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Author Topic: New project- 1977 Pinto squire  (Read 5727 times)

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Offline r4pinto

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New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« on: August 08, 2021, 10:13:06 PM »
Short and sweet but just picked up a new project. a 1977 Pinto squire wagon. I never really liked my 1980 hatch and it's been sitting in the garage since 2018. I saw an ad for a 77 Squire wagon red with red plaid interior for $2500. Waited for it to drop, then offered $1500 when it didn't sell. It's rough, but I think of it as a diamond in the rough. This is my dream car. My parents owned a red 1977 Squire wagon with red plaid interior. This one will be optioned similar to it. More pics to come when it's day light.
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline PintoRoyL

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2021, 10:20:37 PM »
Looking good. I see you had to go for a drive to pick it up. I like those Love's Truck Stops.
Where are you from?

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2021, 10:24:25 PM »
Looking good. I see you had to go for a drive to pick it up. I like those Love's Truck Stops.
Where are you from?
I’m from Columbus, Ohio. The wagon was in Massillon Ohio. Needed to stop to check straps so figure I better get gas. It runs pretty well although they had to install an electric pump. I might leave it. I might replace the intermediate shaft and see what happens. The timing belt will need done anyway more than likely.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2021, 10:25:08 PM »
And thanks. The moment I saw it I watched like a hawk for a drop in price. I had to have it.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline dga57

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2021, 06:41:09 AM »
Hey Matt!!!


Welcome back!


Congratulation s on the new project.  It's hard to get motivated if you're just not into the car you're working on.  Squire wagons are very cool.


Dwayne :)
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Offline r4pinto

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New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2021, 06:57:10 AM »
Thanks. I hated hatchbacks from the first 78 I had. The sedan I had an attachment due to my mom and her 73 sedan. But the hatch is different. I got it to replace the sedan because it was local. Never connected. I’m going to assess what I need to reassemble the suspension on it, swap steering rack, brakes, and anything else. Once it’s done I will sell that car so the wagon can be put in the garage.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline dga57

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2021, 10:06:39 AM »
Makes perfect sense to me!  I've actually owned a base sedan, a couple of Runabouts, and a Squire wagon and the Runabout is my personal favorite style of the three.  That probably harkens back to 1974 when I bought my first one brand new. Nevertheless, it would be a boring, boring world if we all had the exact same taste in things.  I'm glad you found a Pinto you really like and I hope you'll share your project with us as you go.


Dwayne :)
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Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2021, 10:35:50 AM »
Makes perfect sense to me!  I've actually owned a base sedan, a couple of Runabouts, and a Squire wagon and the Runabout is my personal favorite style of the three.  That probably harkens back to 1974 when I bought my first one brand new. Nevertheless, it would be a boring, boring world if we all had the exact same taste in things.  I'm glad you found a Pinto you really like and I hope you'll share your project with us as you go.


Dwayne :)
Thanks. I paid $1500 for it and far from great condition. 5 years ago it would have been a $600 car all day long but prices have gone up.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline Wittsend

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2021, 02:18:55 PM »
 The timing belt replacement is wise. For the 2.3 they are very reasonable. Check the tensioner too, water pump as well. If the car is not driven daily that electric fuel pump will be appreciated. Saves the battery and starter when the carburetor fuel bowl is full BEFORE  you try starting.

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2021, 05:30:36 PM »
The timing belt replacement is wise. For the 2.3 they are very reasonable. Check the tensioner too, water pump as well. If the car is not driven daily that electric fuel pump will be appreciated. Saves the battery and starter when the carburetor fuel bowl is full BEFORE  you try starting.
I went ahead and went out to the car. Pumped once and fired right up. I think I will leave the electric pump. Although do a cleaner install on the fuel line. It runs right underneath the car  and doesn’t look too good   The timing belt, tensioner, and drive belt will be done before driving anywhere just to be sure it’s good.  Paint is dead on the hood and left front fender. Looks like a bad repaint and won’t buff. Oh well lol. To be honest it has the same crappy paint as the rear bed of my C10. I think it was done by the same person as bad as both look


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2021, 09:25:55 PM »
As promised here are pics of the car. More to come.
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2021, 09:36:12 PM »
More
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2021, 09:37:49 PM »
More pics. And what looks like original plug wires "Motorcraft duraspark"
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline dga57

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #13 on: August 10, 2021, 12:27:55 PM »
I've seen a lot worse!  It looks like a great starting point for a project.

Dwayne :)
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Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #14 on: August 10, 2021, 12:41:24 PM »
I've seen a lot worse!  It looks like a great starting point for a project.

Dwayne :)
Thanks. Last night I was having second thoughts after a lousy day at work. Sad that can affect anything. Pumped the gas once and fired up. I’m starting to order parts for it so I can mechanically get it sound. I’m looking at an entire roll of copper brake tubing. That stuff is awesome. Easy to bend and flare, while strong enough. Glad when the parts stores started selling it.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #15 on: August 10, 2021, 12:43:26 PM »
Thanks. Last night I was having second thoughts after a lousy day at work. Sad that can affect anything. Pumped the gas once and fired up. I’m starting to order parts for it so I can mechanically get it sound. I’m looking at an entire roll of copper brake tubing. That stuff is awesome. Easy to bend and flare, while strong enough. Glad when the parts stores started selling it.


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I’ve also located a gas tank in California for it. Going to go used since they don’t make wagon tanks and my old one is shot. I’m guessing that’s where my gas smell is coming from.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline PintoTim2

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #16 on: August 10, 2021, 01:20:15 PM »
Good find on that tank.   They are very hard to find in decent condition.   I bought my "Pintaroo" (wife's name for a Pinto Ranchero) with a fuel cell in the bed!   Took me quite awhile to find a tank to work with (had it shipped from New York to Michigan) - costs around $75 to ship IIRC.   I have heard of a Pinto wagon that used a Mustang II tank to get more volume (those tanks are available).   

Looking at the favorite Pinto section, the wagons are the most popular.  Someday I want one to make a cruisin' van.  But I need to finish my '72 hatch & '80 Pintaroo first.....

Looks like you have a great project!

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #17 on: August 10, 2021, 01:22:16 PM »
Good find on that tank.   They are very hard to find in decent condition.   I bought my "Pintaroo" (wife's name for a Pinto Ranchero) with a fuel cell in the bed!   Took me quite awhile to find a tank to work with (had it shipped from New York to Michigan) - costs around $75 to ship IIRC.   I have heard of a Pinto wagon that used a Mustang II tank to get more volume (those tanks are available).   

Looking at the favorite Pinto section, the wagons are the most popular.  Someday I want one to make a cruisin' van.  But I need to finish my '72 hatch & '80 Pintaroo first.....

Looks like you have a great project!
Thanks. I should have bought the 77-8 wagon in 2013 but didn’t. Instead I bought my 80 runabout which I never liked for two reasons- square look and hatchback lol. Oh well. I’ll take some items off that car before I sell it off.


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline PintoTim2

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #18 on: August 11, 2021, 07:20:25 AM »
I find it interesting what people like in cars.   It's probably a generational & region thing.   I love hatchbacks, but I'm 56.  My Dad's souped up '72 pinto was a sedan (bought used) & he really wanted a hatch.  My first car was a used '79 hatchback Bobcat (no option car).  When my buddy offered me his highly modified '72 Pinto hatchback several years back, I thought I hit the lottery!   I always liked the crusin' vans too, but my kids look at me like I'm nuts - they prefer the wagons!  I have a set of crusin' panels & trim so if I ever get a wagon, it'll be converted before I leave it to one of them!   

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #19 on: August 11, 2021, 07:53:29 AM »
I agree with you about the way different people like different types of cars. While I am not a "highly motivated" type, I seem to always have something I want to build/change/repair. My hatchback Runabout was used like a p/u truck more than as a passenger vehicle. I did have access to an actual p/u truck whenever I needed, but I felt good driving my Pinto until it quit in 1996. I replaced the Pinto as a daily with a '79 Datsun p/u, so I then had a true (though miniature) p/u truck. All of those "someday" dreams are finally coming to pass, getting myself started on restoring that same old hatchback at least to driving condition again. Its been 25 yrs since I pushed it into the garage and used it as a shelf/storage bin.

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #20 on: August 13, 2021, 07:05:52 PM »
I find it interesting what people like in cars.   It's probably a generational & region thing.   I love hatchbacks, but I'm 56.  My Dad's souped up '72 pinto was a sedan (bought used) & he really wanted a hatch.  My first car was a used '79 hatchback Bobcat (no option car).  When my buddy offered me his highly modified '72 Pinto hatchback several years back, I thought I hit the lottery!   I always liked the crusin' vans too, but my kids look at me like I'm nuts - they prefer the wagons!  I have a set of crusin' panels & trim so if I ever get a wagon, it'll be converted before I leave it to one of them!   
For me I think the reason I don't like the hatch is because I grew up with a 77 squire wagon, and I liked the sedan because my mom owned a 73 sedan. Wagons have always been my favorite but the sedan was my second favorite.
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #21 on: August 13, 2021, 07:23:04 PM »
For me I think the reason I don't like the hatch is because I grew up with a 77 squire wagon, and I liked the sedan because my mom owned a 73 sedan. Wagons have always been my favorite but the sedan was my second favorite.
Funny you say shelf/storage. That's how the 1980 runabout has been as of recent years. It just sits.  I jumped on the wagon since even it its rough rough condition is my dream car. It needs a ton of work but hopefully I can get it better. Eventually do more of the work correctly but main objective for now is get it driving, stopping, then looking better. This is the car I always wanted and I will cherish it greatly.
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

Offline PintoRoyL

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #22 on: August 13, 2021, 10:53:03 PM »
While waiting on the clutch-pressure plate, and other parts, I have gone through the brakes and replaced almost everything. My Pinto has been setting for 25 yrs, I didn't want my first "Grand Reopening" outing to also be it's last. Like you said, I also want to get mine "driving, stopping, then looking better".

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #23 on: August 14, 2021, 08:54:32 AM »
The timing belt replacement is wise. For the 2.3 they are very reasonable. Check the tensioner too, water pump as well. If the car is not driven daily that electric fuel pump will be appreciated. Saves the battery and starter when the carburetor fuel bowl is full BEFORE  you try starting.
Rockauto had a tensioner and belt for $15. And the best part is the free magnet that comes with! lol. There was a warehouse clearance belt for $1.50 so I also bought that. I'm a sucker for clearance and it's a good thing to have in my tool box anyway.  Got three parts shipments on the way, including the timing belt. The coolant is fresh so I'm suspecting the last guy did some work to get it going, including 4 AC Delco plugs. Original looking wires will get replaced, as will the cap and rotor.

Additionally I will look at re-wiring the fuel pump. They have it to the ignition coil hot side so the moment I turn the key to on it runs. Looking at getting a relay and oil pump switch so it won't run unless the engine runs.
Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #24 on: August 14, 2021, 11:31:52 AM »
Went out to the car. Shored up the seat with a 2x4 so it won’t fall through the floor. Pumped the pedal. Fired right up. Doesn’t sound perfect but runs fair. Once I get the valve cover gasket I will pull it so I can inspect the cam and possibly plan for replacement


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #25 on: August 14, 2021, 11:32:32 AM »
A shame I can’t seem to post the video clip. She doesn’t sound horrible though lol


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #26 on: August 15, 2021, 10:43:08 AM »
My only caution about Rock Auto close out parts are they can be (but not always) customer returns. I once go close-out brake pads for my wife's Civic. They were too thick to fit. Time was an issue as was the returning process. So, I spent about an hour sanding the pads (with good mask on) to finally get them to fit. Another time I bought an O2 sensor clos- out. It wasn't too long after the 90 day warranty that the heating element went bad. So, I sometimes wonder if they buy (perhaps unknowingly) suspect parts that the manufacturer know will fail in less than typical time.

Also my son inherited his grandmother's Mazda. It is 24 years old, 40K miles and NEVER had the timing belt changed. The one Rock Auto sent had packaging that looked like it was from the 90's. Being a rubber part I was concern the "new" belt might be 20 years old. I contacted the manufacturer and the person felt the belt might be too old as well. Rock Auto sent another belt but this one didn't even come in a box to get a "feel" for the date of manufacture. At this point I felt that just about any belt might be old given the 24 year old car and we just used one of the two.

But, otherwise I've not had issue with Rock Auto with their regular parts.

Offline r4pinto

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #27 on: August 15, 2021, 10:45:00 AM »
Yeah, I’m cautious about some parts from them and always comparison shop before I buy. If it’s close in price and in stock at the stores I go to stores. Knock on wood no issues yet


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #28 on: August 21, 2021, 12:23:38 PM »

Disaster struck


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Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress

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Re: New project- 1977 Pinto squire
« Reply #29 on: August 21, 2021, 01:17:50 PM »
I'm continuing at this point. My hatch I never really liked. Had issues. Rust discovered including a rusted out hatch area and left rear quarter panel. To save this wagon I will sacrifice the hatchback. Floor, subframe, engine, and other parts will be cut from the car. Rear brakes apparently are new. I will take the entire braking system from the 80 and install it on the 77. The engine on the 77 is smoking. I don't know if it's valve seals or if it's in need of an entire engine rebuild. For now the plan is to do an engine swap on the 77. Sort of poetic justice. 77 engine will be pulled from the 80 and installed in a 77.

Driver seat from the 80 will get installed in the 77 since it's in better shape. Eventually I will see what I can do about finding a correct replacement to the 77 seat.

I did install the wheels and tires from the 80 on the 77 wagon and hubcaps.


Matt Manter
1977 Pinto sedan- Named Harold II after the first Pinto(Harold) owned by my mom. R.I.P mom- 1980 parts provider & money machine for anything that won't fit the 80
1980 Pinto Runabout- work in progress