Pinto & Automatic gearbox

[Bonzo]

I don't see any parlicular reason as to why an auto model wouldn't be a good donor.

As you say, fit a type 9 manual box to the Pinto

The only thing that springs to mind is that you will most likely need to change the flywheel as well, the one from the auto will have a torque convertor bolted to it ( Not very likely that it would have been prepared to take a clutch assembly )

May be a minor mod to the throttle linkage as that will also incorperate the kick down cable, unless it is of the electronic type.

Possible that such a low mileage auto box & torque converter could be worth a few bob to the right person
Who knows, might even pay for your manual conversion