Bantam Trailer Build

[Sonorajeep]

I recently found a 1943 Bantam trailer for sale and purchased it. The data plate is missing so I cannot determine year or if its really a Bantam. Its old. Bed is rusted in spots and wavy, front wall of tub is rusted, the P/O replaced the axle, and "modified" much more. I plan on replacing the axle, new springs, new floor and bottom of front tub. Also squaring up the tub, black paint, and new frame.

 

[Sonorajeep]

I ground off the axle and removed the coupler V neck. I had to also grind off some braces on the underside that was added for the farm axle. The frame doesnt look to bad but it is old, bent, rusty, and has 77 years of modifications from P/O's. I was thinking off a 2x2x.120 square tube frame in the same shape as previous frame but with a middle beam running all the way to the rear. Thanks.

 

[chunko]

Good on you for taking on the project. I had bought one a couple years ago, but every time I looked at it I got so discouraged by the rust and all the previous "fixes" done by previous owners (Bondo and caulk were the materials of choice for them).

How's the frame look? How are you addressing the rust on the vertical panels?

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[chunko]

I had actually started my post before seeing your second set of pics. You are a brave, brave person. Even the dog looks concerned!

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[john61ct]

wow

I'm guessing if I dared take that on, I'd use a lot of rust neutralizer and

then encapsulate it all in a very strong 2-part epoxy, reinforcing the rusted-away load-bearing areas with a few layers of glass, then

a very tough UV blocking abrasive-resistant outer coating.

 

[Sonorajeep]

I got the frame and floor off, most of the rust on th vertical surfaces are not bad. Only a couple small spots that need attention. The floor was rusted but still strong on most of the edges. I need to replace about 3.5 inches of the front panels bottom. I am not planning on getting any dents out but I am going to sand blast it, POR15 it, and bed line it.

 

[old_CWO]

I think a new chassis is a good idea, that looks fairly butchered up.

You might consider adding another 18" or so to the front of the frame for built in cooler and/or jerry can space. Might as well if you are fabbing new - it doesn't cost much more and the extra space is a real plus.

 

[Sonorajeep]

Thanks foe the tip old_CWO, I will definitely add that extra space.
I am trying to identify this old trailer and because of the P/O modifications, it has been difficult. I have some of the numbers on the frame,see that it has green paint under the black paint, and it also has cotter pins for the shocks. I am thinking its a Willys MBT trailer. Tomorrow I will try to see if there is writing on the front panel beneath the black paint. Serial number says 167... Also I tested most of the tub for weak spots and I was surprised to find good metal beneath the surface rust but a two quarter sized weak spots. I will patch those spots before POR15.

 

[Flyfishjeep]

I think your trailer is actually a military trailer. I saw the brake line brackets on the bottom of the frame. I don't think they put the parking brake on the civilian models.

 

[Sonorajeep]

I finally got around to grinding and sandblasting some of the trailer. I also picked up 30ft of 2x2x1/8 square tube, 10ft of 2x2x1/4 square tube, 20 ft of 1x1 square tube and a sheet of 1/8 sheet metal 41"x77". All the metal except the 1x1 square tube was a surplus for the shop and I got it pretty cheap. Tomorrow I am cutting the metal and will start the new frame. The 1x1 square tube is replacing the bent tube around the top of the trailer.

 

[chunko]

I think your trailer is actually a military trailer. I saw the brake line brackets on the bottom of the frame. I don't think they put the parking brake on the civilian models.

I think you're right- I don't believe the civilian trailers came with shock mounts either. That or it's a very early civilian model that used surplus frames.

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[Sonorajeep]

Thanks for the replies! I got the metal cut and will weld it together later on today. I deciding on a 3500k axle with cj2a front springs or a Timbren axle less 3500k kit. I believe the Timbren kit is around $550 and the axle plus springs will be around $400 without brakes.

 

[Sonorajeep]

Got the frame welded up, now need to order spring hangers, leaf springs, axle , hubs, wheels and tires.

 

[48cj2a]

Your trailer is indeed a Military 1/4 ton G-529

The number you found appears to be the American Central Manufacturing (ACM) serial number 167XXX - looks like bubba torched the rest.

Its a shame because these trailers are getting hard to find and fetch a hefty dollar.

I emailed you ACM prefix to a G529 Database keeper for the Company who may have built it.

In the mean time could you post a close up of the reflectors and tell me the Manufacture and Model number on the metal bezel and the plastic lens?

 

[Sonorajeep]

That's really cool 48cj2a, thanks. The brake lights are Grote and the reflectors are Corcoran Brown. I think both have metal bezels.