Very nice build. Glad to see you were able to retain the parking brake. It was a important part of my build as well.
I also really like the power coating you had applied throughout the trailer.
You are a lucky couple of guys to work with a complete M416 with that little rust. Also,lucky to to have it accompanied with a nice CJ. The combo with the same 5x5.5 bolt pattern is a easy one to deal with!
I have been hunting a way to keep the park brake and shift to the 5x4.5 TJ set up while running the small
OEM wheel dust cap size. Impossible combo!!! (I have grown a love/hate relationship with this concern)
Please keep us all informed on the progress. I would love to see some detail pictures of the top and how you choose to install it to open. If you are intrested, I have a build on mine....my little m416 on jeepfourm.com. It's at the end of stage 1. Stage 2 gets the top with all the electric goodies. Please let me know what you think. I value the opinion of craftsman like y'all. Thanks