Bantam trailer build thread!

[Spixelz]

So I'm new here, In fact I don't even think I have posted to the forums before but I have done plenty of looking at other build threads to know I wanted to build a expedition trailer. So I waited and waited for Bantam, m416 or something similar to pop up in my local area....Well low and behold something did and I personally feel its a damn good find but feel free to correct me.

My find is a 1943 Bantam T3. typical surface rust but nothing extreme, everything should be able to be cleaned up. Tub is tweaked a bit, any idea how to get this corrected?

I paid 500 bucks for it. The guy also threw in 7 loose rims....yes I said 7...two of which are 2 piece combat rims, which I will need to clean up and see if their salvageable? Is this recommended or leave them? The other 5 are standard civilian rims. No plans to keep so they will go up for sale.

I have a few questions.
How hard is it find the stock tails? Pair that are one there are mismatch.
I've found most of the details for leafs, shocks and shackles but I'd like to run the same rims that are on my JK. Will this require a full axle swap? If so where would I even find one?

Enough questions, How about some photos.

Thanks ahead of time for any details! I will update this thread with all my build updates!

 

[Mark Harley]

Looks like a good start to me. Wider fenders, spring over and color matched.
Post lots of pictures as you go.

 

[I Leak Oil]

Boy, that's a nice T3 and you got a great deal on it! Looks mostly original which is rare these days. You should be able to straighten the tub with a little sweat and elbow grease. They are thin and aren't tough to work with. You can get repop military lights and any of the places that deal with old military vehicles. They were used on just about everything. G503.com has lots of info about the military side of it. Not sure what bolt pattern your truck has but if it's different then it's quite common just to by adapters to fit the pattern wheel you want to the existing axle. Or you could just get a new axle but you loose the original hand brake feature.
Combat rims.....cool if they're in good shape and quite desireable among collectors. Not very good for todays larger tires though.
Good luck with it, I'm green with envy and miss my T3 now.....

 

[Mark Harley]

Taillights are Arrow Safety They are a matched set.
Not very bright but clean up well.

Some info on the trailer: http://bantamt3c.com/

 

[Spixelz]

Taillights are Arrow Safety They are a matched set.
Not very bright but clean up well.

Some info on the trailer: http://bantamt3c.com/

Oh ok...I thought since the lens where different they were mismatch. Possible to upgrade to some LEDS you think?

 

[Davoarts]

I had to straighten a trailer out that was twisted just like that, what I did was find a couple places that I could strap two corners down, block up the third corner, and the opposite of that I jacked up to twist the frame back into (almost) straight. Took only about half an hour. For my trailer a couple of closely spaced parking lot curbs that had room to wrap a chain around underneath and tie to the frame corners worked well enough (in addition to having some cmu blocks on hand). You might have to get creative. Otherwise, take it to a shop that straightens auto frames, they might be able to do it easily enough. Be sure to check the frame welds afterwards though. after straightening mine out I went ahead and added some beef to the frame of my trailer.

 

[McZippie]

World War II Jeep/Military collectors would go nuts, if you hacked up your extremely rare and valuable trailer.
.
To demonstrate the value and rarity of your trailer....
I'd consider trading your original T3, even up, for my Bantam T3 reproduction trailer, pictured below. There about $4,000. of parts and labor in my trailer
.
Some interesting links about your trailer:
.
http://jeepdraw.com/TRAILER_PART_COLOURS.htm
.
http://g503.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=bebef6417fb6988409b91c04490de3f8
.
http://jeepdraw.com/Chucks_Trailers.html
.
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/c-24-24-trailers.aspx
.

.

.

.

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[Spixelz]

World War II Jeep/Military collectors would go nuts, if you hacked up your extremely rare and valuable trailer.
.
To demonstrate the value and rarity of your trailer....
I'd consider trading your original T3, even up, for my Bantam T3 reproduction trailer, pictured below. There about $4,000. of parts and labor in my trailer
.
Some interesting links about your trailer:
.
http://jeepdraw.com/TRAILER_PART_COLOURS.htm
.
http://g503.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=bebef6417fb6988409b91c04490de3f8
.
http://jeepdraw.com/Chucks_Trailers.html
.
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/c-24-24-trailers.aspx
.

.

.

.

.

I didn't realize it was worth that much....perhaps I need to rethink my plan here...

 

[Spixelz]

So I've decided to go ahead and try to trade this thing even up for something a bit less collectible. I would hate to destroy this thing to just build a expedition trailer to tow behind my JK Wrangler. I can only imagine what this thing has seen or done, the history...I'd much rather see this this go to someone who will restore it and give it the honor is deserves.

 

[FAW3]

So I've decided to go ahead and try to trade this thing even up for something a bit less collectible. I would hate to destroy this thing to just build a expedition trailer to tow behind my JK Wrangler. I can only imagine what this thing has seen or done, the history...I'd much rather see this this go to someone who will restore it and give it the honor is deserves.

Just as something to consider...a few years ago I got a similar deal on a '46 Bantam. I tow it behind my JK also. After all was said and done...I just painted it to match my Jeep (white body, black fenders) and got new tires, tubes, and redid the wiring. I have a vinyl cover with some homemade oak arches for a nice tight cover. Tows beautifully behind the JK. Use it for hauling bulk mulch, Home Depot runs, camping, hauling MC's (2 small/mid sized trail MC's or one KLR). I did forgo any big modifications (axle swaps, frame cutting, etc.) based on your similar concerns about your trailer.

In the end...it has met our needs just fine after I realized that I am a "suburban family guy" who goes 80% paved road, 15% forest road, and less than 5% actual overland. Loaded within reason and design specifications...these old military trailers are very rugged and capable.

 

[Spixelz]

Just as something to consider...a few years ago I got a similar deal on a '46 Bantam. I tow it behind my JK also. After all was said and done...I just painted it to match my Jeep (white body, black fenders) and got new tires, tubes, and redid the wiring. I have a vinyl cover with some homemade oak arches for a nice tight cover. Tows beautifully behind the JK. Use it for hauling bulk mulch, Home Depot runs, camping, hauling MC's (2 small/mid sized trail MC's or one KLR). I did forgo any big modifications (axle swaps, frame cutting, etc.) based on your similar concerns about your trailer.

In the end...it has met our needs just fine after I realized that I am a "suburban family guy" who goes 80% paved road, 15% forest road, and less than 5% actual overland. Loaded within reason and design specifications...these old military trailers are very rugged and capable.

Oh I'm sure this trailer would do everything I ask of it. But I guess my concerns are destroying a piece of history. After posting on G503, They said I should be able to trade it for a completely restored model, I have even been offered a M100 that is in overall better condition then the bantam. Not as collectible, sure. But really I'm not out to have a collectible, I'm out to build a trailer I can take just about anywhere I camp, lift, 35s and have everything I could ever need.

 

[mah827]

World War II Jeep/Military collectors would go nuts, if you hacked up your extremely rare and valuable trailer.
.
To demonstrate the value and rarity of your trailer....
I'd consider trading your original T3, even up, for my Bantam T3 reproduction trailer, pictured below. There about $4,000. of parts and labor in my trailer
.
Some interesting links about your trailer:
.
http://jeepdraw.com/TRAILER_PART_COLOURS.htm
.
http://g503.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=bebef6417fb6988409b91c04490de3f8
.
http://jeepdraw.com/Chucks_Trailers.html
.
https://www.vintagejeeps.com/c-24-24-trailers.aspx
.

.

.

.

.

That's a great looking trailer.

 

[McZippie]

Oh I'm sure this trailer would do everything I ask of it. But I guess my concerns are destroying a piece of history. After posting on G503, They said I should be able to trade it for a completely restored model, I have even been offered a M100 that is in overall better condition then the bantam. Not as collectible, sure. But really I'm not out to have a collectible, I'm out to build a trailer I can take just about anywhere I camp, lift, 35s and have everything I could ever need.

Great! Glad to read that you are getting an understanding of how rare your Trailer is.

FWIW Assuming you'd like to trade for a better Expo type trailer or cash in;
If haven't done so already, post pictures of your trailer on G503 and other Miltiary Jeep sites, give it some time and a WWII Jeep collector will start Jones'in for your Trailer.