Preservation of a Working Trailer |
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48cj2a
Bantam Trailer Moderator Sponsor Member Joined: 22 July 2005 Location: Central, IL Status: Offline Points: 4523 |
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Keep up the good work - Looking Good!!!
If you have a lot of txt to write you might do it in a word processer program and cut and paste it in...don't even ask how I know this been there done that quite few times on timeout, lockout etc.
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Art C USAF (Retired)
47 CJ2A #134955 Project 48 CJ2A #206759 62 L6226 Station Wagon #58167 10900 45 T3-C #191 Project http://www.bantamt3c.com http://www.48cj2a.com |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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This trailer is now in "usable" condition, but far from finished. . . kinda like getting a '2A running, then driving for a while before doing the bodywork. This is pine, so not quite as heavy as it looks. I also did a load of oak, but did not fill it that full. This is so much better than loading in the back of Jeep (my previous method for bring firewood up out of woods) I think I have a hardware issue with my PC, it is very random, and does not happen often, but sometimes will "blue screen" in the middle of working.
Edited by JeepFever - 07 Mar. 2013 at 6:40pm |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Thanks! I was doing that, but did not save the word processor file. so it was Murphy's Law that the PC decided to blue screen
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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.Concerning the test drive . . . I really like this trailer! . . it follows behind the '2A thru some really tight trails. . . There is a section of trail with tight S-turns, between trees, the '2A barely fits, but suprisingly, the trailer just follows with no problems.
Also, it is light enough that I don't have to try to back up the trailer. (not fun without power steering). I can drive up close to where I want to be. Unhook the trailer, push the trailer where I want it, (even if weaving between trees), then back the Jeep up to it, and reattach. . . . The lunnete ring and pintlehook makes this easier too.
Edited by JeepFever - 11 Mar. 2013 at 2:17am |
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F Bill
Member Sponsor Member x 2 Joined: 05 Dec. 2005 Location: central Texas Status: Offline Points: 7752 |
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Awe come on....you need more backing up practice so you can impress the crowds at the reunions when you back the trailer onto your transporter...It takes real talent to do that I have found. (Best I can hope for is to back it on the traier, disconnect and reposition it by hand, then dirve the jeep on. )
That short tongue and no power steering does make things interesting in a hurry, doesn't it? |
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If you haven't checked out the tech FAQ section, go to:
http://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/tech-faq_forum57.html for a lot of great stuff you need to know!! |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Earlier, I told myself that I do not have time to be working on this dumb thing, , but I am hooked! Yesterday I thought I would do ONE more thing and weld in a patch at passenger-side front, (there was virtually nothing attaching that corner to the frame). . . I put in the patch, but then thought - -> "I should go ahead and put a little bondo on the fenders to smooth the welded patches", . . then I thought - -> "hey, it is 65 degrees outside, maybe I could spray on an quick paint job" I went a little farther than planned, but I am sure my wife appreciates this setting in the driveway, rather than the rusty looking one (or even the primered one). -- I still have a LONG way to go before finished, but it sure does look better than when I brought it home. NOW . . . I am done working on it for a while. .
Edited by JeepFever - 11 Mar. 2013 at 8:47am |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Doing a little cross-posting, but here is a photo of my trailer doing some "work".
Cleaning leaves out of our road-side ditch is an annual Spring-time chore, the Bantam trailer worked much better than wheelbarrow or tarp that I have used in the past. |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Did a little more work on this trailer. The frame repairs were previously only a little more than spot-welded. Since this trailer is getting close to working season, it was time to fully weld the frame. The body was removed, and all the joints welded fully . . some extra angle and fish-plates added. It should now be even stronger than original. For anyone looking, be aware that almost none of this frame is original, so don't copy, if you are restoring. :) This working trailer got some brand new tires, (the ones it came with were so dry-rotted that chunks were falling out of them). These new tires are temporarily mounted to his older brother's combat rims, while his are being restored.
Edited by JeepFever - 23 Aug. 2013 at 4:03am |
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canorisa
Member Joined: 27 Sep. 2009 Location: PSL, Florida Status: Offline Points: 373 |
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Ron:
You have done a superb job trying to save that little trailer from the scrap yard. I applaud you Sir!!! Cool job on your progress. I am wondering, have you gotten a tailgate for the little trailer yet? Where are those combat rims from? I know you mentioned they are your brothers but from what - A Jeep? Cool tires by the way. Where they had to install in those combat rims? Since you started this post, I have seen quite a few Bantams, M416's and even M100's come and go on Criagslist in VA. I wonder if you have been keeping your eyes on them as well. Some have been very nice and some have been truly for the talented, if you know what I mean. Just now, there is a very nice, fully restored, 1947 BT3C selling on eBay and Craigslist in Florida. Have you seen the pictures? But I'm afraid the guy wants $1500 for it but you don't have to do anything to it but keep it in the garage and show it off. I don't think you would want to haul dirt in it after all that nice work, lol :P Keep in touch and let us know about your continued progress.... r/s, Joel
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Once a Marine!, Always a Marine!, Semper Fi! - Combat Wounded Vet, Desert Storm/Desert Shield - Persian Gulf 1992
E-mail: canorisa@msn.com 1940's Bantam T3-C |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Joel, thanks for the compliments! I sometimes wonder why I bought such a rust bucket, but in the end, it is satisfying to know I saved it.
I have two trailers now. I did buy one of those you mentioned. The 2nd one is #3122. It was in better shape than this working trailer, but still needs a lot of work. It will be my "restored" one, as close to original as I can get it (without spending much money). It is the "older brother" I mentioned, and is loaning out its combat wheels. The combat wheels needed some repair. I welded in a patch around the valve stem, and have a bunch of coats of epoxy primer on the inside of rims to fill the rust pits. The tires were not hard to mount after I figured out the best method (in another thread). My daughter-in-law works for tire company and can get really good deals tires sometimes, these came up on the list, not exactly what I would have ordered given choice for anything, but close enough, and I think will be great for this working trailer. I definately will have more photos to come. I just wish I had more time to work on it. |
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canorisa
Member Joined: 27 Sep. 2009 Location: PSL, Florida Status: Offline Points: 373 |
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Okay Ron, you are holding out on me dude. When did you get this second trailer? How come you haven't posted any pictures? What color is it? Do you know the year of manufacture? Was it local or you had to do some driving to get it?
Most of these old combat wheels I have seen on these posts have the same problem. Pitting and rust. Can't go around it. There are some that have come up 100% solid but the sellers were asking a bundle for them. I know they are of value but man, you know. I have seen, in some cases, where new ones would cost less and are 100% solid, you know. Anyways.... You didn't mention it but did you added a tailgate to your trailer or is that still in the works? Let me know, I saw, on another post, a gentleman who is manufacturing these tailgates. They are not cheap, they run about $300 but the quality is really good. So let me know. Right now I can't wait to get home from this trip of mine so that I can take out the trailers and put them to some use. The 416 needs tires. The tires on it right now are still the original tires when I first purchased the trailer and even though they hold air and are good, I don't trust them on the freeway, if you know what I mean. So they have to go. Do you know of a tire place where I can go where I won't get nickel and dime to death? I need a good source, trust worthy, reliable and the price must be right. Well, hope to hear back from you. Please do post some pictures. I would love to see them. Take care my friend, b/r, Joel
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Once a Marine!, Always a Marine!, Semper Fi! - Combat Wounded Vet, Desert Storm/Desert Shield - Persian Gulf 1992
E-mail: canorisa@msn.com 1940's Bantam T3-C |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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I got the 2nd trailer a couple months ago, there are some photos in another thread:
It is a '46, and multi-colored. Originally it was green. I am guessing the combat wheels are the originals, because Art's site list them as proper for the serial#, and they were originally green like the body. I did not have to drive too far to pick it up. It did not cost much more than the first one, but is in better condition. So far I have POR'd the frame and under floor, and repaired the tailgate. The floor needs some work. I will start a project thread once I start working on it more. For the tailgate on the working trailer, I am going to use one from a '2A. I like the idea of being able to remove in some situations. It is not original of course, but I think it looks good on there. I will take some photos once I get the body back on. For the Jeeps and trailers I do all my own tire mounting. |
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canorisa
Member Joined: 27 Sep. 2009 Location: PSL, Florida Status: Offline Points: 373 |
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Ron:
Super and congrats on your trailer purchase. The trailer might look a little bit rough right now but taken into consideration all the rust build up over the years but a good sandblasting and it would be as good as new, I'm sure of it. What kind of restoration you have planned out for this trailer? I see, from your other post, that you have started some work on it. How did the tailgate come out? I see that you did some repairs and some spot welding. Did you ever get an answer to your hinges question? I had the same problem when I was restoring mine. I can't remember of the top of my head right now but I know is in one of my update posts that I talked about the hinges. I was fortunate enough to find a mom and pop type of hardware store that had the exact same hinges available, so was lucky to even find them. I'm very interested in seeing what you have accomplished so far, so whenever you have the time, please do post some pictures. I haven't seen a Bantam T3C with a 2A tailgate on so I don't know what to tell you. If you say it looks good, then so be it. Would love to see it when you have it all done though. Thanks and good luck with the projects, r/s, Joel
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Once a Marine!, Always a Marine!, Semper Fi! - Combat Wounded Vet, Desert Storm/Desert Shield - Persian Gulf 1992
E-mail: canorisa@msn.com 1940's Bantam T3-C |
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3-48s
Member Joined: 18 Sep. 2008 Location: Upstate, NY Status: Offline Points: 2783 |
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Hi Ron,
Great Save! It is nice to see these old dogs put back to work. I have done a couple of "BANTAMS w/patina" myself. You have great vision and skill and sure don't have to worry about scratching the paint when your done. If your fenders are to far gone they sell sturdy steel replacements a Tractor Supply that are pretty close. They will need to be massaged a bit with notches in order to use original fender mount clips. I have used them twice with good success and they look almost original but do not have the inside bead on them. Nice work Sir. I guess your practice on your tailgates is paying off! |
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1945 CJ2A #10536
1948 CJ2A #176528 "Elmer" 1948 CJ2A #155970 "Gray Mule" 1948 CJ2A #155365 "Old Yeller" (GONE) BANTAM T3C # 6147 (GONE) BANTAM T3C # 30856 |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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I am going to try to make #3122 as close to original as possible without spending a lot of money. It will be same restoration plan as a '51 CJ3A I have waiting in the wings, and will be painted same color. (the '3A was originally tan). These will be my "restored" pair. My current '46 '2A and working trailer will be the scratch-and-dent pair. The tailgate repair turned out decent. I removed the huge "bow" it had, and replaced the lower 3 inches. It is currently in primer, but once I paint it, I will take some photos. I ended up using some hinges from Tractor Supply. The pins were not original diameter, but the plates were 1/8" thick, so should be fairly sturdy.
Wow, thanks! . . Call me crazy, but I like the petina. On the fenders, I had to weld in several patches, and weld some cracks, but the fenders turned out decent and sturdy. The beads were in good shape fortunately. |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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You two inspired me. . I decided that I was going to complete "stage 2" on this trailer over the weekend. . . But then "life" intervened. . . did not get near as far as hoped, but did get some work done.
I had hoped to at least get the tailgate mounted and another coat of paint on entire trailer, but could not force myself to ignore this rusty section any longer, so plans went on detour . . I cut out all that rust, and will weld in a patch. . . I also ended up cutting out the back panel. It was just too distorted. Then, while measuring for a plan for mounting tailgate, I realized that the previous work on this trailer, (and some hits it took) had the back-end very distorted. I took some measurements from the better trailer, and set about trying to get this trailer to be the same. That way, if I ever do decide to mount a factory-style tailgate, it will fit with no problems. Here is photo about half way thru the process. I got that laser level when putting in foundation for garage, but find it very handy for things like this also. It is tough to describe with words, but basically the pipe clamp and strap are to get the bottom "U" shape as square a possible. The angle across top is to maintain the distance for chain holes. The difficult part was getting the upper portion bent to shape. . . I had to cut some relief notches etc, to be welded up later. As mentioned before, I did not get near as much time as I hoped to work on this. I did make a little progress past this point, and will post photos later. |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Over the 3-day Labor Day weekend I got some time to work on the trailer.
All the rust in rear was cut out and replaced with solid steel, the tail-light panels were beefed up and extended down, to bolt into frame. There is no wobble in the sides now. I kept the tapered look in the tail-light panels, thinking that it might be safer from damage if I take this off-road. (and for a reason to be disclosed later ) A view of the Willys tailgate below. I had considered stretching it up a few inches to the top of trailer, but decided that functionally I would rather have a shorter tailgate. I like the fact that this tailgate is removable, for some of its chores, it will be easier if the back is open. . . It has no chains yet, but will be added later. The paint is Gillespie WWII green, applied with brush and roller, but is too glossy. (especially for this rough body) I used the aerosol can in some places to tone down the shine a little. The wheels were done with aerosol. Some day I will spray the entire trailer, and maybe even add a little flattening agent . . a flat finish will hide some of the dents. . . the last photo is in the shade, and looks a little dark. The previous photo looks more like the actual color.
Edited by JeepFever - 03 Sep. 2013 at 3:53am |
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JeepFever
Member Sponsor Member Joined: 07 Aug. 2012 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 2753 |
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Shakedown runs!
Got the trailer on the road yesterday. Added the wiring for lights, both to trailer and '2A - first took a load of old carpeting and padding to landfill - when my wife saw trailer, she asked if I could take to pick up some unfinished cabinets she wanted - we had planned to visit in-laws, so I loaded up some fill dirt he wanted for yard. 50 miles total driving, and the trailer worked great, even with a fairly heavy load of dirt. |
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