Hi guys,
I'm in a bit of a fix and I'm hoping someone on here might be able to help me out. I'm gonna turn my back doors into a tail gate and hinge them from the top. I've been reliably informed by a couple of guys who have done this conversion successfully that I need to use tail gate hinges from a '74-'79 pinto WAGON. Now the problem is, I live over here in little old England and early model pinto's don't exactly fall off trees over here. So do any of you know where I might be able to find these items i.e, suppliers, lying around in your garage, at your local breakers etc etc. I'm not looking for any favours, I'm willing to pay top rate and shipping to the UK, but I do need them SOOON, as my truck is in the body shop as we speak with the modifications going ahead at great speed so that i can have her back for the summer. It's bad enough being in a wheelchair without having to drive around in a god damn mercedes!
Thanks in advance for any help.
Paul

 

I always search car-parts.com for myself. I will see what they have.

I came up empty. I will check on epay for you. some times i see pinto wagons on there.

 

thanks for your help,man
Paul

......and BUMP

 

I would think that with all the hatchbacks around today that there would be other sources for these hinges. I had an Opel some years ago with a tailgate/hatch that should be very similar in size and function as the Pinto...and I am sure you could find many more Opels in the UK than you could find Pintos. In this part of the US I believe that any Pintos that may have been here have since been crushed (an effort that would not require too much effort I might add). Good luck, I'll keep an eye out for you...

 

There's a car that was EVERYWHERE in 1974. And Vega's. I guess if they were not built to be disposable, they'd still be around today.

 

I was lucky enough to find a 74 pinto wagon in the small town that I live in, I did contact a fellow the had an article in one of the truck magizines, he was very helpful both on the telephone as well as emails. His name is Don Jacks and could be reached here streetmetalfab@aol.com. He may be able to help you out some how. There was some one else but will have to see if I can find something with his information. Hoping this will help you out. I have the article and can email it to you if you need it.

 

56panelford........that's funny you mention Mr. Jacks....one of his employees used to race bicycles for my shop and his Dad ran our team. Very talented young metal worker I'm told by proud papa.


Kripfink.......How about Volvo wagon hinges or any other European wagon of the medium size?

With Pinto or something small the tailgate must be motorized?? Actually I'm a dork like you would jump out of your wheelchair and flip the rear doors open..sorry...

There was a Mercury 1950 or ?? panel truck ,,black on bottom silver on top. The owner had his son in the passenger seat in a wheelchair. The truck went to Indiana I was told but haven't ever seen it since. If someone knows of this panel they might share pics of back doors. I really don't remember them but the kids chair bolted down in the passenger area. i thought it was cool Dad took the kid along to keep him in the sport.

Michigan Rick

 

It's a small world at times Rick. Only talked once with Don but emailed severeral times and was very helpful, first class guy for sure.

 

Thanks a million for your help guys,I think me and my friend at the body shop have a plan now based on the input you've given us.
Paul

 

Heres another idea - the smallish/med size toyota panel vans and similar vehicles have rear doors that hinge upwards. There are loads of those around over here in the uk or you could probably order a new set direct from your local dealer...

 

If you find you still need Pinto hinges, let me know, I may know of some. Joe