The family heirloom - M416 B1

[1 Bored Clerk]

1965 M416 B1

Mom and Dad bought it in 1974 from an army surplus joint in southern California. Apparently, it looked pretty much brand new at that time. It lived in Nevada for the next 16 years...and it's been in the northwest since then. It's been in the family longer than I have so I figured I'd do it some justice and clean it up for another 47 years of duty.

It's been outside its entire life and I feel like it's in pretty good shape considering...

You can see that I still have all the original lighting/wiring, the lunette ring, parking brake, and I even have the original straps for the gas cans!

I don't have any plans for a full parade style restoration but I will be keeping the essence of the trailer in tact (military). Consider it a resto-mod. I imagine it will take several months for me to work through it as I have some projects for my Ford Ranger piling up too.

 

[Woods]

Very cool. What did your family buy/use it for?

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

They bought a 1974 FJ40 brand new and used the trailer as extra space...you know, camping, fire wood, dump runs, etc. That was the way life was until 1988 when the FJ was totaled by a drunk driver. Trailer didn't see any action until 2006 when I got my FJ cruiser and needed 'extra space'. I used it for camping, dump runs, hauling 'stuff'. Not exactly sure what I'm going to use it for since I have a pickup now, but that's not really the point.

 

[Mc Taco]

Heirloom is right. Very cool that you/family have owned for so long and it has history and meaning for you.

On a side note, I'm glad to know that you plan to keep it true to its roots (military). I dig the highly modified trailers, but it is great to see some closer to stock too.

Good luck with the project. And lots of pics!

 

[toymaster]

Time to restore it. Sure will not last in the NW like she did in the SW without some protection.

 

[Airmonger]

It looks like its in great shape. Have fun.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

Surprisingly, the first time this trailer has EVER been in a garage is the night it spent in the garage before I took those pics. Most of the 'degredation' happened since it moved to the NW and sat out in the rain for the last 20 years (or so). Apparently these things are made to last. Hopefully there isn't much rust/rot that can't be easily repaired. I'll be tearing into it more tonight and I'll have some pics to follow...

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

Didn't have as much time to mess around with the trailer as I thought I would tonight. So, I just took off the fuel can holders. They look to be in really solid shape...which I knew since they have never even budged the many times I've stood on them to climb into the trailer.

I've read a few posts in other 416 threads where people have asked about the mounting brackets for the fuel can holders on the B1. Well, here it is. Ta-da, it's a simple steel bracket welded to the frame.

I tried taking off the reflectors but the bolts are seized up good. I've used PB'laster on all the fasteners but no luck on those so far. Worked like a charm on the fuel can holders as well as the parking brake lever (which now works easily after 30+ years of non-use).

Hopefully more updates sooner than later.

 

[DonBeasley]

What a great story about you and the trailer. I am about finished restoring mine and making it into an expo trailer for my son. It will mostly go to car shows with me. He and I have spent a lot of time on this project and have talked about how it is now part of our family and one day his.

Ours is a 67 and was in pretty good shape for its age. They just need some elbow grease and TLC to bring them back.

We are taking ours to EXPO in May to give it a good test.

Lots of M416 folks on here so ask and you will get more info than you will ever need. It has worked for us.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

My dad isn't sentimental but for some reason he decided to drag this thing around with him for a few decades even when it wasn't being used. He even told me I should sell it. I think he couldn't bear to let it go. I sure don't have any plans to sell it! I just hope I don't take all the cool away when I 'fix it up'. I really like the 'patina' but I don't want it to just rust away.

 

[highlandercj-7]

Nice, it's hard to believe it has been in the family that long, Very cool.

 

[cobound]

:thumbsup:

B

 

[AA1PR]

I just got a 1966 stevens M416 last July

will have to see what you do with this one, as I need some ideas

 

[95RRC]

Good luck with her.....I have the exact same one. Serial #555.... Was in a lot worse shape...

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/77473-M416-B1-s-n-555-Here-I-go!

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

I'm hoping that I can have it all done by it's 47th birthday (August). Actually, I'll be disappointed in my time (and $$$) management skills if I can't manage to complete this by then.

I'm planning to keep the look very simple and very military but it wont be green! I may machine/fab a few new parts just for the heck of it and I plan to do some sort of LED conversion in the original tailight housings. I'm REALLY excited about it's planned look! I'm just going to make you all wait for pics rather than spoiling it with mere words.

I was sort of wrestling with project planning this weekend: 1. Weld up any holes I can find and work on any dent removing or 2. Get it sandblasted first and go from there. I decided to get it sandblasted first so that I know what I'm dealing with. Then I can work on welding up holes (or patch panels if rust is REALLY bad in any area) and straightening sheet metal. It will probably need another light blasting once all the 'bodywork' is done but I feel like I'll save myself time in the long run. So, with that decision made, I started taking it all apart. On an old M416 that's been outside it's whole life, that translates into 'breaking bolts'. I pulled off all the reflectors (broke all 8 bolts), pulled off the info plate on the rear lower left frame (broke both of those bolts) and pulled both drain plugs (broke all 4 of those screws too). I pulled the fenders which came right off without a fight...and didn't even have to break a single bolt! Also pulled the parking brake handle. That came apart nicely except for the screw adjust slider...it's stuck solid. I think, technically, they have become one piece. I'll finish breaking it down this week while I line up a sandblaster. Go camping/surfing this weekend then, hopefully, get to the welding/metal pounding the following weekend.

BTW, I've never pounded out a dent in my life...we'll see how this goes! If anyone has any advice on how to do this right, I'd be happy to listen (read). I'll spend my time on youtube 'learning' as well.