That Pinto explosion would have happened to any car. It was just filled with gas and the attendant left the cap off. The Pinto was stopped on a metal grate bridge when it was rear ended by a drunk driver in a pick-up truck. The filler neck on those cars was located samck in the middle of the “TV Panel”, as was the Gen 1 Mustangs and a whole bunch…[Read more]

How much play is in the ring gear? Did you pull the axles in/out & up and down?
If the axles or diff carrier had a bad bearing, it usually makes a clicking sound, universals usually make a clunking sound.
The “jingling” sound you describe only happens when coasting or decelleration (in gear)?
Wish we were there to listen! 

I’m with Mark. I don’t know why everyone seemed to slam the Pinto, maybe because of the rear end fuel explosion problem that Ralph Nader jumped on. I did have a Vega back in the old days. That car would go from 0-60 in 5.3 days. Most underpowered thing I have ever driven, it was scarey to drive. You couldn’t pass anything, including little old…[Read more]

Geoff,
I doubt that even the Phoenix temps would cause any melting, but I bet it would really cause problems with the gel coat finish if you left it in the hot sun too long.
Re: the Rag Joint, I bought a kit at Advanced Auto. I’ll install it as soon as the weather breaks. It looks like the original was some kind of semi hard transparent Plastic…[Read more]

Paul:
As much as it pains me I will be in California for meeting that weekend.  I would much rather be in Carlisle but I still have to work.
 

Paul,   Ok i read the post  by PingMG. And im sure i can do it IF i had a picture of what he was talking about. Im not a car guy at all so i need some sort of idea on where to start then i can figure it out from there, any help?

Thanks Ringo. I did check the site and my sound didn’t fit in. The sound my car makes is exactly like you take a few pennies in your hand and shake them. I do like the site that you sent the link to, it is a keeper. I had checked the lube for texture, such as metal bits and particles (including sawdust), but it appeared to be just fine. I held off…[Read more]

Yes. While you are stripped down to the floorpan, clean it, derust it, paint it etc.Then swap the front end for an adjustable beam and soften the beam be removing torsion bars. PinkMG (aka Mark) has posted the details for this here: https://tdreplica.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15&KW =vw+beamAnd add the disc brakes, as you mentioned!

Wolfpow;
Well, now you’ve gone and done it!
That’s the best way to do the thing right.
By my way of thinking, you’ve just increased the fun factor by 1000%.  But as my wife would tell you, I’m a sick individual.
Good luck,
Ringo

 Wolfpow, You are going to a lot of work just to redo the dash and trunk! Just kidding,it is plain to see that you are really planning to do it right. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

James;
Did some looking for info and found this site that might help you diagnose the noise.
http://www.differentials.com/diagnose.html
Good Luck,
Ringo

now for you kit car guru’s i would guess then first step is to clean this up and anti rust it and paint it. Then disk brakes?

Ok i will admit im going backwards now, first it was running and driving but i really want to do this up nice for the wife, so here is my UNProgress i guess.

Rich,
Believe it or not, that is a real concern(melting). It frequently gets to over 110 here and sometimes 120 degrees.
But either way I’m so freeking excited! I’ll probably spend a whole week just detailing it after collecting dust in my dad’s garage for 4 years. I’ll be sure to post lots of pics as I go.
   Good luck on your steering! Di…[Read more]

You’ve already fixed the rag joint, but there are also many different universals available from Borgeson. I sues then on all the steering columns I build. The not only allow for clearance probalmes, but eliminate the “spongey” steering feel of a rag joint.
By the way, Pinto, Mustang II and Mercury Bobcat are all the same basic car that shared all…[Read more]

Welcome to the FORUM.
Bill Collins had a “trunk” fabricated for “Angelica”. If you sent him a private message or e-mail him directly at home, I’m sure he’s give you the data. wcoll8374@aol.com
If you hit the spray paint aisle at Home Depot, Lowes or even Pep Boys, there are tons of spray on coatings to use. Remember the “trunk paint” that was s…[Read more]

Geoff,
My apologies for the oversight. That cool TD is shipping from NY to AZ in three weeks! That is AWESOME. Just remember to keep it out of the Phoenix sun. It might melt
Rich

Paul,
You have NO IDEA how much I would love to jump in the TD replica and head on down to Carlisle in May. Unfortunately the economy has bit me on the back side and I have to focus on the INCOME side of the equation this year.
However, I’m starting a 2010, Carlisle or Bust campaign!
Rich

Geoff, James,
Thanks! My search also led to the “Rag” joint solution. Taking the side panel off is going to be a real pain because the “builder” has jb welded components to it (like the solenoid) but it may be worth the effort. Anyway, I think the steering is basically very solid and free of play, so I am expecting a big improvement. I have to say…[Read more]

I had just replaced my rag joint on my steering. I found one on ebay that fits both the Pinto and Mustang II. I then found the same part at Advanced Auto. It is about a quarter inch thick. Mine is like a casting of some heavy rubbery plastic. I didn’t see any fibers in it like busted up one I took off. I could not flex it by hand, but the steering…[Read more]