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Author Topic: Red 1972 V8 pinto project  (Read 2302 times)

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Offline kentvander

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Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« on: August 12, 2022, 12:16:07 PM »
I did a couple V8 pinto projects back in the 70's on a very tight shoestring.  Cars, beer, babes and drugs had to be balanced against $5-$6 dollars an hour job.  This time is going to be different.   
I should have started documenting this build at the beginning but I am stating now.  With some work already done.  I started with a very nice 72 Pinto Hatch in Coral Red, Automatic with White interior and factory A/C (I live in Texas).  I would have liked a trunk model but I could have keep looking forever and never found one. 

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2022, 12:25:49 PM »
My Pinto project back in 1973.  Hopped up 289 out of a wrecked 1966 Shelby Mustang with dual quads.  Seats out of a 1970 Boss 302 Mustang.  Rear end out of a 1957 Station wagon with 3.70 gears.  Front drum brakes off a late 60's full size ford bolted right on in place of the Pinto drum brakes.   Front tires were F-70 14", rear were L-60 14" on 10" Ansen rims.    Pinto was originally Lime Green as you can see the gas cap. 

Offline dga57

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2022, 02:51:13 AM »
Welcome aboard!!!  I see that you've actually been a member here for nearly ten years although you waited until yesterday before making your first post.  I'm going to assume you spent that time searching for your project car.  I know the feeling; I searched for more than twenty years to find my Pinto.  Thanks for including us as your project progresses.  Thank you also for sharing the photo of your 1973 project. 

Dwayne :)
Pinto Car Club of America - Serving the Ford Pinto enthusiast since 1999.

Offline rob289c

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2022, 08:26:11 PM »
I like the raked '70s look.  I am using the same rims on my project.  I just had the tires mounted on the rims on Monday. 
rob289c

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2022, 12:02:19 PM »
.  I am using Moroso 20535 Drag/Road Race Oil Pan.  I mention this as part of my Suspension mods because it is critical for how the steering and front cross member is modified. 

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2022, 12:08:39 PM »
Racecraft lightweight Pinto steering rack lowered 1-1/4 inches with fabricated aluminum mounts.  I used a new rack but it was just like the old rack that had a little play in it. If there was a trick to it I would say it was leaving the one hole for the old driver side mount and mounting the rack with a .70" spacer between the rack and under the old mount. With the rack mounted with that one bolt and clamped in place I made the 2 pieces you see. I had to use rivet nuts on the bottom holes because there was no room for nuts inside the cross member. I cut the aluminum from 4" x 6" x 0.19" Aluminum I-Beam.

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2022, 12:13:49 PM »
MEZIERE Rack & Pinion Adapter 3/4 I.D. 26-Spline PN RP01
Modified to D shaped 3/4" opening with all 5/16-24 Set Screws. I cut an L shape so I could flatten it out to a D shape added a nut and welded it up. Got some long set screws and ground it's shape to a pin at the end to go through the pinto cable end. Grind it to fit good because if you jam it on you won't get it off. Had to make some clearance in the cross-member with a torch and hammer. If I made the rack any lower I would have to cut the cross member.

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #7 on: December 22, 2022, 03:28:08 PM »
I built a pair of aluminum motor mounts that will use the early 1966 mustang post type rubber mounts.

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #8 on: December 22, 2022, 03:30:31 PM »
I built a pair of aluminum motor mounts that will use the early 1966 mustang post type rubber mounts.  They are kind of heavy and I might make some lightweight replacements later.  They are made of 3/16 6061 aluminum.  I will check them regularly for cracks but they seem more sturdy than the steel Mustang II mounts. 

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2022, 03:31:27 PM »
THe left aluminum motor mount detail.

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2022, 03:32:21 PM »
Right aluminum motor mount detail.

Offline Reeves1

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2022, 08:10:20 AM »
What are your plans to correct for bump steer ?

Offline firepinto

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2022, 07:08:27 PM »
I need to decide what to do for mounts on my V8 conversion.  I have a pair of 1970 cougar mounts that I could do this with.  I am kind of leaning towards solid mounts though.  Maybe solid with adjustable sliders that could allow the engine to slide forward to change the clutch with out pulling the engine?  Just thinking about drag and drive / drag week, in the parking lot repairs. lol
'79 Pinto auto hatch back with an '80 2.3L and 4 speed transplant.  A 2.3 Turbo and T5 are waiting for the next transplant.

Plans changed, going V8 with TKX!

Offline Reeves1

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #13 on: December 24, 2022, 08:52:28 AM »

Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #14 on: December 26, 2022, 09:44:27 PM »
    The stock Pinto had a slight downward angle on the steering rods.  My car will probably sit at least an 1" higher than stock and I am using the Chris Alston Pinto spindles that have the steering arm lower than stock.  So the fact that I lowered the rack by a little over 2"  is not so radical as it may seem.   If I find Bump steer to be a problem, or the steering rod angle too much.   I will have the spindle machined to mount the ends below the arm rather than above it with spacers if needed.  I will post pictures of the steering rod angles when I have the car put together and on the ground.   

   


Offline kentvander

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Re: Red 1972 V8 pinto project
« Reply #15 on: December 27, 2022, 08:15:05 PM »
All the steering Geometry is pretty interesting.  Below are some pictures of the steering.  The first is the rack in the lowered position.  As you can see from the second it is almost exactly lined up with the lower arm pivot point.  The 3rd and 4th pictures give you an idea where the steering pivot is, which is probably less than a half inch out from the lower arm pivot.  I don't know if this is enough to cause a bump that cannot be corrected with adjusting the spindle attachment further down.  I will have to see.   I see there are a couple race car companies that sell narrowed 71 style racks.  I don't know if I could get one narrowed only 1 inch or if that would make that much difference.