[Monk]

I just got a 1978 Ford Mustang Cobra II. I think I paid way too much for it, but that''s done now...

Okay, I''ve got a 5.OL H.O. Engine, Tremec 3550/TKO 550 transmission, High Torque Gear Reduction Starter, Steel Bell-housing, Aluminum Drive Shaft, Milodon Cold Air Intake, E303 Ford SVO cam, Milodon High Volume/High pressure Oil Pump, FlowMaster Exhaust the thing is wired like an 89 GT: EFI and what not.

The guy I got it from ran low 14s on it.

Anyways. I have it now. I''m having boarder-line buyer''s remorse. The crack in the windshield, the paint, and the slight damge to the rear right side were easily overlooked on the test-drive because this thing huals ass. But now that I own it, I worry I just bought a money pit. I have to get the body fixed and repainted. I can deal with the crack in the winshield for a while..

How much do I need to expect to shell out for a good paint job and some minor body work?

Oh, the tach went out, and the left front break squeeks as well...

Is there anything in the above discription to worry about?

I''m not sure where I am on this...

[Monk]

Crap... I read some of the posts below too... did I just but a Pinto in disguise?

Here's a Pic

[zers]

Well, I am going to have some minor bodyand paint done to my 65, I'll let you know when I get it done (I am shooting for fall)

[Blue_coyote]

Yep, the Mustang II is based on the Pinto. Less so than the "classics" were based on the Falcon and the 79+ were based on the Fairmont.

Unless you paid like $5k+ for it, it sounds like you got a decent deal.

Body and paint costs can be all over the map, though. Good luck and have fun with it

[78mach1]

what ever you do, dont ever call that thing a pinto!!!!

as far as money pit, cars are a hobby, and hobbies take money, weather you let it kill your bank account is up to you, just do little things, and be happy with what you have!

id start by just making it what you want, as far as a paint job goes, there is nothing wrong with a nice coat of primer just go get yourself started, do lots of research, and learn as much as you can so you dont start wasting money in places you dont need it.

im a mustang II man

[78mach1]

hey but if you got any questions.....me and blue coyote are here for ya

[Blue_coyote]

Originally Posted by 78mach1 hey but if you got any questions.....me and blue coyote are here for ya

Yup. And BTW: I happen to LOVE my Pinto-stang, and its like the N-word. Its only offensive if someone ELSE uses the term, eh?

[78mach1]

Originally Posted by Blue_coyote Yup. And BTW: I happen to LOVE my Pinto-stang, and its like the N-word. Its only offensive if someone ELSE uses the term, eh?

perfect!!!

[Monk]

I'll post up a picture of the body work that needs to be done, maybe I can get some advice.

Can someone explain the Pinto thing to me...

I don't really see it... did a google image search... they look like related, but definitely different vehicles. Is the chasey the same? What's the dealeo?

Also, I was thinking of putting bigger wheels, maybe with low-profile tires... the stockers seem a little tiny...

Here's another pic:

[Monk]

Also, once the car heats up I get a squeaking from the front drivers side break... if I tap the break it goes away, but comes back pretty fast. The guy I bought it from said it was dust buildup from it sitting so long... I'm skeptical...

[Blue_coyote]

The Mustang II design is based from the Pinto, the same way that the early Mustang was based on the Falcon design, the 79+ based on the Fairmont design, and numerous other cars.

The design and engineering is similar, but actually, very FEW parts will interchange (UN-like the Foxbody. I've actually seen more than one Fairmont wagon with the ENTIRE front section from a Mustang swapped on. Fenders, header panel, engine, and all!). Its a bit easier to see the Pinto lines on a Mustang II hatchback without the rear spoiler.

Yeah, the stock 185/80R13's (or thereabouts) look a bit small on the II. The Rat Snake runs 205/50R15's on 7" wide rims up front (actually SMALLER diameter, but wider and with a MUCH more positive feeling of control) and 295/50R15's on 10" wide rims out back. All on STOCK suspension, although I needed a few hours with a sledgehammer to push the rear fenders out far enough to stop caressing (well, more like kicking the crap out of!) the outer sidewalls.

On the brakes, try pulling the tires off and give the brakes a GOOD cleaning and inspection. If they seem a bit worn or sticky, then either rebuild or replace them. Pads, shoes, calipers, and wheel cylinders are all relatively cheap and still available for the II.

[stang74shelby]

Originally Posted by 78mach1 what ever you do, dont ever call that thing a pinto!!!! as far as money pit, cars are a hobby, and hobbies take money, weather you let it kill your bank account is up to you, just do little things, and be happy with what you have! id start by just making it what you want, as far as a paint job goes, there is nothing wrong with a nice coat of primer just go get yourself started, do lots of research, and learn as much as you can so you dont start wasting money in places you dont need it. im a mustang II man

The Mustang II is so loosely based on a pinto, only thing interchangeable is the suspension and not even the rear springs swap..... its design is more based on the european for Capri