:welcome: MATT!!!!


You're story sounds similar to mine in some ways. I was 15 when I started to work on my Pinto. Started with the motor as my brother blew it up when he drove the car. However, at the time, I wasn't really interested in the car at the time (more focused on my computer hobby). I actually got my driver's license and first drove the car when I was 19 (same as you) and the more I drove it, the more I loved it! That's when I decided to restore it, which eventually turned into resto-modding it!

It has just a few rust spots with the worst being the driver's side floor pan (which will be replaced soon) and the quarter panels just behind the rear wheels.

I, like you, have nearly all of the original paperwork minus the sales receipt and the window sticker.

My 78 was a 1 owner car, my mom received it as a graduation gift from my grandparents and when she signed it over to me in 2008, it was still in her maiden name!

Mine was at 143,000 miles when I started driving it after the motor rebuild, the odometer just rolled past 70,000 miles for the second time last week!

Nice Whip Man! It will make a great project and it doesn't sound like you need a lot of work on it.

I restored my 75 HB. Thought i was going to leave it stock- until i found a 2.3 turbo motor! My winter project on it is putting the turbo in it for the spring. Either way you go, they are a blast to work on and a blast to drive! Good Luck with it.

Kenny - Topeka Ks.

 Looks like you found a very solid car I am sure you will be pleased with it. I am the third owner of mine and have been lugging this thing around since 1986 and I now just started to work on it again. It was painted and redone in 86 but it needs it badly again. I was going to sell it but after working on it I decided to hang onto it.

1973pinto_runa bout:  Congratulation s on the purchase of your first Pinto.  I'm working on my sixth one, lol.  These little cars are great to restore.  My story is, I purchased a 1971 trunk model nearly new when I was in High School.  Just two years ago I purchased another 1971 trunk model, exactly like the one I had; however, it needed restored.  Two years later, it looks brand new (may want to check my gallery under larjohnson).  Anyway, the only real trouble I had was the headliner.  The headliner itself cost me about $50.00; however, it cost nearly $650.00 to install.  Hope your headliner is good.  I also have a one owner 1972 runabout which had 33,000 actual miles on it when I purchased it 3 years ago.  My parents and I also own a 1977 Pinto Squire Wagon, which has 34,000 miles, we just purchased that together in April 2010.  Hope you love your Pinto, and when you're my age it's sitting in your garage just waiting for the next car show.  Good Luck!!!!!  Larry :police:

You lucky dog! I want awoody wagon too! I'd say grab it!!!  Same goes with the '76. Natch, you'll need to get pictures...    Don't forget interior shots!!!