1980 Pinto Hatchback
Lots-n-lots of new parts and some heafty and serious repairs were needed to make
this car safe to drive again. After it came to my house I found out it had a busted
leaf spring and some serious cancer underneath. It ran good and I paid a bit more
than I should have considering the issues it had. So a decision had to be made...
scrap or part it out and take the loss or fix it and hope for the best. I choose to fix it....
Newer leaf springs installed, rear shocks and brakes Installed, the rusty frame
section was repaired, NOS Motorcraft carburetor, fuel pump, altinator, timing belt,
plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter and thermostat were all installed. Needed new
front rotors and pads so I also replaced calipers and brake lines. I'm sure there
is stuff I forgot but that's the basics
Well... I have been driving it and doing more major and minor repairs, all goes
well and this Pinto is running EXCELLENT! Time to do some updates, 1st thing is
to get rid of the old wheels and the ugliest! hubcaps Ford put on a Pinto...
I replaced them with the "shiny" wheels and tires from the 73 Pinto. Big! Ol'
205/60/14's Firestone Firehawks on American Racing Wheels... Yea Baby! However
there is one minor issue... the front passenger tire rubs in the front if I turn
left to sharp. A rubber mallet to the edge of the fender helped but....
gonna have to consider replacing the front tires with something smaller
Man That Looks Good!
I also pulled the front seat covers off to look at the front seats and see how
bad they were. Passenger looked good, no rips but had some stains. Driver needed
help/replacement.
so.... I had a matching set from a parts car. Driver had issues on the back but
had a good bottom. Passenger looked great so... I took the back off the passenger
and moved it to the good driver bottom and Whoopie! I had a good replacement
driver seat. Have to reach way in to release the seat forward but small price
to pay for a nice seat.
and the passenger after I cleaned up the stain.
so the silver sharpy comes out for the trim
much better.
and I added a touch of classwith a little wood grain.
say goodbye! to the rusty hood.
and what's that say??? Mercury?
couldn't believe how clean, rust free under the carpet is was.
The jack and original temporary tire looked new, just needed air.
trimmed the carpet for a better fit and look
finished the pinstripe in front
now... the real reason for this little project. As mamma kitty looked on...
quarter louvers installed
and something is missing...
a new hatch, black to match the hood and flames?
and now the rear window louvers! the flames can be seen from the rear.
Looking Good!
the hot rods
the previous was brought to you by...
The day after I finished I drove 3 hours South to meet up with Dave (dmsteen)
from the cities fo the Hugo, MN Car Show.
he just finished up his retore/conversion - 1979 Pinto wagon, cruisin panels
added and fresh paint.
one sweet ride!
Nice Job on the car Dave, Looks Great!
Cookie Monster was a big hit with the parents and Kids! I saw him bring many
a smile...
and from the rear... double take on the louvers
I'm not done with the "Pincat" as I still have more to do... while on the trip
to the show I found another major issue needing repair. The rear main engine seal
is leaking about a quart of oil every 100 miles when I drive highway speeds, little
better in town for short trips but... needs! fixin'! and the motor will have to be
pulled to fix that! Damn It! time to make a tough choice again... continue or find a better car!?!?!
It runs and drives great, just have to keep an eye on the oil, for now it's just
a driver. Has a plug-in block heater and a bit more rust than I like so I'll be
using it for a backup winter driver. Rear wheel drive and snow... this could be fun! LOL!
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