1/25 AMT 1977 Ford Pinto Popper

[stavanzer]

Now, that is a Build Idea, Mike!!

US Gov't Pinto. In Olive Drab no less.  Thanks for posting this. 

[fomocomav]

On 1/15/2020 at 10:52 AM, Mike999 said:

The U.S. Army bought a fleet of Pintos and even used some as police cars.  No Cruising Wagons or wagons, though. Here's the write-up and photo from Fred W. Crismon's book "U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles:"

"The fuel crunch which began to effect the civilian consumer in the mid-1970's soon found its way into the military ranks. Progressively smaller allocations of fuel to units became the order of the day, and smaller cars followed not far behind. In 1975 the US Army bought a fleet of Ford Pintos, and used them as both fuel and manpower savers: they generally were classified as drive-yourself vehicles. Many military drivers who had chauffeured officers were released for other military duties, while the officers (mostly junior ones) drove themselves. This particular Pinto two-door sedan inherited "slop jar" warning lights, loudspeaker, a two-way radio and Military Police markings. Propelled by a 2.3 liter four-cylinder in-line engine, the little Pinto provided nimble transporatation for routine police work in the Heidelberg, Germany area. Full-sized Fords were also purchased in 1975."

Thanks for the info on the Army Pintos!  I thought they just bought a few Mavericks.  Didn't know about the Pintos.

[fomocomav]

On 1/15/2020 at 3:10 PM, alexis said:

US Gov't Pinto. In Olive Drab no less.

OD HAS to be better than the "avacado" that was on my dad's Pinto.  Or do you think that was the interior color the military ordered?

[stavanzer]

I'd think the US Gov't Pinto had Gray, Tan, Black or White interiors. But, that is just a guess. Ford could have just as easily just sent whatever colour they had too much of.

[Tom Geiger]

 

I believe cheap fleet Pintos were sold to any entity that wanted them.  I remember New Jersey Bell using Pintos and Gremlins as service vehicles. No back seats, room for tools and gear...

[Tom Geiger]

The US government put contracts for vehicles out to bid, but in reality they spread the orders around US auto makers. My father was an army officer and when we got to Germany his staff car was a 1968 AMC Ambassador.  In either 1970 or 1971 it was changed out for a Torino style Falcon sedan.  

[stavanzer]

So, any previews or builds on this kit yet?  I'm keen to see what's in the box.

[slusher]

I hope Hobby Lobby gets them...

[Jantrix]

On 2/17/2020 at 12:55 PM, alexis said:

So, any previews or builds on this kit yet?  I'm keen to see what's in the box.

Cobraman has one in the On The Workbench section.

[JimC]

Shame it seems to need so much work to get the front and rear body pieces to look good. Was thinking about using this kit to make a pseudo “Poison Pinto” with some candy lime paint, side pipes and a V8. Prices for the old Monogram kit are in the stratosphere. Still might give it a go..

[owen townshend]

can anyone tell me what colour scheme i should use on the pintera. the instruction sheet does not have any. 1/25th scale

Edited September 12, 2020 by owen townshend

[1972coronet]

From the web : https://bringatrailer.com/2018/09/19/rare-pantera-inspired-turbo-special-1973-ford-pinto-pangra/

[1972coronet]

I hope that the link and the photo are of some help . 

Cheers !

[Bob Ellis]

Does the turbo come with this kit? Turbo Pintos were actually very fast. I rode in one back in the 1970s.

[Mark]

The turbo IS in this issue (but not the one in the 1977 annual kit box).  I bought two of the turbo engines from one of those eBay "break up a kit and sell the parts" guys.  LHS has the kit, but at above retail price.  I didn't feel like paying $35 or so, with sales tax, to get an engine.

[Oldmopars]

So, I now have 2 of the new Pinto Poppers kits. Does anyone have a 72-76 kit that they can post a picture of the front end to compare with the 77? I would like to try to back date one, but need to know what I am in for. 
Anyone have a 76 bumper they want to cast, or send me to cast?

[slusher]

Here is a 76 box art click link

Pinto box art

[Oldmopars]

Thanks, what I was looking for was the actual plastic kit parts for comparison. 

[Mark]

Backdating will largely center around drilling out the headlights (they were filled in for the '77) and cleaning up the forward part of the front fenders.  The fenders were messed with to meet the '77 front end piece.

[Casey]

3 hours ago, Oldmopars said:

Thanks, what I was looking for was the actual plastic kit parts for comparison. 

 

 

[Bob Ellis]

On 1/20/2020 at 1:49 PM, fomocomav said:

Thanks for the info on the Army Pintos!  I thought they just bought a few Mavericks.  Didn't know about the Pintos.

When I was in the Army in 1979, Ft Belvoir had Dodge Aspens