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Author Topic: Building a nice performing but very street friendly pinto  (Read 1653 times)

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Offline drive80pinto

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Building a nice performing but very street friendly pinto
« on: August 31, 2009, 10:23:22 PM »
Hello everyone,

As of today a stand with a 1980 Baby blue (exterior/interior) pinto that needs some TLC. Since ive had it i pulled the motor and a/t out rebuilt the motor and put it back in with a 4 speed transmission. I have many ideas of where i can go next with my pinto. I would like to have a pinto the perform fairly well on the street, so i guess i am looking for ideas on what suspension parts you guys would recommend, and if its a good idea to lower it a little bit if at all possible. Also i am looking for a nice set of radial tires to throw on the 13 inch rims. eventually i want to paint the car and change the interior. Then maybe a turbo four cyl.

Any suggestions would be great thanks!
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Offline hellfirejim

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Re: Building a nice performing but very street friendly pinto
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2009, 05:45:13 PM »
Welcome to insane world of what to do to my Pinto.  I have a project thread that covers what happened to me and parallels what you are going through. Project shurtagul AKA Pinto street toy

Hears the deal: You have to decide what your final goal is.  This is probably the most important part of this whole journey.  Once you had decided that you can make a plan to get there and the most important part is it will save you a ton of money... don't ask How I know......

As for the lowering part I ma going to use 2" dropped spindles and I have 15 inch tires.  You can get steel dropped spindles for the best price Speedway Motors in the pony stock section.  I have learned the the front brake lines on a Pinto ar 16" long and when you go to the dropped spindels it will take a 19" mustand II front brake lines.  I have not done it but that was the instruction I was given.  I will do this drop in the spring after the income tax fairy lands on my bank account with a nice fat refund.

Seriously the first part is really important, you will happier in the long run and working on the car will a lot more enjoyable.  don'y worry you will have some challenges but that just comes with working on a Pinto......  We have everybody here with all kind of knowledge to share once you decide your direction.

good luck

jim
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Offline popbumper

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Re: Building a nice performing but very street friendly pinto
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2009, 10:37:44 PM »
While I agree with the premise of "deciding on your final goal", I have to honestly admit that I figure it out as I go along. I look at "segments" to complete, and categorize them like:

1) Floor - repaired
2) Front end - rebuilt
3) Gas tank - restored
4) Interior - stripped and in process
5) Dashboard - in mid-restoration, have removed and will replace with another restored unit. Have much to still do under the dash
6) Add power brakes - NOW - since the dash is out, I have a power brake booster, and I have the necessary bracket/pedal parts, which have all been restored
7) Windshield - removed, rust on periphery repaired
8) Headlner - SOON to be replaced as the windshield must be out to do so
9) Rear end - have an 8" to put in, but must restore before swapout. Will also put new rear springs on.
10) Bumpers - removed, all hardware underneath pulled, sandblasted, repainted
11) Inner fender - needs replaced, am lining up folks to do it
12) Motor - not sure yet, will probably build one on the side then install
13) Bodywork - absolutely last.....! Except for the cowl hole, which has been repaired.

To make my now long story short, I have really decided to do EVERYTHING and touch it all as I go. I am doing everything BUT rotisserie restore, which I would have, had I had the time/space/money.

Coming full circle, for me, it's not about the goal as much as the adventure; if I touch it all NOW, I have a wonderful final product and it will be easier next time!!

Chris
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Offline hellfirejim

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Re: Building a nice performing but very street friendly pinto
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2009, 06:52:27 AM »
Basically the same as I was saying it just a different method to reach the goal.  I too enjoy the solving of all the problems and modifications.  Except it is just so damn much fun to drive, but i think i enjoy the building the most especially within my limitations.

Eventually you will touch all parts of your car.  As you make something better it makes something else look ratty and so you move to upgrade that which makes the next piece look well you know and so on and so on.

Enjoy the making it the way you want.
ji,
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