I'm in the midst of my Pinto project that I have been putting off my over 4 years. I'm finally seeing some progress and it feels good to see it coming along.
The car started out as a 1979 sedan. This was my 4th Pinto, and after I left my previous V8 project unfinished, I was determined to get this one completed. I found a solid 302, a C4 auto, a donor 8" rear, and in a few weeks of bloody knuckles, cursing (and a few boxes of beer!) she was running!
My engine knowledge it fairly limited, so modifications were limited. I used a pair of stock 351 heads with roller rockers, Edelbrock Torker intake, Holley 4 bbl, Crane 480 lift cam, and an Accel coil. I also installed a shift kit in the transmission for harder shifts. The rear is out of a mid 70's Maverick, and I'm unsure of the gear ratio. Nothing spectacular, but overall the car performed really well, both on the track and on the street. It was also a blast to drive around town!!
After 2 years of steady driving (and torture!.) the engine started to get tired, and develoved a bad tick. I think it was a lifter, not sure. Eventually I laid it up with the notion that in a month or two, I'd fix it up really nice the way I wanted. 4 years later it was still sitting there! :embarassed:
So about 3 months ago, I finally got off my butt and started working on her. My plans are to first strip, and redo the entire body, and to rebuild the engine. I plan on swapping to the early 71-73 front end style, and do a sort of pro street style car without the rear tubbing. I always thought the body was pretty decent, so I figured the body work would be fairly easy. ....yeah right!! I found out looks can be deceiving, and that sitting there for 4 years did more damage than I thought!! :surprised:
So far it's been a fun project to work on, even on the days when I found some nasty surprises! Currently I'm about 60% complete of the body, and the engine still sits untouched on the engine stand, but we'll get there. BTW, I'm doing this entire car myself, with the help of my brother and a couple friends. And although I know basic body work, welding and mechanics, I'm definitely no master of any of them!
Anyway, I though I'd post some pics on my progress.
This is one of the few photos I have of it when it was first put together. This is me on a burnout pad showing a group of Honda guys how it's done.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/Pinto.bmp)
This the sad state it was in when i pulled it out of the spot it was sitting in for 4 years. Frontend is already partially disasembled.
Like I said, the body looked good, other than the paint falling off!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_01.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/01.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_02.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/02.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_03.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/03.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_04.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/04.jpg)
Good to have you here and good luck! Did the pics make it thru? I'm in the process of a V8 swap myself and things always seem to go very slowly but I'm getting the pieces that I want to make it work right the first time.
This is the main donor car. '78 sedan. Got it for $300 with the intentions of fixing it up, then found out the car is totally rotted underneath. (When we lifted the front, the rear spring perches sunk into the car!!) But it has a really good solid set of fenders, and the doors look to be in very good shape, much better than on the 79. (The window frame rusted completely off on the rear of the driver's door!)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/Pinto019.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/Pinto015.jpg)
It's a shame the car is so rotted, because the body is in such good shape.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_06.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/06.jpg)
mannnnnnnn, that pintos could be some sharp with some paint, i have a stupid question do you know what size tires are on the back and front of the car ( i like the stance it makes)
Quote from: 80pinto302 on October 23, 2006, 08:56:02 PM
mannnnnnnn, that pintos could be some sharp with some paint, i have a stupid question do you know what size tires are on the back and front of the car ( i like the stance it makes)
I have 275 50R 15's on the back, and 14's on the front. Not exactly sure of the size off the top of my head.
Some pics after I started taking it apart. Floor wasn't too bad, but some rust issues. Driver's side being the worst. Trunk area was in great shape.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_07.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/07.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_08.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/08.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_09.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/09.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_12.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/12.jpg)
thanks for that, haha. Keep us posted and good luck with everything im very interrested in how she turns out.
Keep at it MrPinto. I drive my Pinto daily(well not when it rains). Keep the pictures comming as so we may all share in your Pinto project. I know I appreciate it.
High_Horse
#226
Well, the pace is SLOWWWWWWWWWW on the old Pinto. I only get a couple days a week at it, but I'm keeping at it.
A few more pics on the progress.
Late summer, a sad state and lots of nasty superises under the paint!! :o
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/19.jpg)
Hours of a wire wheel. Conned my brother into helping with the dirty work! ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/20.jpg)
Both sides behinds the rear window were rusted/cracked badly, and needed some new metal.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/21.jpg)
Got the early style fenders and hood in place. Found out later after a few hours of stripping and grinding that I need a new hood. :mad:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/24.jpg)
Found some espessially nasty areas in the rear wheel well area.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/26.jpg)
Here's where I find out the other side is just as bad!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/28.jpg)
Disgusted! :hangover:, this thing is NEVER gonna get done!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/34.jpg)
Current state. Still lots of work ahead, but it's coming along. MAN I hate dents!! >:(
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/36.jpg)
Got the rear spoiler (Thanks Don!) molded in. Looks great! Also got rid of the side marker lights as you can see.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/37.jpg)
Another shot of the spoiler. I'm going to smooth out that area where the quarters meet the rear panel to clean things up. I need ideas for custom tailights. ???
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/38.jpg)
That's all for now.
how about early mercury comet taillights. They are much larger than the pinto lights and on my 73 I was considering it, even bought a set. My rear bumper has the vertical impact bumpers and if the comet lights were installed the impact bumpers would cover half the light. I went another direction w/my car so they will not get used on the 73 but I'm thinking they would work for my 80. I have rear window louvers, extra hatch wing, hood scoops and the taillights on the 80 look bigger and the comet lights look like they would be a much better fit on it than the 73..
I cut-n-paste a pic on one of the pictures of your car to give you an idea what I'm talking about. I think the lights would actually be a little bigger than they look in the cut-n-paste, not much, but you get the idea.
and here's a link to an Ebay search for comet tail lights
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=comet+tail+lights&category0=&submitSearch=Search
I never thought of the comet lights. Pretty cool idea. I have a set from a '68 Camaro that I thought would look cool. Te 69's would look cool also. I also had the idea of the 67-68 cougar tailights. The ones that chase, but I can't locate a set. They are also very big.
I really like the look of the 68' Camaro lights on the Pinto. The 69 style are nice too. And now that I see the cougar lights on there it looks a little overbearing.
From a 68 Camaro
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/68camarolights.jpg)
From a 69 Camaro
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/69camarolights.jpg)
69 Camaro upside down.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/69camarolightsreversed.jpg)
67-68 Cougar
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/68cougarlights.jpg)
wow... lot's of choices.
I didn't like.. (and this is just my personal opinion)
68 Camaro - to square
I did kinda like..
69 Camaro (but not upside down)
and the Cougar's were my favorite out of the options you mentioned ;D
I found a couple of pictures of a car w/the comet tail lights so you can see an actual install but should be noted they are upside down (I think they should be put on correct) and the reverse lense was swapped out (and I think it looks better with) but it will give a better idea from different angles.
Mr. Pinto,
I have always liked the couger tail lights. I particularly like the way the turn signals blink progressively from the center out. They look good on the Pinto. I say Couger.
High_Horse
#226
awesome! i love it. im doing the same build. is that a stop spoiler? thats the same spoiler that im looking for. i like the cougar tail lights i seen a car on ebay once with them, and they look great but paint the chrome black. are you gonna run duel exaust? out the back? or out the sides? our projects are similar.. i love it.
i am using the same maverik tailights off a 77. does anyone have a few more pics of that pinto with the lights all ready done.wanted to see what the whole car looked like, nice way they used the cobra rims off the fox body mustang.now on the front of my 79 bobcat . i am planning on changing the way the front looks by making a custom grill incert and changing to the headlights off of a 85-89 merkur xr4ti.
I think I decided what I'm gonne do for the tail lights. I'm not big on the Maverick ones , the more i look at them. They stick out kinda far, I'm looking for something a little sleeker.
After surfing the net looking at the rear of tons of cars, I came across a 68' Firebird. I thought the tail lights were super cool, and did a little cut n paste job on my pinto. I think it looks awesome!! It's just the sleek look I was looking for.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/customtailights.jpg)
Yes........That is a nice taillight arrangement.
High_Horse
Okay, I am curious... Are you going to put the rear bumper back on or go with a roll pan? Maybe like something off of a 67 Mustang with the reverse lights (since the firebird ones appear not to have any of their own). Nice looking custom job btw.
Soooooo, after a little hiatus, I'm back to the grind on the Pinto project. After finding out that my hood was in "less than decent" shape, I decided to look for a new one. Well, unfortunately in my part of NA, a decent hood is next to impossible to obtain. I then contacted Unlimited products about their glass hoods. $300 plus almost $400 to ship!! :o
Then of course I see 78Pinto's posts about the hood he got from them. ::) So, I said the heck with it, and I'll do what I can with mine. Well, iot's a good thing I'm not afraid of Bondo!! LOL
I liked the look of the cowl scoop on the UP hood, and I'm gonna need the clearance for the 408W, so decided I was going to make my own version out of metal, then fill it smooth. I decided on a 4 1/2" high x 20" wide cowl. I cut the rear in front of the hood support, and forward a little before where the front of the hood starts to dip. It took a little "convincing", but I managed to get the top of the hood bent up. I then made the sides from 18g, and tacked them in at the rear, and slowly worked my way to the front so the top of the hood took the same shape. I wanted the illusion of a longer hood, so I added another 4" past the rear of the hood, over the cowl area. I finished the corners with rolled strips of metal to take some of the square "home-made-ish" look off it, and stiffen it up. I also welded in a small piece of rod in the center of the scoop for added rigidity. I think it will look pretty good once I smooth it out. And the best part, it only cost me about $20 in metal, a bit of mig wire, and a few hours getting flash burn! ;)
BTW, please excuse the crappy welding. I learned as I went along.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_scoop6.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/scoop6.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_scoop2.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/scoop2.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_scoop5.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/scoop5.jpg)
Cleaned up the underside a little. Also tacked the hood support to the skin to stiffen it up more, so less chance the fill can crack later on.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_hood2.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/hood2.jpg)
Whatchall think?
I also started on the tail lights. I cut out the old mounting holes, and welded in new pieces. I'm going to fill these out smooth, then cut out the new holes where I want them. I'm using front turn signals from a 89-93 Chev 1/2 ton for the light housing. They will work perfect for my custom lights.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_spoiler.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/spoiler.jpg)
We are in the same boat,poor people have poor ways.I had my body done it took me most of last summer to pay for it.Start swapping the engine in a month or so.Keep posting and working on it
wow it looking and coming along realllllllllllly nice. man, i really gotta get on my car :embarrassed: i really like your plan with the tail lights. keep up the good work.
Finally got the hood finished. I think it came out pretty good considering it was in horrible shape, and it was my first attempt making a scoop form scratch. Cost a helluva lot less than the glass one I was gonna get too! But I suppose if I had to have someone make it for me, it would have cost the same, because it was almost 3 days of filling and sanding!. So I'm glad I watched my dad closely gowing up, and learned a thing or two! ;)
Rub rub rub rub rub...Ugh! I'm sure glad to be done with that!!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_hoodfill.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/hoodfill.jpg)
All finished and primed!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_hooddone.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/hooddone.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_hood4.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/hood4.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_hood3.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/hood3.jpg)
Awesome job on the scoop! I can do alt of stuff (build engines ect) but body work is NOT one of them. I would have been better off getting you to make me a hood than have spent $600+ on the UP22 crap! I'm impressed!
Well I dont like your hood scoop.....
Since I'm a nice guy I will send you my hood and you can put you old hood on my car.:)
Frank
PS: please paint that grabber blue so it matches the rest of my car.
MrPinto,
It looks fast. Your an artist Mr. Pinto. The extention towards the windsheild is good. The lines are good. 10
High_Horse
Quote from: FCANON on February 02, 2007, 10:37:30 AM
Well I dont like your hood scoop.....
Since I'm a nice guy I will send you my hood and you can put you old hood on my car.:)
Frank
PS: please paint that grabber blue so it matches the rest of my car.
Good try Frank!
Gotta watch that Frank
Got some more done to the Pinto.
Instead of posting pics here, I have a progress journal on another board, so I'll just update that. Check it out, it sure is coming along nice.
Pinto Project Journal (http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?action=view&journalid=20395&page=1&reverse=1)
I like how your fabbed skinny bumper turned out. Looks very clean, and I would guess it must weigh like 3 pounds!
Yeah, it weighs next to nothing! While I was considering fiberglass bumpers, I got looking at the bumpers on my 78 parts car, and noticed that the top part of the bumper was the same as the early style, it just has that big bottom part added. So I decided to try and snip it off and see what it looked like.
I think once it is filled smooth and painted, it wil very hard to tell the difference.
(http://hotrodders.com/journal_photos/00020395/thumb_11709135280.jpg) (http://hotrodders.com/journal_photos/00020395/11709135280.jpg)
I think the wheel looks pretty trick with the pinto badge in the center! 8)
(http://hotrodders.com/journal_photos/00020395/thumb_11709141921.jpg) (http://hotrodders.com/journal_photos/00020395/11709141921.jpg)
MrPinto,
I checked out your other site...project log...looks like your logging just fine here. I did not realize where you started with that car. Keep up the good work.
High_Horse
As stated earlier in this thread, I said I was changing the tail lights, and I did. I also decided to change the look of the rear by removing the bumper and molding in the roll pan. I decided I needed some sort of line there instead of just smooth. I seen a few don by smoothing out the whole back and I don't like it that much.
What i did was just weld on the roll pan, and weld in strips to cover the gap that the bumper normally covers and mold the whole thing together. I'm not finished yet, but I thought I'd post a pic to see what you guys thought.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_newpics6068.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/newpics6068.jpg)
I also started the dash. I took it from the doner car because it's in better shape (other than the dash cap).
I sanded and repainted using JD Blitz Black. I also cut out some 20g sheet metal to cover the vent openings and also for a place to mount the guages.
I always liked the look of the spun metal finish, and decided to try it out. I think it came out OK. After I was finished I painted the bare metal with a transparent black to darken it up but still let the effect come through.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_newpics6074.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/newpics6074.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_newpics6080.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/newpics6080.jpg)
i agree on the rolled pan look. i've seen oter cars with that type of mod and they all lack a sense of definition. the lines that you have built in will, i think, make the whole thing a lot more appealing
MrPinto,
The spun metal looks good as well as you gauge layout. I'll bet you spent a little time in front of that drill press. I might do something like that down the road but first I need to get a T.V. in the garage. Lookin good!!!
High_Horse
Update on the instrument panel. I wanted the tach I used to be more of a factory look instead of bolting it on the dash or column. As luck would have it, a good friend of mine just happened to have an old pro mod stock car out back amongst a pile of old wrecks and it had a 3 1/2" tach in it, along with a perfect fuel cell!
I took the instrument panel apart, and the tach fit so perfect, it looks like it was made for it! I just had to remove some of the white plastic to clear the tach. I also took the silver center button thing off the fuel guage and fastened it to the tach needle so it matched the speedometer. I also repainted the bezel (Krylon Fusion rocks!) and handpainted the silver trim. Looks brand new! 8)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/th_newpics6082.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/newpics6082.jpg)
MrPinto,
Yep....Looks stock....Very nice job.
High_Horse
Got the rear end body work pretty much done. Only minor things here and there. I think it looks kickin! Never seen one like it.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_rear1.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/rear1.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_rear2.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/rear2.jpg)
After a few weeks in the air, it nice to finally get the rear back under it. Both pairs of leaf springs I had were broken!! :mad:, and shipping a new pair to my location was gonna cost me a fortune. Luckily, there was a guy just down the road who does leaf spring work, so I had a brand new set custom made.(still alot of $$$ :( )
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_springs.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/springs.jpg)
Starting to bolt it all back together. The new springs are STIFF! :o Hopefully will settle some.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_rear3.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/rear3.jpg)
Here a shot of the aluminum fuel cell I got for free! 8) Just got to finish cleaning it up, and mount it in. Fits great!!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_cell.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/cell.jpg)
>:( :embarassed: ::)
Yesterday, I got some parts of an old 78 that guy had in the woods. A few good parts I needed. It had a nice set of sport mirrors, and some interior pieces that i needed, along with a MINT dash pad. :o Couldn't believe it, not a scratch on it, and it's been sitting there since 1988!! So I got all the parts I needed, including the heater box, and carried them all out to my car, started to put them in the back, then noticed I punctured a small hole in the top of the dash pad with a bolt from the heater box! :mad:
Well, let me tell you, I think I invented a few words!
So I got it home, cleaned it up, and gave it a couple coats of Semi-gloss black Fusion. Looks SUPER. Well, except for the minor wound my stupid butt did! Hopefully it's not too noticeable. ???
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_donedash.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/donedash.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_donedash2.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/donedash2.jpg)
Here's a pic of my stupidity!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_dashcrack.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/dashcrack.jpg)
I like your dash setup... looks really nice ;D
MrPinto,
Ditto....Serious nice dash. What guages do you have there and what make are they??
High_Horse
Gauges are Trisco. Cheaper brand, but I couldn't afford Autometers :-\. I know a few guys using these and they say they work fine. Plus they looks nice, and you can change the led backlight from 7 colors! 8) Got them from Princess Auto. Not sure if they have them in the US.
They are from left, Oil press, Engine oil temp, Trans temp, Volts, Water temp, and Vacuum. And that's fuel, on the far left.
The plate where the radio sits is where I'm mounting my switches, with a little LED for each.
MrPinto,
Yes, AutoMeters can be pricy but they offer every guage imaginable. I went with Equuis because they were easier on the pocketbook but they have a very poor selection. APC offers a good selection and they are in the 30 dollor range with the different LED colors. I got my vacuum from them. You have a nice arrangement there.
High_Horse
Some more pics. Not a whole lot of progress in the last couple weeks. Got the front end cleaned up and together, bumper finished and mounted, and rad installed.
Using the rad from a V6 Ranger. Rad was in excellent cond. and the price was right..FREE! Got it about where I need it, just a few adjustments for clearance. I'm going to cut a piece of diamondplate to cover the top. You can also see through the valance, I welded a cross brace between the frame rails to stiffen up the front end a bit.
For the tail lights, I'm using the housings from a 1990 Chevy Silverado, and the lenses from a Honda Accord. I mocked them up and took a pic to show what they look like. I'm going to mount them with 3M double sided mounting tape. I think they look slick. 8)
For the front bumper, I cut up one from a 78, bolted the top and bottom together and filled the seem. I mounted it right up to the body. Looks much cleaner.
And excuse the messy shop!! :P
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_bumper.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/bumper.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_2922.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_2922.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_frontmounted2.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/frontmounted2.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_radmounted.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/radmounted.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_taillightmockup2.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/taillightmockup2.jpg)
More progress on my car. Body work is DONE!!!! Finally! I never want to see another sheet of sandpaper as long as I live!! haha
It's finally getting some SHINEY!!
Under hood area.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_Newpics8022.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/Newpics8022.jpg)
New Ranger brake drums.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_Newpics8018.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/Newpics8018.jpg)
All new brakes front and back, all new lines and hoses.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_Newpics8015.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/Newpics8015.jpg)
Here's my seats. Out of an XR4Ti. Very comfy, nice features (adjustable lower lumbar support, tilting headrests) I welded on the brackets from the Pinto seats.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3212.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3212.jpg)
Bodywork finished, prepped for high build primer.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3208.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3208.jpg)
3 coats of 2k primer.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3234.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3234.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3232.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3232.jpg)
All block sanded. Got the woman to help clean out the dust to get ready to paint the jams.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3242.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3242.jpg)
Now a little taste of the color!! :o
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3247.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3247.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3254.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3254.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3253.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3253.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3252.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3252.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3251.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3251.jpg)
Inside the trunk I used this black and white speckled stone stuff used for yard ornaments. Found at the hardware store pretty cheap. Looks great. Reminds of of the stuff used in the old cars back in the day.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3262.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3262.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_IMG_3263.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3263.jpg)
So that's it for now. Car will be in the paint booth on Monday. Got a pro painter friend going to spray it for me. I'm comfortable doing the jams etc, but too much dust at my shop!! Once the paint is on, it's interior time while I wait for the clear to cure fully before applying the black stripes.
MrPinto,
OK!!!!....I'll say it!!! Your BadAss!! I was going to paint ThunderPinto pink but my wife threatened me with staying awake and watching golf on tv. I have been impressed with your effort and result all along the way....and man you know how to ice a cake. Shiney is good but BadAss is best.
High_Horse
Haha, well thanks! The color is definitley bold, and even more so in person!! I have been getting alot of wierd looks when people see the color LOL!!
Will have the painted car pics very soon. Can't wait to start the interior!
Nice body work. Cant wait to see the car finished.
I love the tail lights mrpinto! Where did you get the rear spoiler....is it a bolt on unit or did it require some modding? Jeff
Quote from: 78pinto on May 28, 2007, 10:04:05 PM
I love the tail lights mrpinto! Where did you get the rear spoiler....is it a bolt on unit or did it require some modding? Jeff
Thanks. I'm lovin the rear of the car. The spoiler I purchased off someone on the forums here. Other than a few wobbles in the glass, it fit perfect. It's bolted on, then molded in. I like things to be SCCHHMMOOOOTTHHHH!!! :D
is it an aftermarket thing, if so do you know who makes it? thanks
I almost feel embarrassed posting pics of my car after seeing 78Pinto's pics!! :embarrassed:
Anyhow, after a few setbacks, my car finally went to the paint shop for final prepping and paint. The pics do not do the color justice at all, it pretty much GLOWS in the sun!! I love it!
Final washing after all the blocking was done.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto1.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto1.jpg)
Notice anything missing?
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto2-1.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto2-1.jpg)
Ready for the long awaited color!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto5.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto5.jpg)
I put a black stripe along the bottom just above the rockers reminiscent of some of the early Fords. 2 large semi gloss black stripes will also go on the hood and the trunk lid.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto6.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto6.jpg)
Paint on and cleared. Taking off the masking is like opening a present at Christmas!! The color looks almost red when out of the sun.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto10.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto10.jpg)
In the sunlight the color brightens up a lot!
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto11.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto11.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto14.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto14.jpg)
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/th_pinto16.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto16.jpg)
Pink and Black Rock!!!!!!!! Unintimidating yet.....Badass!!!!!! Truely an exterior combination denoting opposite ends of the phychological spectrum. Colorfull schemer.
I am excited!!!!!
High_Horse
that is a thing of beauty.
Got the satin stripes on, along with a little custom touch on the rear wing! Oh, and I also decided against the black on the dash, and painted it pink.
I'm extremely happy with how well the hood turned out!
(http://photos-009.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v124/29/92/872855009/n872855009_983681_9346.jpg)
(http://photos-009.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v124/29/92/872855009/n872855009_983682_9746.jpg)
(http://photos-009.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v124/29/92/872855009/n872855009_983683_85.jpg)
(http://photos-009.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v124/29/92/872855009/n872855009_983684_447.jpg)
(http://photos-009.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v124/29/92/872855009/n872855009_983685_801.jpg)
(http://photos-009.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v124/29/92/872855009/n872855009_983686_1165.jpg)
:amazed: WOW! :amazed:
Looks Awesome !!! I like It!!!
Mr. Pinto,
Awesome is an understatement!!!!! I am glad I was finally able to get back on FordPinto and I don't need to tell you all where I zeroed right in on. Thats right!!!! Here!!!!
I am impressed and I am diggin your car. Whewwwwwwwwwww. I suggest that you submit photos for the 2008 calender.
High_Horse
Thanks guys. Hopefully everything will come together soon and it will be a complete car. I have more progress on the interior. I'll post more pics when I get em.
Mr. Pinto
So I know how you guys like the SHINEY around here. Well, I have a contender for the "Shiniest interior in the WORLD" award!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3717.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3727.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3729.jpg)
Also, a few pics after I got the paint buffed out. This is the shiniest this car has ever been I'll bet!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3664.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3667.jpg)
Argg!!! I can't see... I can't see... I was blinded by the shiny!!! 8)
Looking Good!!
SWEET.
Bill
Well, I would expect that you would have reached the apex of this project. You continue to overwhelm my Pinto senses. As I am conventionally asperated I find it appropriate lately to make sure I have a paper bag to breathe into when approaching your thread. Maybe I am overreacting....puff...puff...puff.
I will give you some advise.......A good artist knows when to stop.
My advise.......Don't stop.
Observation......Puff...Puff...puff.........Badpuffass.
High_H........................
i have a question about the rear, because i wanna lose my rear bumper too. is that all custom or did you put some pieces together to make that happen? also , what did you do about the huge bumper brackets did you cut them off? because i was looking and if i unbolt it there might be a problem with the leaf springs. thank you
Quote from: sharpe on September 01, 2007, 02:22:34 PM
i have a question about the rear, because i wanna lose my rear bumper too. is that all custom or did you put some pieces together to make that happen? also , what did you do about the huge bumper brackets did you cut them off? because i was looking and if i unbolt it there might be a problem with the leaf springs. thank you
The back has a lot of custom work. The valance was welded on, and pieces were welded in the gap. Not to mention the tail lights and spoiler that really change the look of the car.
The bumper brackets were removed. I unbolted the bumper brackets and the leaf shackles, removed the bumper brackets and rebolted the shackles in place.
Haven't posted in a while, so here's a set to update y'all with Mr. Pinko!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/IMG_3722.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/front.jpg)
I wasn't a fan of the opening in the valance, so I made a filler panel made out of perforated metal to fill the area but still let air flow through freely.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/fillerpanel.jpg)
Got a set of seats out of a Murker XR4Ti, cleaned them up, used some fabric paint on the dark areas, and masked off the Pinto logos for a little custom touch.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/seats2.jpg)
Here's the freshly built 306 shortblock. New SP forged pistons, rods, turned crank, new timing set, and Comp .565/.574 lift roller cam. On top are going a pair of World Windsor Sr. 200cc heads. This Pinto is gonna fly!!
Oh BTW, the engine is going to be pink too!! 8)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/306.jpg)
Mr. Pinto,
Really nice!!!!!!!!!!!
High_Horse
When one takes the time to peruse this material, two emotions clearly emerge....
"WOW" (as in, like, wow does not even begin to cover it)...and....
"D***" (as in, like, I'll never have a ride that nice, how can you even compete with something like this?)
Words really can't express the sheer intellect of this project - you are to be congratulated, what a wonderful, well documented effort of love. I could only hope to aspire to such a level.
Chris :surprised:
PopBumper,
Quote"D***" (as in, like, I'll never have a ride that nice, how can you even compete with something like this?)
The answer to that question is....Get out there and give her hell. This car inspires me.
High_Horse
I haven't been on here in forever. I moved to a place where we can't get internet, if you can believe that! ???
Anyways, thanks for all the kind words. I'm having so much fun with this car, I can wait to get it finished so I can start another one!! haha
The progress has slowed a bit on the "Pinko" recently. I left my job and am currently starting to open my own business, so that kind of took care of my finances for a bit.
Right now I'm waiting on a few engine related parts so I can get the engine together. The extreme cam I got required me to get larger valve springs, and I decided to get the heads ported, along with a few other things. Hopefully, the engine will be assembled in a couple weeks and we can get it under the hood and start plumbing and wiring it.
This is my engine / drivetrain combo.
'88 306 block
SP power forged pistons
Ported World Windsor Jr. 180cc heads (1.94/1.60 valves)
Proform aluminum roller rockers
Comp XE282 roller cam (.565 / .574 lift - 232 / 240 dur @)0.05) and matching springs
Ford Racing Hydro roller lifters
Weiand Stealth intake
MSD pro billet dist., coil and 6AL box and wires
Holley 650 mech. DP carb
Proform 35gpm electric water pump
SP high volume oil pump
Moroso 8qt oil pan
Carter electric fuel pump and Holley regulator
Rebuilt C4
Stage 2 Transgo manual valve body
Heavy duty clutches
B&M Megashifter
Rebuilt 8" rear
Motive 3:80 gear
Richmond 28 spline axles
Richmond Loc-Rite locker
Cooper Cobra 295/50R15 tires (26.5 high)
This combo should hopefully move this Pinto easily enough.
And of course I had to carry the color scheme under the hood! ;D
(http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v143/29/92/872855009/n872855009_1495361_2966.jpg)
(http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v143/29/92/872855009/n872855009_1495362_3224.jpg)
How'd you get der Merkur seats to fit?
Quote from: dholvrsn on January 15, 2008, 10:41:58 AM
How'd you get der Merkur seats to fit?
I removed the original mounting hardware, and welded on the Pinto hardware and they bolted in like the originals. I got them for free, so I figured if they didn't work out it wasn't a big deal.
They're very comfortable seats, and after a little paint they also look very nice. They do sit a touch higher than the originals, but since I'm only 5'5", I'm not complaining! :D
After some delay due to finances, I finally have my engine pretty much together.
I snapped a few pics along the way.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/302c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/302d.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/302f.jpg)
AWESOME PINTO. It's just amazing. So much quality custom work put into that car it is awesome.
-beegle55
You do nice work....Two thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
High_Horse
I lost a lot of momentum on the Pinto. I quit my job and recently opened my own business, so my time was used up to say the least.
But now I'm back on track. Ready to bolt the engine and tranny in the car int the next day or two..
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/3062.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/3063.jpg)
Got some more progress pics. Hopefully have it on the track next week.
The fresh engine it it's new nest.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pics007.jpg)
I think I overdid it with the 14x4" breather! Won't clear the hood even with the big scoop!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pics013.jpg)
New Proform electric water pump, Afco "Scirocco" aluminum race rad, 11x11" tranny cooler, and 12" Flexalite fan installed. Also a new K&N 11x2" Xstream Flow breather sits "under" the hood!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/stuff027.jpg)
It's a TIGHT fit!!! :o
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/stuff029.jpg)
And when I say tight, that's exactly what I mean!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/stuff024.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/stuff033.jpg)
A bit of wiring, a few hoses and we're good to go! 8)
Slowest progress in history!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/engine.jpg)
But after many delays , she's ALIVE!!!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/video/video.php?v=76567400009&ref=nf
Superb work on this car, I wish i could see this pinto in person ...
Mr. Pinto, Congradulations on a job well done. With the completion of cars like this....of this caliber of quality and creativity.. sets the standards a little higher...Badass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
High_Horse
Thanks guys! I had a blast driving the car for the first time in 6 years yesterday. And it's way different than it was before!!
The car runs good, considering it's not been tuned at all yet, and I'm still breaking it in. It's only timed by ear, and it's a little lean, so bigger jets or a bigger carb is in order. Even so, this car DOES NOT hook up at all with the slicks I got!! Smokes through 1st and 2nd! So once i get it tuned and hooked, I should get some good times.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto011.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/burnout.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/Pinto%20restoration/pinto015-1.jpg)
Coooollll!!!!
High_Horse
NICE CAR What did it run at the track?
Did a best 12.51 the other day. It's never been timed properly, cause I didn't have a pointer installed. So when we got home, installed the pointer, and timed it, it was 10 degrees out!! So that might be good for half a second, maybe more.
New best at 12.26 @ 108mph. Going through the traps at 5300rpm, so more gear is in order.
Wow, haven't been on here in forever, and just went back over this thread. OMG, brings back memories! haha, I'm so glad that it's done, and yet can't wait to start my next project, although it's not another Pinto.
I've got a few miles on the Pink Pinto, and had a ton of fun in it. Did some racing, got it as fast as 11 secs in the 1/4, then decided to build a full on drag version, so I sort of "detuned" the Pink car to improve the street manners. I now take it out the odd weekend, to car shows etc. Been a few years now and my bodywork seems to be holding up ok, haha.
Here's a pic I got this summer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/pinto79.jpg)
Also have a drag Pinto with a 460 that is about 90% complete, but I expect it to be a mid 9sec or so. I keep the two "girls" in my little "stable" ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/pintostable.jpg)
As for my next project, being a pretty die hard Ford guy, I couldn't stray. But it's gonna be quite different than the Pinto. I can't wait to get at this thing. Still in the planning stages as of yet, but maybe I'll start a new project thread on it, although it isn't a Pinto.
1956 Ford f100
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/Mrpinto/56Ford.jpg)
Mr Pinto,
What headers are on the car?
Dick
The headers are modified Mustang II.
Now the question is what year Mustang II headers did you modify? I ask because I am looking for a set for mine. Being a former drag car the present headers are pretty beat up. I know every fit is different as there are no motor plates used in mine, just modified motor mounts. But I have to start somewhere and knowing what fits yours is a start. Thanks.
Not sure what year they are, but I'm pretty sure all Mustang II's are the same. I don't think they changed at all from '74 to '78. Some pipes had to be moved a bit, and the angle of the collectors had to be changed a bit
What rear leaf springs did you use for your V8? I need to replace mine on a 1980 and need to know what spring rate would be best for a V8.