Builds New Mexico Pig Build

[abqcruiser]

Boy! That thing looks so good in that desert setting!

Thanks, I never get tired of the view around here.

So there is a rear caster?

I'm guessing that you're referring to my comment of not having to put shims under the rear springs? I was only going to do that if the pinion angle was off back there. The spring lift didn't change anything so it wasn't necessary.

 

[xtiaan2000]

Okay. Thanks
I always hope that there is something that perhaps I didn't do that would now make the rig handle like a race car. One would think that I would acquiesce to the handling after so many years.

 

[abqcruiser]

Aside from adjusting the caster angle in the front, installing a rear sway bar greatly improved its drivability on the road. If you don't have one on your pig, you might want to try that next.

 

[xtiaan2000]

Cheers. Got one.

 

[abqcruiser]

In case there is any interest, my stock radiator finally crapped out and I wasn't looking to have a custom one made. I found this one from Champion radiators that is pretty close in size to stock and easy on the wallet.

CC1213

I did have to slightly modify a few things and make some simple brackets out of flat 1/8" aluminum that I had laying around. Here's a few pics:

I had to drill a few holes in the new radiator bracket to get the bolts to line up where the old stock radiator mounted. I also made some spacers so I could bolt the auxiliary fan bracket back in its stock location.

All my brackets are mounted on the passenger side. They basically make up for the 1 1/4" shift of the new radiator. It was easier for me to do this rather than split the difference to center the radiator. I also only had to make 2 brackets rather than 4.

The fan shroud wasn't modified and sits in its stock location. I only had to drill holes in the new radiator bracket on the drivers side and use the brackets on the passenger side to make up for the shift. All radiator hoses went back in with no problems or need to trim.

 

[abqcruiser]

Here's a better pic of the fan shroud,

 

[scrapdaddy]

Nice job! Looks to be a good and clean alternative to the stock one.

 

[Peters Moose]

Thanks a ton for the right up. Pics are awesome too.
So I really like the use of the single bracket on one side to adapt to the standard pig mounts. Makes a lot of sense and hoses enter/exit same sides as the original.

My old rad is starting to leak and flow is way down to boot.
3 core is huge plus as well as the 209 price can't be beat.
I think I know my next project.
Thanks again!!

 

[PabloCruise]

Here's a better pic of the fan shroud,

View attachment 1274431

Great find, we will all need a radiator solution at some point.

That and tailgate handles...

 

[abqcruiser]

Great find, we will all need a radiator solution at some point.

That and tailgate handles...

Pablo did you see this from Reevesci?

For Sale: - 1970 Parts

Fingers crossed!

 

[PabloCruise]

Pablo did you see this from Reevesci?

For Sale: - 1970 Parts

Fingers crossed!

I did not - thank you!

 

[PabloCruise]

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.View attachment 1134478


View attachment 1134479

View attachment 1134484

Do you remember much about the wiring you did? What controls did you use inside the cab? Aftermarket, or Factory, or Dealer?
Thanks!
I need to make new high pressure PS lines, but then I should be able to mount my 3FE compressor. After that it will be adding condensor, making new lines, new drier & expansion valve and then wiring it up!

 

[abqcruiser]

Do you remember much about the wiring you did? What controls did you use inside the cab? Aftermarket, or Factory, or Dealer?
Thanks!
I need to make new high pressure PS lines, but then I should be able to mount my 3FE compressor. After that it will be adding condensor, making new lines, new drier & expansion valve and then wiring it up!

Pablo, I can verify if I did it this way, but some time back I got into a discussion with Delancy about the wiring. Here:

Delancy's NEW 76 PIGGY ???

You actually joined in on the conversation. I'll help in any way I can. I assume mine is a factory a/c?

 

[Honger]

Another fantastic pig! I gotta stop hanging out in this section... I might catch swine flu.

 

[PabloCruise]

Pablo, I can verify if I did it this way, but some time back I got into a discussion with Delancy about the wiring. Here:

Delancy's NEW 76 PIGGY ???

You actually joined in on the conversation. I'll help in any way I can. I assume mine is a factory a/c?

Haha, I must be getting old, I am forgetting s***!

 

[PabloCruise]

Pablo, I can verify if I did it this way, but some time back I got into a discussion with Delancy about the wiring. Here:

Delancy's NEW 76 PIGGY ???

You actually joined in on the conversation. I'll help in any way I can. I assume mine is a factory a/c?

It does sound like you have factory set up from that thread. I have what I beleive to be Dealer installed system for '74.

This post is very helpful for electrical:
Delancy's NEW 76 PIGGY ???

 

[abqcruiser]

It does sound like you have factory set up from that thread. I have what I beleive to be Dealer installed system for '74.

This post is very helpful for electrical:
Delancy's NEW 76 PIGGY ???

My a/c from an electrical standpoint is up and running. I did, however, try to charge the system myself and am dealing with some high pressure readings on the high side of my a/c gauges. Hopefully it's just an overcharged system and not a faulty expansion valve or blockage in the coil. After you get yours installed, I'd take it to a professional to get it charged correctly.

 

[abqcruiser]

Our first "real" maiden voyage!

My wife took this on our way up to Colorado as the sun was setting. We were fully loaded, left ABQ in the middle of the afternoon with near 100 degree temps, the a/c running full blast, and the old girl ran like a champ! We rolled into Rico, CO sometime after 9:00 pm. We didn't get there fast, but we made it! We met up with my folks at the Cayton campground just outside of Rico.

The first day we did a little hiking near Diente Peak.

Always have to provide at least one dog photo.

Next day, time to put the pig to the test:

From the campground we took forest road 578 up to Bolam Pass. Everything worked flawlessly. Every gear from high to low engaged properly. More pics from the top of the pass.

 

[abqcruiser]

Some more..

Ok, one more dog pic:

Lots of ATV's and dirt bikes up there:

 

[abqcruiser]

From there we took forest road 501 and turned on to FR 550 that followed down along Scotch Creek. What a kidney buster! I was warned, but it was a shorter route back to camp. Mud, rocks, narrow road, what more could a pig ask for?