As I contemplate putting my '88 Turbo Coupe engine/trans. into my '73 Pinto wagon I began to wonder what other items might make the swap. Some thoughts are:
1 The steering column. This would allow adapting the cruise control and the variable/multi speed wipers. I'm thinking fabricating the appropriate plate might make the T/C wiper motor fit.
Also, (though not important to me) one would get the tilt steering wheel.
2. The dash speedo/gauge cluster. Thus, everything relating to the engine is all there. I don't expect it to fit the stock bezel, but one fabricated to intigrate into the dash face.
3. Center console. I realize there is a parking brake issue, but there are cars out there with them on the side of the tunnel or..., the left side of the drivers seat (that's where it is on my Sunbeam Tiger).
4. Power windows. The center console would allow controls for power windows. I'm not sure how the T/C motor would adapt, but Audi was incredibly simple using a motor and a cable suspended under the window to let gravity lower it and the motor to raise it (like an awning shade).
5. Power door locks. And I'll throw in the power trunk/hatch release too.
6. Intigrate the Intercooler vents. Intigrate them into a stock hood.
Anyway, I'm not sure how feasible any of this is. But, if anyone has done these swaps, or have others they would like to share I'd really like to hear from you.
Thanks, Tom
Wittsend,
I have not tried any of that. What I am going to do next is pull my rear end and attempt to convert a single track to a limited slip, poorboy/rocket scientist style. Then I am going to mount a radiator in the back of the wagon and have it duct from the rear wheel wells. Wittsend was my second name of choice..Rock-on Pinto brother....I like your act.
High_Horse
IMHO: Unless you have a full wind-tunnel and gear for it, stay away from trying to use a 'top mount' I/C. Yes, you COULD get the T/C scoops, or a home-made one in, BUT if it does not get air, you will do more harm than good. Just because it looks good does not mean it works; what is your goal?
Bill
Bill,
I get your point. You have triggered my memory to recall that back in the Bob Glidden, Pro Stock days the Pinto was said to be more arodynamic backwards than forwards. The scoops were more of considering the "challange" than intent. If it had merit I wanted to pull any and everything from the Turbo Coupe before it was sent off to the crusher. That's why I typically, 'ask before I do.'
Any thoughts on my "other" ideas?
Thanks, Tom
I don't have much, if anything, to offer other than that with enough time and money ANYTHING is do-able.
1) Some Pintos came with intermittent wipers, however it is one speed. Modifying an entire column for a swap is not something I would do.
2) Someone here has installed aftermarket gauges into the stock housing.
3) I have seen poeple install a Mustang II or Fox body console; they have the e-brake in the same location. You will need to do some work to make it meet the stock Pinto one.
4) JC Whiplash had kits years ago, they still might. Other than that I have no idea, but I am sure there is room for a motor in there somewhere.
5) Most lock actuators I have seen are 'push/pull'. I would think it would be a matter of just adding a tab to the lock rod and making a mounting bracket.
6) Forgot to mention there is not much room under the hood for a duct above the I/C (unless you lower it, or the engine). Every one of those I have ever seen in a Pinto has the duct on top of the hood and that makes the T/C scoops useless.
Bill
Quote:
1 The steering column. This would allow adapting the cruise control and the variable/multi speed wipers. I'm thinking fabricating the appropriate plate might make the T/C wiper motor fit.
The intermitent wipers is all in the switch and governor, the motor does not have to be changed.
I'm in the middle of putting the power mirrors off my parts 88 on my 74,also i read that on joe morgans pinto he used the rear disks on his pinto 8 in rear. the seats from the tbird are also going into the pinto.and if i get really bored i'm gonna try the tbird gas door
let me know if the seats fit.
Quote from: dave1957 on December 10, 2007, 02:16:05 PM
...the seats from the tbird are also going into the pinto....
They might fit if the Pinto is a PRE 75. There is a different shape to the floor on the 75 and later ones to make room for the cat.
Bill
My Rallye has the Turbo coupe seats in it.I used the stock seat tracks for the passenger seat.Had to add plates to adapt it.The drivers side uses the T-bird rail which is all power.They are a tight fit but they look good and are very comfortable.
Quote from: pintoman on December 10, 2007, 05:48:31 PM
My Rallye has the Turbo coupe seats in it.I used the stock seat tracks for the passenger seat.Had to add plates to adapt it.The drivers side uses the T-bird rail which is all power.They are a tight fit but they look good and are very comfortable.
I did the same but for only a short time. The rear headrest were so tall, it made a serious blind spot and it felt as though I was sitting about 2 inches taller.
I tryed a pair of Saturn seats. I had to raise the right side one for the floor, so I made the drivers side the same hieght. The seats bottoms were the same height as the Pinto ones, BUT the Pinto ones squish and the Saturn ones did not. This had my head hitting the roof. They looked great, but I took them back out the same day.
Bill
I used a pair of Pontiac Fiero seats. They are the same size as a pinto seat and easy to put in. They have a nice headrest and look really good. A little hard to find but they are out there.