Builds New Mexico Pig Build

[abqcruiser]

Thanks Bob, Believe it or not this is my first go at auto body work. I've welded before but on a lot heavier gauge steel. I did watch a lot of u-tube videos though on auto body repair. Patience and practice is the key.

Scrapdaddy, I did use that rust encapsulator from Eastwood, great stuff. I don't have any recent photos yet, but I have 2 coats of zero rust on the underside. I applied the red oxide first and then followed with the gray. I then brushed on seam sealer on areas that I thought might trap water. Question, should I top coat the seam sealer with zero rust or do you think I'm good to start coating with the Lizard Skin? Also, How much coverage were you able to get on the underside with a 2 gallon container of Lizard skin?

 

[scrapdaddy]

I think you're good to start spraying. You should get two full coats, maybe three light coats, on the floor pan with a two gal. can. I would go light on the sound deadener and more coats, than heavy, other wise it will crack when drying.

The Ceramic Insulation will go quick. I put on two coats of each of those. If you're doing both Lizard Skin products, deadener first and the ceramic next and Monstaliner last.

You're going to like the end results.

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks, I'll stick with that plan. I've got the shell in a portable car port, covered on all sides. To keep it warm I've put in a portable heater to keep the temperature up during the drying stage for the zero rust. This Lizard Skin, according to the directions, seems to be a lot more sensitive to temperature. I plan on getting the temp inside above 70 but they also talk about not using forced heat to dry it. Am I correct in assuming that they are referring to blowing hot air across the product versus using a radiant type heater to keep it warm during the drying stage. Did you ever apply this stuff during the colder months?

 

[scrapdaddy]

I did spray the firewall, when colder and it took alittle longer to dry. I didn't record the temp., but it wasn't real cold out. I'm not sure what they mean by forced drying. I think anything above fifty or so, will be fine.

 

[Midgainc]

As I read your thread, I recall so many similar emotions.....from a financial standpoint, you (and I, and definitely Delancy!) would have been better off setting our pigs on fire the day we purchased them, and leaving them where they burned, regardless of the purchase price! I paid $500 for mine, and have close to 20 times that in it now. Yours is looking great! Stay with it, and it will soon be all over.

I have never driven a Landcruiser, but I will get my noise canceling Bose aviation headphones out when I go on a road trip! Haha

 

[PabloCruise]

Here are some pics of the bodywork. The rear corners were fun. I made a pattern out of card stock. Made cuts in the paper to form the curved corner and then traced it on the sheet metal. After cutting it out I formed it on one of those caps from a gas cylinder bottle.

Wow, nice work!

 

[abqcruiser]

Thanks Pablo. At the moment I'm enjoying it a lot. We will see how long that will last.

Midgainc, I wish I could have started closer to your buy in amount. I'm just assuming that the engine will last me for a while longer. I'm hoping that by following Scrapdaddy's approach to sound proofing, the ear protection will be unnecessary.

 

[PabloCruise]

Thanks Pablo. At the moment I'm enjoying it a lot. We will see how long that will last. Midgainc, I wish I could have started closer to your buy in amount. I'm just assuming that the engine will last me for a while longer. I'm hoping that by following Scrapdaddy's approach to sound proofing, the ear protection will be unnecessary.

I have had periods where I questioned the wisdom of Pig obsession. My wife did too!
I got my Pig from Santa Fe...

 

[arcteryx]

ABQ- wondered when you were going to chime in about your truck. Definitely glad you did! Man, that body looked much better with the paint on, its a wonder what paint can hide !! You are doing a great job, and thanks for BobM for being Superman and Saving the Day! Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

As far as your tub stand, did you make that or purchase it? I've seen a few that have the rotisserie style stands, just not sure where to get them.

@mid- so true about setting them on fire, especially Chris!

 

[abqcruiser]

Hey Jason, I made the rotisserie, copied it from Gumby's use of Harbor Freight engine stands. I think it set me back about $250.00. Well worth it.

Pablo, that's cool that you picked up your pig in Santa Fe. I only know of one other in ABQ. It's too bad there aren't more to be had here. The climate is much kinder here.

 

[Delancy]

Would you think that your rotisserie would sadly qt low for transport on a trailer?

 

[abqcruiser]

Delancy,

I think your patience would grow thin waiting for me to be done using it. I'll be lucky to get the shell back on the frame by spring. Winters are typically busy for me. It's pretty easy to build. I can provide more pics if needed as well as any measurements. Just let me know.

Mark

 

[Delancy]

Hahaha.

By no means was I requesting with intent to scavenge, but was asking due to the high probability that I'll have to move the two shells I'll be needing a similar set up for, moving by way of trailering and up to 110 miles.

Trying to find a solution that I can roll onto trailer and safely transport.

 

[Midgainc]

ABQ, you paid more, but you get to ride. Mine has been rolled 300 feet in 4 years, and 250 of that was since May. I have never heard it run, nor has the seat ever been decent enought to sit in!

Delancy, one way to transport is to make two 55+/-" square platforms with casters and are about 12" high. Put 2x6 tops on opposing sides. raise the body off of the frame and lower onto the the 2x6's and bolt through the body mounts. This way you have the support to keep from tilting the body over and you dont have to worry about the rockers and fenders hitting the trailer (or truck) bed. I would do that in a heartbeat for a 110 mile ride.

 

[abqcruiser]

Delancy, Do you have a spare frame that you don't mind sacrificing? Jason sent one with the shell so I cut it down and made a cart. I was able to load the shell on it and transport it from storage. Here is a pic.

 

[abqcruiser]

Oops, In that shot I didn't have the front of it finished. Here's another shot with a plate welded on. I also decided to use different caster wheels. Those in the first picture didn't have a very high load rating.

 

[greentruck]

Fine work you're doing there. This should put me off ever buying another pig. We'll see....

 

[abqcruiser]

Here are a few progress pics. Interior shots, down to bare metal, then primed, I know paint isn't all that interesting to look at. Also a few shots of the Lizard Skin on the floors. This stuff is everything that Scrapdaddy said it was, love it!

 

[scrapdaddy]

WOW! You've been working. Looks Good. The Lizard Skin really makes it nice, doesn't it.

 

[abqcruiser]

It's a really nice product. I'm waiting on the Monstaliner to get here. I was going to use the same spray gun that I used for the Lizard Skin to apply the Monstaliner. Is that what you did or did you buy something else?

Mark