional hotrods but this will be the oddrod I have been hankerin' for.
I am looking at American Weld Stars or American 200 S (coke bottle 5 spoke) in 8" and 7" wide and want to keep everything under the fenders with a slightly low profile.
This weekend I will finish the rearend mockup and get the new wheels on it. Hopefully I finish the motor mounts too.
Dirk