My Trailer restoration

[bunker108]

I picked up this boat and trailer last July. I jumped right into restoration of the boat which has gone well. The trailer on the other hand has been a project of funtion while I decided whether to throw my current trailer in the trash and get a new one, or keep this old home built girl rolling. Right away I stripped the trailer of fenders, add-ons, and broken lights and mess of wires. I added new lights and wires which was a very easy project. I then welded on some new fenders(one which ended up quite crooked) and removed the dozen rollers and converted to a simple two bunk set up and then repacked the bearings and added new seals. That is the way she has been until this week. I towed her close to 1000 miles last season and she performed well, just looked ugly. The first trip of this season I blew an old tire and destroyed a fender...too bad it wasn't the crooked one. That was my crossroads moment. I had to have a new trailer. After several quotes on a brand new unit, and inspecting several used ones, I decided to keep my old trailer and make some improvements along the way.

As she was

stripped down

and the pile of parts

converted to bunks, new fenders and lights

shiny boat ugly trailer

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

This week has been good to the trailer. I found a used winch post from my local dealer which inspired me to go to work. I cut off the old and sloppy 1 7/8" hitch and some of the tongue. Slipped on a nice piece of 2" square tube and tacked it and a new 2" hitch in place. Then towed down to a friend of mines shop to have him do the finish welds and weld the winch post into position. I also replaced the spring shackles and bushings. If I had known that was so cheap and simple I would have done it last year. She also got a new set of 205/75/14 proper radial trailer tires.

new hitch and post mocked up

getting welded up

all finished with weled safety chain

finish welds

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Here is a shot of the new shackles

and one of the new tire and crooked fender. I got two new fenders so the blowout damged one and this crooked one will be hacked off and two new ones welded in place.

Then this week it is off to sandblasting to see what lurks underneath. Hopefully there are no surprises but I am anticipating replacing some steel. Then it will be paint or powdercoat, I have one more quote to get.

But so far tires were $110, fenders were $42, can't remember what I paid for shackles, bolts and bushings but they were cheap. Used winch post was $30 and new hitch and steel was around $50. So far I am pleased with the progress and my budget. Wish me luck!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Hey Bunker. You're gonna have a good solid trailer for a lot less $$$ than you planned for a new one. About time you got a good looking trailer under that beauty.

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

The trailer is stripped down and fenders are welded on. It is in the booth being sandblasted as I type. Pictures to follow...

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Good job bunker it's looking great. Maybe a little metal repair after the blasting and a good coat of paint and you'll have yourself a great trailer. Just be sure if you are not going to paint it right away to shoot on a coat of weld thru primer on her so you don't get surface rust. It happens really quick.

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

We have had another great week in the world of trailer restoration. Yesterday I got a bunch of grinding and cutting done on the frame. That diamond plate step was really welded on there and the fenders came off too. I also got it totally stripped of bunks, jack and winch.

This morning I jumped back into it. I got the fenders, cut, mocked up and welded into place. We also welded some new two inch strap on one of the beams that had some rot in it. I ground it to good metal and we added about 6" of new metal.
It was then off to the sandblaster for an estimate. This is where I got lucky. This place fabs trailers for the military and is set up for large jobs. I pulled in and the shop manager met me in the lot. After a quick look at my trailer he told to pull it around to the booth and he would have it done while I wait. They were in between jobs and just finishing one up. An hour later I was on the road. I dropped off the trailer at my painters on my way home and should be putting it back together by the weekend.

Some progress shots...
Stripped down

new fenders

finished sandblasting

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

It is incredible what an hour of sandblasting can do to an old ugly trailer!

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Man bunker that is looking sweet. A good coat of paint slap it back together and you have yourself a beautiful brand new trailer. Good job.

 

[Davem3]

Re: My Trailer restoration

awesome job, i would love to learn to do all that. nice thing is, you saved a ton, and have the satisfaction that YOU did it yourself, and it was done right, and even better than original

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Yes that's the beauty of doing it yourself is it's done exactly the way you want it for your setup. Davem it really isn't that hard to do. It's a lot of work but not out of reach for the average joe. If your trailer needs work I'd say dive in and do it. There is plenty of help here if you need it

 

[dozerII]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Good Job Bunker, can hardly wait to it holding up the SS again.
Glen

 

[Treker57]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Nice restore

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Ok here we go...it got covered in paint this morning. Nothing special, just your regular white industrial coating, about one step up form house paint my painter said. But it is very forgiving as super easy to touch up or repair. It is now sitting in my driveway waiting to be put back together so I can get the boat out of the garage. I am going to try to finish it tonight after I get my youngest to bed.

This trailer has come a long way!

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Great work. It looks showroom fresh. Certainly deserving of a good pat on the back.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Now you don't have to cover the ratty trailer with a tarp after you launch the boat. And the SS won't be blushing from shame anymore on the way to the ramp and back. Good job, Bunker.

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Well...she is done. Almost, I will be visiting the hub-cap bone yard tomorrow to see what I can find for the wheels and I need to find some grip tape for the fenders. I think I will pay a visit to my local skate shop for that. I also busted a tail light lens so that is setting up for the night with some JB weld. I also am going to clean and repack the bearings after the sandblast treatment. But for all intensive purposes this trailer restoration is complete. That was a much shorter process than doing the boat. What a difference though. I gotta say she looks great!

 

[bunker108]

Re: My Trailer restoration

Before

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: My Trailer restoration

I'll say. It looks brand new. Great work bunker.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: My Trailer restoration

And your boat says "FINALLY A TRAILER WORTH PUTTING ME ON" Great job for a tinny guy,lol Looks super nice!