M416 Galvy Trailer Build

[Chris Vitale]

Well, I purchased this trailer a year ago because my family was beginning to outgrow my Defender 90. This trailer should help to postpone the inevitable 110 in my future.

At the time of purchase, the tub floor was on the brink of salvaging. Thus, I bit the bullet, at that time, and stripped the tub interior and Rhino Lined it. Since then, I decided to do a complete restoration so that it will last forever.

Here are a few pics I took during this past weekend breakdown. Now all is ready for sandblasting.

 

[Mark Harley]

Nice exploded view!
Let the build begin.

Matching the 90?

 

[/dev/m416]

:beer:

Looks very complete! Subscribed!

 

[James Pierce]

This should be fun to follow if it's anything like your D90 build.

 

[Chris Vitale]

Nice exploded view!
Let the build begin.

Matching the 90?

As for tires, I will be adapting matching land rover wheels with matching 35" tires to the original M416 axle. As for galvanized hardware, I will likely go with black and in some cases leave bare galvy. As for tub, I am leaning toward restoring original camo paint job rather than matching paint to the 90.

This should be fun to follow if it's anything like your D90 build.

Thanks James!

If anyone is looking for my D90 overhaul thread, you can find it here: http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25088&referrerid=1138

 

[DonBeasley]

Just remember as you start your build, I believe there is a federal law out there that says you MUST buy a Harbor Freight front tongue box!!!! LOL

Plenty of pictures please.

 

[Chris Vitale]

LOL. Yes...I have seen the harbor freight box on many of builds. Its a very nice upgrade.

I hope not to disappoint...but at this point, I don't intend to trick out this trailer for camping.

Rather, my intention is to make this a very clean...long lasting...multi-use trailer...while retaining a bit of military heritage.

Likely usage in priority order:
1. Weekend travel family gear hauler (70% of usage)
2. Camping gear hauler (10% of usage)
3. Misc. around the house hauler (10% of usage)
4. Playground/pool for kids (10% of usage)

Then again, these are my usages today...and with time, usage and interests can change.

 

[Chris Vitale]

All parts have been sandblasted.

Next the tub and a few parts will get VeriPrime and most other stuff will get galvanized.

 

[Chris Vitale]

Body panels are all primed and ready for paint.

Some suspension parts primed and painted with Imron Black.

Chassis and remaining suspension parts are headed to the galvanizer tomorrow.

 

[James Pierce]

Ah... I see your going with wheels to match your 90. I still think it would look sick if you paint it to match.

 

[/dev/m416]

Fantastic resto work! Finished product should be ready for nearly anything!

 

[Chris Vitale]

Thanks!

Unfortunately, this trailer will not receive the intended original camo color. Wife stepped in and demanded a more conservative look.

We agreed to go with a dark green, similar to land rover conistan green. I already painted it up but didn't have my camera on hand to take a picture...so I will take pics and post next weekend. I am very pleased with the color.

Here is a pic from the galvanizer today.

 

[Mark Harley]

I am with your wife on the color.
I like matching trailers to the Tow rig.
Looking forward to pictures of the painted tub.

 

[Chris Vitale]

For now, while not matching the D90, we thought the trailer would look best in dark green.

However, a color change is a simple one day job, should I want it to match the d90 down the road.

 

[Chris Vitale]

Fresh Galvy

Now...to paint or not paint...that is the question.