PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Shiny is Good! => Your Project => Topic started by: russosborne on April 01, 2018, 01:43:15 AM

Title: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 01, 2018, 01:43:15 AM
ETA: I'M BA_ACK.  ;)

This is the one I posted about being for sale in Tucson.

Bought it today. Will be getting it delivered in the next week.

Don't really have any pictures of it yet. Got some on my phone, but can't get them on this computer. Besides, I want to get some good ones once it is here.

It's a mess, really. But a promising mess.  ::)

The below is pretty much from memory from a very long day today.  :-[
Some  of this will be much clearer once I get some pictures up. He already took down his CL ad.

Oh, speaking of the seller. His parents were the original owners. He got the car when he was about 17 after his first car died. Or something like that. New York car for the first 2 years, then they moved to Arizona. No rust. Really. He put the turbo 2.3 in it and did lots of other work (some mentioned below) then decided to go crazy with it. That was probably his mistake. It was running with a turbo 2.3 and T5, but then he decided he wanted a "race car for the street"with a full cage etc.
It's now been sitting about 20 years. Guy put a lot of money into the full roll cage, sub frame connectors, and some other stuff (he didn't do the welding, had a local oval track race car shop do it)and then it got put to the rear. Been garaged the whole time. And this is Tucson, so low humidity.  It's setup for a fox Mustang 2.3 rear sump oil pan. Makes my life easier to put my Mustang 2.3 in it. Although for now I am stuck with the A4LD auto trans.
Recently had a brother pass away and he got his brother's 78 Mustang II. Decided it was finally time to let the Pinto go.

Rolls, full suspension and steering. Although the seller had put an 89 Mustang tilt column in it. Steers but no wiring done. Bare column, no plastic bits. I like the tilt, but not sure at this point. Has a quick ratio rack and pinion. Can't remember the name, starts with an S. I'll be putting the tubular upper control arms on it.

Comes with most stuff except engine/trans/seats. But in a lot of storage bins.
 Dash is apart, will be a challenge if I want to use it with the cage. But it's all there except for the stock radio.
Full factory harness, but we all know what I think of those.  :D

He shaved the door handles off, it's setup to use the door key to open the door. One side needs some work, hadn't been used for the 20 years or so.
Frenched power radio antenna on the passenger rear quarter.
Homemade (but he is really good, he makes rear seat deletes now for Fox bodied Mustangs) door panels.
Dual remote sport mirrors. I have them on the 74, will see which are in better shape.
Rear facing Citation X (remember those cars?) hood scoop riveted/glassed in. Only has a small hole cut in the hood for where his turbo something went, but simple enough to cut the hood to fully utilize the scoop for clearance for EFI assuming I keep that on my 2.3. The rear of the scoop is open.
8 inch rear with 4:10 gears. Something I've always wanted. Really means I need the overdrive transmission.
Grill and front lights all there somewhere. I saw most of the front end stuff. Mounting it all might be another challenge.

Honestly, I'd love to make this a tilt front end. Preferably with fiberglass, but don't know if there is a one piece 79 front end made. Could end up doing it with steel. Oh, the cage is run all the way to the front of the front subframe. Which is the cause of the challenge in getting it all together.

I will need to locate a windshield. All the other glass is there and good, including the Moon Roof and the hatch. Speaking of which I need the hydraulic supports for the hatch.

Has both bumpers, but not on the car. At least I should be able to do the tucked in mod with this car. Although if I remember right, the 77/78 came with aluminum bumpers. Something to look for later on.

I will make a vow here that I will NOT be tearing this thing down for the fun of it. Heck, it's already pretty much tore down. I will take stuff off if I am replacing them, but only when I am ready to actually replace it.

I need/want to go through the interior with a grinder to clean up some surface rust, and paint  it. I am not getting the cage certified, so I don't have to worry about not painting the welds.

Have to see if the power seats from the 97/8 Mustang I had bought for the 89 Fox Mustang will fit. Hope so, would be nice not to have to pay for seats right now. I could use the factory seats from the 74, but at this point they need a full reupholster job.

And yes, some buyer's remorse already. I can't tell anyone in my family about this, it would cause some hurt feelings that I spent money on another car right now. Plus I have doubts about my ability to do the work on this. Not from a mechanical point of view, this is all well within my skills. But more of a physical "can I get out there and really do the work" sort of thing. I mean I have a really bad track record lately of not getting anything done other than spending money.  :-[

I really need to pull the engine/trans/radiator/computer/wiring from the 89 like tomorrow. Or at least this week so I can get that car gone. It would be easier if I could just buy all new stuff, but that isn't happening. It's here, it's paid for, so I need to use it. Until I put a Cleveland in this sooner or later.  ;D
But for now I need to get it on the road asap, and the Mustang stuff will pretty much do that.

Anybody in Phoenix/Glendale who is bored and wants to help let me know. ;D

I really hope this doesn't end up like my other two Pintos here did. Or the Mustang either. I haven't given up on the Ranchero.

Thanks,
Russ

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on April 01, 2018, 05:08:47 AM
Congratulation s, Russ!  It actually sounds pretty good and, as you pointed out, you have plenty of parts!  Don't let self doubt get in your way; you CAN do this!  Can't wait to see pictures!

Happy Easter!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 03, 2018, 01:14:30 AM
I'm trying, but the " I think I can" keeps coming out  "I think I can't" ::)

I just read the thread on my Ohio 79 Pinto. Maybe it is having this new car, but it wasn't as depressing as it was last time I read it not too long ago. Looking at that poor car and all the rust I don't know what I was thinking. Yet my Ranchero might have more rust than it did.

Going back and forth on pulling the engine/trans stuff from the Mustang. The seller has a friend up here who actually runs a Fox Mustang parts/salvage yard/shop (don't remember the name, but I had heard of it before this weekend) who the seller says may be interested in buying the leftovers. I had to send him some pictures and told him if his friend wanted to, I would take a different 2.3 along with a T5 trans for the whole car. Be MUCH easier on me. Haven't heard back if he has even seen the text yet. In that case I would most likely put a carb on the engine and have no need for the computer. Or save up and buy a stand alone EFI computer like a Stinger.

Hey, Phil, if you are reading this, I might have another complete 79 dash for you.  ;D ;D ;D :P

Seriously, it is coming with a decent dash(pad even looked usable) , but with the cage I would have to really do some modifying. I am thinking about just buying a generic aluminum race car dash that you cut to fit and install gauges in. Depends on how much I would have to modify the stock dash. I like the idea of having the stock dash, but ...

Speaking of the Mustang, I actually went out and looked at it. I think the wiring is less than I had thought would need pulled. Tried to start it, battery was dead. Charged it up, think the car is too low on gas. Wife asked what did the gas gauge say. Doh. I didn't look at it, was just reaching in and turning the key. Maybe tomorrow. It was cranking fine when the battery was charged. I also may have hit the inertia switch in the trunk that turns off the fuel pump. I've done that before. But really think it is just out of gas, like it's owner. Or it knows what I am going to do to it and it won't go easy.  Honestly, if I had a good transferable title to it I would just sell it, but I don't.

I also got the Ranchero moved about a foot to the side so I can get the engine hoist out. Poor Ranchero. I really do need to get it done first so I can really work on the Pinto in the back behind the fence where the Ranchero is now. Don't know if I can do two cars at once(little Ranchero, little Pinto). I need to get it rolling at least. Just when I was planning on taking it apart.  :-\

But at least I got SOMETHING positive done today. I have tomorrow off as well, have a cardiologist appointment at 10, then grocery shopping and nothing else planned. If I don't here from the seller I guess I need to get the Mustang running enough to move to the side out of the way and then start prepping for the big operation. I am hoping to have it ready to be taken away by whomever before Sunday when the Pinto is supposed to be here. I am hoping that with the Pinto against the gate and fully tarped except when I am working on it no one will complain to the city. I need to make sure to keep the weeds in check to help with that. Seems the city will drive around looking for things like that. I'm just not good at yard work stuff.

My primary care doctor visit today went better than I had expected. Mainly adding a couple of meds, and tweaking some others. He did a circulation test on my legs, a breathing test, and an ekg. All were ok. He wants me to have an echocardiogram done at the cardiologist's office (they do all sorts of tests, pretty big place). Upshot being I am not going to drop dead doing stuff, I just need to start doing it and get some stamina going. The way I've been feeling I was worried something was wrong with my heart/bypass stuff.

I'm really anxious to get the Pinto here. It's not really mine til then.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on April 03, 2018, 09:48:10 AM
Russ,


Glad to hear you got a good checkup from your doctor!  I suspect once you really delve into these projects and work through the initial exhaustion, you'll start feeling better really soon!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 03, 2018, 11:03:55 PM
I don't know. See my post in the off topic area.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 05, 2018, 03:42:43 AM
Maybe I should have titled this Third times the charm? More likely Three strikes and you're out!

I realized I have pictures on my phone, but don't have a usb cord for this phone and the computer. Probably a good thing, that way it will be a little longer before you all say I am insane.

Looking at those pictures tonight at work. Wondering if I am insane. I mean there is a reason this guy had such a hard time selling this car. It will be a project for sure.

I keep going back and forth about the Mustang as a donor. But I think I have settled on yes. Worst case I put the remains on CL as a bare rolling shell for $100 and take whatever. There are enough parts that will go with it to make it a good deal. I will probably yank the entire wiring harness. The Pinto does come with the original, but I will be changing and moving the fuse box at the very least. The fox Mustang ones are pretty good. Newer style fuses and pretty compact. Thinking about the console, would most likely take the front(under dash) part and mate it with the Mustang II dash I bought a few years ago since the Pinto ebrake is in the middle of the tunnel and the fox Mustangs are off to the side, so that part of the console wouldn't work. Or make the rear part, I will need cup holders. Believe it or not, the Pinto and the Ranchero will be taking turns being a daily driver. If I ever get both running at the same time.

Seriously thinking about taking the radiator support and possibly the top section of the inner fenders (part where the fenders bolt on to) from the 74. Saw someone here that cut out the inner fenders for a cage but left those intact. Not sure if that will be easier than fabbing up a radiator holder. Probably, at least for me as I am better at modifying than I am at creating from scratch. Although I did like how the rear box came out on the 74. Which I WILL be taking out and keeping. Don't know if I can use it as is with the cage, but going to try and see what happens.

Keep flipflopping on the front end as well. I really like the small bumper look, and not a huge fan of the 79 style front. I mean it's ok, but not great. The issue is I have (will have) everything for the 79. Grill, headlights, bumpers, etc. Seller has everything he has taken off of the car. I would have to buy some stuff if I wanted to do the other front end. Actually would need everything but the fenders and hood. And this is something I can always do later, as I won't be putting a big money paint job on it anytime soon. Maaco most likely.
I do need to look into the one piece front ends and find out what if anything is still available. Maybe do it out of steel with the 79 parts, since I wouldn't get too upset if it didn't work out. Kind of silly wanting a tilt front end with a 2.3, but you never know what the future could bring. And  it would definitely be different.

The 89 Mustang steering column the seller put on doesn't have anything for the turn signals. The column is really just the actual column, or shaft. If it wasn't a tilt it would be one of the first things to go. But maybe I can do something with it. Also the lower shaft is welded to a universal joint that attaches to the rack. I don't know if that is something that comes apart further up or not, so have to look into that before making any plans for the column. The rack is a quick steer made by a company called Sweet Mfg. Have to see if they are still around.

Will definitely be putting the tubular upper control arms on. Might as well, brand new bushings and ball joints. Plus they will fit right in  the race car scheme. Just need to get the lowers at some point. Not sure about using the spindles I got. I can't remember if they are lowered or not. I am sure I posted details in the 74 thread. Just have to go look. Kind of dreading that.

From the pictures there may be more surface rust than I thought. But it could also be just dirt. Either way, I need to start at one end and use a wire wheel or something and clean it all up and paint it. That needs to be one of the first things I do before getting carried away with fancy stuff. I don't want to leave stuff like that.

Got to thinking about the dash situation. I need to have the vin there, so I am going to have to at least use the metal piece of the dash that goes to the windshield that has it attached. Jeg's has an aluminum dash http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS-Performance-Products/JEGS-Aluminum-Dash-and-Dash-End-Panels/1796962/10002/-1 for just over $100 that I can probably make work with that piece if I have to. Although I am still going to try to make the stock dash work. Might have to make it like a jigsaw puzzle so I can get it to fit around the pieces of the cage, but I don't want this to look like a race car as much as a street car with race car genes. If that makes any sense. I could not come up with the words I really wanted to say.
Car is going to have to have A/C for instance. Don't know if this car originally came with it, being from New York I have my doubts. But that can be fixed. Maybe pull the a/c stuff off of the Mustang.

Of course this is all based on my actually getting the car. For some reason I am having worries about the seller flaking out on me. I will contact him later tonight, hoping he has the title ready to go and still on for Sunday.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 06, 2018, 04:21:59 AM
Heard from the seller without my having to send him a message.
Still on for Sunday, it will be before the break of dawn (for me) at about 10am. He has the title ready to go as well.

His friend is not interested in the Mustang. Probably a good thing in the long run. I won't feel so rushed taking the stuff from it.  I guess worst case scenario is I pay to have the shell taken away. Still think someone will buy it. After I have all the stuff I want off I will list it on CL, parting it out or all for a much lesser price than the individual parts. I need to get some gas for it, need it running to move so I can put the Pinto behind it. Hate putting gas in it just to take it apart, but it would be much easier if it moves under it's own power the next couple of days.

I hope I am doing the right thing. I probably am, but am having the middle of the night "what the heck am I doing this for when I have the Ranchero that needs work/money" moments.

Thanks,
Russ

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on April 06, 2018, 11:34:46 AM

I hope I am doing the right thing. I probably am, but am having the middle of the night "what the heck am I doing this for when I have the Ranchero that needs work/money" moments.


I think it's entirely normal to second guess ourselves; I know I do it all the time!  It will all work out - just have a little faith! 

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 07, 2018, 10:15:25 PM
Right now I am having serious doubts about using the Mustang for parts. Just moved it from one side of the driveway to the other as it was in the way of where the Pinto needs to go. 3 people couldn't really do it, I ended  up having to use the Subaru for a push truck. I can't work on pulling the engine/trans where it is at and I don't know if I have another move in me. Stupid thing wouldn't start It always started before. Maybe has sat too long with the gas. I put some more gas in, that was a major undertaking in itself. Bought a new gas container, then I had to modify it to even get gas into the fill pipe. And then I think it was about 2 parts into the tank and 1 part on the ground. I even ended up cutting the wires to the inertia switch and wiring them together, but still no fire. I think the Mustang knows what I am planning to do with it. Although at this point scrapping the whole car is a serious option.
I'm going to try to give myself some time to cool off. But if it wasn't so late already I'd be calling a scrapper.

I should be excited about tomorrow morning, but right now I am about 50/50 on calling the guy and telling him to keep the $500 but I don't want the stupid thing.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on April 07, 2018, 11:16:30 PM

I should be excited about tomorrow morning, but right now I am about 50/50 on calling the guy and telling him to keep the $500 but I don't want the stupid thing.


A good night's sleep should help dispel that thought!  Hang in there, Russ!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 08, 2018, 12:35:22 PM
Well, the car is now at it's new home.
That's the good news.

The bad news is I saw a couple of patches on the driver's floor that I didn't see before. I can't really crawl around under it right now with my back hurting, and frankly am a little scared to, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is rust. Not sure about the passenger side, way too much stuff sitting on it right now.

I did the same thing with the Ranchero. I got under it and looked and didn't see it. I must have rust blinders on or something. :'( :-[

I'll know more once I get all the  parts out of the interior, but that won't be today for sure. I already have like 7 totes full of parts to take to our storage room. More than I can take in the Subaru in one trip.

Be going to Home Depot later on for a tarp. Or maybe I should just scrap it now and get ahead of the curve.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 08, 2018, 12:44:23 PM
Couple of extra parts.
AC heater box. Car was heater only.
Front and Rear sump 2.3L oil pans.
One original rim. Not the hubcap kind. Will have to take a picture. He did have all 4 but apparently they rolled off over the years. Who knows, they could show up when he moves some stuff around, but I'm not worried about it. I wouldn't use them anyway.

Couple of wiring harnesses, not sure why he has two.
Headlight assemblies.
Bumpers.
Dash.
Smog pump stuff.
I haven't gone through everything yet. Probably won't for a while. I need to get all the parts that are stuffed inside the car out (like the bumpers and dash and who knows what) and then take a good look at what is what.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on April 08, 2018, 07:16:04 PM
Sounds like getting everything out of the car and put away will keep you busy for a day or two.  Just try to stay focused on the anticipated end result!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 10, 2018, 01:56:37 AM
Yeah. More like a week or two. Only doing anything with it on the weekends. Got the Subaru filled with wife's ex's stuff from storage. Didn't make it to Goodwill in time Sunday. Going to try to do it on the way to work tomorrow, only a half mile out of the way.
Still got two totes of stuff sitting on the driveway, those need to go to storage asap. Then I can start pulling stuff out from inside the car.

What I really need to do is to just tarp the car and not touch it until the Ranchero is back on the road. But I know myself better than that.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 12, 2018, 03:34:12 AM
I still haven't taken any new pictures, but these are from the day I looked at it in Tucson.
Hope they come out ok.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 12, 2018, 03:35:23 AM
2nd set.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 12, 2018, 03:36:27 AM
Last for now.
Go ahead and laugh.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on April 12, 2018, 09:40:22 AM
Well, it's obviously a project... but I don't see anything laughable.  You can do this Russ!!!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 26, 2018, 04:32:32 AM
We'll see.

I am taking the week of May 7-11 off from work (vacation time) to try and get the Mustang stripped and gone. Need to do some around the house stuff as well. It'll only be around 100 degrees out then. sigh. Seems I always manage to time this outside stuff just right.

Haven't done anything with the Pinto yet other than putting more parts in storage. Feel free to ignore the following story of what I did do this past weekend. Not even car related.

This past weekend I had to fix a patio door (sliding glass door) that didn't want to slide. Typical for me, it took about 2 days. Part of the problem was starting on it later at night when everything is about to close. I had thought I could just go buy new assemblies, but turns out there are several of them available. Trip one to HD Saturday evening.  Then I had to grind the heads of a couple of screws that hold the roller assemblies on to get them off so I could take one and match it up. Trip 2 to HD Sunday late afternoon as it was too late to run the grinder Saturday night. Then it turns out the new ones didn't come with those screws, so Trip three to HD just before they closed, but my guessing on the screw size didn't work. Couldn't do a test fit, all the screws in the size range I needed were in packages. Which meant I had to wait for the next day before work to run to a hardware store. Three trips to Home Depot, and one to True Value.
Got it all together Monday night after work (think midnight) amazingly, had the frame half apart. Works nice for about half the travel, and then sticks. Haven't had a chance to really look at it yet to figure out what is going on. Door never has worked right in the 4 years we've lived here, it is working better now than it has at least.
At least now I know how to change the rollers on a patio door if I ever need to do it again.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: 1972 Wagon on April 26, 2018, 01:16:36 PM
Be glad that there is a Home Depot near you! The closest one to us is just over 30 miles away. We live ten miles from two rural towns and each has a hardware store. Unfortunately, both close at 6:00 on weeknights and earlier on the weekend. Having had the misfortune of discovering, when the stores were already closed of course, broken PVC lines due to weather, horses rubbing against faucets, etc., we learned to stockpile many sizes and fittings for PVC pipe. Even though we keep a new, unopened can of PVC cement, it always seems to have gotten hard. Just think though, if someone else has a non-sliding glass door, you know how to repair it!
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 29, 2018, 01:40:33 AM
Thanks.
It was a learning experience for sure. Next time I might be tempted to just call the landlord. But since it's my brother I try to avoid that for little things.

Back to the Pinto. For some reason I have just not had any real interest in going out and messing with it. Got to try to get it tarped up tomorrow. Have the tarp even, just need to do it. Maybe during my upcoming vacation. Although there is so much I need to do then already.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 09, 2018, 09:28:48 PM
I should know better.
Day 3 of my 5 day vacation and I have done NOTHING.
Well, nothing other than sit on my butt.
Problem is I get wobbly when I stand up for very long. Not a good thing.
I keep thinking that  tomorrow will be the day I get out there, and it doesn't happen.
Maybe I really am too old/out of shape for this stuff anymore.
I was telling my wife the other day that in the past when I had a chance to take something apart like a car there would be no stopping me. But now it just isn't happening.

Got to at least try to get the Pinto covered with the tarp I bought before it rains seeing as it has no windshield.

Russ  :-[ :-[ :-[
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 14, 2018, 06:27:05 AM
Wow. Didn't realise it has been 3 months.
And no, I have not done anything. Been having to spend some money and time on my Subaru. AC went out, not fun here in Phoenix. Tried to make it without, lasted about 2 months. New compressor. Then just did the battery last Saturday before it totally died and stranded us somewhere. Still need to do belts, struts, and brakes. Belts are the most urgent. Turns out on the Subaru the AC belt is a stretch fit and you have  to have a special tool. So I got one and the AC belt. But I didn't realise that this has 2 belts. So I need to get the other one and get this done. Guy who did the compressor REALLY suggested that I do it as soon as I can. Wish I had known, it would have been simple to just buy the belts and have him do them when he did the compressor. Oh, well. I didn't even think about it needing belts. It's only 8 years old. Dumb me.

But, I am mentally doing some stuff. I just realised on the way home tonight I can do the JoeBob bumper tuck. Might look into getting the aluminum bumpers. Still kind of wanting to put the early front end and small bumpers on it, but maybe I should just be proud of the 79 and not try to make it something else.

I'm really flip flopping about the engine. Sometimes I look at the Ranchero and just see a donor vehicle. But I know in the long run I would be very unhappy with myself if I did that. But it sure is tempting at times. Haven't had any zoning problems yet with the Mustang, really hoping I can hold on to it until it cools off some here (late October) and then pull the engine and stuff.

Working lots of overtime. Have to get caught up on rent due to the Subaru, and then hoping I can spend some money on fun car stuff. I really want to put a T5 in it if I use the Mustang 2.3L.

 I am really hoping to have this at least together enough to run by the end of the year. On the road by say Feb. It is kind of sad, but when I think/dream about driving one of these cars, it is the Pinto. I'm not giving up on the Ranchero, but it isn't going to be right away. Having to replace the floor is just scaring me I guess. Thinking if I can get the Pinto going I will get some of my confidence back for doing this stuff.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on August 15, 2018, 12:11:23 AM
Hey Russ!


Glad to hear from you!  Well, you certainly have your priorities straight; fix the daily driver first and then work on the fun cars later.  I can't even imagine trying to deal with a car with no air conditioning in Arizona!  The Pinto should make a nice Autumn project.  Thanks for the update!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: douglasskemp on August 15, 2018, 10:42:09 AM
Hi there to a fellow Arizonan. I'm in Tucson, so not too far from you. If you ever need an extra hand or just someone to talk Pinto to, my brother and I are just down the 10. Also, in your "signature" you mention a 1974 wagon that you are looking to unload, do you still have it and is it usable or a basket case? If it can be resurrected without a whole lot of effort, I might be interested in it. I've been on the search for a big bumper wagon. Thanks!
--Doug
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 16, 2018, 02:32:56 AM
Thanks.

I bought the 79 in Tucson, actually.

As far as the 74, basket case would be an upgrade. Car is stripped, no suspension, no drivetrain, no interior. Driver's side front frame rail has been cut and replaced. I have a thread here about that car if you are really really bored. I do have an 8inch Pinto rear for it, but it needs new springs as well as all new front suspension.
I keep going back and forth on what to do with it. But unless you want to start with just a shell and some parts it probably isn't what you are hoping for.

ETA, just saw that someone here in Phoenix just posted a 75 Bobcat Cruise Wagon for sale here in the classifieds.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 17, 2018, 02:04:02 AM
Maybe my higher dose of anti depressants are working, but I have actually been looking at online videos of how to tear the Mustang apart. Thinking maybe if I just do even 15 minutes at a time, sooner or later it will get done.
I do like to tear things apart. Sometimes too much.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on August 17, 2018, 05:42:25 AM
Maybe my higher dose of anti depressants are working, but I have actually been looking at online videos of how to tear the Mustang apart. Thinking maybe if I just do even 15 minutes at a time, sooner or later it will get done.
I do like to tear things apart. Sometimes too much.
Thanks,
Russ
Sometimes things progress in baby steps and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  Progress is progress!
Go to it Russ!!!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 19, 2018, 03:40:13 AM
Well, sort of progress.
I have been watching videos of how to remove stuff like the dash and console from the Mustang. The people doing it had a cordless drill/driver. So I think to myself that would make things a lot easier and quicker.
So today I went and bought one. Had to go to PepBoys, so my options were limited. I really wanted a 24 volt one to match my cordless impact driver, but no dice. So I got an 18 volt nicad one. The only lithium ion they had was a 12 volt. I have heard that higher voltage is better, so I can deal with a longer charge time.
Also bought a set of bits and sockets that will fit, and an extension bar. And adapters to put "real" sockets on it.  8)
Charging the battery as I type this. Hoping to get out to the Mustang later today and try it out.  :-\

The console will be the first to go. I may use part of it in the Pinto, or I may use the Mustang II one I bought for the 74, or I may combine them. I really like the Fox Mustang front half of the console, but the back end not so much. Plus the ebrake slot is offset on those, and the Pinto is right in the middle.

Then the dash and computer. I want the fuse box and harness off the dash, in fact I plan on using the entire Mustang harness. Should be a pretty good fit. So that is why the dash needs to come off. Plus I may try to use the ac/heater box and controls from the Mustang, not sure if that will work but I have the stuff so I might as well try at least. If not I can always sell it later on. I will be using the engine compartment ac stuff for sure. Might have to replace some or all of it though, the Mustang didn't have an ac drive belt when I bought it so I am pretty sure something is bad on it.  :o

I would like to take the SN95 Mustang power buckets out and try to use them, but they might be toast. The Mustang doesn't have a driver's window so at least the driver's seat has gotten wet. The 74 seats have been sitting outside in the weather for like almost 4 years, so they are toast (although they were needing redone anyway before I did that). Worst case I buy a different pair of seats down the road.  :-\

Debating on trying to adapt the Mustang gas tank. The Pinto has it's original tank, and I have the fuel cell. But neither of those are setup for EFI. But the Mustang tank fills on the right, and the Pinto is on the left. And the fuel cell is neither for the moment. The fuel cell is a gallon or two bigger than the Pinto tank, and has a rear sump with AN fittings already. But then I would have to go with an external fuel pump. I need to look into that. I'm sure it can be done, just not sure if that is the way to go for me. Although with a full cage, the fuel cell just screams "Use ME!!!!!"  ;D

Obviously I'm taking the engine and transmission and electrical. Even if I want to go T5, which I really do, until I get one I have to hedge my bets.
Radiator (for now at least). Exhaust. Not a perfect fit, but at least something to start with, and I did buy a new converter for it, which the 79 will have to have here for emissions.

Not sure what else.

I am thinking about cutting our the fuel filler door area. That would be a nice touch on the Pinto. I want to take the ebrake handle and cut the trans tunnel where it mounts, for the Ranchero. Maybe. I might just take the handle. Depends how energetic I am at that time.

Thinking about the hood release cable/handle. That would be another thing I'd like to put on the Pinto. Maybe. I may just eliminate the hood latch all together and use locking hood pins. Debating going fiberglass up front. Not right away for sure, but eventually. I've always been in love with a one piece tilt front end, and that would be perfect for this car. Can't find one, so I would have to make it. I may do it with the steel parts, just for fun, until I can afford fiberglass. Steel would be easier for me to work with, never done fiberglass at all. But that is just a dream at this point anyway.

But first thing is to get the Mustang stripped and then gone, and then get the cage and other inside stuff stripped (surface rust) and painted.

Anyone want to come help? ;D ::)

Thanks,
Russ



Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: fordpower on August 20, 2018, 07:59:57 PM
You need to finish the 72

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 21, 2018, 05:51:43 AM
It will get finished, at some point. There are many reasons I can't do it right now. Main one being the Pinto is in the driveway visible to the zoning people and I have nowhere else to put it. So it really needs to get on the road fast.
I'm still making decisions on what I want to do with different parts of the Ranchero. And I am not ready nor able to start cutting and welding the floor. I don't even have the driver's front section yet. And I don't want to rush that part. Could I put the front suspension on it and ignore the rusted out floors? In the past I could have, but not now. I'm not going to slap it together just to have to take it apart again to do it right later on. And I am really paranoid about not welding the floors right and having them fall off.

I have close to everything I need for the Pinto. It won't be exactly what I want, but it is what I need right now. Do I really need a 351C in it? Not now, for sure. Maybe I will get tired of the 4banger real quickly, but that is what the Ranchero is for.

I have so much money into the Ranchero I have to do it right. Not so much with the Pinto. If that makes any sense.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on August 21, 2018, 06:37:15 AM


I have so much money into the Ranchero I have to do it right. Not so much with the Pinto. If that makes any sense.



It makes perfect sense to me, Russ.  Take your time and do it right; you won't regret it!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: fordpower on August 25, 2018, 01:20:47 PM
Just started back on my pinto. My ranchero 79 is far from started. Trying to build a cover over it right now.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 02, 2018, 09:29:06 PM
Was just outside starting to strip the Mustang. Came to a big conclusion. I am not going to try to put the SN95 power bucket seats in the Pinto. For starters, if you don't have power you can't move them. And they weigh a ton.
Not sure what I will do, maybe have the 74's seats redone, or find some cheap buckets for now.
I got the console partially ready to come out. Since I couldn't move the seats they have to come out. I got the driver side out, but ran out of energy and light before starting on the passenger side. Not sure if I want to try to use this console in the Pinto, but it needs to come out anyway to pull the dash. Dash needs to come out to pull the harness. I want the harness for sure. It's like those gag box gifts where you open the first box, then there is a slightly smaller one, etc.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 02, 2018, 11:33:07 PM
I just spent a little money (ok, very little) for the future of the Pinto. And possibly other cars.
https://www.rodplans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1273&Itemid=661
Tilt front end plans. How to do the hinges and some other information.
Cost $10.64 with shipping.
I've been doing lots of searching on how to do this and finally came across this.
Will I ever do it, probably. Soon, probably not. But who knows.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on September 03, 2018, 09:42:39 AM
I just spent a little money (ok, very little) for the future of the Pinto. And possibly other cars.
https://www.rodplans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1273&Itemid=661 (https://www.rodplans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1273&Itemid=661)
Tilt front end plans. How to do the hinges and some other information.
Cost $10.64 with shipping.
I've been doing lots of searching on how to do this and finally came across this.
Will I ever do it, probably. Soon, probably not. But who knows.

Thanks,
Russ

Even if it's not going to happen anytime soon, it makes sense to latch on to the plans while they're available.  Glad to know you're working on your project!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 04, 2018, 12:38:10 AM
Yeah, I've been burned way too many times waiting to buy something only to have it no longer be available when I need it.

I'm always mentally working on it. Just not doing so well on the physical side of things. But it has got to start cooling off here in another month-6weeks, so I am trying to get myself ready for when it does.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 04, 2018, 03:11:11 AM
Hmmm, this would be interesting.
And I'd get my 5x4.5 lug pattern, and disk brakes.
https://tucson.craigslist.org/pts/d/hot-rod-irs-gs300-price-drop/6658400876.html
Seriously, more work than I could probably do, but it would be fun.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on September 04, 2018, 06:56:05 AM
Hmmm, this would be interesting.
And I'd get my 5x4.5 lug pattern, and disk brakes.
https://tucson.craigslist.org/pts/d/hot-rod-irs-gs300-price-drop/6658400876.html (https://tucson.craigslist.org/pts/d/hot-rod-irs-gs300-price-drop/6658400876.html)
Seriously, more work than I could probably do, but it would be fun.
Thanks,
Russ

And not a bad price either, all things considered! :)

Dwayne
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 04, 2018, 06:35:10 PM
Yeah, if I had the extra money and a place to store it I would get it just in case. But right now I don't.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 30, 2018, 12:41:51 AM
Well, I am slowly (or not so slowly  :P ) gathering parts.
Ordered this Friday night when I got home from work.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Mustang-II-Tubular-Lower-Control-Arm-for-Stock-Strut-Rod,29287.html
I ordered both left and right, the above is just the left.
I already have the uppers that I bought at the swap meet a couple of years ago. And I bought
this
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mustang-II-2-Inch-Dropped-Steel-Spindles-and-Brackets,81816.html
at the beginning of the month. I saw the price on it and woke my wife up to ask if we had the money.  ;D
I also got the stock height spindles with the tubular stuff I bought at the swap meet, so I can try both if I want to. Whichever I don't use will probably go on the 74 eventually. And with the brackets that come with the 2 inch dropped spindles I bought both cars can have the bigger brakes. I really need to find that stuff. I know "about" where they are.  :-[

Bad news is that Speedway doesn't offer poly bushings for these. I forget, but I am pretty sure either the upper or the lower (not both though  >:( :( ) takes a stock bushing. So I can buy a poly kit and use half of it. I don't understand why they wouldn't offer poly for these, they do for lots of their other arms. But I asked them and they said no.

Working lots of overtime at work. Even with letting my wife spend half of it I am getting to spend quite a bit.

Hoping it starts cooling off for real here soon, probably another 4 weeks though. It will be in the 80's the beginning of this week, but then it is going back up to over 100 again for a while.  :(

This is likely the next major purchase and then I am done for now with the front suspension/brakes.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mustang-II-Complete-11-Inch-Brake-Kit-Ford-5-x-4-1-2-Bolt-Pattern,2008.html
I've already started looking into upgrades for these brakes, but won't worry about that until after the car is on the road. Might not need anything more anyway. Maybe better pads.

Still trying to decide on the rear. I can either have the 4 lug axles welded/redrilled for the 5 lug pattern, get new axles from someone like Moser, or get an 8 inch rear from a 65-70 Mustang. Found one locally, but the guy wants $200 for the bare housing, and another $150 for the axles. I'd have to modify the spring perches slightly, but that I can do, but I'd have to have a machine shop do the axles. I have to stick with an 8 inch rear, as I want to keep the gears that the Pinto already has in it. Plenty for a wimpy 2.3l, but if I ever get to do a Cleveland then it will be a 9 inch rear for sure.
Last 8 inch rear I bought cost me a whole $20, complete. About 10 years ago in Ohio from a fellow Mustang forum guy. He just wanted it out of his basement. That one was going to be for the 79 Pinto I had in Akron. sigh.

I've also got to get the Mustang stripped and gone. Dodged a bullet earlier this month, got dinged for weeds (most of the neighborhood did as well). Inspector talked to me, told me he wasn't going to write up the Pinto but it needed to be covered. So I got it covered. I think he thought the Mustang was registered since it still has plates on it, with expired tags. Still trying to decide how much I want to take off. I want to take the gas door and the e-brake handle mounting area on the tunnel. Along with the wiring and engine/trans. But not sure about cutting the body and then being able to get someone to take it away. The e-brake handle stuff would be for the Ranchero since I am going to put the e-brake on the tunnel. The gas door would be for the Pinto. That would go good with the shaved doors and frenched antenna. We'll see. I can always get one from a pull a apart, just hate paying for something I could have had for free.  :(

Thanks,
Russ

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on October 01, 2018, 11:17:22 AM
Russ,


It sounds like when the weather cools down a bit, you'll have plenty to keep you busy!  I'm excited to see your renewed interest in the projects!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 02, 2018, 04:43:12 AM
Well, the interest has always been there.
The money and the energy however....... . :o

Although I had a very scary depressing thought last night.
I was thinking about doing some stuff over the next couple of years, and it hit me in the face that in 10 years I will be looking at turning 70 on my next birthday then.
Not sure how many years I have left that I will be able to do this sort of stuff.
Be funny to get the Pinto done and not be able to drive it.  ::) I already am planning on having swing out bars installed on the cage. I might still be able to crawl over the bars, but no way my wife could.

Thinking about seats. I really think I don't want the Mustang power seats. I don't need power seats in this car, and they weigh a lot. I miss being so close to Summit, I could go there and sit in different seats to see what fits my fat behind. Going to be hard to do that online. We still have a speed shop local (Loper's), I'll have to go there and see if they have any when I get to that point. Too old to not have comfortable seats. I still want the racing style, but comfort is a must. Looking at this as being more or less a daily driver.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on October 03, 2018, 11:21:11 AM
Don't allow yourself to get spooked by thought like that, Russ!  In ten years, I'll be looking at turning 72 on my next birthday and it doesn't bother me a bit... I'm just hoping to make it that far.  My only sibling died at 53 and neither of my parents made it out of their 70's, although my grandparents on both sides lived well into their eighties and nineties!  For now, I feel good with no known health problems so I feel decent about my chances.  My plan is to continue working at least until 70 and, if my health does hold out, maybe a few more years after that.  If I stay in my job until age 73, I will have 50 years service in and that's a milestone I'd kind of like to reach.  We'll just have to wait and see.  My workplace is good about retaining older employees; we have one full-time employee who just turned 82 and has no plans to retire.  He's just like the Energizer Bunny: he keeps going and going and going.


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 05, 2018, 02:50:34 AM
Yeah, the rate my retirement fund is going I will be working until they bury me.

Starting to get really psyched. Got the Speedway tubular lower control arms today. Need to paint them. If they didn't come with the bushings already installed I would thing about powder coating, but not worth the hassle. I can do spray can paint pretty well. Need to get some more of the VHT epoxy I used on the Ranchero. Stuff seems pretty good. Not a great color selection, but all I need is semi gloss black. Or even gloss. I'm not that picky.

It's been in the 80's this week thanks to Hurricane Rosa but will heat up again before it finally cools down for good. (well, until March). I need to see what vacation I have left and schedule a day or two for working on the car. Mainly getting the Mustang stripped, but hoping to be able to get a bit more done. Working 11-12 hour days most days of the work week isn't leaving me the time or the energy to do much except the essentials on my time off. But it is paying for all this stuff. So a fair trade.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 08, 2018, 04:11:38 AM
Been trying to decide whether to use the fuel cell I had bought for the 74 or try to convert the 89 Mustang tank. Went looking for the specs on the cell, ended up having to reread my 74 wagon thread. I did find the link to the cell, finally, but got some good ideas from what I had been doing to that car.
I think I am going to take the "battery box" storage thing I built from the wagon and put it in this. Might have to do some modifying to fit around the cage. Or I can just build a new one, as I forgot I had bought a bunch of angle steel that is just laying around. I will though definitely use the trunk mount battery box and cables from the wagon, I had forgotten it was NHRA approved for mounting in the passenger compartment. If it hasn't rotted away, been in the wagon this whole time.
 I had thought I was going to mount the battery under the car on the 79 with the fuel cell, but I think I would be happier with it not being exposed down there. I am going to do the fuel cell, be easier than trying to fit the fox body tank. Looks like it shouldn't be too hard to tie it into the fuel filler on the body. Which I am thinking about modding with the Mustang fuel door, looks so much cleaner than having a fuel cap showing. Just have to decide if I want to cut up the Mustang. Might be harder  to get rid of that way.

I kind of needed to reread that thread. I did some good things, and I tend to forget I am capable of doing good work. Although there are a couple of people I wish I could still talk to that were part of it. :( :'(

The plan right now is that I am hoping to take the last 3 days off this month so I can have the weekend and Mon, Tue, and Wed to get the Mustang stripped and get started on the 79. I've pretty much committed to my wife to have it driving and licensed by the end of March. Or else she gets to spend a TON of money.  :o

I'm still waffling on EFI vs computer.  :-\ I have the EFI from the 89 with the computer and wiring, but it would be so much simpler to go carb. Both on stripping the Mustang and installing on the Pinto. I still have a Mallory electric fuel pump and cannister filter I had bought for the Lemans. Pump would need rebuilt, but Summit sells kits for them. Might be a TAD overkill for a 2.3 though. I will use them on the Ranchero if nothing else. If I was buying this already done with the option if it having EFI or a carb already installed and done, I would go EFI without a doubt. So that should make my decision, but not sure.

I need to spend some time and energy getting the Pinto ready. I need to measure to see what seats will fit, I am thinking the cage will change that quite a bit from stock.  I'd like to have the front frame painted before I pull the engine from the Mustang  so I can just roll the hoist over and drop it in at the same time. I MIGHT be able to do that much before the end of the month.  :-[

Should be ordering the Summit 11 inch brake kit this next payday. I still have to find the upper control arms I bought way back when, then I can attack the front suspension/brakes. Thought about doing a bolt on coil over, but found out it won't work with the lower control arms I just got without major surgery. So for now I will just get new coils and probably shocks. It'll all be brand new.
I am going to have to get 5 lug wheels, and get the rear axles redone for 5 lug. I almost want to skip that, but I need all new brakes anyway, and I really do want the bigger brakes up front. The 8 inch doesn't have traclok, but for a 2.3 I guess I don't have to worry too much about that. I do have the other 8 inch I bought for the wagon, thinking I should just take the axles from it and have them redone to 5 lug and new bearings, and just swap out the axles for no real down time. But that is almost  like planning ahead.  ::) ;D

OOPS, time to go do laundry and kill monsters.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 11, 2018, 05:53:20 AM
Well, I waffled a bit on doing the 5 lug conversion. Especially since I have some decent rims/tires I bought for the 89. So I decided to look to see how much it would cost to replace the stock brake stuff. Talking everything-rotors, calipers, lines, etc. Turns out the 5lug 11 inch Speedway kit is pretty darn close. So I am done waffling and will stick with the plan for 5 lug.
Speaking of brakes, I found out that the Crown Vic rear disc conversion will work on the MII/Pinto 8 inch. And I already have it. Might need a few new pieces like pads and lines, but I have the whole thing I bought for the Ranchero and haven't done yet, including the spacers needed. https://www.ebay.com/itm/372132827870?ul_noapp=true
I double checked with Steve (the seller). I'm still going to do the brakes on the Ranchero at some point, but I will just have to get more parts.

Seats. I have been looking at all sorts of aftermarket seats. Then it hits me. One of the things I always liked about Pintos was the highback bucket seats. And I have a pair. If the frames are still usable. For the cost of new seats that most likely won't fit me, I can have the 74 Pinto seats rebuilt. Problem is I don't know what color to go with since I am not sure what the color of the car will be. I am thinking yellow like my high school 69 Mustang. So basic black would probably be a safe bet. Not sure, have a month or two to think about it. I do need to double check that even those seats will still fit with the cage. There is a small voice in my head saying that I am going to get this car done and not be able to get in it. That would be hilariously bad.

Wheels/rims. I really want the old Centerlines (solid, pretty much the original design they started with). Those are what I want on pretty much any car. Have to start hitting swap meets I guess. American Racing makes a clone of them https://www.summitracing.com/parts/are-ar615765/overview/  not sure if this is the size I want, (definitely 15s though) that would work if I have to buy new. Was hoping to get a good deal on some used ones though. But pricing has gone up since the last time I bought any. But still, I haven't been to the swap meet lately, maybe I'll find some there.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on October 11, 2018, 11:59:00 PM
It sounds like you have a plan and it's about to start coming together!  Can't wait to see the end result!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 13, 2018, 05:35:34 AM
Thanks.
I'm getting nervous, it is just about put up or shut up time. ???
I just ordered the front disk brake kit.  ;D
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Mustang-II-Complete-11-Inch-Brake-Kit-Ford-5-x-4-1-2-Bolt-Pattern,2008.html
that's pretty much all until the end of the month. I am going to buy a couple of cans of the paint for the chassis/suspension so I can start that.
There are a couple of swap meets in November I want to go to, one the semi regular (about 9 months a year) one about a mile and a half from the house the first Sunday of the month, and then Goodguys is coming next month also. My next check will have 3 weeks of OT on it, so hopefully I will have a good bit. Need to max out the OT next week. Don't remember if the Goodguys one is before or after Nov 15.

At least it has finally cooled off here. Hoping no more 100 degree days. But there always seems to be a few before Halloween. :P

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 14, 2018, 12:54:00 AM
I am a bad boy.
I managed to get a Summit Racing credit card.
I had to try it out, so I ordered poly rack and pinion bushings, new stock replacement Moog coil springs, and front KYB gas adjust shocks. Figured I might as well just get new. I'll probably get rear shocks later, but for now the front is my focus.
I want to order the wheels, but I am going to wait to see what I can find used locally first.
Waiting on an answer from VHT paint. They have a chassis and roll bar epoxy paint, and an Epoxy paint. The Epoxy paint is what I used on the Ranchero parts (I know this because one of the colors is white for this one but not the other) but I asked them what is the difference between the two as their website shows them being the same. About $8-9 a can, so I want to get whichever is better for this.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 17, 2018, 06:43:37 AM
I was cruising CL and found some wheels that would work, at least for now.
Weld Racing Prostars. They are only 15x7, but at the price ($180 for 4) it would be a good deal for now.
But of course we don't have that to spend right now. Already spent more than we should have, we forgot that this paycheck has to last through 3 weekends.
My next check will have over 30 hours of OT, so if the seller still has them at the end of the month I might get them. They aren't what I really want, but  I have always liked them.
If not, c'est la vie.
Yes, I took 2 years of French in high school. I remember how to ask where are the hookers.  ::)
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 21, 2018, 06:04:22 AM
I came to a realization tonight while I was working just under 10 hours of overtime.

Why do I want to put an engine in this car that I really don't want? It was because of money, but that isn't really an issue right now. I mean I can't go buy a crate engine or anything, but I can buy a decent used 302/5.0 or a 351W. A Cleveland could even be doable but only if I got really lucky.
Like I said recently, I am taking the 29-31 off to work on pulling the Mustang engine and stuff. I don't really want to do that. I'd much rather spend the time painting the cage and frame bits, putting the brand new suspension on it, stuff like that. To repeat myself, I don't need to cheap out with a 4banger anymore just because I happen to have one sitting here. It isn't what I ultimately want for this car so why do it since I don't HAVE to anymore.
To be really blunt, I am tired of taking stuff apart. I want to put something together. Taking the Mustang apart would totally drain me and I would likely lose interest again, at least for a while. Not worth it.

I worked just over 20 hours of OT this week alone. My after tax take home for just that will be close to $500. I could do that every week if I wanted to (which I don't, but the work is there). I've been averaging around 13-15 hours a week without Saturdays.
 I might as well take advantage of the money while I can and do this car totally the way I want it done.

Sorry if I babbled, but I honestly am very tired.

If anyone near Phoenix wants an 89 Mustang with title issues for a parts or drag car let me know. I'm going to scrap it for whatever I get in the next week or so, so I would give it to someone here who could use it.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on October 21, 2018, 07:48:21 PM
Besides motivation and skill, money is often the biggest factor in any project car.  It's definitely nice when you don't have to "settle" for something just because it's affordable.  As long as it can be done without breaking the bank, it makes perfect sense to get the engine you want so you won't find yourself doing the engine swap all over again later.  Good to see you excited about it! 


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 22, 2018, 09:05:32 PM
Thanks.
I was reading about the V8 swap here last night and started having some serious doubts about it.
But I think I am over those now. Worst case I use a motor plate. Depends on what engine I end up going with.
Someone is selling a good running 289 for $700, but no accessories. It would be a possibility. But I would like to get an engine and transmission combo if possible. 5 speed only.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on October 23, 2018, 12:49:23 PM
I came to a realization tonight while I was working just under 10 hours of overtime.

Why do I want to put an engine in this car that I really don't want? It was because of money, but that isn't really an issue right now. I mean I can't go buy a crate engine or anything, but I can buy a decent used 302/5.0 or a 351W. A Cleveland could even be doable but only if I got really lucky.
Like I said recently, I am taking the 29-31 off to work on pulling the Mustang engine and stuff. I don't really want to do that. I'd much rather spend the time painting the cage and frame bits, putting the brand new suspension on it, stuff like that. To repeat myself, I don't need to cheap out with a 4banger anymore just because I happen to have one sitting here. It isn't what I ultimately want for this car so why do it since I don't HAVE to anymore.
To be really blunt, I am tired of taking stuff apart. I want to put something together. Taking the Mustang apart would totally drain me and I would likely lose interest again, at least for a while. Not worth it.

I worked just over 20 hours of OT this week alone. My after tax take home for just that will be close to $500. I could do that every week if I wanted to (which I don't, but the work is there). I've been averaging around 13-15 hours a week without Saturdays.
 I might as well take advantage of the money while I can and do this car totally the way I want it done.

Sorry if I babbled, but I honestly am very tired.

If anyone near Phoenix wants an 89 Mustang with title issues for a parts or drag car let me know. I'm going to scrap it for whatever I get in the next week or so, so I would give it to someone here who could use it.

Thanks,
Russ

Russell, I'll be really blunt too. It gets tiring for me (and I'd assume others) to hear of "your one step forward, two step backwards" progress over the years. It gets discouraging and it isn't even my situation to deal with. So, I offer this with the best of intentions to see you move forward. You have your Pinto that came apart and never went back together. You have the Ranchero that came apart and never went back together. You have the Mustang that while still in one piece is festooned with issues. They are "dreams" that have become "nightmares." It happens to all of us. Not only do these vehicles rob you of your time and money but they hound you with potential fines because of the property condition.

 Free yourself of these burdens. My advice is to rid yourself of these "ball and chains" even if you take a lose (and even in the best case likely would anyway). If there is anything of REAL value in a part remove it and have the junk yard come and haul those carcasses away. You have the health, time and money to take on ONE car - maybe. If you are considering a V-8 then why not the engine/trans from the Ranchero? No cost involved there. No sourcing the engine, you already own it. OK, maybe not a 5-Speed - yet. But get the new Pinto car running and THEN make the changes. It is not like it is going to cost you thousands to use the automatic temporarily.

There are only so many days God gives us on this rotating rock. Don't let the ensnarement of never to be realized dreams hold you captive.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 23, 2018, 11:14:31 PM
Uh, thanks, I suppose.

Ranchero is NOT going away. It is just on hold. Believe me, I would love to take the engine from it, but that isn't going to happen unless I totally ruin the body when I try to replace the floors. I've committed to my wife and myself that I will get it on the road again.

Mustang IS going away. I'm calling a scrapper within the next week, probably next Monday. Trying to decide if there is anything off of it I really want that would be reasonable to take off. Maybe the front wiring harness. Maybe the fuse box. Console is about 75% off, so probably that. Thought I had someone local who strips and sells the parts of Fox's interested, but he isn't really interested in it without the title and I don't care enough to try to deal with that for $100. Spending a day hauling it to the MVD and dealing with THOSE people would take a whole lot more than that. If I get any money on top of it great, but I am not counting on it.

The 74, it is not bothering anybody where it is, so until the Ranchero is moveable I'm not even thinking about it. Once I can get to it to move, it most likely will go away, but not 100% sure.

I've committed to my wife to get the  79 on the road by the end of March, unless something major (health, big expense with Subaru, etc) happens. And the Ranchero by the end of 2019. Ranchero would actually be quicker than the 79, but due to locations the 79 is the one to work on first.

No one is obligated to read my posts. They are mostly for me to use, mainly my thinking out loud with written documentation so I can reference it later. If anyone else gets anything good/enjoyable out of them great. That's all I am going to say about that subject.

Yes, I am home from work sick. Can you tell? :-)

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 23, 2018, 11:23:37 PM
Came up with this list earlier. I think it is all doable over a 5 day weekend, even for me.

things to do with the pinto last weekend of October 2018.

Run air hose out front, gather up air tools.

Put on 4 jackstands.

pull front fenders off (about 3 bolts each I think. Barely on.)

pull tires off.

pull front suspension/brakes off.

scuff/sand front frame, cage, and firewall.

paint front frame, cage, firewall, and new suspension parts.

install new front suspension.

install new poly bushings and hardware for rack and pinion.

install new front brakes (whenever they get here, might not happen in time. On backorder at Speedway).

empty interior of last loose stuff.

take a good look at interior and floor. especially cage and subrame connectors.

If any time/energy left see how much work to install stock dash around cage. Also grab one of the old Pinto seats and see if it will fit with the cage. Also measure front cage uprights in very front to see how much room for a radiator. Oh, use calipers to measure cage diameter.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 24, 2018, 04:51:46 AM
Oh, my,  :-X
I was searching on 79 Pinto ESS, and you won't believe what I found. :o
http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/ford/331828-79-ford-pinto-ess-drag-car-roller.html
This is MY car! 8)
I know the seller said he had tried a few different sites to sell it, but I never thought I would come across one. ;D
Wish it still showed the price he was asking at the time, I wonder just how far he had to come down from what he originally wanted.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on October 24, 2018, 05:43:00 PM
Uh, thanks, I suppose.

Ranchero is NOT going away. It is just on hold. Believe me, I would love to take the engine from it, but that isn't going to happen unless I totally ruin the body when I try to replace the floors. I've committed to my wife and myself that I will get it on the road again.

Mustang IS going away. I'm calling a scrapper within the next week, probably next Monday. Trying to decide if there is anything off of it I really want that would be reasonable to take off. Maybe the front wiring harness. Maybe the fuse box. Console is about 75% off, so probably that. Thought I had someone local who strips and sells the parts of Fox's interested, but he isn't really interested in it without the title and I don't care enough to try to deal with that for $100. Spending a day hauling it to the MVD and dealing with THOSE people would take a whole lot more than that. If I get any money on top of it great, but I am not counting on it.

The 74, it is not bothering anybody where it is, so until the Ranchero is moveable I'm not even thinking about it. Once I can get to it to move, it most likely will go away, but not 100% sure.

I've committed to my wife to get the  79 on the road by the end of March, unless something major (health, big expense with Subaru, etc) happens. And the Ranchero by the end of 2019. Ranchero would actually be quicker than the 79, but due to locations the 79 is the one to work on first.

No one is obligated to read my posts. They are mostly for me to use, mainly my thinking out loud with written documentation so I can reference it later. If anyone else gets anything good/enjoyable out of them great. That's all I am going to say about that subject.

Yes, I am home from work sick. Can you tell? :-)

Russ

Russ,

Glad to see you're not letting the disparaging remarks of anyone get to you.  You've dealt with more obstacles health-wise and employment-wise than anyone should ever have to.  Hang in there!  Hope you'll be feeling better soon too!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 25, 2018, 02:29:04 AM
I know people mean well, but, well enough about that.
Not going to let it run me off again.

On to bigger and worse (sort of ) things. The link I posted a couple of posts ago has a bunch of pictures of the Pinto from views I haven't really seen yet.
Turns out one of them shows how the rack is mounted, which is totally not stock. Looks like I wasted about $25 or so on the rack poly bushings and bolts. OOPS. For some reason I was thinking that rack was the same size as stock, but a better ratio. Guess I can always use them on the 74 if/when I get to that car.

I've got to go save all those pictures on my computer in case someone decides to get rid of them.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 25, 2018, 04:41:29 AM
Now I am not sure I want to use my fuel cell.
Found out (I guess I forgot since I bought it on Ebay 3 or 4 years ago) that it is a Speedmaster79 part. Found some horrible reviews online for their stuff, although nothing about the fuel cells. While I am thinking the tank is either good or bad out of the box, it came with a sending unit that I am now wondering about, as well as the -10 AN fittings since I read about leaks with their fittings in general.

This  is the one, although I want to make it clear I did NOT buy it from Speedway. Bought it from the company direct I believe thru Ebay.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedmaster-1-130-011-Aluminum-Fuel-Cell-15-Gallon,323455.html

First world problems.   ::)

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 26, 2018, 05:23:03 AM
well, the things you find when playing on the internet.
I was looking for the 8 inch MII 5 lug axles and I think I have found them.
Place called Dutchman Axles.
They list axles for the stock 4 lug, but they offer a custom option for the bolt pattern, so I ordered the 5x4.5.
Should be getting a call later today from them, as you can't pay online.
Not real cheap, but better in my mind than trying to have the old ones welded/redrilled.
https://dutchmanaxles.com/
and here is the link to their chart of part numbers and sizes.
https://dutchmanaxles.com/images/sr-pob/SR-POB-Ford-Car.pdf
SR#182 is the one for the Pinto/MII 8inch rear. Like I said, stock is 4 lug, but you can customize it.
They do also list axles for the 6.75 rears.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 26, 2018, 06:24:51 AM
I can be a real idiot.
Ok, you all don't have to agree so loudly.  ::)

I was looking at the VFN fiberglass site and they have a dash for the 70-75 Pinto, but no pictures.

So I've been looking all over for pictures to see the differences between that and a 79. I will have to cut up the stock dash, both to mount it and to add gauges. I'd rather cut up a fiberglass one. If I can figure out how to add the vin plate without it looking like I did. Thinking since that part is separate from the actual dash I should be able to cut and paste.

Well, I HAVE a 74 and a 79 dash. I just have to go look at them.
Sheesh. :-[
Sometimes I really wonder about myself. :-\

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 27, 2018, 08:55:49 PM
I actually got something on my list done today.
I got the fenders off and in storage.
I was almost right, there were 3 bolts, but also some rivets I had forgotten about. So it took 2.25 hours, including a trip to PepBoys to get a set of drill bits.

I know people have put a 302 and even a 351 into these with the fender aprons, but it sure looks small even without the aprons and radiator support. The trans bellhousing should be fun.

A few pictures of what it is right now.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 28, 2018, 09:22:14 PM
hmm, I thought I had posted earlier today, guess it didn't make it.

I got the Pinto up on jackstands after finally finding 4 of the ones I have.
Got the wheels/tires off and listed for sale here and CL.

And then, maybe because I got up at noon, which I never do even on a workday, I did something I swore I would never do.
I bought a Painless wiring harness. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prf-10102/overview/
I was looking at their fuse boxes, and saw the prices. Then I saw this harness on sale for not much more. Even though I will be heavily modifying the harness, I figured it would be better/easier than working with the almost 40 year old Pinto harness.

Oh, they have a sale going that ends today, which I never noticed before. $25 off any order over $250. So I bought something else on my wish list, and ended up spending less than the sales price of the harness for both items. Yay, me.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 28, 2018, 11:42:52 PM
I know, when am I going to shut up?

a few thoughts on Pinto things.

I finally got the interior pretty empty. Both sides have metal sheets riveted to them around the seat area. I think he was trying to cover up the subframes, but I won't know for sure until I take the stuff off.

The roll cage isn't going to interfere with the seats unless I went with really wide ones. However, the mounting may be an issue. Looks like he made some brackets to bolt seats in, again won't know for sure until I get the metal sheets off.

Roll cage is definitely going to interfere with the dash, but I will just have to notch the dash or something. But I pretty much knew that already. Fiberglass or aluminum would be so much easier to handle since I am doing this alone. But I'll figure something out.

Rear hatch area is not as cluttered as I was thinking once I got it emptied. The cage has NO cross bracing on the bars from the hoop to the rear of the car. Right now that will make it really easy to work back there. Not sure about long term.

Need to cut out the spare tire well. And that means making a new floor. I can't quite remove the entire floor due to the cage. Which is fine. I will probably just cut out a square section around the spare tire well. I need to figure out the best mounting for the fuel cell. Going to mount the battery inside the hatch area, bought a new Summit sealed box/trunk mount kit. Plus I will be using an AGM battery, so no worries about fumes. Got a Bosch one in the Subaru this summer, not a bad price. Cheaper than an Optima.

I can't use the battery/storage box I built for the 74 in this car. The cage just makes it impossible. Not sure what to do, might make a smaller version for speakers/tool storage. Something to think about, not a big worry. Just would have been nice to use it.

Hoping to get the brakes/suspension off tomorrow. Really give my Goodyear 24v cordless impact wrench a good workout. Probably just throw it in the back of the 74 for now. Our storage locker is FULL.

And under the "he's not very observant" heading, I had thought the rear bumper was already in storage. Nope, it is still mounted on the car.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on October 29, 2018, 01:30:10 PM

 

Oh, they have a sale going that ends today, which I never noticed before. $25 off any order over $250. So I bought something else on my wish list, and ended up spending less than the sales price of the harness for both items. Yay, me.



I can never resist a good bargain!  Congrats!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 29, 2018, 10:55:53 PM
Thanks.
I need to start resisting better.  :-[

I am seriously considering this
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/pts/6686246706.html
It isn't the trans I want, it's a C6. The seller does have the computer as part of the deal. It isn't a Cleveland, but one in this condition would be out of my budget for now. Not sure about using the EFI. I don't think this trans would be computer controlled, so a carb would be simple. But then again EFI IS nice to have when it is working.
It would be the smaller bellhousing for the Windsor engines (also the Cleveland).
Possibility it could be the E40D. Trying to search, there is a transition period around 1989-1990 where both were used.
 
I committed to spending $450 or so this week on brake rotors for the Ranchero(1972 Thunderbird one year only rotors that swap onto Torinos and Rancheros for a large disk upgrade), but Napa might not have them anymore. I have to call them tomorrow to see if they do. If not, I think I can manage the engine/trans. I do have to rent something to haul it home with. Doubt it would all fit in the Subaru.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 30, 2018, 10:16:55 PM
Well, the brake deal isn't happening so I am going to look at the engine and trans tomorrow afternoon. Seller is willing to bring it here if I buy it.
Hopefully my used hoist works, I tried it today with just my weight and it held. Need to get some bolts for the legs, can't find the ones I bought for it when I first got it. Concern right now is getting it out of the seller's truck. Not close to being ready to set it in the Pinto.

Oh, I might have to take a step backwards, and put the tires back on. If I get this engine I will have to move the Pinto so I can put the engine in back. Good thing I didn't take the front suspension apart yet.

In between excited and dreading. This is probably the best deal I will get, just wish it had overdrive. A GearVendors unit for the C4/C6 is about $3k. But for now this might be the best way to go. Get the car on the road, see just how bad the mileage is with the C6, save up for a built 5 speed.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 30, 2018, 11:40:11 PM
Working on trying to find out the bell dimensions of the small block C6. Not so easy, all the stuff I have found online omits the bell dimensions.

Anyway, I thought of a couple of things that might be important especially with this swap if I do it.

I will not be using the stock heat/ac stuff. Vintage Air has an underdash setup that looks like it would be better in my case.

I am pretty convinced that I will have to modify the firewall and trans tunnel a bit. I am just going to have to learn to weld. There is a welding supply place that gives lessons, like $75 an hour. I might even have to take a vacation day to do it since they only do it one day a week. But it will be worth it. There is so much I am trying to work around that welding would be the best and easiest way to go.

Right now my stamina isn't great. I need to work at that. I'm not dreading working on this, so that should really help. I need to keep making to do lists and sticking to them, even if they take longer to complete than I had thought. Skipping around from one thing to another isn't the way to do something like this. Stick to the plan, Russ!

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: 1972 Wagon on October 31, 2018, 02:25:56 PM
Try checking your local school system's vocational-technical center (Ours has been rebranded as a "Technical College." Same place. Same courses.). Ours offers welding at night. If I remember, the fee was really reasonable- maybe a few hundred bucks. Plus, you get to use their equipment. A lot of people that I taught with would periodically enroll so that they could build custom grills, modify stock trailers, etc. Since you are not interested in obtaining a welding certificate, you wouldn't have to worry about attending every class. There is usually a fall schedule and then another in January. Just a suggestion.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 31, 2018, 11:15:35 PM
Thanks.
Good idea, only I work evenings.
I've been procrastinatin g on learning to weld for way too many years. Just got to do it.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on October 31, 2018, 11:21:20 PM
How to install a 351W and C6 trans in a 79 Pinto? ???
That is going to be something I will have to figure out, as I bought the 89 engine/trans.  ;D
And it is definitely just a C6. darn it. The seller knew what he was talking about.  :o
Gas mileage, who needs gas mileage? :P

And I didn't get much done on my to do list. And I have to put the tires back on to move the car. Oh, well. I guess getting the engine makes up for some of it. :-[

ETA
I forgot to mention the engine came with all accessories, computer, harnesses, etc. Even an AC compressor. And power steering, which I don't have. But I could use it for hydraulic assist brakes. HMMMMM.
I just ordered a cd version of the 1989 Truck Service Manual that covers this engine and transmission.
I am going to see if the E4OD trans will work and what I would have to do. Overdrive would be nice.
Still up in the air about the EFI vs carb. I'll probably try the EFI and if i get it working I'll keep it, but if I can't get it going then it goes. :-)

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 01, 2018, 01:48:25 AM
AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

My brain is about to explode. Looking at the EFI stuff online and realized I will have to get an air intake, as well as an EFI capable fuel setup.
Thinking "just go with the carb", then realize I need a different distributor (I think).

This is not going to be an easy decision.

ETA, just found out that I have a "truck" 5.8. Apparently the EFI stuff is different. Carb is sounding better all the time.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 01, 2018, 04:16:03 AM
Been doing nothing but googling this efi to carb swap the last few hours. :o

Finally found out the for a 351 that I can swap in a non efi distributor without any problems. Thought there was a oil pump shaft issue, but turns out that it only makes a difference with the 302, unless you are trying to use an efi distributor in an originally carbed 351 engine. Which I am not. ;D

So for me I am going to just go with the carb. It'll make my life a lot simpler as far as getting this car on the road. I have a carb I was going to use on the Ranchero already as well. So I need a distributor and an intake. Not a huge expense. And I've seen an intake on CL for $75. Since I was planning on (and have) a fuel pump for the carb setup that I really want to use, and would have to do new fuel lines regardless, that isn't an issue.

If this was going into a car that had efi already, I would make the effort just for emissions sake. But no Pinto I ever heard of came with EFI.  :D

More stuff to toss on CL and never sell. goody.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 02, 2018, 06:07:24 AM
Got my 5 lug axles today from Dutchman Axles. Shiny.  ;D
Now, the only problem is I can't find the spacer kit for the Crown Vic disk brakes I bought about 3 years ago. I need it installed the same time as bearings, otherwise I could have had Dutchman do the bearings as well as the lugs. I might have to buy another kit. Only about $50, but still a pain. I know it is here SOMEWHERE. I have the brakes, bought them and the kit for the Ranchero, but you know how that is going. I will have to get another setup for it when the time comes. Not a real problem.

Starting to think there is a problem with the Speedway front brake kit. Keeps getting pushed back. Oh, well. I haven't paid for it yet so I can wait.  :'(

Also ordered a Summit HEI distributor. Right now cost was a factor, plus I do not want anything that has to have a separate control box. Not even a Duraspark setup.
Will have to see how it does once it is together. I know lots of people hate HEI on a Ford, but I don't. Whatever works best and I can afford.

The guy on CL just sold his $75 intake, but there is the swap meet this Sunday. Generally can get that sort of stuff cheap there. If I am allowed to spend any more money. I've spent just a little on this so far.  :-[ :-X

I am feeling pretty good about the carb decision. Feels like a huge weight lifted off of me. EFI just has so many sensors and wires and injectors and stuff. I am not up to dealing with all that at this point. I can always go with an aftermarket EFI down the road if I really want it. Maybe I can sell it all to someone who wants to do EFI. Although this is the truck stuff, a bit different from the car version. Not sure what all. That was part of the problem. I just don't know much about EFI. Not that interested in learning either.  :-[

Good thing about doing the engine is I can install it straight in, no up and over and angles and dangles.  8)
One advantage to no radiator support.

Sounds like I will be redoing the trans tunnel from what I am hearing. I kind of wish I didn't have to, but I have to deal with what I have. And I imagine an overdrive transmission won't be much smaller, so it shouldn't really hurt anything in the long run. Still hoping to be able to get a good 5 speed eventually, but I am not going to wait for that to happen to get this on the road. We don't have the room for all the stuff my wife will buy if I don't meet the end of March deadline.  ::)

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 02, 2018, 06:53:26 AM
Oh, geez.

Someone on the vintage Mustang forum was telling someone about Modern Driveline. They have a T5 that would work.
Got me thinking, since this is a stock engine more or less, for now at least, maybe I could get by with a V8 T5 trans for now. Just no 4 grand starts.
One local is listed for $300, and another one doesn't have a price. I just emailed both of them, although there is no way I could buy it right now. My wife would kill me for sure. But they have been listed for quite a while, so maybe another couple of weeks.

Looks like I will be working Saturday.

Maybe I can get the trans I want sooner rather than later.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on November 02, 2018, 11:03:27 AM


Maybe I can get the trans I want sooner rather than later.


That would be great!  The key to not getting killed by the wife is NEVER tell her what you're up to! ;)

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 02, 2018, 05:52:43 PM
Well, she does the bills, and right now I don't have a debit card since someone (scum) stole the information and took $420. Had to get a new account and I am waiting on the new card.
Bank credited back the money finally at least.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 03, 2018, 05:19:55 AM
It's a disease. That is what it is. :-[
But then one local radio station has already started non stop (except for commercials) Christmas music. So this is my Christmas present to me.  :o

I just ordered this.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/qti-rm-6053/overview/make/ford

I guess I am committed to a manual now. Or maybe just committable.  ::) With this bellhousing at least there is a choice of transmissions.
And this one is the Mustang II size. I wanted SFI cert, but they don't have them in this size. Figured I am not racing anyway, so it shouldn't matter much. Decided that for this kind of money I might as well get the one that fits better. Going to need all the help I can get there.

I almost went with a much cheaper aluminum one, but that one wasn't available in the MII size either, and I would have been locked into one transmission. And it didn't come with the block plate or hardware.

This engine had better be able to use a manual trans. Not sure on Fords, but back in my Pontiac days there were cranks that weren't machined for a pilot bearing. But manuals were available with this engine in 89, so I should be ok.

No word from either seller on CL, not a surprise.  ::)

If you stop hearing from me, my wife has found out how much I have spent.  :-X

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 03, 2018, 10:16:39 PM
Thanks to pintob (Brent) I have the missing hatch upper brackets.
Great to meet you.

Hoping to get going on the car tomorrow, today was a get the shopping stuff done sort of day.

These 2 day weekends are just too short. I'm taking the 15th and 16th off this month, last of my vacation time for this year. Next year will have 4 weeks, so will be using some early for the Pinto.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 07, 2018, 04:05:29 AM
I have the last big order (at least for a month or two) coming from Speedway on Friday.
Maybe I should gather up everything I've bought and take some pictures. Or should I just take pictures of the invoices? ::)
Not too sure I want to see all those in one place.  :o
I'm already finding stuff that I have bought in the last month that I have forgotten about.  :-[

We bought a very cheap plasma cutter from Home Depot. We as in my wife has talked about wanting one for years. Might try it out on the Pinto. I am going to have to cut out the spare tire well. Might just use the metal saw I bought. This time around I am going to just make it a nice square cut, be easier to patch. This is so I can fit the fuel cell underneath the hatch floor. I also need to get rid of the stock tank. I am hoping I can make the Speedmaster fuel cell I bought a few years ago work. I really need to have the filler connected to the stock fill tube/cap. But so far it seems no one makes a fill tube/valve that fits their size/bolt pattern. Once I can get to it, I need to measure it and see if it is close to anything already out there. One of the things coming Friday is Speedway's fuel cell mounting bracket kit. It's close to what I had in mind to try to make myself. Figured what the heck, might as well just buy it. Doing that a lot this time around, maybe it will actually help me to finish a car for once. :-[ :-X
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Bolt-In-Fuel-Cell-Brackets,56241.html

I also bought a 31 inch double pass aluminum radiator. Normally way too big for a Pinto, but I'm thinking with no radiator support or anything it shouldn't be a problem. With a 351 in Phoenix big is better. Still need to come up with a way to mount it. Might have found something, but it needs a cross bar to mount to, and I don't have one up front, yet. Thinking about making a bolt in one just for this, as I don't want anything blocking the engine from going in or coming out easily.

Also a master cylinder, and two proportioning valves. One nice and fancy with a brake light switch, and one simple one in case the other doesn't have enough adjustment. This second one goes all the way to zero if needed.

And a Weiand 351w stealth intake manifold. This I just got impatient with, should have been looking at swap meets. But new is good too.

Aluminum 1/2 inch fuel line, and a very nice 37 degree flaring tool. The tool was almost the same price as the radiator, but it is supposed to be the best available. Ridgid.

Speaking of Speedway, their 11 inch brake kit is still on back order. Can't afford it right now anyway. I wish they had charged me for it when I placed the order. My luck, the one time I order something that ends up on back order they don't charge me right away.

And of course, I find a 351C 4bbl engine and trans on sale for $300 on CL the other night. Needs rebuilt, so it wouldn't have worked for me right now, but for that kind of money if I hadn't already have bought an engine I would have been ringing this seller's phone off the hook. (oops, does that show my age?) I posted the link on the Torino site and people are drooling over it, but they are all too far away to make it practical. I'm right where it is, but am cash poor right now. Oh, well. Wasn't meant to be for me.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 21, 2018, 12:42:34 AM
Well, looks like I won't be using the Pinto seats from the 74.
Asked about cost to recover them and this is what I got.
"Just guessing recover 300-400 each , foam is the question , not sure if you need back and bottom and what they are shaped like, you could end up with 600 in each seat as a ball park estimate"
I think I can get some decent seats for half of that at least.

Have to think a bit, having the site down for so long has made me confused on where I was at.

Thanks,
Russ

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 21, 2018, 12:49:47 AM
Oh, I knew I was forgetting something.
I bought these the day the site went kaboom.
Net cost $20, I sold the wheels/tires that came on the Pinto for $50 earlier that day, and then found these on CL for $70. Went that night and got them.
Oh, they are not real Centerlines, but close enough for me.
Now the question is will they fit? Not out much if not, but hoping they will.
15x10   :o ;D
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on November 21, 2018, 05:27:57 AM
They look to be in good shape!  Nice score!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 23, 2018, 04:02:42 AM
Thanks.
I wish I could quit window shopping on Craigslist. And now I am doing it on OfferUp.
Wouldn't be bad except I keep finding things I need but have to wait and hope they haven't sold before my next payday.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 29, 2018, 11:10:24 PM
Apparently I have decided on what seats to use.  :o
I am buying these tomorrow before work. $150. ;D

I kept seeing the cheap racing style seats, and thought I was going to get them used, but then I saw these. They aren't exactly what I wanted in looks, but they are very close. And most importantly, they are OEM seats. I was a bit worried about the cheap part of the other seats, especially in a crash. Knowing that these Miata seats are stock, I am not worried about them falling apart if something happens. All the seats I have been interested in have been around the same price. Not about to spend hundreds on seats at this point just to have some "name".

Found out that some of these have speakers in the headrest. These are from a base 95, not sure if these have them or not. Would be cool if they do, but not why I am getting them so it really doesn't matter.

Not going to worry about it right away, but I've found some very good recover upholstery fairly cheap for these. Apparently Miatas are pretty popular. At least the seats, there are tons of covers for them.

This is probably my only purchase for the Pinto this check. I am spending $60 on something I've been hoping to find for quite a while. It is from the 80's, was called an RCA Selectivision player. Plays movie discs, but unlike the laser disc this used a capacitive discharge setup that has a needle like the old vinyl record players. I used to have one and many movies/shows. Always wanted another one, even though CD and now BluRay is so much better. These were just so cool back then. This one comes with like 80 movies. Might be a challenge finding a new needle cartridge, but any I bought would have the same issue. Tired of looking at thrift stores for one.

Both of these are thanks to Offer Up. Still using Craigslist as well.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on November 30, 2018, 04:26:06 PM
Those seats will look great in a Pinto!  Congrats on finding the movie disc player you wanted!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 30, 2018, 05:15:53 PM
Well, oops.
I bought one more thing today. Found a pair of 275/60/15 tires on Craigslist for $70. They were near the seat location. Guy had several people interested, I managed to be there first. Yay, me.
Now how to tell Karen.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 09, 2018, 04:19:08 AM
Well, since I am getting ready to get rid of the rims on the car currently, I got to thinking about things, and I think I have finally made up my mind one one area that has been up in the air.

I have 2 MustangII/Pinto 8 inch rear ends. The one currently on the 79, and the one I bought for the 74 and is all apart. Been going back and forth on which to use.

Decided that even though it will be a bit more work for me, I am going to get the one that is sitting in my workroom put together. The one on the 79 looks rather greasy and has been sitting for what, 20 years or more. So I would be better off taking that one apart anyway, although right now I probably wouldn't. So I will keep that one on the car for now, get the other one cleaned up, modified for the Crown Vic disc brakes (minor cutting on the ends) maybe powder coated or at least painted, and have it ready to go. Also need to get the new 5lug axles ready, need spacers for the brakes and new bearings pressed on. Then take the  other  one off the car, take out the 3rd member, and swap that. And hopefully not have any leaks. Allthough I am worried about the pinion thingie leaking on it, might have to have that checked out by a pro.

This would be the ideal time to put Traction Lock in it. But that probably won't happen for now. Have gotten to the point where I need to concentrate on needs, not wants.

Got to get the car turned around later  today so it is in the correct position for my working on it while the tires are still attached. At least it rolls pretty easily. Be good if I get that much done, I also need to get the transmission off of the 351W so I can put it up for sale. Although I am having no luck selling the 65-70 Mustang floor pans. Wonder why. Arizona, not many rusty cars. Hmmm, think there is any connection?  :P

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 22, 2018, 04:33:02 PM
Note to self.
Remove the gas tank before cutting the floor above it.
somehow I keep forgetting that little step when I am planning.

Did get it turned around, and even sold the Mustang floor pans.

Looks like I won't be working Christmas Eve or Christmas. I could use the money, but I can use the time off more right now. Hoping to get a bit done on the Pinto, but have some stuff to do around the house also. I've got to get the rims/tires off the car for sure. Got to get the rims shipped next weekend.

Just got home from buying a pair of front rims/tires for $50. Not sure what the rims are, aluminum aftermarket. I need to look at them for markings. Kind of ugly, but for the price they were worth it. The tires may be too big, but for now they will work for rollers if nothing else. And,no, I didn't get the center covers. Keep repeating to myself, "$50". He was asking $100 originally, but came down recently. $100, no thanks. $50, sure.

Should be ordering the Speedway 11 inch disk brake kit next weekend. Need to take the new axles and the parts to a machine shop to be put together.

Found a T5 semi locally, but it is either buy it and nothing else right now, or get the brakes and axles so I can get this rolling asap. So rolling it is. The trans is near a town called Show Low, and the drive is a bit more than I trust the Subaru to do right now. Oh, that reminds me. I bought another cheap floor jack and some 1/2 inch drive metric deep sockets, so I can do the rear struts on that car. Yet something else that needs done more than the Pinto. :-(

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 29, 2018, 05:43:54 AM
Finally just ordered the Speedway disk brake kit. And it's in stock.
Got the rear axle bearings, now I just need to get the backing plates and stuff and head to a machine shop. Might have to wait for my next payday for that.

I've got 4 days off, now through the first. I need to get some stuff going. Like getting the rims for Bill ready. And getting some of the left over stuff on CL or OfferUp. Or both.

Got some cleaning/sorting done in the work room, I can almost see my work bench. But I CAN get to it now. Couldn't before. Adding some length to it for Karen, she has started making vinyl signs on wood. And she is sanding and painting or staining the wood. So she needs a better place to do that than on top of the washing machine.

I'm starting to forget what all I have bought for this thing. I need to make a list.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 29, 2018, 11:12:39 PM
Have I mentioned that I am going to smooth out the firewall? Going to go with a heater/ac setup like this
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Slim-Line-Heater-Air-Conditioning-Unit,50710.html
Not totally set on this one, but for the price why not. I am not going to try to use the stock stuff. 
Why am I mentioning this? Because it should help with the 351W install. I hope.
Plus, I can learn to weld filling in these little non-structural holes.

I bought some exhaust manifolds today, although they look more like shorty headers. Paid $25 for them, so it is worth the shot. I am thinking about running the exhaust pipe like fender well headers, since I don't have fender wells. :-) If not, time to start saving for the Hooker 351W swap headers. I am really hoping I can make these work.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 31, 2018, 12:23:19 AM
And keeping on with the exhaust, I am supposed to be buying the below for $40 tomorrow (Monday) afternoon.
Just for the parts if nothing else it will be a good deal for me.
Seller has had it on Offer Up for a month, so not a good deal for others I guess.  8)
Couldn't get cats cheaper if I tried. And cutouts and an H pipe even!
 ;D

I have to get up a little early for me so I can gather up some old car batteries and an aluminum rim (that came with the 74) and take them to a place that buys that stuff, will almost pay for the exhaust part.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on December 31, 2018, 02:56:06 AM


I have to get up a little early for me so I can gather up some old car batteries and an aluminum rim (that came with the 74) and take them to a place that buys that stuff, will almost pay for the exhaust part.


Now that sounds like a deal!  Happy New Year, Russ!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 31, 2018, 03:29:46 AM
Thanks.
And to you too.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 02, 2019, 04:49:41 AM
I think I need to get a 79 service manual. I really thought that will almost nothing being stock I didn't need one, but I am going to need to see what all emissions equipment I am going to need.
Got 2 cats now, but thinking I might have to do the charcoal cannister thing, among other stuff that I may not be thinking of. Car has to go through emissions testing here, and not sure if they will open the hood to look since it is so old.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 04, 2019, 04:09:22 AM
 >:(
At myself.
This is what happens when you just assume.
Turns out I won't be able to use racing harnesses with the Miata seats. They are not useable with hi back seats, so even the stock Pinto seats wouldn't work. Unless I were to cut slots in them, which isn't going to happen.
Not sure yet what I will do, other than pretend it didn't happen and ignore it for now. Don't need seats right now. Probably have to buy other seats since I really think it is best to have the harness with the roll cage from what I have heard.

Just got home from work for the last time until Jan 14. Really hoping I can get my butt out of bed and get some stuff done. Don't have a good record recently of that happening. 
 :-X

Oh, I did order the cd rom version of the 79 manual. Really won't be much stock on the car, but maybe it will help a bit here and there.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on January 04, 2019, 05:46:22 AM


Oh, I did order the cd rom version of the 79 manual. Really won't be much stock on the car, but maybe it will help a bit here and there.
 


Let's hope it helps, anyway!  Enjoy your time off and here's hoping you'll make lots of progress with the car!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on January 04, 2019, 12:55:57 PM

...  Just got home from work for the last time until Jan 14. Really hoping I can get my butt out of bed and get some stuff done. Don't have a good record recently of that happening.  ...


If you believe in self motivation here are a few (self) quotes to get you going:


Oct. 23rd
 
I've committed to my wife to get the  79 on the road by the end of March, unless something major (health, big expense with Subaru, etc) happens.
 
 
Nov.2nd
 
We don't have the room for all the stuff my wife will buy if I don't meet the end of March deadline. 

"Happy wife..., Happy life." T-Minus 86 days and c-o-u-n-t-i-n-g . . . .
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 05, 2019, 05:59:29 PM
Thanks. But the person who wrote those is a bit of an idiot.

Speaking of idiotic, what was I thinking when I bought the 15x10 rims? I took the 4 lug tires/rims off, there is no way that those huge things will fit. Good thing my final cost for those was $20.

Not doing so good, first the seats now the rims. Grrrr.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 05, 2019, 08:03:35 PM
On a better note, we went out for a bit and when we got home my 5lug 11inch front disk brake kit was sitting by the door.
So now I need to get the old front suspension/brakes off, clean up and paint the subframe, and get the new stuff on. I don't want the car immobile for any longer than absolutely necessary.
Need to make sure my cordless impact wrench batteries (yes, I bought an extra) are charged and ready to go.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 06, 2019, 08:48:50 AM
Sigh.
It's just after 7:30AM and I am awake. Fell asleep sitting on the couch about 8 last night. Not planned, but want to take advantage of the full day.
So, what's the problem, Russ?
It's WET outside! Rained overnight, and chance of more today I think.
No garage, no carport, no shelter at all over the Pinto. Or any of the other cars for that matter.
Hoping once the sun  shows up it isn't still raining.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on January 06, 2019, 02:27:45 PM
Mother Nature does have a way of interfering with our best intentions, doesn't she?  Here's hoping it will clear up and you can get out there today!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 06, 2019, 03:35:50 PM
I've been able to get about 3 hours worth of work in, in spurts.
 
Taking another break right now do to old man body.

Got about 1.5 hours in earlier, then it started raining. Worked out good actually, because I forgot to charge the batteries for the impact wrench/driver/whatever you call it. Thing doesn't work great when the battery isn't very full. I have to remember when it stops loosening stuff it's time for the other battery, instead of cussing it out like I was  doing earlier.
After the first battery recharged, I went back out. Finally got the driver's side suspension/brakes off. Learned a couple of things to remember when I go back out to do the passenger side.

Sky outside reminds me of back east when it is getting ready to snow. 20 degrees cooler and it might snow here. But it is supposed to be warming up back to near normal this week. Hope so, got a lot to do.

Oh, I HIGHLY recommend Mechanix (spelling?) brand gloves. I borrowed my work pair (haven't needed them there lately) just in case. I normally don't like wearing gloves at all, but it was a bit cool outside and very damp so I tried them. Very nice. If you are only handling things like wrenches or sockets there is no problem with grip. Grabbing something really small probably would be difficult. I'm going to have to buy a replacement pair as I may be keeping these.

Got about 2 good hours of sunlight left. Hoping I can get the other side off quicker than the first.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 06, 2019, 05:50:44 PM
I am too old for this.

To quote my favorite tv Dr., "The pain, the pain!"

I got the passenger side off. Didn't go as smoothly as the other side, I ended up having to separate the upper control arm and ball joint as I couldn't get the control arm bolts off without lifting the control arm up some. Once I got it up, impact took them right off, but I couldn't break them loose otherwise. Can only get an open end wrench on them when they are in the assembled position and the driver's side came loose right away.

I was seriously thinking about trying our new plasma cutter, but I was worried I might not stop.

Hoping it warms up tomorrow, I need to sand and paint before I can start assembling the new front suspension and brakes.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 07, 2019, 03:45:55 PM
Well, first of all I am getting tired of being about the only one with new posts showing up on the main page.
I'm really not a post whore.
 :o

But seriously, got some stuff done today. Got to go back out and clean up and cover up shortly, but I'm giving the Tylenol a chance to kick in first.

Got the front frame and cage painted. I still need to do the cross member.
Started out using my grinder with a cheap set of wire wheels/brushes. They actually worked pretty good. Better than I did. I got the driver's side cleaned up, and ran out of gas. So I just painted the rest. It doesn't look much different, but I will go back someday after it is all together and running and redo it. Someday.  :-[
I do need to wire wheel the cross memeber and didn't want to do it with wet paint in the area, so I will try to tackle that tomorrow.

I also got the lower tubular control arms painted. These are the Speedway brand, and come bare metal. You'd think they could paint or coat them and just charge a few dollars more.  I thought of powder coating them, but they come with the bushing installed, and they would look out of place with the other stuff painted, at least to me. That's another down the road thing I may do if I get rich.  I used VHT Rollbar and Chassis spray paint on everything. Probably about 5 coats on the frame/cage, and 4 on the arms. Should last a while.  ::)

Then after a break, (yes, lots of those) I went out intending to separate the trans from the engine. Well, after looking at it a bit I realised it would be a lot easier if I removed the wiring harnesses and stuff cluttering it all up just to get to the starter. Started looking at that and decided it wasn't worth trying to "save" it for selling, and besides I go to junk yards to buy harnesses, here's one in my lap.  8) So I got it off with only a few snips, well maybe 8-10. I only cut connectors off that I would never use anyway.
You can actually tell there is an engine there now.

I'm still going to try to sell the EFI stuff, upper and lower intakes, fuel rails and injectors. But being a 5.8L truck only deal it probably won't sell. But no big loss if it doesn't. I'll be one of "those" people on Craigslist who has it on there forever. And Offer Up as well.  ;D The 5.8 EFI upper intake is huge. No way it would fit in a Pinto without a scoop.

I'll get some pictures with our camera, I don't have any luck with my phone and this computer for some reason.

Tomorrow paint the crossmember, and maybe start on the new parts. Although I need to get the gas tank off, and the rear pulled. Start fitting the fuel cell and battery box. Have I mentioned that I am putting the battery in the inside of the car? I'm going to use the same battery we have now in the Subaru, a Bosche AGM type. Wasn't a lot more than the regular acid type. Be perfect for the Pinto. I was planning on putting it underneath with the fuel cell, but I just feel more comfortable with it inside the car. I'll still vent the box to the outside just in case.

Wow, it just hit me. I can't believe I am actually doing this! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 08, 2019, 03:11:42 AM
Better late than never I guess.
Here's a couple of naked front Pinto pictures. And yes, I had to unbolt the rack to get the lower control arms off.
I didn't get any of the new paint yet.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on January 08, 2019, 12:34:37 PM
Well, first of all I am getting tired of being about the only one with new posts showing up on the main page.
I'm really not a post whore.
 :o



No, you're not... but I think you're the main one actively working on a project at the moment.  Keep up the good work!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 08, 2019, 03:16:17 PM
I'm trying, but I am running out of gas.
Had to get up early today to run and get a floor jack (used of course) for $40. Close to full size, it's a Pittsburgh (HF). Couldn't refuse.
Working on painting the crossmember, need to go out and do the second coat.

Probably won't get anything else done today on the Pinto, got a pair of workbench legs I had ordered, Karen needs a bench to do wood sanding and cutting. Bought her a compound miter saw a while back, need the bench for it also. She has a Silhouette vinyl cutting machine and is now making signs with cutesy sayings on them. Uses painted wood for the base. https://www.amazon.com/Silhouette-Cameo-Starter-Bundle/dp/B00NAX7H78
I can use this for thin sheet plastic for custom model parts, if I ever get back to that. I will some day, but I can only handle one hobby at a time.

Probably end up using 2x4s again for the bench top. Saw a solid door on CL cheap, but it's just too big to fit in the Subaru. I need the Ranchero running.
I need to mount the miter saw lower than the top, so the cutting surface is level with the bench top. Shouldn't be too hard, I am pretty creative with wood.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 08, 2019, 03:53:21 PM
a few progress pictures, and one of the wiring that came off the 351.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 09, 2019, 10:42:24 PM
Well, today was the day I'd been dreading.
A nothing day.
Had to do some other stuff and just got nothing done with the Pinto.
And really tired on top of it all. I had to finish up Karen's work bench also.

I did get a grease gun, some grease, and a bearing packer though.
So I should be all set for tomorrow.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on January 10, 2019, 08:13:11 AM
Well, perhaps after a day away from it, you can approach the Pinto with renewed vigor!  Go for it!!!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 12, 2019, 04:19:17 PM
Or not. :-[

All I've gotten done since my last post is to get the control arms installed loosely since you don't want to fully tighten things until the car is on the ground under load. I should have put the lower ball joints on but I had a question on those since I've never used screw in ones before. Got that answered, but haven't gotten back out. I think I am going to have to buy a big wrench for the ball joints, another thing I didn't think about.

I am really surprised I got as much as I did done. I am going to go out as soon as I wake up here (lots of diet Dr. Pepper) and try to get the gas tank out at least. Problem I am having working on the back of the car is that the back is on the sloped part of my driveway. Not a huge slope, but enough to make me not want to trust the car being on jack stands on that part. :(

Back to trying to get things done on weekends for now. I'll take another week off in maybe late Feb or early March. Need to get back into the overtime at work to get some more money for the transmission, windshield, and misc. stuff here and there.
Odds of making my March deadline aren't good. But as long as I am making decent progress my wife isn't going to hold me to that deadline. But it will start to hit 100 degrees here in April, so there is a real deadline there.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on January 12, 2019, 07:59:51 PM

Odds of making my March deadline aren't good. But as long as I am making decent progress my wife isn't going to hold me to that deadline. But it will start to hit 100 degrees here in April, so there is a real deadline there.


Well, you're making progress and Karen is in a position to see that for herself, so I think you'll be just fine so long as you can finish it up before it gets so terribly hot.

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on January 13, 2019, 03:40:26 PM
If the suspension arms are not attached use a vise as the socket to hold the ball, and the arm itself as the wrench to tighten it. Just be careful with those fine threads.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 18, 2019, 05:15:32 AM
Thanks.
They are attached, plus I don't have a vise. That's on the need to get sooner or later list.
I keep forgetting to see what size wrench I need.
ETA, looks like 1 and 15/16ths. Speedway sells a spanner wrench for like $13 for these bushings.

Bought some different seats the other day. Not the greatest, and not what I really want, but for now they should work. For $60. Can always put covers on them.
Don't even know what they are out of, the seller had bought them used a couple of years ago and didn't remember.
Definitely need a good cleaning. But at least I can use the 4 point harnesses with these. Assuming they will fit in the car.

Trying to decide what to do with the Miata seats. Probably end up selling them, but part of me wants to keep them for the Ranchero.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 26, 2019, 03:14:15 AM
I'm out of room.
Still have those seats in the back of the Subaru.  :-[
Once I get Bill's wheels shipped I will set the seats in the Pinto for now.

Still waffling on the Miata seats. But I really should just sell them. Or try to make some room in our storage place.

Going to really try to get the leftovers from the Mustang on CL and OfferUp later today. Doubt I will get much if anything, but need to try.

Going to order the ball joint wrench from Speedway the 31st. Need to get the front rolling so I can move the car up a bit to get the whole thing on the flat part of the driveway. I tried to get the rear up where it is now, but it was too iffy for me. Couldn't trust it. Another foot or so forward should be good.

I did get some cleaning done. This past week was the monthly bulk pickup, and I ended up putting the Pinto stock suspension out, along with the Ranchero's stock front coils. Did that Saturday night. Someone took it all by Sunday morning. Assuming it was a scrapper. Wish I could have gotten the 6.75 74 Pinto rear and the Crown Vic I took the disk brakes off of out front, but my back just flat said NO! So next month they will go. Got the Ranchero bed cleaned out, it was being used as a storage place, but most of what was there needed to be tossed. Looks a lot better now.

Thanks,
Russ

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 31, 2019, 09:28:29 PM
Picked up a Lincoln Mk VIII fan and a Spal pwm controller before work today. I'm not sure if I can use the controller the way I power the fan, but I'll see what I can find out.
$125. Been watching it on offerup, original price was $200. Didn't want the fan that bad, but what I paid for it is a good price for just the fan.

Thanks
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on February 03, 2019, 05:05:52 AM
Interesting.
I was trying to learn about the Spal Fan-PWM that came with the fan. Apparently it has been taken off the market a while back, and it isn't on their website.
The reason I got a new one (as well as the old one the seller had) was that his original one got wet and quit working. This might be why they took it off the market, but I can't find anything for sure. Not interested enough to spend too much tiime on it.
The new one was a warranty replacement. Thinking about opening up the old one and seeing if I can fix it. I am an electronic tech after all.  :o Depends if there are any proprietary chips/programming on the board, though.

Wondering if Spal taking it off the market is a reason he had such a hard time selling this stuff. Like I said before, $125 was the top end of the price I was willing to pay for the fan. Didn't want to pay more for something extra I didn't want/need.

I am definitely not going to use it. I like how I have the Ranchero fan wired up and will be doing the same thing with the Pinto. A small relay that is triggered by the temp sensor, and that relay in turn triggers a continuous duty 100 amp or more (don't remember and can't find the one I have online) solenoid like the Ford starter solenoid, only the Ford isn't continuous duty, that powers the fan. The Lincoln fan draws a lot of current.

Don't know what I will do with the Spal stuff. Doubt if it is worth trying to sell since they took it off the market. Maybe just keep the harnesses that came with them (used one and a new one) and toss the modules. If someone here wants them with the harnesses for the shipping cost, let me know. Supposedly they work good when they work.

I came across this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072KJNPHJ?pf_rd_p=c2945051-950f-485c-b4df-15aac5223b10&pf_rd_r=SJWJ2PHDNC8EF0EME1FW
while looking for the Spal stuff. It is similar to the Jeep Cherokee engine fuse box I am using, only it is new and doesn't come with relays/fuses/wiring. But pretty cheap if you need one and can't find a Cherokee to steal it from.

Got a new boss at work. I actually had to go in to work Saturday. GRRRRR. I work 10-12 hour days during the week so I don't have to work weekends. I won't be working that much during the week if I have to start working Saturdays. Plus I easily could have gotten what he wanted me to do today(saturday) done Friday night, only I didn't since I HAD to go in Saturday.
So I got nothing done that needed doing. Now I have to try to cram it all in on Sunday. I hate that. Sunday is supposed to be my rest day. Not in a religious sense, I just need one day for doing nothing.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 01, 2019, 05:38:24 PM
YAY, SCOTT  ;D ;D ;D
We're back! Been going through withdrawals for sure.
One thing I've learned is I need to keep a copy of important posts on my computer so I can reference them if the site or the internet is down.

Got good news and not so good news.

I bought a Tremec aftermarket T5 off of CL locally for $600.
Here's the info for it.
1352-251   A/M 79-93           330            2.95 1.94 1.34 1.1 0.63 -  2.76           
Won't know for sure until I use it, but from the bench checks I could do without opening it, it seems ok.
Actually bought it the Sunday the site went down. Seller has a Fox Mustang he is having  a monster engine built and knew the T5 can't hold it.

I started to put the front end together, and went to mount the spindles, and realized I didn't have the castle nuts for the upper ball joints. These were the ones I bought at a swap meet here a few years ago for the 74 orginally. I guess I just never paid attention if the nuts were there. I had to order some off of Amazon, got them but haven't been able to get back to the car since I received them.

I did finally get the hatch lift supports (along with the body mounts) installed. Nice. The hatch opens by itself now, and I don't have to hold it up anymore.

I sold the Miata seats. Took my usual bath on them, I took $75 for them, had them listed for $125. Guy is on disability. Why not. Needed them gone more than I needed the extra money. He was the only one interested in them.
Bought a HF engine stand (new, with 20% coupon)from HF.
Also a bag full of Taylor wire loom T's of different sizes cheap off of CL. I have several factory harnesses from different cars for the actual looms, but not many connectors/T's. And I found out they aren't cheap brand new.

Figured out how I am going to install the dash. More or less, need to decide on details. But I am basically going to cut the ends off of it by about 4 or so inches. Don't want to cut too close to the VIN. Don't want to draw attention any more than I have to. Yeah, full cage. That won't draw attention. ;D That is one of the decisions yet. That way the main part can still be installed/removed normally in between the cage. I will permanently mount the ends (at least that is the thinking right now). One thought I just had is to leave the top of the dash alone, and cut just the face. Might be able to angle the main part in, but I have to remember normally there will be a windshield there. Got to play around with it some more.
But at least I do have 1 solution that will work for sure.

This was a vacation week for me, and I didn't get much done. Did go to a new doctor as my previous one moved to a group I can't go to with my insurance. He has some concerns, some of which are affecting my get up and go. Hopefully we can get some of it improved. Got another week vacation in a month I think. Or two months, I can't remember right now. It's either the end of March into April, or end of April into May.  :-[
Anyway, I am trying to be a good neighbor and not making noise outside after dark, which is the time I actually tend to want to get started. Just had an idea to not make noise at least while dropping things. Put a blanket or something under the work area.  :-\ I have plenty of good halogen work lights (bought off of Facebook I think, my wife actually found them for sale for me) so lighting isn't an issue.

Thanks,
Russ



Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on March 02, 2019, 11:56:17 AM
So, I guess the March deadline... has slipped by the wife unnoticed... . Don't discount those nights (working quietly) because shortly the 90+ degree weather will be upon you.

The 2.95 1st T-5 you acquired is a desirable gear set to have. Especially with a higher torque engine and a light weight car.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 02, 2019, 11:39:24 PM
Thanks.

The March deadline is really the end of March, so I still have time. But it most likely won't happen. But we have had some family issues to deal with, so the Pinto is not number one right now. As long as I am making progress, she really doesn't care about the deadline.
Plus, we are getting a decent tax return, so she can spend money anyway.  ::) So can I, hopefully. But our Subaru might be needing some repairs, some I can do and some I can't. Have to see.

As far as the trans, yeah, this is the one to use for my situation. When I found it for sale on OfferUp, I was crossing my fingers that he wouldn't sell it before I got the money to buy it. He did have it listed funny, I only found it by accident.

Russ

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 06, 2019, 06:27:10 AM
well, I think I've decided how to pull the rear end. I'm just going to unbolt the leaf springs and pull it all out. No shocks to worry about.
Yes, I just ordered new leaf springs.
 https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-20311-Pinto-Mini-Stock-Leaf-Spring-138-Lb-Rate,24115.html
Not sure why, but I started thinking I should get new ones a couple of days ago. These are about $40 more for the pair than the Landrum brand they also sell, but the AFCO just sounded like a better product from reading the descriptions.
Might be too harsh, but I doubt it. I'm kind of going for a go kart feel anyway. I can always change them later if they are too bad for me.
Need to get some shackles. Thinking about getting the old style long ones that we all used in the 70's, only cutting them down to match the stock ones. Need bigger bolts than the stock ones have, plus I'd like thicker steel. Ordered some poly bushings for the rear ends of the springs as well. These fit the Pintos, but the bolt holes are too big for stock shackles. They actually are for Chryslers of some sort.
Also ordered the AN fittings I think I will need for the fuel cell/fuel line. At least for the back end of the car. Already have half inch fuel line waiting to be used.

For anyone asking, YES, our state tax refund came today. We are splitting it, and I've spent about 2/3rds of mine in one go. Slowly whittling down the wish list at Speedway anyway. Mostly AC stuff left on that one, and that stuff will have to wait.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 07, 2019, 03:20:52 AM
Well, pretty much all spent on my end.
Bought a pair of Speedway strut rods (the stock ones) and an Edelbrock rebuild kit for the carb I originally was going to use on the Ranchero but now it is a Pinto carb. Already have the book on those carbs. Been 30 years or more since I tore into a carb. I've heard the carb cleaners aren't so good anymore, guess I will find out.

I did buy a video game I've been wanting. It is the Sony PlayStation Classic Console, the little mini one loaded with a bunch of games. Price dropped to under $40, couldn't refuse. I have the Nintendo NES mini, but missed getting the SNES one before they sold out and are now going for over $100. Maybe someday.

Maybe I shouldn't have bought the strut rods, but I decided I didn't want to use my limited time/energy cleaning up the originals. At $60 for the pair, it's not the worst thing I have bought by a long shot.

Double checked, my next week off is the end of April/first of May. Might be a tad warm by then, but honestly it might be better for me to be in heat than cold the way my body is getting. Going to try to pick away at it some each weekend before then. I may have adhd, it's hard for me to stick with doing one thing at a time. I always tend to start something, then get tired of that and move to another thing. Etc. I can focus, it is just hard. I've always been this way, I just never knew in my younger days that it wasn't so normal.

See, talking about the Pinto and get sidetracked.

ETA: I am pretty sure I am going to swap to the 74 front sheet metal. Been looking at pictures of the 79's and I just don't really like it. I will also be doing the small bumper, most likely fiberglass. Will have to come up with the valance panel. I've asked in the General forum if anyone knows if MAP351 is still making his stuff. I also will have to remove the cowl scoop from the 79 hood and put it on the 74. This will probably all be after the car is on the road though. Maybe.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 07, 2019, 02:29:42 PM
Russ,


A lot of people think it's necessary to see one thing through before starting another.  My personal feeling is that any progress is still progress.  Shifting focus on a project of this sort may slow things down a bit but, if you stick with it, the destination is still the same. 


I don't mind the looks of the '79/'80 Pintos but if you prefer the appearance of the older ones, then why not use the sheet metal from your '74.  In a project of this sort, you build the car that YOU want.


I know it gets really hot out there, but maybe it won't be too bad the end of April.  Hope not anyway!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 07, 2019, 11:04:31 PM
I guess I never looked at the 79 front end much before. Mine had the grill and stuff in the car. Just looks "off" to me. Yeah, I will use the 74 stuff I have, but will need a small bumper and valance. Oh, and a grill.

As far as the bouncing around stuff, it would be nice to just get something finished. I just need to force myself to do it.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 09, 2019, 06:58:07 PM
I had to get up at 10 to go to the post office today, so when we got home I forced myself to go out and do something.
I got the trans and engine separated finally. My impact driver ran out of juice before I could get all of the flexplate bolts off. Going to try to get it on the stand tomorrow. Might have to buy some bolts to mount it. Don't have a can of misc. bolts laying around like I used to when I was young and doing this stuff all the time.

And I found out the engine has been rebuilt. I took the passenger side exhaust manifold off so I could get to the starter and noticed something. It has a tag on it. And I don't like how the block looks near the tag.

 Now I am a bit worried about it. I've been debating with myself for a few weeks about if I should open it up and regasket everything at a minimum. I think today has finished that debate.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 10, 2019, 07:59:35 PM
Note to self. Always go with your first plan.
Or, how to do a lousy job cutting the dash.
I will get it to look ok, just going to take more work.

I bought a diamond edged metal cutting grinder wheel yesterday.
Tried it out today. It works GREAT!

But, the problem is I overthought how I wanted to cut the dash to fit around the roll cage.
I thought I had a way to make the top section fit without cutting the width very much if at all.I really wanted to avoid cutting anywhere near the vin. And I had to keep reminding myself that sooner or later there will be a windshield, so I have to remember that.

Well, I was wrong. Not for the first time, just ask my wife.  ::)

I cut the top off from the rest of the dash in the area where the pad mounts, so the cut wouldn't show when it was all back together. That was a good idea to hide the cut, but it turns out I shouldn't have cut it like that. I still needed to cut the width, it would have been better to go with my first idea of just cutting the whole dash about 3 inches or so on each end. I will still have to cut the lower part of the dash like that.

I will probably try to weld it back together in the car with it mounted in place later on. Or at least make some brackets to go behind it for support. But planning on doing some welding, and this area won't show.

I also got the gas tank out. I ended up cutting the straps near the bolts. So now I can start really planning on where to cut the spare well out. Speaking of which, while taking the tank out I noticed something in the very front of the well area. There is some sort of thing that the safety plastic shield is attached to that is maybe 3 inches deep from the floor and a few inches wide. It looks like all it is for is that plastic shield thing?
But it is right where I need to cut the front of the well. Going to have to look into that.

Also, the rear of the well is only about an inch or less from the tailight panel. Much different than the 74 wagon setup.
I may have to cut just the well out from the inside of it instead of cutting out a square around it like I had planned. It also isn't centered. The wagon pretty much is.  :(

Sometimes doing crazy mods isn't that easy. :o ;D

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 16, 2019, 05:53:11 AM
I got something today that should help me do some of this stuff and the Ranchero also.
A Lincoln Handy Mig.
OK, I know it might not be considered a real mig, but it is, just small.
It will be perfect for car sheet metal. I already have a smallish tank that is hopefully still full of 75/25 gas. And 2 HF cheap welding carts. Been procrastinatin g on building those since I got them last year.

We got our Federal tax refund, and I decided I should buy something I really need to do all this stuff with. I wasn't looking forward to trying to flux core weld using the HF flux core only welder. I have a HF mig as well, but I don't think it is still good. Had it under a tarp but didn't realise the the tarp came off and it got rained on for who  knows how long.
Can't try it out until at least Sunday, Karen has stuff planned for  later today. Ikea.

I guess I forgot to mention the new leaf springs. Afco 138lb. And I bought a pinion seal and differential gasket. Going to change the seal when I swap the rear end housings. Looks like it is leaking pretty good. And I bought a yoke tool. $45 for a 3/8ths thick one that has a spot for a piece of pipe. https://store.bleepinjeep.com/product/yoke-wrench-tool/

Hoping to get out there Sunday and get some stuff done. Even if it is only one or two things, I want to make some progress every week.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 16, 2019, 06:28:04 PM

Hoping to get out there Sunday and get some stuff done. Even if it is only one or two things, I want to make some progress every week.


Sounds like a plan!!!  Hope it goes well!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on March 16, 2019, 10:26:06 PM

I gave my son a free HF MIG and he gave it to someone else. Pretty much says something right there. I have had a Lincoln Mig Pak 10 the past 19 years and it has been reliable. At the time Eastwood wanted $425 but my wife saw it at Costco (floor model) for $250. The only thing missing was a $12 nozzle. If you have the really small bottle (About 18") I recommend you upgrade the size. The cost to upgrade the bottle will be saved after a few fillings.


If money is an issue you don't really need the yoke tool.  I made a plate to torque the crank bolt (a similar 100-150 Ft. lb's) when I changed the timing belt on my Mazda. In this case it locked to an existing bolt on the front of the engine.   When I did the timing belt in my mother in laws Mazda the plate fit the flange but it did not line up with a bolt hole on the engine. To remedy the problem I just made a "peg leg" out of  piece of angle iron that was a bit longer than the distance to the ground. I was easily able to exert the torque needed because the full weight of the car was countering the pinion shaft rotation (see image). In your case you don't need a plate. Just bolt the angle iron to the flange and tighten.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 18, 2019, 02:28:42 AM
Thanks.
I bought the tool, it's easier for me to buy one than to try to fab something up.

This weekend was a bust as far as the Pinto goes. My wife wanted to go to Ikea to get a couple of work tables for her craft room. Well, we ended up getting a new bed as well. So guess what I spent all of Saturday night to 3am and about two more hours Sunday doing?
I am in so much pain it isn't funny.

I did get something for the Pinto. Found a used pair of Weiand sbf valve covers on Craigslist and picked them up Saturday on the way to Ikea. Since I have the Weiand intake, I figured why not, at least for now. They've been soda blasted. Not sure what I want to do with them. I like polished, but keeping it polished is a real pain. Maybe powder coat them. Or just paint them. I'll post a picture once I get one taken.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 18, 2019, 02:00:22 PM
Assembling Ikea furniture is a nightmare compared to working on a Pinto, but at least it is something accomplished!  Hope your muscles will feel better soon!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 22, 2019, 01:23:55 AM
Nightmare is a good word. But I am finally getting over the pain. We went from a king size to a full. Lots more room to get around now, still getting used to the new size though. Don't think the kids (2dogs 1cat) are totally thrilled with it.

Bought something else for the Pinto today. 4 aluminum mag wheels and roller tires. $20. Yes, twenty. I will have to get pictures later, I couldn't copy the ones that were in the ad. Probably 15x7, didn't have time to look. They will work to get the car on the road.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 22, 2019, 11:10:02 AM
Those wheels sound like a real steal! 


Can't imagine going from a king to a full bed but I definitely understand about space considerations .  At one point early in our marriage, Gloria and I had a king bed, along with a dresser, chest, and nightstand in a room that was 10 x 12.  No room to get around at all! 


About five years ago we decided to remodel two side-by-side bedrooms in our five bedroom house into a new master bedroom.  The result was a 16 x 28 room with his and hers closets and a seating area that includes an electric fireplace.  Now we have a king bed, a huge dresser, a media chest, two nightstands, a boudoir bench, two chairs, a corner curio and a ficus tree in there and still have lots of space to walk around.  It was a simple project because the two rooms were mirror images of one another.  The closets were in the far corners so nothing needed to be done there.  The windows are to either side of the headboard so again, no alteration needed.  Once the dividing wall was taken out, we closed up one door and re-wired to relocate the light switches to a position beside the remaining door.  The original lights, centered in the rooms, were replaced with recessed can lights and wired to work together off one dimmer switch.  We added a ceiling fan with light between them in the area where the wall had been removed, wired to a separate switch.  I paid an electrician to do all that stuff.  I framed in the doorway and hung the drywall there as well as the drywall to fill in the gaps where the wall had been and had a professional painter do the drywall finishing and new paint.  Once that was all done, I installed new hardwood flooring.  Total cost on the whole thing was about $3500 including the materials, the fan, and the fireplace.  My electrician and painter were co-workers of mine and charged very little, so that was definitely a factor, but I wanted the expertise of professionals and would have hired through normal channels if I had not had a connection.  The demolition, framing/drywall hanging, and floor installation were things I felt comfortable with being DIY projects.  With such a nice room, we decided to furnish it accordingly and spent a little over $10,000 on solid cherry furniture and an adjustable bed.  As far as I'm concerned, it is probably the best investment I've ever made and is the reason that we'll likely live in this house until the day we die.  The biggest aggravation of the whole thing was the assembly of the fireplace (purchased from Home Depot).  The instructions were near useless and it ultimately took two people to hold it together until the final steps were performed by a third person and actually stabilized the whole thing.  My son and daughter-in-law had the honor of getting involved in that mess!  lol  Anyway, I hope you and Karen don't have too much trouble adjusting to your cozier bed; the space you created around it is probably well worth the sacrifice!


Dwayne :) 
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on March 22, 2019, 12:20:02 PM
IIf you can't read this then you grasp my frustrartion. So many tgimes I will simply cut and paste directly from a PCCA post and it resizes the font.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on March 22, 2019, 12:23:41 PM
If you can't read the post above then you grasp my frustration. So many times I will simply cut and paste directly from a PCCA post and it resizes the font when it posts (looks correct prior). WHY???
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on March 22, 2019, 12:26:29 PM
Anyway, what I had wanted to say was:

"... The result was a 16 X 28 room..."

Sounds like parking for four Pinto's to me!  ;D
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 22, 2019, 05:05:22 PM
Anyway, what I had wanted to say was:

"... The result was a 16 X 28 room..."

Sounds like parking for four Pinto's to me!  ;D


You're right, but instead it is parking space for two sorry old worn out bodies.

Dwayne ;D
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 23, 2019, 05:39:29 PM
Dwayne, that's OUR line. ;)

I just came in from actually touching the Pinto.
And I do mean touch. With a cutoff wheel.
this is just the first rough cut of the trunk floor, there are things underneath that I better not cut, so this was just a quick one to get the biggest piece out of the way. I won't know for sure how much more I need to cut until I get the fuel cell and it's mount mocked up in there. It also depends on if I want it centered. The spare tire well is NOT centered, off to the passenger side quite a bit, and that is pretty much what I cut out today.

and I got a picture of one of the wheels. Made in Brazil. Best I could tell the company is called Mangala? But they are dirty, so maybe I missed the big name. 15x7J. No clue what the J stands for. ???And they are directional. Two have "right" and two have "left". Again, not the ones I want when finished, but these will do the job for now. And they are better than lots of the ones I have been seeing. Current tires on them are P205/70. Will see what else fits these wheels.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 25, 2019, 04:37:44 AM
Got two things accomplished today.

One was I finally sold the SBF C6. Got a whole $60 for it. Guy who bought it is going to have it rebuilt so he can put it in his wife's truck, which needs a new transmission but he didn't want her to not have it to drive while the original was being rebuilt.

Second was I finally built on of the HF welding carts I bought like a year or more ago. Got the Lincoln Handy Mig and the Lotos ( I never heard of them either until I saw it on the HD site) Plasma cutter (very cheap from Home Depot, hope it works) on it. The gas cylinder is still sitting in the Ranchero. Cart is in the house, so will wait on the gas until ready to use it.

Oh, found someone selling some 1/8th sheet, getting two pieces, each about 40x15, for $30 total. Engine frame mounts here we come. He/they(not sure) has a shop in Tempe, has lots of other sheet metal for sale similar size but different gauges. Same price. Hope to get more when I get paid. Have to get up a bit early today (Monday) so I can go get it before work. But it should be worth it.

Also got some bolts/washers to mount the engine on the stand. It's an HF one, all I am seeing is it slowly collapsing once the engine is on it in my mind. I am sure it will be fine. But....

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 28, 2019, 11:18:49 PM
Ordered something to help with making the engine mount brackets.
http://www.swagoffroad.com/SWAG-12-TON-Press-Brake-DIY-Builder-Kit-_p_72.html
I paid the extra $100 to have it fully assembled. I do not want to practice welding on something like this. Plus I don't have a welder capable of the thicknesses involved even if I could weld that well.
Only does up to 13 inches wide with 1/8th, but will be perfect for the brackets.

Tomorrow I am expecting to get some stuff done on the Pinto. Need to get the engine on the stand so I can move the hoist and then move the Pinto forward a foot or two. Then it will be all level, so I can get the rear on jack stands.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 30, 2019, 09:19:02 PM
this is a slow process.  :-[

Got a couple of things done today.

Went on a minor road trip, diagonally across Phoenix to a suburb called Gilbert. Picked up an Edelbrock Victor Series High Performance Street Mechanical Water Pumps 8840 from a guy on the vintage Mustang forum. $80. Hoping it works on the 351. Summit's write up only has it for the 5.0 from 86 to 93, but the 5.8/351 should be the same. Could be an outlet position thing or something. Since this is a swap, I am not worried about factory correct.  ;D It's been sitting for many years, but has never been used.

Finally got the engine on the stand. Sort of. It's on, but is rotated 90 degrees and I can't get it to move. I can't get the retaining pin out to rotate it. Will work on it some more maybe tomorrow. Hopefully.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on April 18, 2019, 12:40:58 AM
Lots and not much. That's what I have been doing to/for the car.
Got the rear end half off. Need a new cut off blade for the grinder. Cutting the U bolts off as I can't get to the nuts on them safely.

Bought a few things. A Lunati dual timing chain. Bunch of stuff for the garage I don't have. An older Montgomery Ward arc welder. Very basic, but it works. A metal cart that will be a good welding table. Thing weighs a ton. An extension cord for the welders. An air line kit, it's a Milton one. Pretty cheap, hope it works. Also got a bunch of Milton V series connectors. Supposed to be good for some extra air flow.

Getting warm here. I have to get busy on this. Or else I will be "sweating ON the oldie Pinto". 😂

Thanks
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 21, 2019, 12:51:42 AM
Still in buying mode. Mainly tool stuff.
Bought a boroscope that works with your phone.
Bought a real AC/DC arc welder. Older Century. Probably mid '70's. 220V AC. Will need new leads at some point. Not right away though.
Some thread chasers.
A mounting bracket for the radiator.
A few hundred pounds of scrap steel tubing and a few small pieces of plate. Will be great for welding practice. $12. It just barely fit in the Subaru.

Finally got rid of the Mustang stuff. Bulk trash, but someone took it all before the city. Also got rid of both Pinto gas tanks, and the 74 exhaust.

Probably forgetting about something. Just glad we are back.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 21, 2019, 04:15:13 AM
Let me try this again. Maybe we can't add pictures to our posts due to the way Scott had to get us back up.

I got the engine on the stand correctly. Even got it half apart. Got rid of the efi stuff, and got the accessories off. And one head removed. Lots of rust in the water passages. Not good. Hoping I can still use this engine. Probably going to have to take it all the way down to the bare block, and have it hot tanked and checked out by a machine shop.

Changed plans with the seats again. I ended up finding some RCI poly seats cheap.  I will eventually get some covers for these, but not until the car is running, unless I somehow come across some really cheap. These are the style I had originally wanted, so it worked out in the long run. My wife isn't happy that these are the third pair.

Got rid of a bunch of stuff the last two bulk trash pickup days. We have those once a month. Although I think both times nothing actually ended up in the trash. In total, the Mustang hatch, door, sway bars, Pinto gas tanks (both the wagon and this one), the wagon driveshaft, the most recent bucket seats, the centerline copy wheels, 5.8 efi stuff, axles from the CV rear, and other misc stuff. About all I have left to drag out is the rear end from the wagon, and the donor Crown Vic rear I took the disk brakes from.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 21, 2019, 04:16:33 AM
picture test
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: pinto_one on May 21, 2019, 12:54:30 PM
The picture came out well , but the old post listing has not , guess the are still working out the bugs , and doing the same thing at my place , cleaning up and out the old junk that I know I will never use and still working on my retirement complex , its been on year since I have started and halfway there , good luck on yours
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 25, 2019, 05:24:35 AM
Hmm, the picture is gone now. ???
Guess it will be best not to post any more pictures until Scott gets everything back together.

I've got a potential dilemma.  :-\
Came across someone selling an 83 5.0 running engine for $350. Not quite what I want, but then the 351W isn't either. But it would be much quicker to get the Pinto on the road again. (cue Willie Nelson).
Now, by the time I get that much cash together (middle of June) it will likely be sold. But, if not I might go for it. The T5 stuff will all work. I would have to get a flywheel for that style engine (think they were 50 oz balance by then) but I have to buy a flywheel and clutch either way. I don't know if it comes with all accessories and carb/etc. Not going to bother the guy with questions until much closer to the time I would have the cash. If it doesn't come with the intake/carb, I would have to buy those, as I have an intake for a 351W and a larger carb that would be too much for a stockish or even a not so stockish 5.0. Maybe even the 351W. It was meant for my Cleveland in the Ranchero.

Being able to just drop in a running engine would be great, but then I don't have the best of luck with that. The 351W was supposed to be that.  :-[

Going to try to get the rear end out this weekend. Just need to cut the passenger side u bolts.  Need to get a couple of saw horses to set the other one on to clean/paint/assemble. Was going to get the cheap HF ones, glad I didn't. Read the reviews on those, not good. Not good for a 2x4, definitely not for a rear end.
Maybe start mocking up the fuel cell mounting. Maybe pick a spot for the battery box. Have I mentioned I am going to put the fuse box right next to that? Will find or make a little box for it, more to keep it hidden from prying eyes. Having a glass hatch can be a bit revealing.  :o
 I am working Monday, will be pure overtime. That is how I am getting the extra cash. Either for that 5.0, or a cam and springs for the 351 someone is selling on the Mustang forum. At least that is the plan for the money at the moment. I'm running out of littler things to buy for the Pinto. Clutch, flywheel, hydraulic clutch stuff, driveshaft (probably, doubt if the 2.3l one for the T5 will fit), new disc brake parts for the Crown Vic rear discs. Heat and A/C. Windshield. Can't forget that one. I'm sure once I really get  into it I will find lots of little things I will need, but nothing really is popping into my head at the moment.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 27, 2019, 01:04:31 AM
Well, wont' be working tomorrow after all.
Dealing with the idiot I talked about in another post wiped out my saturday and most of sunday. so tomorrow I will get some stuff done on the Pinto instead of working.
Probably didn't need to spend that money anyway.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 27, 2019, 09:35:52 PM
I did get out there. Got the rear loose from the car.
However, I am going to have to take the leaf springs off before I can yank the rear out from under.
The problem with that is right now the leaf springs are what is holding the rear of the car off the ground. They are setting on Harbor Freight car dollies. The cheap $40 or so a pair ones.  And I can't safely put the car on jackstands in the rear because the rear of the car is on the sloped part of my driveway.
I need to get the car moved about 2-3 feet forward. I should be able to do that shortly.
I had thought I could maneuver the rear end enough to clear everything, but nope.
Oh, well.

I have to think about where to place the fuel cell. As in, do I want it centered, or sitting to the passenger side? I weigh over 300. Normally won't be a passenger in the car. So thinking having the cell off center will help offset my weight. I have to do some thinking/searching on this one. Having it offset to the passenger side will effect where I can put the battery, as I realised today. I had cut out the spare tire well a while back, and it is offset to the passenger side, which got me thinking about this in the first place. The cell is relatively small, 15 gallons, but little. So there should be plenty of wiggle room to mount it wherever I come up with as the best. I am definitely open to opinions on this.
I have decided, if I center the cell, to run a fuel filler tube like the vintage Mustangs, middle of the rear above the bumper. Will be a lot easier than trying to route a fuel filler tube to the stock location. I never liked the idea of having that much fuel filler inside the car. I can box in the filler tube easily if I run it out the back.

Depression sucks. Once I get my butt out there it is ok, but getting myself to actually get started is the hard part.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: pinto_one on May 28, 2019, 07:36:24 AM
I also think that having a gas tank inside of the car with you is a bad idea even if its a fuel cell , they are other options , one I have done is a idea you may want to think on , one is the car going to be on the street or just track only , giving the 15 gallon tank makes me say you are for the street , two is placment for saftey , under car would be best , next your car has a full roll cage , and did they cut out the spare tire tubb ??  thirty years ago I built a runabout up with a turbo 2.3 , rear hach leaked and rusted up the tire tubb , I cut it out and bolted a large piece of  0.125 2024 T4 alum plate , then bolted a boat tank to the bottom of it and welded a nipple the same size as the filler tube and made a crossover to the tank , it also had a sender which matched the fuel gauge , it held 18 gallons and worked great on the cheep , if for drag strip only you could bolt a fuel cell under it and do the same , this is a few ideas that you can ponder on , even tape a cardbourd box tothe bottem to get even more ideas ,  a 12 X 12 box will hold a tad over 7 gallons ,, good luck ,  later Blaine
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 28, 2019, 11:00:44 AM
I cut out the spare tire tub. It's a waste of space with big 15 inch tires. 😁
In a hatchback I would never put the cell inside the car. It will be going underneath a floor. Routing the filler tube is the question. I won't have it where I would have to fill it up from inside the car.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on May 28, 2019, 02:17:02 PM
How would you define "Inside the car?"  Many cars, Ford for instance, in the Falcon, used the top of the fuel tank as the floor of the trunk. It dropped in a large opening and there was a flange that screwed to the tank to the trunk floor. So the bulk of the tank suspended downward out of the trunk area and could be thought of as being external. But, the top of the tank being the trunk floor arguably could have constituted it as being "In the car."  Months ago when you cut out the spare tire well I assumed you were considering a tank much like I described used in the Falcon.

On another note having the filler neck externally on the rear of the Pinto (I assume you mean between the two tail lights) does force the fuel tank/cell pretty much below the trunk floor as liquids do not flow upward. I'd also advise against a a rear mount fuel filler neck for two reasons. One, in a rear impact it is more susceptible to ripping loose. Second, the filler neck will be perpendicular (90 degrees) to the road and that is an awkward position to hold the fuel nozzle at the station.  This isn't very self evident until you fill up a 60's era car (my '64 Studebaker for instance) and feel like you are doing palliates in the process of pumping gas.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 28, 2019, 10:49:48 PM
I used to have a 69 Mustang. Used to filling those up. I would like to use the stock location, but not thrilled with the idea of having the filler tube running that much in the hatch area. Once I get the cell located I can get a better idea of what I have to do.

The fuel cell will be below the floor, either the stock one or one I will build out of 14 gauge sheet metal. Hoping to have it completely underneath the stock floor (yes, I will have to make the part where the spare was). Depends on how the mounting brackets I have fit.

Definitely a work in progress and plans always change.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on June 10, 2019, 05:16:27 AM
I mentioned a little bit ago that I bought a mounting kit for the radiator.
Well, this is it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00383WP9A/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Says it isn't available currently, but I have one.
I could seriously have done better on my own, but I did't know that when I ordered it.
Oh, well. I can use it for a pattern if nothing else.
A couple of 1x tubes of aluminum about 20 inches tall or so, a couple of aluminum rods with threaded ends about 30 inches long, and 4 straps, maybe 3/4 wide with a couple of bends in each.
This mounts to the radiator, but then I still have to figure out how to mount it to the car.
Didn't actually cost me anything, I used a gift certificate I got from work.


Hasn't been any progress made on the Pinto. Trying to work too much during the week is causing me to lose at least one weekend day to exhaustion. Plus I hurt my already hurting back this week. Bent over  wrong, felt something give. Still can't stand up straight without lot's of pain.

And it has finally warmed up to where it is supposed to be for Phoenix in June.

Wife needs thousands of dollars worth of work done to her teeth. And cataract surgery that is helping her to be blind in one eye, besides the macular stuff. So I am down to spending pennies on anything else. Need to spend a bit on the Pinto to get it on all four tires, then I probably am done spending for a good while. I'll be able to keep at it though. Wiring still needs done, mounting the engine and trans. Stuff I have the needed (mostly) stuff to do. Will always be able to squeeze a little into the budget.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on June 11, 2019, 12:05:26 PM
Well, as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day!  You'll get there!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 22, 2019, 04:07:04 AM
Well, I haven't given up yet.
This heat is not doing me any favors.
But I am really getting excited for cooler weather to get here.
So, I think I posted this list last year. I've modified it some for this year. Eliminated what I got done, and added some stuff.

things to do with the pinto by last weekend of October 2019.


paint front frame, cage, firewall, and new suspension parts. Partially done.

install new front suspension.

install new front brakes.

get rear end together and installed with new springs.

Get the car on 4 wheels again. (have them sitting and waiting)(at least temporary ones)

empty interior of last loose stuff.

take a good look at interior and floor. especially cage and subrame connectors.

loosely mount fuel cell with mounting kit. Start figuring out fuel fill stuff.

Right now I am still doing vacuum tube electronics in the air conditioning. Having fun with it. But really getting anxious to work on the cars again.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on August 22, 2019, 07:57:25 AM
Hi Russ!


Glad to know you're still hanging in there!  Progress should speed up some when the temperature begins to cool.  In the meantime, I hope you're having a terrific summer!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on August 23, 2019, 04:54:37 AM
Seems the older I get (just turned 60) the harder I have dealing with the heat.

Don't tell Karen, but I spent a little money on the Pinto. Some nuts for the pumpkin, and a pair of aluminum bushings for the front of the leaf springs. Been wanting them for a year, decided I might as well do it so I can't use not having them as an excuse for not putting the springs on the car. Not made for the Pinto, but they are the correct diameter for the Afco springs. I might have to cut the length a bit. Will find out for sure once I get them. Can't remember if I mentioned I bought greasible bolts for the bushings back in the spring. Hollow, with a zerk fitting on one end. I'm getting fancy in my old age.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on August 23, 2019, 11:37:06 AM
Seems the older I get (just turned 60) the harder I have dealing with the heat.


A belated Happy Birthday!  I hear you, buddy... I'm a couple years older than you and I don't handle the heat nearly as well as I used to.  Of course, I live in an air conditioned house, drive air conditioned vehicles, and work in an air conditioned facility.  I suppose my body has so little exposure to high temperatures that it's lost its ability to cope.  Just another victim of modern technology.  lol

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 06, 2019, 07:08:15 AM
Thanks.

I think I have about everything for the rear axle.
bought these
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cee-2022
and these
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/afc-20235-4
some leaf spring u bolts that I hope fit
and a gasket and nuts for the pumpkin.
I should have had the other housing painted by now, but can't get to it without moving a bunch of stuff. Add 20 degrees to the outside temp and that is about what it is in our storeroom (enclosed carport, no insulation).

i have to drag the Pinto forward about 2 feet so I can safely put the rear on jackstands. Maybe this weekend. Then I can finally finish getting the old rear end and leaf springs out.Car is actually sitting on the springs, they are on Harbor Freight dollies. Not the best thing in the world, so I don't get under the car much in the rear. And only with a floor jack for support in case.

We are having to buy a new to us vehicle, probably a late 90's Ranger, although I have found a 73 Ranchero in our budget. Waiting to actually get the cash before talking to anyone, but that is my priority for right now.Whatever we get CAN'T be any sort of project. Has to be ready to go from day one.

 The Subaru is going to be parked and worked on a bit at a time, and will be our emergency vehicle. Needs normal stuff, brakes, struts, ac work, clutch soon, but the main worry is the front differential. Viscous coupling I believe it is. According to people on a Subaru forum, it sounds like it is about to go.

Need something will really cold a/c here. I just don't have enough faith in the Subaru at this point to want to put all of our money into it just to have something else go bad. I know, it's a chance with a used car as well. But hopefully I can weed out the bad stuff (yes, I learned a lesson with the Ranchero, take my time looking at it).

Anyway, back to Pinto land. My goal this winter is to at least get everything but the engine done. Seeing as I have most everything I will need already, just a matter of doing it. Even including getting the engine/transmission mounts ready. I would like to get the engine together and the car running, but we will have to wait and see, as that part will take money. And I still really want a Cleveland in it.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on September 06, 2019, 09:04:41 AM
Hey Russ!


Well, at least it shouldn't be too long until the weather eases up a little and you'll get a break from the intense heat.  Hang in there!!!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 08, 2019, 04:23:13 PM
Well, won't know til next weekend, but odds are I am going to be putting a Cleveland into the Pinto.  ;D :'( Will have to sell some of the stuff I bought for the 351W engine I bought. Shouldn't be too hard. Most of what I have like radiator and trans stuff will fit the C. I made sure of that.  ;D

I was worried about using the T5 behind it, but according to the specs I've found online that won't be a problem for it or the 8 inch. For now.  :P

Been looking/thinking about the 72 Ranchero. I am pretty sure it is dead. Whatever I get. The rust is just too much. So I will take stuff from it like the engine and the 72 specific front sheet metal. It and the 74 wagon just need to go away. Then I can put the 79 in where the Ranchero is so I can work on it behind closed gates out of the zoning inspector's eyes. And feel safe working on it at 1AM if I want to. Great time for doing the electrical if nothing else. That stuff isn't noisy.

I tried really hard not to give up on those, but turning 60 a month ago has really given me a dose of reality in the face. I can only do so much. And even that seems to be getting less and less. I think I can handle the 79 if I can have it in a place where I can work on it easily when  I want to over the cooler times here. Essentially it is all bolt on.  ::) I will be keeping the 79 front sheet metal on it for now at least. After it is on the road I can think about changing it if I still want to. Other than the hood scoop everything else will be just a few bolts. But the hood scoop will be needed with either 351.
The Ranchero is full of rust, not just the floors. All the body panels. I may find that even the fenders aren't worth keeping once I take a good look at them.

I kind of feel like a quitter :-[, yet I am feeling kind of free as well 8)l.  :-\

If anyone needs 74 wagon specific glass (no windshield) or the hatch or anything, let me know. I also have the luggage rack I could take off. Not great, but straight. I'll probably put an ad in the classifieds for that stuff, but I will only remove it if wanted. I have no storage space. I also will have a torn down 8 inch Pinto/II rear end complete. Probably more once I really take inventory.

Thanks,
Russ
















Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on September 08, 2019, 09:14:26 PM
I kind of feel like a quitter :-[, yet I am feeling kind of free as well 8)l.  :-\



I get where you're coming from; it's sad to give up on a project BUT it's extraordinaril y difficult to have three projects going on at the same time!  That's not even accounting for health issues, etc.  Sacrificing the '74 Pinto wagon and the Ranchero will be well worthwhile if it leads to finishing the '79 Pinto and getting it on the road.  What a sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you drive it for the first time!!! 

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 08, 2019, 09:48:53 PM
Thanks.

The bad part about the 72 is that Karen's ex paid for it, and she feels attached to it. But like I said, reality time, and it is just too much for me.
Just taking the stuff off is going to be a pain, the hood won't open. Not sure why yet. To be honest, I haven't looked in a couple of years. And that statement alone proves that it is time for it to go. But ever since I got the Pinto, I have been wanting to take the Cleveland from the 72. I guess deep down I knew what was coming.
And doing this will mean the Pinto is ready to run a lot quicker. Odds are the 351W I bought will have to be gone through if not rebuilt. Note to self-next time you buy an engine for more than $100, make sure you hear it run.
The 73 has a Cleveland as well, so no need to keep the one from the 72 for it.

I need to hurry up and get the Pinto rolling, so I can move it to get the others out. Told my wife they'd be gone by Thanksgiving, but I am hoping for Halloween. I'm better at taking apart, so the 72 should be a piece of cake at this point.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on September 11, 2019, 01:24:49 AM

The 73 has a Cleveland as well, so no need to keep the one from the 72 for it.



Does this mean you have decided on the '73 Ranchero you mentioned several posts back?

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on September 11, 2019, 03:19:05 AM
Not at this point. It may have been sold.
Someone was supposed to be looking at it Tuesday night.
And I would have to look at it before buying it.

I would prefer a Ranchero. But only if it is worth it. Whatever we get needs to be no more than a weekend away from being a reliable daily driver for me.

Although I have found something else. It looks like my 72. It is a 72 red Ranchero. Same price as the 73, but body is in rougher shape. Fender and all the front grille area has been replaced. Not red.
Again, would need to be really looked at.
I'm so stressed right now. Karen is resigned to me buying another Ranchero, but really doesn't want me to. Too old. But for me, that old I can work on and know what I am doing. (other than making sure there is no rust apparently).
Now, with either Ranchero, I have a lot of new parts for when it needs suspension work. The 72 has factory air, but isn't working. I have a brand new compressor, a dryer, and an expansion valve that I bought way back for the current 72. Not that I want to have to do any work right away, but I have most of the likely stuff for the air at least. So that shouldn't be a big time delay.

Too many decisions for me.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on September 11, 2019, 07:30:49 AM
Well, I can certainly understand both positions!  Good luck with whatever you decide!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on November 25, 2019, 12:16:56 AM
I am so tired. I posted this in the wrong thread.
Oh, well.

I may get killed by my wife, so if I don't post anywhere for a while that is what happened.

I really need to get the Pinto moveable so I can get rid of the other two cars.
So I just ordered this.
https://www.eastwood.com/heavy-duty-body-cart-57493.html
Cheap enough, but shipping pretty much doubles the price.
At least I will be able to get it in the back sooner so I can work on it at night.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on December 08, 2019, 07:58:57 PM
Got the cart Friday.
Was hoping to get to work on it today, but it was raining all day.
Oh, well.
I have to figure out a way to strap the Pinto to it somehow. Body just sits on rubber pads on this thing. I will be needing to move it, and that includes a bit of a sloped driveway, which the instructions are pretty specific about not using this on.

I'm so worried about the windshield now I am not sure I even want to work on this. If I can't find a windshield for it there isn't a point.

Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: Wittsend on December 10, 2019, 03:18:24 PM
I'd think a standard ratchet strap down low through the door openings will work. Put it near the latching pillar so the door can close (at least one click).

You can likely find a windshield..., it is just how far you need to go to get one. They made over 3 million Pinto's, granted you likely have the "fewer of" glue in type.  They made well under 100,000 Studebaker Larks in the last model and recently someone got another batch of undisclosed numbers made. So, maybe manufactures just need to know.  That said, if you buy from a glass shop and have them do the install it is probably in the $500-$800 range.  If you find one in a wrecking yard..., probably $50.

A while back there was discussion about the gasket type and the glue in type - and one could be swapped for the other (forgot which way it works). Find that and see if it offers options.

Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on January 21, 2020, 11:48:42 PM
Thanks. The guy buying my Ranchero thinks he may have a connection for a windshield. We'll see.
This is a shopping cart list of stuff I need to order for the body, front mainly.
https://0407a0f.netsolstores.com/cart.aspx (https://0407a0f.netsolstores.com/cart.aspx)
Will need to add the rear valance panel, I know it will need modified.
Doubtfull I could order them all together, but that would save a lot on shipping.

Thinking of making a custom tubular grille for it, have to see.
The hood is a bolt on for the hinges, which will be how I have to use it at first until I am ready to do the tilt.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on February 09, 2020, 04:24:24 AM
In all the hub-bub with er visits (4 out of the 6 of us), selling the Ranchero, etc, I forgot to mention I picked up a slightly used aluminum dash for the Pinto. Painted white and has a cut out on each end for probably a cage, but otherwise not cut. $20. Need to get a picture of it. Similar to this one, not as wide.
 https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/70800/10002/-1?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7at0J7E5wIVkONkCh3BnAf4EAYYASABEgLbYPD_BwE

Just got reminded of it as I realized I now have a full dash since I won't be using the gauges I had in the rusty Ranchero. Not as fancy as I had wanted, but for now cheap and/or already paid for is good. Tach, speedometer, gas, oil pressure, voltage, boost/vacuum, and water temp. Hmm, might have to add another just to even things out. Oil temp maybe?
Have to work on a layout. Do I want xxxXXxxx, for example?

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on February 09, 2020, 11:16:47 AM
In all the hub-bub with er visits (4 out of the 6 of us), selling the Ranchero, etc, I forgot to mention I picked up a slightly used aluminum dash for the Pinto. Painted white and has a cut out on each end for probably a cage, but otherwise not cut. $20. Need to get a picture of it. Similar to this one, not as wide.
 https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/70800/10002/-1?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7at0J7E5wIVkONkCh3BnAf4EAYYASABEgLbYPD_BwE (https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/70800/10002/-1?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7at0J7E5wIVkONkCh3BnAf4EAYYASABEgLbYPD_BwE)

Just got reminded of it as I realized I now have a full dash since I won't be using the gauges I had in the rusty Ranchero. Not as fancy as I had wanted, but for now cheap and/or already paid for is good. Tach, speedometer, gas, oil pressure, voltage, boost/vacuum, and water temp. Hmm, might have to add another just to even things out. Oil temp maybe?
Have to work on a layout. Do I want xxxXXxxx, for example?

Thanks,
Russ

Nothing's more fun to work with than a blank slate! 

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on February 09, 2020, 07:00:43 PM
Only problem is my mind is a blank at times. Have to decide if 5 or 6 gauges is a couple too many. I'm only finding aftermarket dash gauge bezels for up to 4 small gauges and 2 larger ones for speed and tach.

I got something positive done today. Finally got the body cart I bought from Eastwood assembled. Really wanted to get the Pinto on it, but I started way too late and ran out of energy anyway. One small step for most people, one GIANT step for Russ.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on February 09, 2020, 07:43:54 PM

I got something positive done today. Finally got the body cart I bought from Eastwood assembled. Really wanted to get the Pinto on it, but I started way too late and ran out of energy anyway. One small step for most people, one GIANT step for Russ.


A step is a step.  Well done!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on February 22, 2020, 07:18:53 PM
I ended up selling the body cart. Didn't really need it and the money was helpful.
only ate the shipping cost.
Got the Pinto in back finally. Now it is time to get going on it for real. i want to be out there now, but I am wore out from moving it.
Have to remember little steps are better than no steps.
Need to get it on jackstands and get the rear springs and rear end off the car. Then it is all assembly after that for the most part.
not sure what I am doing for an engine, I don't think the guy who bought the Ranchero is going to give me the engine back. My fault, I didn't get it out while I had the chance. That mistake is going to cost me a lot of money.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 01, 2020, 01:57:23 AM
This is now officially my only project car.
Yay!
So much money down the toilet though. Boo.  Although the 74 and the first Ranchero did bring a lot of happiness, so not so bad. The second Ranchero was a really bad decision. Lesson learned, I hope.

I need to go through all the stuff in storage for this and decide what I will need (very little) and get rid of the rest. Maybe I will go to the local swap meet next month and setup a table. So tired of trying to sell stuff on Craigslist anymore. Had wanted to do that today, but only got rid of the 2nd Ranchero Saturday about noon. Probably better not to rush it anyway. Need to catch my breath and plan instead of just reacting for once.

Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 01, 2020, 07:16:10 AM
One project at a time was all I was ever able to handle.  Like you said though, the money isn't truly lost if it bought you some happiness.  Hope you'll have that Pinto on the road before long!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 01, 2020, 09:00:56 PM
Thanks.
Looks like the guy won't be pulling and giving me back the one engine, so that is going to slow things down. But I can keep busy getting everything else ready to go. Except for the clutch and the engine (and the windshield) I think I am done with any major purchases. I may have to keep and use the 79 front sheet metal for now due to the engine situation, but we'll see. I keep thinking I can live with it, but then I see a car with it and think no way.
Got a couple of tool type things this weekend, need to get them located. Then I can start on the Pinto again.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 02, 2020, 10:34:39 AM
Generally speaking, I think the first edition of any automotive design is usually purest and best so I definitely understand your hankering for an early-style front end.  That said, I never really minded the update on the '79 - '80 models (I personally like it a lot better than the '77 - '78, or even the '76 for that matter, but that's just my opinion).  I could definitely live with it.  I think with only having one project, you'll be able to get this one going very quickly.
Good luck!


Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 05, 2020, 11:27:04 PM
I may have to learn to live with it for now. I'm not going to compromise on the Cleveland, so will have to compromise elsewhere.
The grilles I have seen all in black are what is killing me. Maybe I can add some chrome, or body color. Or just try not to look at it.
Still wanting to do the one piece tilt front end. Was going to order a tilt kit from VFN Fiberglas, til I saw the price. Gone up a bit since I last looked. I've got the plans here somewhere to make my own. Not real high on the priority list right now anyway.
Thanks,
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 06, 2020, 07:56:22 AM

The grilles I have seen all in black are what is killing me. Maybe I can add some chrome, or body color. Or just try not to look at it.


Search for a Mercury Bobcat grille - they're chrome and I agree with you that I personally like that look a lot better than black.  Actually, black trim is "the thing" now and I can't, for the life of me, understand why.  My daughter-in-law bought a new 2020 Jeep Cherokee in December and paid a big premium to get one with the blackout trim and black wheels.  The Jeep itself is burgundy in color and there just not enough contrast to give it any distinction at all.  As my mother used to say, "to each his own!"

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: 1972 Wagon on March 06, 2020, 12:44:20 PM
I miss chrome trim on cars. Our 1949 Chevy Styleline Deluxe has chrome from bumper-to-bumper. Although keeping it nice and shine requires some elbow grease, I like the look. My husband and I talk about how you used to be able to identify a car's make just by looking at it. Now it seems that most vehicles have a some what generic appearance.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 06, 2020, 01:10:08 PM
I miss chrome trim on cars. Our 1949 Chevy Styleline Deluxe has chrome from bumper-to-bumper. Although keeping it nice and shine requires some elbow grease, I like the look. My husband and I talk about how you used to be able to identify a car's make just by looking at it. Now it seems that most vehicles have a some what generic appearance.

I could not agree more!!!  My daily drivers are a 2018 F-150 Lariat which came with the chrome package (to which I added chrome bed rails and chrome inlays in the embossed F-150 on the tailgate) and a 2017 Cadillac XTS which, while not adorned the way Cadillacs used to be, still has enough bling to look like a Cadillac.   As you said, most cars have a very generic look nowadays, and I'm not a big fan of that! :(   

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: TIGGER on March 13, 2020, 11:33:50 PM
79-80 Pintos had chrome grilles as well.  My dads 79 wagon came with it from the factory.  You will need the chrome headlight bezels to finish it off though.  Just letting you know you are not limited to the bobcat.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 14, 2020, 12:21:45 AM
79-80 Pintos had chrome grilles as well.  My dads 79 wagon came with it from the factory.  You will need the chrome headlight bezels to finish it off though.  Just letting you know you are not limited to the bobcat.

Good to know.  I was 100% certain about the Bobcat because I was selling Lincoln-Mercury automobiles at the time, plus my mother had a '79 Bobcat.  Was not as certain about the Pintos of the day so decided against mentioning that possibility.  Thanks!

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on March 14, 2020, 02:17:01 AM
Thanks.
I honestly don't remember which this has. Wasn't planning on using it so I didn't pay attention. Guess that has changed.
Russ
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on March 14, 2020, 05:54:48 PM
Thanks.
I honestly don't remember which this has. Wasn't planning on using it so I didn't pay attention. Guess that has changed.
Russ

Assuming it's the original grille, being an ESS, I'm pretty sure the grille is black.  Again, I'm not as much up on the Pintos of the late '70s to 1980 as I am the Bobcats because of working in a Lincoln-Mercury dealership.  Prior to that job I was more familiar with Pintos, as my first car was a new Pinto. 

Dwayne :)
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: russosborne on May 24, 2020, 09:01:07 PM
Anybody want a Pinto?

I'm seriously thinking I can't do this. I was so swept up in the project certain important things never occurred to me. Like how do I get an engine correctly mounted? The roll cage is probably a serious safety hazard on the street.

My job has really slowed down, we are having unpaid furlough days, and a very real possibility of layoffs later in the summer. So the money train has ran off the rails for now at least.

My thinking is I could work with what I have, which would be close to doing everything but an engine and windshield. And then still be where I am at now as far as the engine goes. Or just pack it in now. The money situation is temporary due to the airlines economic problems due to the virus. If I don't get laid off that is.

The stepson and family are still living with us with no change in sight, which is causing me more depression that I care to admit to anyone since it won't change anything.
Title: Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
Post by: dga57 on May 25, 2020, 06:53:16 AM
Hi Russ!


It's good to know you're still hanging in there!  The pandemic is a temporary situation so, tough as it may be, I would hesitate to make irrevocable decisions unnecessarily. Continuing on with your project might well even be considered therapeutic insofar as coping with the depression related to your living situation.  I don't know; I'm certainly no expert.  Perhaps you'll find happiness in being unencumbered by a long-term project.  Anything's possible.  So... no real advise here.  I would simply implore you to think it through thoroughly before you make a decision, then do whatever you think is best.  The pandemic will eventually fade into the pages of history just as the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 did.  Some things will likely change forever but, as a people, we're pretty adaptable.  There is no real way to know yet exactly what our future will look like.  I tend to think that, to a large extent, it will be whatever we make of it. 


Dwayne :)