1947 Bantam T3-C Overland Trailer Project

[jhetcel23TJ]

Wanted to document my restoration/ conversion Bantam T3-C trailer project.

My criteria for the build:

• Keep restoration original as possible, but not restrict the end function of the trailer.
• Build a lid to enclose the contents of the trailer, and mount a RTT to it
• Be able to raise/lower the lid to keep to it low while driving, and raised to use a annex while at camp
• Be able to access the interior of the trailer when the RTT is fully opened
• Build a drawer system for a 12v fridge, and cook stove
• Supply on board power that can connect to shore power, and be charged via solar panels

I purchased the trailer and hauled it an hour home on another trailer as it was not road worthy. It has seen many Michigan winters sitting out in a field.



Lots of rust


Suspension



Fulton hitch coupler, and drop leg were still present on the trailer.

 

[jhetcel23TJ]

Tear down

Lifting up on saw horses




Axle Removal




Had to torch out the coupler casting, and used a press to remove the 3/4" seized bolt


Remove the tongue and inspected the underside...lots of rust. Could not identify a serial number for the trailer, but according to http://www.bantamt3c.com/ it is most likely a 1947 built trailer.


The axle hanger brackets needed some work

 

[jhetcel23TJ]

Power washed, and wired wheeled the entire trailer.

Cut out the rotted frame rail, and welded in a new 10ga piece


Bought and welded in a new taillight panel from www.dlbensinger.com


Decided the floor was too far gone to save, so cut it out.


Welded in a new 3" crossmember in the center of the trailer, and straightened the bent tub rail with a hi-lift jack

 

[jhetcel23TJ]

Removed the old tires with a spoon (Not fun), and blasted, primed, and painted the 15" x 4.50" Kelsey-Hayes wheels that came with the trailer. We'll see how long the rattle-can paint job lasts


I used Dupli-Color filler/ auto primer, and Dupli-Color High performance wheel coating for the top coat


Purchased replacement tires and tubes. The tires that came with the trailer were shot.
Tires are Power King Super Traction II,

 

[jhetcel23TJ]

Next addressed the wheel hubs

I purchased and installed all new racers, bearings, nuts, washers, and seal. Found all part numbers from this thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/bantam-hub-rebuild-w-new-part-numbers.1042101/
Cleaned up the studs, and ordered new lug nuts. I kept the original RH and LH threads.


Installed hubs on the axle, repacked grease, and pre-loaded per this video at about the 7:00min mark



Purchased new 10 layer leaf springs. 18201.02 Omix-ADA was a good match.
Also new Leaf Spring Bolts, Shackles, and U-Bolts from www.kaiserwillys.com



I wanted to add shocks to the trailer like the military version, but could not find any available shock mount plates that had the 2.75" hole pattern for the u-bolts for my axle. So I bought the 3" that were standard on MB's and early CJ's, welded the holes, grinded flush, and drilled new at 2.75".






Axle assembled

 

[Errant]

What are you plans for it?

 

[jhetcel23TJ]

What are you plans for it?

Just updated the post. Plans would be to make a lid that encloses the inside, and mount a RTT to the top.