1972 Ford Gran Torino Junkyard Find

1972 Ford Gran Torino Junkyard Find. The first year of the Gran Torino was also the first year with a body on frame design and standard front disk brakes if I'm not mistaken. This wasn't the more desirable sport roof model but it was a 2 door. She also had the cool looking hood and 35 Cleveland underneath. She was also pretty straight with not much rust to speak of. interior was mostly there as well.

[@googleusergp]

Whoa Nelley, moldy oldie. Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd would crash one of these (but a 1976 model) on Labor Day weekend in 1976 whilst high on 'ludes and booze, spawning the song "That Smell" and earning him the moniker by Ronnie Van Zant of "Prince Charming". Here we go. VIN is 2 for 1972, A for Altanta, GA assembly, 30 for two door Gran Torino Hardtop, H for 351 V8 with two barrel, and the rest is the production sequence. Mostek was an integrated circuit manufacturer, who at one time was in Carrollton, TX. Those look like early 1970s LTD tail lights perhaps. Trim tag is hard to read, but should be 65D for two door Gran Torino, 3B for light blue exterior paint, can't read the vinyl top code, or the date of production, possible CB on the trim for medium blue, unknown on the transmission and axle, can't make them out, and DSO of 52 is Dallas, TX. Probably had an oil consumption and brake fluid leak, so that's why those cans were hidden there. That Craftsman ratchet is a 1970s "V" Series made by Moore Drop Forge for Sears. That is a 3/8" drive #42793. It should use repair kit #44782 if you can find it. However a newer repair kit for the #43784 (kit #43437) will work. I rebuild them all the time. If you're going to swap it at Sears for new stuff, send it to me, I'll buy it from you and fix it. I probably have kits to do them. LOL. Yes, they will "exchange" it. However, the best way to deal with that is to soak that thing in transmission fluid and vinegar and scrub it clean. You can get rebuild kits for those, but I'd bet if you cleaned and soaked everything, it would come back to life. The newer versions of those are model #44815 for 3/8 drive and #44816 for 1/2 drive, yes I have several of them.

[@79tazman]

Being it was a 351 2V it was most likely a C4 trans the 4 bbl 351 came with the C6 trans

[@moparnut6286]

Those were some great looking Ford's...........makes me wish I had my elite back!

[@jodylowe8476]

I had a 76 elite. first car. loved it. thought it was beautiful. saved my life in a head on where some drunk girl tried to kill me. 429 under the hood but was too heavy to make good time. mine came out of a junkyard as well.

[@erikturner8687]

Good looking car in its day!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I agree

[@OrangeBoss-ww8eb]

love the car man, someone put sport hood on grandmas old car man! great video

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I was kinda kinda thinking the same thing on the hood

[@lordstrong1545]

Nice find brother, another rare car, the last time I saw one of those was my childhood days watching Starsky & Hutch !

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I cant remember when was the last time I seen one on the road.

[@scottlabissoniere1265]

That was my college car in early eighties. So cool!!

[@D4x4Bronc]

the same model or that specific car?

[@anthonyr829]

F the haters...I like it when you find tools. It's like a treasure hunt 😊

[@ClassicRideSociety]

That's just how look at it. Treasure hunting 👍

[@oldradioguy65]

That taillight is for a 1970 LTD, Galaxie, Custom 500

[@darrylcampbell4411]

Hey bro. another great vid as usual. straight as body on the old girl . I really hpoe someone rescues her. she would be an awesome project.

[@derrickjackson6737]

A good take ur time project don't rush just 2 yrs old when this car was out $ 3500-4300 🚗 brand new in 72

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Sadly, this ome wont get saved. The yard wont sell them whole once they put them out for parts

[@todddenio3200]

351 Cleveland... Well worth saving. As for the craftsman ratchet, soak it in vinegar for a day or 2 and the rust will wipe right off and the moving parts will free up. It will remove damaged chrome though. Ive freed up ratchets and such that were found buried in the dirt for years and they freed up and same with other tools like needle nose pliers and crescent wrenches.

[@roger628]

Although this one is a Cleveland, the H code could also be a Windsor . Ford didn't make the distinction. Most of these were Cleveland, but a few Windsors slipped through, depending upon the supply situation at any given plant in any given week. With the 351 in a big Galaxie/LTD, it was reverse. Most had Windsors but the odd Cleveland was installed.

[@googleusergp]

I own the ratchet in this video now. I left the patina, but the rest is all new, except for the reversing lever which has to be reused as the regular ratchet lever that comes in the kit will not allow it to pivot all the way. It works like new.

[@nathanmccree3089]

Dam that old girl wasn't in to bad of shape for the year of her

[@adamtrombino106]

My uncle got a blue on blue 74 Gran Torino sedan from the Rolling Meadows Il. police auction in 1979, a detective's car with just under 80k on it. That car had the gauge package, hd suspension, brakes, aux factory coolers, radio delete, vinyl bench seats, no a/c, ( we hated that) but the 351C 4bbl HO engine with factory duals and 3.25 trak lock posi 9 inch. He only had it a couple yrs as rust started to get it pretty bad. He paid $500.00 for it at the time.

[@roger628]

That's pretty cool. I've never seen a 4 door with the gauge package. Little known fact. The 351-4V Q-Code was only offered to the general public as a 2-door, and it couldn't be a Brougham. Only police packages could get this engine in a 4-door.

[@tomcat630]

1974 was last year for 351-4V, Q code. And could get in a '74 Cougar too.

[@tomtbi]

Thanks again for keeping the videos coming...

[@leemajors8326]

Lots of good parts there

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Agreed

[@tyebirchsr1058]

That 72 torino looks real nice sure would be a screamer at the track

[@moonbeamskies3346]

1972, my favorite year of Torino.

[@justsumguy2u]

The '72 model is my favorite Torino, because they made that front end for one year only. That car did not deserve to wind up in the yard, it was way too clean and complete

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I agree. That car wasn't in that bad of shape that it couldn't be saved

[@retiredhappy466]

I was doing some magnet fishing off of a dock a few years ago and pulled up several Craftsman tools including a non-swivel ratchet that was caked in barnacles and algae. Apparently, the guy building the dock I was on back then, knocked his tool box into the drink. Anyway, I took the ratchet, sockets and pliers into to Sears and they gave me nice replacements. Go for it!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I actually got that ratchet to free up. Think I'll keep it as all the new stuff isnt 🇺🇸 made I believe

[@googleusergp]

About 15 years ago, I found a Craftsman nut driver handle (just the handle) and part of a socket rack in two cars in a junkyard in PA. I brought both of them back to Sears. The guy laughed and said, "Where's the other half?" I said, "In a 307 Olds engine in a junkyard in PA". He went to the rack, and got a new one. On the racks, he said, "As long as the package says lifetime warranty, we're good". Sure enough, it did. He swapped both out, did the paperwork at the register, handed me the receipt and said, "Have a good day, see you soon (I was always in there)". That store closed in September 2019 after about 46 years. Another time, I bought a set of wrenches in a case off Ebay and someone did a number on the 24mm by modifying it. I went to the rack, found a USA made replacement and the woman just asked if they were the same stock # (which it was). Same thing, did the paperwork and I was on my way. I try to clean up/fix tools before returning them, but I've never had a warranty problem at Sears or Lowes with Craftsman. I did at a NJ Ace store, which I blasted them online for, and went to my local Ace and they swapped it no questions asked. Apparently some of the Craftsman stocking partners need some policy lessons on Craftsman warranty exchanges.

[@omar_padilla]

It's a Cleveland my goodness please save it

[@nealsidor1323]

Body is solid and that hood is pretty rare. Formal roofs usually didn't get that hood.

[@googleusergp]

I now own the #42793 flex ratchet shown in this video, thanks to Benny. Got it yesterday and got to work on it. Put an NOS Sears Craftsman kit into it and it works like new. It fought me the whole way to come apart and go back together, but it's done. Whoa Nelley, old gold and it won't be sold. In rust, I do not trust. New gear and it's sharp clicks I hear. Clean with new oil, ready to toil. Made by Moore (Drop Forge) and it's out the door. Not going to be flat, and that's that. Got it shipped for 10 (dollars), thanks to Ben.

[@tomtbi]

If one was going to do anything with this, you could go a few viable routes..1) Restore to stock, 2 ) Restomod,3) Street Rod or 4) Rat Rod...

[@nathankim7664]

Your thumbnail almost got me for a Ranchero as they were based off of the Torinos until 1976 ( change to LTD platform) You're right about the front disk brakes, those came standard. All the special one year production front end goodies are taken, hard to find those now. Also congrats on finding non-Torino goodies too lol!

[@thepropview9517]

My 74 Torino has Disc brakes in the front

[@tomtbi]

Kind of surprising to see a 2 door Muscle Car in the yard and not saved or restored...

[@tomcat630]

These 72's were not as valuable back in the day compared to 60's cars, so many were junked in 80s and 90s.

[@tomtbi]

@@tomcat630 true bit more of these 70s "malaise" muscle cars are getting more attention due to the expense of 50s and 60s Muscle Cars..

[@aidenohalliganesquire3148]

this model was just a family sedan, sport model was muscle...

[@malikdigger4544]

Kool Torino would be nice drag or NASCAR replica always luv the Torinos & Mercury Cyclones .

[@tomcat630]

NASCAR had the fastback Torinos in 72-73.

[@reedb9039]

Had one of those with the Cleveland

[@omar_padilla]

My boy save that Torino!!! Please!!!

[@derrickjackson6737]

It needs to be saved at once nice 72

[@danh2134]

Call that yard and see what they tell everyone , they won't sell the entire car otherwise it would of been gone

[@ClassicRideSociety]

@@danh2134 yep most wont sellna car once the title is gone

[@crobledo89]

nice find brother i was born in 1989 and im a fan of classic muscle cars like this

[@thomasmartin5319]

Wow my neighbor Mr Ward had a 72 Gran Torino and his Mother in law had a 1970 Ford XL.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

The 70 XL is another nice one with that fastback look and those hideaway headlights

[@brucebyrnes5996]

Nice find!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

👍

[@11094DEREK]

Awesome video man

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Appreciate it 👍

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

Ok BST you have arrived!

[@CowboyCarCrushing]

You can break all you want at spot

[@steveb6103]

That one's save able. Not as bad as my Chevelle was. I'll bet I could come up with a 351 Cobra Jet or a Boss 302. I'm more into streetrods . Make it scream.

[@tomcat630]

The sport mirror were on the Gran Torino Sport model. That hood could have been aftermarket. Most '72-'76 Gran Torinos were just family or commuter cars when new, the Starsky car was "Hollywood magic".

[@cedricforeman5604]

We’re in the Dallas areas you finding these gems. Need a 351C for my Ranchero

[@ClassicRideSociety]

This was at the Aztec auto salvage in Kennedale. But its long gone now

[@erikturner8687]

Nice valve covers

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Just a little corroded

[@HondariderLee]

She COULD have been saved....never the less there's still some good parts left on her.....

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I agree on both counts.

[@OrangeBoss-ww8eb]

cleveland= 9" rear but bet not track lock

[@adamtereska8734]

Cool find on the Torino. As for the ratchet, soak it in apple cider vinegar for a week. You'll be amazed by the results.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I actually just got it to swivel and rachet both ways. Should have made a video on it

[@tomtbi]

Kind of a shame.. The body looks like it doesn't have a lot of rust...

[@tomcat630]

These 72's didn't get valuable/collectible until the Clint Eastwood movie, and now people want them. But, many were junked and were considered "too big and heavy" compared to 1968-71 version or Mustangs

[@charlesbrown1392]

If you look at the 72 gran torino super sport fast back. And the 72 mustang. You will see similarities. Same bucket seats, center console same, shares the same chase, body frame etc. But I think you could only get a 2 barrel carburetor. Ford got the 4 barrels. Of course you could order, or upgrade your torino. My first car was a 72 gran torino super sport fast back. Forest green. Got it in 84. Had a 351 Cleveland 2 valve. 🤓😎🎺

[@aidenohalliganesquire3148]

351c4v was available in the 72 gt sport

[@dinosaurmusclecars7270]

1975 was first year mando disc breaks

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Maybe I misread. I thought it was 72 for the Torino

[@josephfranklin9787]

Where is this at? You always find cool cars.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Aztec auto salvage in Kennedale TX but unfortunately that car is gone now

[@fordsrule35]

Noooooo Not the 72 Torino!!! Sad sight! Edit If a car ever conveyed emotion it's this one. Her front end genuinely looked like a sad face 😔

[@thepropview9517]

The craftsman ranch you can probably set in some diesel fuel and let it soak for a while and it should free everything up hopefully the gears isn’t messed up

[@mattroberts4209]

damnit man , always breakin s**t, just joking, good car though someone needs to save that one, i havnt saw one of those in years

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I usually edit that out lol. But seriously, it really wasnt that bad of shape.

[@gonzo5912]

I have a 72 Mercury Montego GT I call it my Monster Mustang, she is strong.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I had a chance to buy a 72 Montego GT on the cheap. Hesitated a little too long

[@reedb9039]

Yeah....also had the Grand Prix that you showed in front of it....real piece of junk.

[@tomcat630]

The 72 was probably junked 20 some years ago, when not as "collectible", and 60's cars were cheaper. If people want to "save cars", go on Craigslist, or FB Market place and "save" someone's project that they can't afford anymore. Use your own $$ to "save cars".

[@79tazman]

Those wheels it has on it are from a Mopar like a 75 charger rims

[@doug9066]

I'm no expert but I wonder if that tail/brake light goes to a Ford Galaxie or a Ford LTD.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I think youre right

[@Granite]

I really want to build a 351c for my 71 Torino gt. It is what it originally had but I pulled a 302 from a grand marquis for free and have a lot of parts for it. 351c are also not as cheap as a 302....hmm

[@tillivanilli6481]

Oh very nice find! Is it for sale to restore & save it? Because it looks really to nice and also complete for parting out... I really like the roof line, for me this body is the nicer one than the Fastback. (Yes there are people who like these body versions more than the fadtbacks😅😋) I also love the 4 Doors especially the 4 Door Hardtop versions of all makes. For me it's not really Importand If it's an Ford Torino, Chevy Impala or Dodge Polara or something else. I have the eyes and hands of an Auto Stylist and those cars are all very beautiful in my eyes. And whatever make it is, i think every classic car has its own beauty.☺ I've drawn some new Impala, Charger and also Gran Torino Design Studies for a new generation of the mid-and fullsize American car. Because i think those American Brands have that great Cars, with that great History and also in Styling/Design. It's a shame about Ford and Chevy that they've no car in their present production what is in this class with a styling like those 60/70s Cars with a classic american V8, RWD and also the Body on Frame construction. I think Ford and GM had to produce cars like this with in modern Versions. Mopar makes it really good with the Challenger and the Charger. But GM and Ford is at the very bad way with those present FWD mid&fullsize Cars. So i designed and styled some new Versions. I'm thinking about to go to GM, Ford and Mopar with my Design Studies to show them about my Ideas for their new mid & fullsize Cars. But i'm looking for the right contact still in the moment, that is my biggest problem. Anyone an good idea about??? I'm living in Germany, Bavaria and my heart is pumping for US cars and also USA since i was a little guy. "The american way of Drive", that great History of building those beautiful cars by the "Big 3" in USA is a so amazing thing for me. And when i'm looking at Detroit, especially at the Fisher Body buildings makes me very sad to see that ruines. Because that history of FISHER BODY is so amazing. You could find great Videos of building those cars back in the days by GM/ Fisher Body. This Videos are so amazing! I've to say to you, Just look those amazing Videos☺ I'm also still restoring a 67 Chevy Caprice/Impala 4 Door Hardtop what i've found in Ohio. I had to rebuild all 4 wheel arches at the fenders & quarters with new self-/ hand made sheet metal. Also the whole lower windshield frame and many many more. That was a big work but hey, i've really restored that Body and not only changed parts. That makes me a little proud about because i didn't thought that i have that skills before I began with that Sheet Metal work. I got more & more skills in rebuilding sheet metal with the Work progress at this Car. And when i see your Videos now about all those beautiful junked classic cars i even or mostly see really restorable & saveable cars what could make someone very lucky after they're back in the roads. I wish i could find another one car like this after i've finished my present restoration...even a car like that from an yard... Because i wish to rescue more classic cars now! ☺ Have a great day 👋🍀

[@normanalvarez5751]

Reminds me of Clint Eastwood

[@oldyellow8120]

This video is a nice contrast to your video about the green stripper '72 Torino I just watched. Again, I'm not a Ford fan, but I have to admit the '72 Torinos were really good looking cars. In '73, Ford ruined them with the huge ugly bumpers though. Of the two, I would prefer the green stripper to this baby blue Gran Torino.

[@tomtbi]

Looks like quite a few parts have already been pirated off of this..

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

man that is a shame especially as solid as that dam thing is ::::-(( be me i'd rebuild that craftsman ratchet it looks older likely better made my mom had a 4 door 1973 ford torino with identical interior man does that bring back memories that thing was a tank to it's what i took my drivers test in :-/

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I actually got that ratchet to free up and work

[@googleusergp]

@@ClassicRideSociety And we now know it works like new. LOL.

[@thomassundstrom2261]

Did you take her home?? 😊

[@tomtbi]

Kind of surprised the engine is still there but it looks like a few parts have been pirated off of it..

[@davidleland8729]

Great potential for a restoration! I have brought back to life cars in far worse condition.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Unfortunately this yard won't sell them once they in the yard. And I agree, this one was not in that bad of shape.

[@davidleland8729]

@@ClassicRideSociety That is unfortunate. I know some of the owners of the salvage yards around here and they will call me when they get in cars from the 70's before they get torn into. The shop yard is getting filled up with new projects.

[@thepropview9517]

I bought a 74 Torino to fix up everything is pretty good with it only thing really wrong is it has practically no floorboard But I am looking l around for a Donor right now

[@samthompson1080]

DAMN.. They have really stripped that car since I've seen her

[@ClassicRideSociety]

How long has it been since you saw her?

[@samthompson1080]

@@ClassicRideSociety About May 2019.

[@samthompson1080]

Did you see the Old CADDYS,,Chevelle, Nova, Galaxy

[@ClassicRideSociety]

@@samthompson1080 I checked them out the first time I was out there. I asked the lady at the counter about them this last time I was there. She said they weren't for sale and they belong to the landlord. Would like to make some videos on them

[@josephcrispell7574]

Looks like 351c

[@bradpatton333]

Where is the torino located as I may be interested in some parts.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Kennedale Tx

[@rogerrlf1]

Can you shair the name of that junkyard ? I would buy it the way it sits . i need a parts car .

[@tomtbi]

Most likely #2,3 or 4... #1 would unlikely be financially feasible...

[@dcfogle1]

Where was this at. I need that trunk lid.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

It was at Aztec auto salvage in Kennedale TX but its long gone now. I believe they crushed it

[@dcfogle1]

@@ClassicRideSociety that's a sad sad thing to hear.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Happens all too often in these self serve yards

[@googleusergp]

If you're going to swap that out at Sears for something new, I would consider buying it from you and making a project out of cleaning it up....

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I was kinda joking about trying to swap it out as they would give me one probably made in 🇨🇳. I actually got it to free up and work. should've made a video on it. Those vids go viral lol

[@googleusergp]

Only USA made Craftsman like that is the Industrial line, which is the old regular USA made line just stamped Industrial. Yes, you would get a made in China unit. I knew that would come back to life. Some soaking, cleaning and relubing and it should be a worker.

[@googleusergp]

@@ClassicRideSociety I was browsing Ebay the other day and someone listed just the handle for a #44815 3/8 Craftsman flex. Then the person offered it to me at $5, so I grabbed it. I was able to swap out it out for a new Craftsman at Ace (made in Taiwan, the original handle I bought was made in China, so no loss there really....). I then got a #42793 like you have here for about $15 in working condition on Ebay. That's a good buy as people get upwards of $50 for them. You finding one for free is a good deal and if you got it working without doing anything more than just a cleaning and re-oiling, then it's a good deal even more. I just bought a box of Snap On tools from a JFK Airport plane mechanic's estate and as I noted on another post, there's tools from the 1940's to the 1980's in there and I plan to go back for the rest soon. Someone did modify a 1948 Snap On wrench, so I had to swap that out for a new version which SO did through the mail.

[@googleusergp]

@@ClassicRideSociety After some more research, this ratchet is from about 1980 as it does not have an oil hole and I found it in the 1981 catalog. I do not believe that #42793 model was in the catalog prior to 1980. I'd say it's been sitting there for 30+ years.

[@tomtbi]

Im wondering if this is a 302,351 or 429?.. I believe all 3 of these were available for this year Gran Torino..

[@googleusergp]

351 by the VIN. The "H" tells us that.

[@tomcat630]

429 was dropped for 1972.

[@tomtbi]

@@tomcat630 I knew that but I forgot.. I believe the 351 was the top engine for both the Torino and Mustang for 72 and 73..

[@aidenohalliganesquire3148]

@@tomcat630 429cj was available in 72 gt sport model

[@bandsiam980]

does this junk yard have any contact info to buy parts off of this car?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

The name of the yard is Aztec auto salvage in Kennedale TX but unfortunately that car is no longer there

[@bandsiam980]

@@ClassicRideSociety thank you

[@sandygrimes7196]

Have you seen the movie Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood?

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I have. It's a great movie

[@derrickjackson6737]

I give a Ford Grand Torino a lot of respect compare to a chevelle Malibu it could be save will take thousands to restore

[@tomsnyder6955]

Needs a lot of work to it. I say finish

[@tomtbi]

If it was a 75 or 76 Gran Torino it wouldn't make a bad Starsky and Hutch clone...

[@11094DEREK]

Theres enough of those already

[@gonzo5912]

the tail lights are the same as the Pinto

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Really? I didn't know that. 👍

[@yantolee4017]

thats a 351 windsor motor, not a cleveland.

[@aidenohalliganesquire3148]

H code vin = 351clev, don't believe windsor was avail

[@erikturner8687]

LTD taillight....

[@D4x4Bronc]

maybe sitting since the metal oil can days? warranty that ratchet! lowes will do it too.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I think id be kinda embarrassed to try an warranty that ratchet

[@D4x4Bronc]

@@ClassicRideSociety give it to me I wont be.

[@googleusergp]

@@D4x4Bronc I own it now. It's completely rebuilt and works like new. I left the patina though.

[@tomtbi]

It appears it was a 4 bbl too.. 😥..

[@steveb6103]

Nope that's a 2 bbl intake.

[@aidenohalliganesquire3148]

??

[@danielgreen8919]

Me daniel i see fixes it buy it for me i pay you money .

[@danielgreen8919]

garnd titrno

[@chevylandt.v]

Shame to see that muscle car there the closest thing I have to own one is a hot wheels. Getting harder to find and if you do people want a arm and leg or pot of gold. If I do say better than a mustang. You can hate all you guys want but just saying. Would be nice to bring it back from the dead.

[@joejakubec9708]

Sport nothing to do with the roof.