Builds New Mexico Pig Build

[abqcruiser]

Progress update; I finally finished installing all weatherstrip on the doors and tailgate. Tailgate glass is in as well. While I was back there I installed all the the lights and repaired the wiring harness that the PO hacked apart.

I also finally finished up and installed the front seat bracket. I had to modify a few things to accommodate the seats and Tuffy console.

The seats came out of a Mercedes wagon. Not my first choice for color, but at $60 for the pair, I can live with them. I would have grabbed the back seat as well but it was already gone by the time I found these. The other down side was that they are electric, which took me a while to sort out.

 

[abqcruiser]

I decided to just match the back seat upholstery with the fronts.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Nice! Seats look great. Plush. It's come a long way.

 

[arcteryx]

that look great. that MBTex is super stout too.

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks, They were the only seats at the local UPull it that held up in our New Mexico sun. All the leather seats were dry and cracked.

 

[xtiaan2000]

Cool placement on the heater.

 

[PabloCruise]

Wow! You are making some great progress.
I think you will like the MB seats.

 

[davegonz]

Yeah, I like the look of those seats. Reminds me of later model FJ40 seats.

 

[PabloCruise]

Plus I think the color will be really cool balanced with your exterior colors!
If it survived the NM sun, that is really saying something. My little Piggy cooked in that Santa Fe sun for years and it was harsh...

 

[abqcruiser]

The seats are really comfortable. I had to rebuild the seat bracket a couple of times and cut down the stock bench seat mounts. On my first attempt, my head was nearly touching the roof and I banged my legs on the steering wheel. The seats are pretty tall, so if you want to have any under seat storage, these won't work.

 

[abqcruiser]

Update: Not very many pictures to post, but I'm getting closer trying to start the engine, after it's been sitting for over two years. I have the a/c installed inside and wired, I think, correctly. Under the hood, lines run, compressor and condenser installed. I want to vacuum test it all to make sure every thing is holding, so that is still on the list.

Also cleaned up and rebuilt the carburetor .

The best part was getting these installed. Thanks Bob!

 

[abqcruiser]

One more for Bob

 

[abqcruiser]

Oh yeah, I also painted the front bumper, grill, and light bezels.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Everything sure is looking good. Question on how you mounted the kick plates. I've got big bundles of wire running down both sides, so I'm not sure how to proceed.

Good Job, Man!

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks scrapdaddy, I used stainless steel sheet metal screws and a little bit of clear sealer underneath to seal around the holes. I have the original wiring harness that runs on the passenger side. That along with 2 pairs of speaker wire made it a bit tight but it worked.

 

[PabloCruise]

I am going to have to go back through your thread to see where you got the AC condenser, drier and compressor.

I am getting close to needing these...

Is that an FJ-60 compressor?

 

[abqcruiser]

Pablo, I didn't list the parts I used, but I will now. I bought everything from Nostalgic AC Parts:

compressor: Sanden style 508 v-belt double groove
condensor: 14x20 superflow r-134a condenser

I have the stock a/c bracket that is integrated into the motor mount, which is different from your 3fe bracket. The compressor wouldn't bolt on directly to that bracket, so I did have to make an adapter. It took a few tries to find the right v-belt, but Napa had one that works. If you need anything else let me know.

 

[PabloCruise]

Thanks!

Man, your Pig is looking great! Simply outstanding!

Thanks for the AC help. I do want to stay away from further adapters for the compressor. I went through enough heartache getting the 3FE bracket, and now I am going to have to change my PS lines - oh woe is me!

Do you like the fit and quality of your condensor and drier?

I forget - did you already have an evaporator/expansion valve/controller in the cabin?

 

[abqcruiser]

Pablo, The condenser fits great. I know my pics suck but I used some aluminum angle on each side to make up the difference. I wouldn't go wider, you need that wiggle room to be able to use a wrench to install your a/c lines . I bought the stock setup from Paul (3_puppies), which included everything right down to the bracket that holds the drier. I did install a new expansion valve. I used your a/c resource thread and followed cruiser Matt's?, thread on swapping them out.
Not that you want to re-do anything, but did you ever try using the earlier compressor mount like mine? Not sure if the motor mounts are the same for the 2f versus the 3fe, but it was pretty easy making an adapter for it . It also kept the condenser lower, under the alternator .

 

[abqcruiser]

Progress update:
I've been avoiding this from the very beginning , but because my to do list is getting smaller, I decided to tear down the front end, rebuild the knuckles, replace the wheel bearings and tre's. Pictures say it all, this project was far overdue.

Trunion bearings and races were shot.

Drivers side went pretty well, except for the mess I made getting it done. Cruiser Dan provided the shiny parts,
and what's even better, two or three day turn around and no shipping charges.