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Author Topic: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS  (Read 21662 times)

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Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #30 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #31 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 :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline fordpower

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #32 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.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #33 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #34 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #35 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
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 :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #36 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #37 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #38 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
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
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #39 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #40 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #41 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 :)
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Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #42 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #43 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 :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #44 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #45 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #46 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #47 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 :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #48 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #49 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #50 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #51 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #52 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 :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #53 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #54 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.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #55 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #56 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #57 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline dga57

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #58 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 :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline russosborne

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Re: New to me 79 Pinto glass hatch ESS
« Reply #59 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
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.