The Improved Touring Pinto showed up at the shop a little earlier than planned and we jumped right to work.The chassis is in very good shape with only minor rust spots for a 30+ year old domestic. The front floorpans had some rust through but have been nicely repaired which will make it much easier to install the cage pads.
Apparently 30+ years ago, Ford hadn't figured out how to make seam sealer the indestructable nightmare that it has become today, so we're in luck! What little seam sealer there is, is scraping off with one swipe of a putty knife and a little cleanup with a wirewheel and metal prep.
The owner has added to his wish list a little and wants to add a Petty Bar, window net, 7th/8th points, master shut-off switch plate and for us to paint the cage.
The plate templates have all been made with most of them being multi-angled and tieing the cage in with the suspension mounting points and frame/rocker sections whenever possible. The main hoop and down bar pads will be between 80-90 square inches of .110 ga steel each.
The rear braces present a bit of a problem as the rear “package tray” is in the way. The IT rules provide the ability to run the rear braces through an optional or manditory bulkhead OR panel, but to be on the safe side, we'll aim for running through the speaker holes until we receive clarification from Topeka.
As of 12/31/04, the pad areas have been cleaned, and pad templates made. Next will be weighing the car and leveling it up for the cage install.
As of 01/01/05, the multi-angle cage pads have all been cut, edges prepped and formed where necessary. The rear brace mounting has been decided on and there will be an additional cross brace between the anchor points of the rear hoop braces. The rear brace will act as a brace connector as well as a protective bar for the fuel cell (remember.... it's a Pinto ;) )
Pics coming soon.
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