Builds New Mexico Pig Build (5 Viewers)

[abqcruiser]

I made some progress, despite others distractions, on the tailgate install. I want to apologize to everyone who talked about how much of a "pita" the install would be. I thought you all were exaggerating the whole process, man was I wrong! I'm just glad to be done with it, kinda. I still have to get the glass and weatherstripping installed, but at least it opens and latches shut now .

So I have a 77 frame, a 74 body shell, and a 72 tailgate. The nice thing about that 72 tailgate is that SOR still had the oem license plate lamp in stock, go figure.

 

[tucker74]

Looking great Man!

Tucker

 

[scrapdaddy]

Very nice job! How many guys did it take. I'm getting three of us to do it.

On that plate light, I bought three of them last year, even Beno had them in stock. I'm figuring they will be the next side mirror and I'll cash in.

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks for the compliments.

Scrapdaddy, you're not hoarding a bunch of side mirrors as well are you?

As far as the tailgate install, that was a solo effort. Partly because I'm stubborn and don't like to wait for others to show up, and also, like I stated earlier: "how hard could it really be". Three will be a good number.

 

[Akfighter]

Looking good man!! Love the colors

 

[xtiaan2000]

Wow that thing looks great! All in the backyard, right? Too cool

 

[abqcruiser]

Yeah, it's a backyard/sideyard project. I've been meaning to replace the tiny garage with a decent shop, but bought the pig first. I ended up buying a cheap Harbor Freight portable carport and used it as a painting booth. I wouldn't recommend it unless you can easily move the vehicle side to side. It is too narrow to walk around and paint. I painted the body shell on a rotisserie and then a cart before I set it on the frame. Considering the close quarters, it turned out pretty nice. I have a friend who is into old Fiats and frequents a lot of forums out of Europe and the UK. The guys over there are pretty creative working in confined spaces and getting amazing results. I think Tatat would agree.

 

[scrapdaddy]

ABQcruiser,

Before you open this link, you got to promise to finish the 55! http://expeditionportal.com/fj-positive-one-mans-yard-art-is-another-mans-dream/

Scroll down and read his story,

Enjoy!

 

[npulver]

Man that thing is beautiful!

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks Ron,
That's a great rig. I can only dream to bring mine back to life like he did. It's funny, I thought I would loose steam on the 55 build and want to jump right in restoring the 45lv. Quite the opposite has happened. I'm more focused to get the 55 done and on the open road. Maybe by the time I'm ready for the next project, you will have purchased one yourself and once again I can follow your lead.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I'm hoping one doesn't show up, really need to work on my military stuff and I got that VW hiding in the corner. Not to mention, the whole idea of the 55 is to travel with it. Good thing I'm only 25.

 

[abqcruiser]

Here is my quarterly update. Progressed slowed due to no garage and too cold of temperatures to get out play. Last week was warm enough to tackle the headliner, windshield, and cargo windows install.

I'm still trying to smooth out the wrinkles in the cargo area. The inside corners back there were the most challenging.

The cargo windows and the windshield install went surprisingly well. Last photo is the dynamat installed on all the doors. Night and day difference, very solid sound when you knock on the metal.

 

[71greenpig]

Just plain beautiful....so good looking..

 

[davegonz]

Yeah, looking good.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I was wondering what happened, thought maybe you were working on the 45. The wagon's looking really nice. Good Job!

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks for the comments!
Scrapdaddy, no on the 45, that's a long way off. I did but a car cover for it though. I still have that other 55 at my dad's place to worry about as well.

 

[bparker]

Looks amazing!

 

[PabloCruise]

Here is my quarterly update. Progressed slowed due to no garage and too cold of temperatures to get out play. Last week was warm enough to tackle the headliner, windshield, and cargo windows install.

View attachment 1043990 View attachment 1043993
I'm still trying to smooth out the wrinkles in the cargo area. The inside corners back there were the most challenging.
View attachment 1043995 View attachment 1043996
The cargo windows and the windshield install went surprisingly well. Last photo is the dynamat installed on all the doors. Night and day difference, very solid sound when you knock on the metal.View attachment 1044003

Aw Hell Yeah!!!

Nice!

 

[PabloCruise]

Thanks for the comments!
Scrapdaddy, no on the 45, that's a long way off. I did but a car cover for it though. I still have that other 55 at my dad's place to worry about as well.

You has another 55???

The Force is strong with this one it is!

 

[abqcruiser]

Pablo, I'm going to say that my dad has the 55, so I don't get the reputation of a hoarder.