Picked up a M416, and let the build begin!

[worknplay]

Just picked this up about a month ago. Pretty good shape. So figured it time to start the build. Getting the basics going first.
Getting the top lid made up. Then went to the back for a bumper and jack stands so when its off the vehicle and I forget and sit on the tailgate, I don't spill my
beer.

As I type, the top and fenders are being powder coated a dark grey. The tub will eventually be a light grey or white. Bed, Line X or some such stuff. And of course the frame will be black. Keeping the pintle.

Going to keep the axle as I found out I like the parking break. Now comes the question. They are 5 x5.5 hubs. I want to go with a different rim and tire combo. Is 15" rim ok and go with a bigger tire, or stay with 16". Thoughts?
I am going to leave it sprung under. Its not going to get heavy duty off-road, but some. Probably a lot of highway as I will be towing it behind the truck with a cab over camper on it. This way I can bring more "stuff".

 

[Pccruiser]

Subscribed!

Do you have more pictures of the lid? What did you skin it with? Using hydraulic to help lift it? How are you latching it and what about sealing?

Nice work!

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[conifers4]

Sweet 416!

 

[worknplay]

Subscribed!

Do you have more pictures of the lid? What did you skin it with? Using hydraulic to help lift it? How are you latching it and what about sealing?

Nice work!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

The skin is aluminum. Its a 2 piece because the metal break was not big enough. Going to use a automotive epoxy called Panel Bond to attach the the frame and skin and then rivets. And seal the seams with standard automotive sealant. I can post up pics after I get it back from the powder coating. As far as the latch, just one of the standard locking latching clamps that you find at McMaster-Carr...http://www.mcmaster.com/#latching-clamps/=sd5mhe We put the latches on the front and rear not the side. The lift is a 150lb strut. I think I might go with less as sometimes it just goes up on its own if not latched. So as of now, in a holding pattern. Will tear it down once I get the lid and start the strip and paint process. Still needs to be streetable.

 

[Pccruiser]

If you don't mind me asking how much was all that sheet aluminum? I have the square tubing for my frame already but I cannot decide on how to skin it. I want to be light but I'm pinching pennies right now too.

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[AA1PR]

if you change rims look for CJ5/7 rims, thats basically what they are

I have the technical maunal in PDF if you need it PM your email & I'll send it along

nice looking trailer

staying tuned

 

[worknplay]

if you change rims look for CJ5/7 rims, thats basically what they are

I have the technical maunal in PDF if you need it PM your email & I'll send it along

nice looking trailer

staying tuned

Thanks, and PM sent.
Wow, being a Landcruiser guy, buying Jeep parts will be a change? Not sure where to start!

 

[worknplay]

If you don't mind me asking how much was all that sheet aluminum? I have the square tubing for my frame already but I cannot decide on how to skin it. I want to be light but I'm pinching pennies right now too.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

All the material was bought together. I will have to go through and see if it is broken down. And I can relate on the pinching pennies. I can see where one can go nuts with these trailers.
Thx

 

[Crush Jeep]

The skin is aluminum. Its a 2 piece because the metal break was not big enough. Going to use a automotive epoxy called Panel Bond to attach the the frame and skin and then rivets. And seal the seams with standard automotive sealant. I can post up pics after I get it back from the powder coating. As far as the latch, just one of the standard locking latching clamps that you find at McMaster-Carr...http://www.mcmaster.com/#latching-clamps/=sd5mhe We put the latches on the front and rear not the side. The lift is a 150lb strut. I think I might go with less as sometimes it just goes up on its own if not latched. So as of now, in a holding pattern. Will tear it down once I get the lid and start the strip and paint process. Still needs to be streetable.

Good looking build, looking forward to seeing where you go with it. Are you going to put a RTT on the top or a rack of some kind? If you are I would leave the 150lb struts on it, the weight will even out with those items.

 

[100acrehuphalump]

Lid looks great!

 

[worknplay]

Good looking build, looking forward to seeing where you go with it. Are you going to put a RTT on the top or a rack of some kind? If you are I would leave the 150lb struts on it, the weight will even out with those items.

No tent on top. All the stuff will go inside. Trying to keep it simple.
Thx

 

[BossHoss]

Nice looking trailer. I like the lid design.

Dexter axle sells a 10 inch electric brake that also has the parking brake. It took me a little while to figure out all the axle dimensions but I ended up with a 3500 lb axle 54" wide. I added 2 inch spacers (to clear the hub dia and wheel center hole limits) and mounted my Factory Jeep Wheels which were 5 on 4.5. If you go this route you will also need to change the parking brake cable which I am workingon today. If you want more info on my solution just PM me.

 

[worknplay]

Its been awhile. To much camping is getting in the way of getting this done! Not in a big rush, so.

Got the lid frame, skin for the lid, misc brackets, and fenders powder coated. Kind of a Gun Metal Grey. Going to install the skin next week.

Here are a couple of pics of the frame on the tub. Its all going to come back apart to do the frame and tub.

Thanks for all of the info on the axles and rims. I am looking for some 5 x 5.5 Jeep rims, but alas, not having very good luck. Want to stay with the stock axle, kinda like the parking break.

Will post up more as work continues.

 

[JSBriggs]

How do those tailgate latches work?

-Jeff

 

[highlandercj-7]

That is one sweet lid frame, I can't wait to see it completed.