Bantam T3-C Build

[shivers]

Replacement floor

I have a 1946 T3-C, when I found it the floor at the front of the box was rusted through. I contacted Jeepanels Plus in Maine to get a new floor. The guy I talked to (owner?) suggested buying just a short piece. I got maybe a quarter of the floor shipped to me and then had a welder put it in for me. I saved a lot on shipping this way. The replacement piece had the ribs in the floor and matched up perfect with the old floor. It's been years so I can help with a number to Jeepanels, and I don't remember what it cost, but it was worth every penny.
Shivers

 

[parcours]

Well, I got her back from the sand blaster. The damage the to the floor is worst than I thought.

Looks like I'll need to replace the floor with either a new trailer panel or the easier way go with diamond plate.

The rust ate away a good portion of the front section as well as lower part of the front part of the tub.

I cut the tail gate off and started to repair and straighten it. I need to get a coat of primer on the good parts before
it starts to rust... Again Any recommendations on the primer? Self Etching? Automotive type????

 

[johnspark]

Looking good so far. We are pretty close to the same stage of our builds. What are you going to do with the tailgate? Are you going to keep it functional, or bolt/weld it closed? Mine was rather well bent up and I think it would be better to bolt/weld it closed and use angle iron to complete the fitment to the lid. Just wondering thanks.

 

[parcours]

The plan is to keep the tail gate functional. Mine is also pretty beat up, but nothing a hammer can't fix.

 

[johnspark]

I cut the tail gate off and started to repair and straighten it. I need to get a coat of primer on the good parts before
it starts to rust... Again Any recommendations on the primer? Self Etching? Automotive type????

I'm using Rustoleum rust reformer spray on the small parts. I'm about to get going on the frame and tub with POR15.

 

[parcours]

Starting to take shape...

Bed is out.

Going to add some reinforcement with angle iron. I still need to cut out the lower portion of front vertical panel, lots of rust... I'll weld a 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" angle to provide support for the floor as well as attach the front panel. 1x1 angle should work for the edge of the tub to support the new floor.

 

[parcours]

Ok... Finally got some trailer time.

Added the angle for the new floor, cut the bulkhead to remove the rust and welded in a 2x2 angle for support.

Filled in quite a few holes including the large 4" opening for the taillight. I'm planning to run LEDs.

Got the springs and brackets painted and test fit for a 4' tongue.

RTT came in just haven't pick it up...

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[johnspark]

Looking good. I wish I had a big space like yours. I have to turn sideways just to get between benches and the trailer sometimes. Today was clean up day, so it's not so bad now. Keep up the good work.

 

[parcours]

Made some progress. Added some floor struts and complete misc metal tasks. Also started to build the jscherb 3 axis hitch. Still need to work on the tailgate, get it straight, weld the hinges and mount it. I ordered the new axle with electric brakes and got my self some matching wheels. Once I get the axle I'm going to build some shock mounts.

The plan is to Line X the bottom and interior of the trailer once I get all the welding and top cover built. Also got the RTT delivered.

This has been a bit more work that I thought it was going to be, but in the end it will turn out very cool. I'm still a long ways away from getting it on the road...

Question: Building the 3 axis hitch, all the components are beefy, no doubt , however the entire weight of the trailer rests on the junction of two 1/8" wall DOM tubing, welded together. What are your thoughts? I see that jscherb tested the hitch by lifting the rear end of a TJ with a Hi-Lift, but that puts the connection is tension not shear where it's going to be most of the time...

Here's a few pics.

Test fit for new axles measurement:



Added some additional floor supports.



Started 3 axis hitch.







RTT

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice work so far.
Looks great!

 

[johnspark]

what dimensions did you go with on the axle?

 

[parcours]

After mocking up for possible 33x12.50 15 ( I may end up going smaller, like 31's or 32's) I'm going with 52" hub face to hub face and 36 1/8" center to center on the leaf spring perch. Getting electric brakes (10") and 3500lb axle.

Even then with 33's I'll end up having the tire stick out a bit. I got some 4" backspace wheel that match my TJ, so we'll see when I get it.

what dimensions did you go with on the axle?

 

[parcours]

Still waiting on my axle, should have been here Friday, but didn't make it. So in me the mean time I finished up the 3 axis hitch.

I read that it should take ~90min to build this, I have to be honest, it took me way longer. And I have all the right tools!!! I spent quite a bit of time making sure the measurements lined up and that each step in the process I had everything straight, plumb and square with the adjacent parts. In the end it turned pretty good. I'll have it painted later today.

Cradle washers welded in place:



Getting the bolt and TSC ball lined up. Ground down the head of the bolt





I made an extended tongue insert. This way I can adjust the tongue length from 4' to 7', in 6" increments from the trailer. I would imagine that I'll never use it, but I had a 5' piece of 2" .250 wall tubing.



Getting there...





Almost there...







Here's a quick vid.

 

[johnspark]

Very nice work.

 

[parcours]

Some more progress.

Got the axle, wheels and tires... I went with a 3500lb axle on stock springs (over sprung), 10" electric brakes and 5 on 4 1/2 hubs to match the Jeep. Tires are 32x11.50x15 BFG's.

Now I'm ready to build the shock mounts, mount the tongue and start the work to reinforce the tongue receiver. I think with the left over receiver piece I have I'm going to install a rear 2 1/2" receiver.