I am looking at buying a 1972 (1/72 bulid date), but it has molded style bumpers. Does that sound right? When did they switch? Date or serial number would help.
Thanks, Jim
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
The pre L models had the steel split bumpers this included 71&72 years. The 73&74 had the bigger 5mph crash bumpers and were called L models. However there was some cars that were late 72 and early 73 that may have what your describing. Does this car have the dual pod dash or the later L model single pod
I am not up on all the terminology for the bumpers. I have attached the photo. Is a build date of 1/72 early or late?
I just wanted to make sure it had the correct bumpers. If not I was thinking it might be a sign that it had been in an accident.
Thanks for the info, Jim
I just wanted to make sure it had the correct bumpers. If not I was thinking it might be a sign that it had been in an accident.
Thanks for the info, Jim
Attachments
Images (1)
ND, the car in the picture has an "L" front valence, distinguished by the pods the front turn signals are mounted to. So unless the whole front valence has been replaced, it should be an "L" model.
To my knowledge the first "L" was chassis number 4269, with a build date of July '72. I could be wrong about the build date. What is the chassis number of the car in the picture?
your friend on the DTBB
To my knowledge the first "L" was chassis number 4269, with a build date of July '72. I could be wrong about the build date. What is the chassis number of the car in the picture?
your friend on the DTBB
I just saw your reply asking about the dash pod. It looks like a double, see below.
Are all the pieces fitting?
thanks, jim
Are all the pieces fitting?
thanks, jim
Attachments
Images (1)
the car is #23XX, does that help?
thanks again, Jim
thanks again, Jim
The dash board does not determine if the car was or was not an "L" model, the bumpers & motor distinguished the "L" model from the earlier "Pre L" models. There were many running changes throughtout the production of the Pantera, the dash was just one of those changes.
your friend on the DTBB
your friend on the DTBB
23XX would be a very early 1972 model, the first 1972 model was #2293.
Something is amiss! The chassis number & the front of the car don't jibe.
George
Something is amiss! The chassis number & the front of the car don't jibe.
George
thats what I was affraid of. I go look at the car monday, I will really look the front end over well.
Are there any good links on this site for where to look for rust and any other things to look for when buying?
thanks, Jim
Are there any good links on this site for where to look for rust and any other things to look for when buying?
thanks, Jim
My cars is a 73 L. Vin 4295
Dual pod / L bumpers, Reading the complete vin = a build date in mid 72 but sold as a 73 L. Its like they pulled some 72's from the line and did a built up of the "new" 73 L models
Dual pod / L bumpers, Reading the complete vin = a build date in mid 72 but sold as a 73 L. Its like they pulled some 72's from the line and did a built up of the "new" 73 L models
Anything is posible with these cars. My 2511, thpnmb02511, is January 72 build date; definite Pre-L. It has full L model bumpers, valance turn signal pods, dual pod dash, early console, flat rear deck lid. I have always just assumed a PO swapped over to the bumpers and the pods. Why? Who cares. The care was a gem when I bought it and the reasons for the change didn't matter. don't get hung up on if everything 'matches', judge the car on its merits.
www.panteraplace.com has a section on rust. Main spots are front valance, rear inner wheelhouse suspension support structure, bottom of windshield, 'b' pillars, especially the one enclosed by the gas tank, both rocker panels, bottoms of doors, and lower front fenders just behind the wheelwells.
Larry
www.panteraplace.com has a section on rust. Main spots are front valance, rear inner wheelhouse suspension support structure, bottom of windshield, 'b' pillars, especially the one enclosed by the gas tank, both rocker panels, bottoms of doors, and lower front fenders just behind the wheelwells.
Larry
Jim,
Jim, you haven't mentioned where you are located. Members of this BB may be willing to view the car with you and help you evaluate it. The help of an experienced owner would be a tremendous aid. It would be worth asking. There are members who are eager to help.
It appears Larry has a car with the same "out of order" build issue, so I wouldn't be too concerned. Hmmmm. Chaos, aaaaah! Thanks brother Larry. (inside joke) The car in question may have been a prototype, pulled off the assembly line to test the fitment of the new bumpers.
Larry has already covered the places to check for rust. Poke 'em all good & hard.
I want to mention the tranny; make sure it shifts without grinding gears. Some problems can be linkage or clutch related, and those can be fixed with adjustment. But a bad synchro will cost you $2000 and up if you pay someone else to do the work.
Finally, I want to mention matching numbers. The VIN tag affixed to the dash should match the number in the front trunk, located on top of the foot box, behind the power brake booster, see the pic below.
By the way Jim, WELCOME to the DTBB!
your friend on the DTBB
Jim, you haven't mentioned where you are located. Members of this BB may be willing to view the car with you and help you evaluate it. The help of an experienced owner would be a tremendous aid. It would be worth asking. There are members who are eager to help.
It appears Larry has a car with the same "out of order" build issue, so I wouldn't be too concerned. Hmmmm. Chaos, aaaaah! Thanks brother Larry. (inside joke) The car in question may have been a prototype, pulled off the assembly line to test the fitment of the new bumpers.
Larry has already covered the places to check for rust. Poke 'em all good & hard.
I want to mention the tranny; make sure it shifts without grinding gears. Some problems can be linkage or clutch related, and those can be fixed with adjustment. But a bad synchro will cost you $2000 and up if you pay someone else to do the work.
Finally, I want to mention matching numbers. The VIN tag affixed to the dash should match the number in the front trunk, located on top of the foot box, behind the power brake booster, see the pic below.
By the way Jim, WELCOME to the DTBB!
your friend on the DTBB
Attachments
Images (1)
quote:rear inner wheelhouse suspension support structure
As a minimum, and if you're gonna check one area on a Pantera for rust..the wheelhouse support structure is the one to check. Note the words "support structure".
You'll need to remove the rear wheels (or get under the car) and with an ice pick jam these areas to check for rust. If the owner objects then move on..
Unless you're a talented welder, this area is trouble. See here:
http://pantera.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6250045562/m/3920027014
All else can be repaired without much fanfare..
Kevin
quote:Originally posted by george pence:
23XX would be a very early 1972 model, the first 1972 model was #2293.
Something is amiss! The chassis number & the front of the car don't jibe.
George
George is correct in that the two don't match. But "amiss" may be a little strong. In the modified world of Panteras, I know people who have installed L-model dashes in pre-L cars, people have installed L-model bumpers on pre-L cars, and pre-L bumpers on L model cars!
It may indicate something. Or then again it may not!
How was that for helpful??? ;-)
Anyway, being serious, that isn't the original bumper. What that means is anyone's guess.
Shotgun,
Your numbers got me all jacked up (confused), I have a 72L and my vin is 4726
And it has the original motor numbers. What the heck is going on. ??? now I'm confused.
Your numbers got me all jacked up (confused), I have a 72L and my vin is 4726
And it has the original motor numbers. What the heck is going on. ??? now I'm confused.
Dennis, Brad,
the first '73 L was #4269, manufactured in July '72. When Ford controlled deTomaso, looking at production from a US manufacturer's point of view, they operated on a fiscal year. They began assembling '73 models in July of '72, for sale in September '72. The bumpers were installed to meet '73 crash standards. The smog motor was installed to meet '73 EPA emissions standards. The first Pantera to have the bumpers & smog motor, #4269, was the first '73 model. Owners have referred to the early L models with the 2 pod dashes as 72 1/2 models. The dash was simply a "running change" like dozens of other changes that were made during the Ford era, it doesn't define the model year of the car.
The truly odd cars are Larry's & the one nd is looking at, they are early '72 models, but they have the L bumpers. I'm guessing the factory pulled a few cars off the assembly line as needed to try out the new parts.
your friend on the DTBB
the first '73 L was #4269, manufactured in July '72. When Ford controlled deTomaso, looking at production from a US manufacturer's point of view, they operated on a fiscal year. They began assembling '73 models in July of '72, for sale in September '72. The bumpers were installed to meet '73 crash standards. The smog motor was installed to meet '73 EPA emissions standards. The first Pantera to have the bumpers & smog motor, #4269, was the first '73 model. Owners have referred to the early L models with the 2 pod dashes as 72 1/2 models. The dash was simply a "running change" like dozens of other changes that were made during the Ford era, it doesn't define the model year of the car.
The truly odd cars are Larry's & the one nd is looking at, they are early '72 models, but they have the L bumpers. I'm guessing the factory pulled a few cars off the assembly line as needed to try out the new parts.
your friend on the DTBB