Hi Byron,
Not necessary... the roof extra skin may have been as in some cases for
a sun shield. The first obvious modification was the 'cow-catcher',
built up on the front of the vehicle. Then double skinning the armour
in stages. Eventualy to such an extent that the extra heavy front and
side flaps over the windows, had to be hydraulicly instead of
mandraulicly operated. One of the later modifications was the addition
of a large hanging armour plate flap at the rear of the vehicle. To
protect the legs and feet of the servicemen standing behind and using
the vehicle as a shield. It was the aquasition by the IRA of armour-
piercing bullets, that necessitated the up-armouring of the pig.
Biggest problem with the pig was the inadequate clutch and brakes.
Originaly designed for the Humber 1 ton. A heavier version of the
clutch was introduced very late on, but many didn't have it fitted by
the time they were sold off. The maintenance manual shows the fitting
of the main oil-seal between the transfer-box over the rear axle, in the
wrong position. You will need to regularly check the oil level in the
rear axle, to see if the level starts to rise. If it does, the oil is
draining down through the seal and it must be reversed. Otherwise you
will lose the rear brakes with oil in the drums.
As with the Ferret the B6 engine must not be allowed to slow idle for
long otherwise the plugs will oil.
When left standing for long periods outside, it sometimes occurs that
some of the valves in the block tend to stick open (half the valves are
in the head and half in the block). You will need a can of WD40 easing
fluid, a pair of long nose pliers or small molegrips, and a dentist
mirror to cure the problem. Don't make the mistake of thinking it is a
head or gasket problem when your new Ferret or Pig runs badly at first
time startup.
regards
Colin Brookes
Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society (IMPS)
colbco@powerlink.co.nz