Buying '78 Lil Red Express Truck

[HPSimpson]

Thanks for the update, adds up quicker than Ram truck eck!

 

[EDankievitch]

Glad to read you’ve kept her stock. Too many nice trucks got Updates that didn’t always live up to the expectations.

 

[JR]

Dang!

What refrigerant will he be using in the new system?

 

[Wiredawg]

134. they're doing the conversion.

 

[HPSimpson]

Since going to be 134a the conversion is pretty simple on a totally new system, thanks for the update Ron.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

The truck should have the RV-2 compressor. Those don't take kindly to the R-134A conversion. They tend to leak a lot! Plus, it is a wet sump and requires mineral oil.

To change they should swap out the compressor with a modern Sanden type unit (most popular), but this makes the engine compartment not look original.

Make sure they are NOT using stock dryer or expansion valve. Make sure the valve is calibrated for R-134A. A NOS dryer will have desiccant that will dissolve and create a mess with the PAG oil.

These are things that a reputable shop should already know.

Also the truck most likely will have a valve in the heater core line. With age these tend to not block off all coolant flow. Might want to look at replacing or installing a ball valve (the later is what I did).

 

[Wiredawg]

The truck should have the RV-2 compressor. Those don't take kindly to the R-134A conversion. They tend to leak a lot! Plus, it is a wet sump and requires mineral oil.

To change they should swap out the compressor with a modern Sanden type unit (most popular), but this makes the engine compartment not look original.

Make sure they are NOT using stock dryer or expansion valve. Make sure the valve is calibrated for R-134A. A NOS dryer will have desiccant that will dissolve and create a mess with the PAG oil.

These are things that a reputable shop should already know.

Also the truck most likely will have a valve in the heater core line. With age these tend to not block off all coolant flow. Might want to look at replacing or installing a ball valve (the later is what I did).

Dan,

Thanks. I replaced that valve as the one in the truck had corroded it to pieces. Thanks for the info on the AC system... we had that conversation and it will have the newer compatible system. $1,900 for the "system" plus labor.

I'm looking forward to getting the truck back and having fun with it.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Ron, Need update on your Lil Red Express Truck what is going on????????

 

[Wiredawg]

Ron, Need update on your Lil Red Express Truck what is going on????????

No change since last update... still awaiting AC system to arrive. Not expecting it to be complete for another 2 or 3 weeks.

I'll post when status changes and some pics.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Where are they getting the parts from - one place I've dealt with is "Vintage Air".
https://www.vintageair.com/

 

[Wiredawg]

Where are they getting the parts from - one place I've dealt with is "Vintage Air".
https://www.vintageair.com/

Dan thanks! System is already on order... didn't ask source. Not sure if they manufacture to order or produce in small batches.

Cheersw, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Picked up the LRE... runs great and new AC blows nice and cold. Engine ran 1/4 on temp gauge first time since I purchased it. The shop had it detailed at no extra cost, so she's looking beautiful too. Taking RV out tomorrow for a 5 days, so won't get to cruise it until next week. Nice to have it back.

Thanks for all the help, support, and friendship through this project.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Great I was wondering what was up glad you have Lil Red Express truck truly running, of course the A/c is blowing cold-air! On your five day trip stay away from area of New Orleans real wet stormy weather!

 

[Wiredawg]

Great I was wondering what was up glad you have Lil Red Express truck truly running, of course the A/c is blowing cold-air! On your five day trip stay away from area of New Orleans real wet stormy weather!

I really feel for those folks on the gulf coast.... since August, I've hauled many generators as far East as Pensacola FL and the devastation is terrible, especially in the Lake Charles area, where there are folks still out of power. I'm pretty much done now, but those trips into those areas made a mark on me about the suffering and resiliance of those folks.

Let's keep them in our prayers for a speedy recovery, Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

Friends,

Thought I would share my next mod with you... gonna add a spare tire carrier, steel wheel, and the same diameter spare tire in a 75 series tire as the L60-15s on the rear of the truck. As you may know, the 78 LRE did not come with a spare, possibly due to having G60-15s on the front.

We're taking the LRE out on longer excursions, so gotta have a spare. Just thought I'd throw this out there as I find a steel wheel and tire to fit under the rear of the truck.

I'll post pics as I get the parts and complete the project.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Friends,

Thought I would share my next mod with you... gonna add a spare tire carrier, steel wheel, and the same diameter spare tire in a 75 series tire as the L60-15s on the rear of the truck. As you may know, the 78 LRE did not come with a spare, possibly due to having G60-15s on the front.

We're taking the LRE out on longer excursions, so gotta have a spare. Just thought I'd throw this out there as I find a steel wheel and tire to fit under the rear of the truck.

I'll post pics as I get the parts and complete the project.

Cheers, Ron

Are you really sure going to fit under the bed back there, Ron did you get down and measure? When I go to mainland ( California) I have seen a couple of little trucks with tire mounted in the bed.

 

[TFucili]

Maybe a Continental Kit?

 

[HPSimpson]

Maybe a Continental Kit?

Will the Kit bolt to pickup gate, that would look wild! Mite stick-out a tad!

 

[Wiredawg]

Are you really sure going to fit under the bed back there, Ron did you get down and measure? When I go to mainland ( California) I have seen a couple of little trucks with tire mounted in the bed.

Absolutely will fit: The 79s went to 8in rims and L60-15s all the way around and came with one as a spare under the bed. The standard swing out Ram spare tire carrier used for lots of years will work. Found one on Ebay for $80. Will need to sand and paint it.

Might be a couple of weeks, I'm I. Aransas Pass TX with RV blown out rubber brake line, replacement will be here Monday.

Cheers, Ron

 

[HPSimpson]

Absolutely will fit: The 79s went to 8in rims and L60-15s all the way around and came with one as a spare under the bed. The standard swing out Ram spare tire carrier used for lots of years will work. Found one on Ebay for $80. Will need to sand and paint it.

Might be a couple of weeks, I'm I. Aransas Pass TX with RV blown out rubber brake line, replacement will be here Monday.

Cheers, Ron

Sounds like that tire carrier will work for Lil Red Express, little paint and polish. You have rubber brake brake line on that monster RV what happen no braided or stainless steel lines!