Ford - Pinto - Workshop Manual - 1971 - 1980

Manual Rev. 1.02 12/11 21-11019 This manual is property of Redline Tuning LLC. Any unauthorized duplication or use without written permission from Redline Tuning LLC, violates Copyright laws. Copyright © 2017 Redline Tuning LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1971-80 Ford Pinto QuickLIFT Installation Guide Step 1 - Unpack QuickLIFT kit and verify contents. Remove all items from the packing tube. You should have the following before beginning: * (2) Gas Charged Springs (RT-200-7A) * (4) 3/16" multi-grip rivets - used on hood brackets * (4) Self tapping high strength screws - used on fender brackets * (4) Fender & Hood Steel brackets * Full-color printed instructions Step 2 - Gather the required tools. Ford Pinto QuickLIFT Installation Guide Please gather the following tools before you begin the installation: * Power Drill * 3/16", indexed #11 & 5/32" drill bits * Fine permanent marker or felt tip pen * Masking tape * Tape Measure * Hammer & center punch * Masking tape * Rivet gun, capable of 3/16" rivets (most brands can handle this size) Note: Only use the rivets supplied in the QuickLIFT kit. Step 3 - Locate driver's side hood bracket centerline. NOTE - Measure from hood corner near windshield. A. Place a piece of masking tape on the edge of the hood as shown to the right. This will be used to mark the centerline of the hood brackets. B. Hook the tape measure over corner of hood near windshield (above hinge). Place a mark at exactly 20-1/2" on the hood tape. Mark both sides the same way and verify your measurement. These measurements are critical, take your time. The centerline marks will be used to align the hood bracket in Step 4 - the mark will be aligned to the center of the ball-stud. 20-1/2" 1 20-1/2" Step 4 - Align driver's side hood bracket and mark the 1st hole. A. Hold the small hood bracket such that the ball-stud faces outward. The long bracket will lay flat on the hood's frame as shown with the ball-stud aligned to the mark you made (when viewed from the side). The back of the bracket should be aligned with the inside edge of the hood frame as shown in Figure 2. 2 1 B. Using a marker, place a dot at the center of the lower hole once the centerline of the ball stud is lined up with your mark. C. Using a center punch and a hammer, tap the center of the dot you just made (the indention will help guide the drill bit and keep it from wandering). Place bracket back in place to be sure it is still centered where it should be before moving to Step 5. Set bracket aside. Step 5 - Drill a indexed #11 or 3/16" hole. A. Carefully drill the lower bracket hole as shown to the right using an #11 indexed bit or a 3/16" drill bit. Wrap a piece of electrical tape 1/4" down from the tip - this will keep bit from passing through and hitting the hood skin. Test fit the rivet - it should be a snug but should fit through hole. Since the #11 bit is slightly larger than the 3/16" drill bit, it may require slight reaming to fit the rivet if you do not have access to the #11 drill bit. 1 Ford Pinto QuickLIFT Installation Guide Step 6 - Rivet 1st side of bracket to hood. A. With the bracket in place , insert a rivet through the bracket and hole with the long stem sticking outward. The rivet may require a few twists while firmly pushing it in. Hold bracket in place using a piece of tape at the other end of the bracket. 2 B. Check to be sure your rivet gun has the 3/16" rivet head installed, then slide rivet into gun. While applying force to the rivet and bracket, firmly squeeze riveter handle multiple times until rivet gun pops and snaps off the rivet stem. Be careful when rivet stem snaps off not to scratch paint. Step 7 - Drill 2nd hole of hood bracket and rivet bracket into place. A. Use center punch to indent center of upper hole before drilling. Carefully drill the second hole leaving the bracket in place. Be careful not to drill up through top of the hood. Heed the warnings mentioned earlier. B. Rivet the upper hole as described in the previous step. 1 2 Step 8 - Repeat steps 3-7 and install the passenger side hood bracket. A. Your hood has a symmetrical under structure. Repeat Steps 3-7 to install the upper passenger side hood bracket. Take your time and verify the measurements using the bracket you just installed. Step 9 - Position and mark first hole for driver's side fender bracket. A. Align the fender bracket as shown to the right - the centerline of the bracket should be 2" from the fire-wall and the back side of the bracket should be firmly against inner fender. B. Mark 1st hole using a fine permanent marker. Use the photos to the right and in the following steps for bracket alignment clarification. Step 10 - Mark hole center and then drill hole using 5/32" drill bit. A. Using a center punch and a hammer, tap the center of the marked hole. This will help guide the drill bit and keep it from wandering. Copyright © 2003 Redline Tuning LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ford Pinto QuickLIFT Installation Guide B. Drill the hole at the marked position using a 5/32" drill bit. You will be using the self taping high strength screw in the next step to attach the bracket. Step 11 - Screw the left end of the bracket to fender. A. Using a color matching paint, touch up the area where you just drilled the hole. B. Using a 5/16" socket and wrench or a nut driver (recommended), carefully screw the bracket to the fender. Apply adequate pressure while screwing the sheet metal screw in - you will be creating threads in the fender and it will require force. Copyright © 2003 Redline Tuning LLC. All Rights Reserved. Step 12 - Mark center with marker and indent with center punch. A. Using a permanent marker, mark the right hole of the fender bracket. Be sure that the bracket is parallel to the fender. Twist to align if necessary. B. Using a center punch and hammer, tap the center of the marked hole. This will help guide the drill bit and keep it from wandering. Step 13 - Drill second hole and screw bracket to fender. A. Drill the second hole through the bracket hole using a 5/32" drill bit. Do not ream or over drill the hole. B. Screw the bracket firmly to the vehicle. Step 14 - Repeat steps 9-13 to attach the passenger fender bracket. A. Repeat Steps 9-14 to attach the passenger side fender bracket. The vehicle is symmetrical so the same locators can be used. Feel free to measure off of key areas to ensure a symmetrical installation. Step 15 - Cycle gas-springs, then install. A. Have a friend hold the hood up. Remove the stock prop rod assembly at this time. Cycle each gas-spring before installing. Hold with both hands and firmly press against carpet or something that won't move. (Compress each spring a few times) Ford Pinto QuickLIFT Installation Guide B. Install the driver's side gas spring with the cylinder at the top (large end up and connected to the hood's ball stud). Be sure that the gas spring sockets snap securely onto the ball studs. This procedure is most easily completed if the upper ends are snapped onto the ball-studs first and the lower ends are snapped on last. Step 16 - Modify battery tie down. A. Remove the plastic material from the battery tie-down in the area shown to the right, or remove battery tie-down and fasten battery in a different fashion. B. File the top edge of the bolt shown to the right - this bolt will slightly interfere with the gas spring when the hood is closed. C. Carefully lower the hood for the first time while watching the noted areas for contact. Remove or modify the battery tie down until gas springs do not interfere as shown.