Mike's M416 Rebuild

[amnt]

Well, I have finally taken the plunge and purchased my first M416.

It was an adventure just getting the trailer. I found a trailer 5 hours south of where I live and arranged to go pick it up but they sold it just as I was pulling into their farm. I had been on the phone with them but they said that they were not sure I was going to show up????? So, I then located a trailer 5 hours north of where I live (3 times more expensive) but I made the trip the next week and this guy held it for me. Awesome, it is in much better shape than the previous one.





Now the fun begins. Trailer is disassembled and ready for blasting. Here are a few parts ready to be blasted.


I kind of got carried away and forgot to take pictures. I have blasted the entire trailer and began to paint. I decided to paint the frame rather than powder coat so it could be easily touched up. Also, as I add accessories I can paint the brackets and welds as needed. I looked at several bed liner products but settled on the Duplicolor Bed Armour. The finish has a texture but not too rough so it should look good with the painted tub once I am finished. I will post some pics as I complete some of the painting.

 

[Mark Harley]

Nice score. Shame on the first seller!

Post more pictures as you go.

Will you be doing a restore or custom build?

 

[amnt]

My build is going to be a custom build to match the Jeep and my camping needs. However, now that I have it there is part of me that would like to just restore it to original condition.

 

[DonBeasley]

Great find and in nice shape. Welcome to the club

Now the eternal dilema of do I restore, do I modify, do I cut a tailgate, do I drill any more holes in the tub??????? Neverending.

Remember it is YOURS. Customize it to fit your needs and have fun doing it.

Wasn't it fun breaking loose all those bolts!!!! I still have scars.

 

[amnt]

So far it has been a lot of fun. I guess modifying and "tinkering" are my hobby. My wife thinks I am crazy but it does keep me out of the bars. I was pretty lucky with the bolts, only broke one off and only had to cut one of the shackles off. I am anxious to start assembly and hope to get to this weekend. I have not done much with the tub other than sand blasting but I think I am going to keep it in tact. I have seen a lot of tailgates done but have not seen any details or plans so it would be hard for me to execute a tailgate, but I am intrigued by the idea. I am also struggling a little with the top. I have seen raised tops and one very clean, simple flat top. I just need to make sure my gear will fit. Here are a few more photos on my progress.
Bottom of Tub

Box of raw parts

Fenders and brake cable

Paint in progress

Painted frame


Still a lot to do but the journey is the fun part.

 

[Mark Harley]

Nice!
I vote custom with matching paint and wheels to your tow vehicle.

It's not what you buy........It is what you build!

 

[amnt]

That is the direction I am heading. The only item in question is wheels/tires. My wheels are discontinued but I have located a couple but I am having no luck in finding adapters. Tires, I am currently running 35's and I am not sure they will fit under the fenders. Hopefully I can determine this direction this weekend.

 

[Mark Harley]

Manley trailers has a few pairs of wide, flat top fenders on ebay.
Check them out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-5-Wide-J...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a82758aed&vxp=mtr

 

[Mark Harley]

I bought adapters off ebay and I am happy with them.

Check there.......what pattern are you matching?

 

[amnt]

Thanks, I will take a look.

 

[amnt]

Well I ran into a problem. I purchased new shackles but they do not want to go into the springs. I think it is just paint build up but wanted to try and get some input before I start carving up the fresh paint. Has anyone used the Crown shackles? Is there a trick to get them into the spring?

 

[Mark Harley]

Put the bushings in the freezer overnight then try again in the morning.

 

[amnt]

Sounds like a plan. I will give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

 

[amnt]

My notes show the LH thread shackle to go on the RH side at the frame mount. Can anyone confirm this? I am starting the assembly and want to make sure my notes are correct.

 

[Knightpredator]

Hmmm on mine the reverse thread shackle was this one:



which would be drivers side on the leaf spring. Hope that helps a little.